Show Update

   I'm not sure how many of you know that when I go do my shows I do them alone.  This isn't such a big task when its a small local quilt show but those long distance, week long shows really kick my a**.  Not only physically but mentally.  They become a stark reminder of the loss of my husband and how my life now is one of solitude.  I mention all of this now because back in June I  booked Houston Market and Festival.  I did so with a lot of trepidation.  In our industry this is THE show.   

   Last month I received some upsetting health news, news which explains how tired and weak I have been feeling for some time.   Yesterday I sent one of the hardest emails I have ever had to write...I cancelled my Houston contract.  Rose was so lovely and understanding, my friend Shawn who was co-driving and work sharing also, couldn't be more supportive.  This is the norm in this industry.  The support has always saved me when I've been at my worst.  

    Want to know something ironic?  Minutes after sending that email I heard from Road 2 California. After 5 years on the wait list I got a booth in the Ball Room!!!!!   Hours later, I heard from PIQF...also a booth became available!!!   

  So the message to everyone today is...follow your heart, trust your instincts.  

If any of you plan on attending either of these shows, please stop by and say hello.  

Take care,  Laural

Today's the Day!!

   Welcome to simplyputplus.blogspot.com!  Today is my day to post my design (block #11) in the Farmhouse Threads mystery summer blog hop.    And here it is...

 To download the pattern directions simply click this  LINK then click the printer icon along with your own printer.   For appliqué' templates click this link.

Kits are available through my website.

The kit is $10.95, ships for FREE (within the lower 48), includes all wool for appliqué' and 4 cotton background pieces.  Thread and pattern are NOT included.  Thank you so much and I hope you have as much fun with this project as I did being a part of it.   Also, if you haven't visited my blog before please take a moment and follow me here, on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter.

Happy Sewing,  Laural

Blog Hop Update

   I hope you are enjoying the Farmhouse Threads Mystery Blog Hop?  It isn't too late to get started as there have only been 4 blocks released so far.  Here are a few that you might have missed...

   Every Friday a new block will be released.  You can download the photos and patterns FREE on each designers blog.  Kits will be available from their sites.  My block comes out in mid May so stay tuned.  

Primitive Quilts Magazine

   Yesterday I received one of the photos from my quilt "Baby Star's" photo shoot.  

My design directions will be available in the Summer 2017 Primitive Quilts magazine.  

On Holiday

   This week begins the Farmhouse Threads mystery blog hop!  I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this exciting designer event.   Also happening this week though is that I leave for a holiday to the Gold Coast of Australia.  The timing isn't the greatest as this is a very busy time for Simply Put.

I was able to complete the stitching on these blocks for a new design that I will premier at Spring Quilt Market in St. Louis Missouri.

Simply Vintage #22 is now available in your local quilt shop, featuring my Modern Log Cabin design on the cover and instructions inside.  I got my copy and can't beleive how many wonderful projects are in this issue.

I will try and respond to any questions, emails and orders from my retreat in Australia.   Thank you for your patience in my absence.  I return on the 22nd of March.  Enjoy the blog HOP!!!

Mystery Quilt Blog Hop

I am so pleased to announce that I will be one of the designers included in the Farmhouse Threads Mystery Summer Blog Hop!!!  What a great honor to be among these premier Primitive designers.  Hope you all enjoy!  

MARCH 10 - Rhonda McCray, Farmhouse Threads 

farmhousethreads.com 

MARCH 17 - Shawn York, Rusty Crow Quilt Shop 

shawn-rustycrow.blogspot.com

MARCH 24 - Lisa Bongean, Primitive Gatherings 

lisabongean.com

MARCH 31 - Jeni Gaston, Woolen Willow Designs  jenifromthewillow.blogspot.com

APRIL 7TH - Debbie Busby, Wooden Spool Designs 

woodenspooldesigns.blogspot.com

APRIL 14 - Joyce Weeks, Geoffs Mom Pattern Co. 

geoffsmom.blogspot.com

APRIL 21 - Kathi Campbell, Heart to Hand

hearttohand.com/

APRIL 28 - Linda and Donna, My Red Door Designs 

myreddoordesignsblog.blogspot.com

MAY 5 - Joan Grenke, Bits and Pieces by Joan 

bitsandpiecesbyjoan.com

MAY 12 - Gloria, Vicky and Heather, Old Green Cupboard Designs 

oldegreencupboard.com

MAY 19 -  Laural Arestad, Simply Put Plus

simplyputplus.blogspot.com

MAY 26 - Kathy and Taylor, The Cottage at Cardiff Farms  thecottageatcardifffarms.com/blog

JUNE 2 - FINISHING Farmhouse Threads  

farmhousethreads.com

2017 Happenings

   Welcome to a new year with many new opportunities on the horizon.  Last year I made the decision to move out of state and open a small retail shop up in Washington.  Unfortunately those plans did not come to fruition.  The ramifications of that was I didn't have many shows booked so it was back to the drawing board, literally, and designing became a huge outlet for me.  2017 I will have 4 designs in two different magazines, Primitive Quilts and Quilt Mania!  woo hoo!

#M396 Kaleidoscope Garden pattern $8.00  

I have designed a line of 6 mini quilt kits which I will sell exclusively at the quilt shows for $14.95.  They include all fabrics, backing, single fold binding and 6" heart wire quilt hanger.

#407 Simply Mini-Halloween 

#408 Simply Mini-Snowmen

I began remaking many of my primitive designs with Modern fabrics in 2015, this continues with my two newest designs "House Warming".

#362 House Warming pattern $7.50   28" x 41"

#M362 Modern House Warming pattern $7.50 

Spending time on the beach and in the mountains are two of my favorite places to retreat.  "Cabin Life" was inspired by one of those visits...

#399 Cabin Life pattern $7.00  pattern/kit  $19.95

This morning my Events page was updated with all of my shows AND the Farmhouse Threads blog hop mystery block which I am so honored to be a part of.   Hope to see you at one of my shows.   For more timely updates follow me on Facebook or Instagram (links in margins of blog).