The Author

The Author
Brian Haggard

My Dyslexia

Having the skill to write, spell, and punctuate has never been my strong suit. Growing up as a young child I was always nurtured to be creative and artistic which came naturally to me but I could never quite grasp written language. I now know that it's a learning disabilty with a name: DYSLEXIA.



I write from the heart and I make my best effort to get the words on the page properly but as you'll see I don't always succeed. I ask you to enjoy what I write and post but to be understanding and kind. Brian

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Sunday, June 24, 2012

One Great Family

 This story starts out when I was 18 years old and I met this family in my first career as a floral designer. After many years of creating florals for them, it was a natural progression to start designing their homes when my career turned to interior design. At any given time through the many years, I have worked for the children, the parents and now I am so happy to say the grandparents on both sides of the family.

The current story starts with the sister of the original couple I have known for so many years. She is an amazing designer in her own right but, as you know, we all sometimes get tired of our own perspective so she asked for my help to update the look of her home. So we did just that by moving things around to create a fresh look.

While working with her to make the changes in her living room, I learned she and her brother were planning a big surprise party for her mother's 90th birthday. The grand affair was already in motion and the room and food were decided but they were looking for a special gift--something that their mother would never expect. I mentioned to her that a pillow made of her mother's pictures and hand embroidered would be a one-of-a-kind gift. She agreed, so we started looking for a picture for her pillow. She started laughing and said, "I don’t think I can pick one, I love these two over all the rest." She then said, "I guess we'll just need to make two" as she threw her head back in laughter. I left and started looking for things in my studio to create a design appropriate for 1922. I found buttons made from materials from the era and created the Tree of Life to signify her long life and the cobweb, an old tradition for health, peace and happiness. You can see these and many more items on her birthday pillows.

So friends, as you can see, I have run full circle in this family's life with my careers as floral designer, mural artist, interior designer, and now quilt artist. Can I just say how lucky I am to have met and remained good friends with this family over the many years who are so much more than clients to me? I wish a very special birthday to Bertha and a great big thank you to all of the family members who have let me become part of their lives.



A lovely lady and the start of
a beautiful family

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Rusting and Dyeing For Your Art

Brian, Jody and her watercolor

I was asked by our good friend, Jody, if I had seen the rusting of fabric, when I said that I hadn't, she said we have to get together and make rusted fabric.
Well friends, fast forward to a great day spent meeting new people and learning! WOW, where to start!? Jodie and the SOTA (Society of Textile Artisans) group invited my mom Debbie, Kevin and I to their working art day at Jody's home. We really had no Idea what to expect, I knew there was talent in the group but we were about to see was mind blowing. This group of ladies are the most fun ~WINK~. So open, so sharing--I really could go on and on. We learned how to rust fabric by putting steel wool wrapping fabric on bottles with copper wire, spraying with vinegar and watching it rust. OMG, you are going to love this fabric and what fun with a group of friends. (There will be some downtime during the process so you will need the recipe for frozen fuzzy navel drinks. It does make the time go faster!)

Show and tell got underway. It was inspiring to all us outsiders. These ladies have it going on! Everywhere you looked the talent was over the top. We learned about ice dyeing, water color, doll making, stitching and so many more things which I may not remember due to the frozen fuzzy navel drinks. What can you say when you go away from a group that you spent the day with and your heart is full and your mind is overrun with ideas? You feel you can't wait to take up where you left off with stories untold, laughs to be had, and the need to meet again.

Until then dear SOTAs, I can't wait to meet again! Brian

Kathy's Ice Dyed Scarf



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Threads of Time

Kevin, Bill, Missi, Brian
Hey you all! We have a special retreat coming your way at the Threads of Time Creative Sewing Retreat Center in Danville, IL. They will be hosting us to come teach a two day project quilt designed just for them. On September 4th 2012 there will be a trunk show in their main gathering room. On the 5th & 6thwe start a quilt designed just for this retreat.

We can't wait for you to meet Missi and her husband Bill.  I know you are going to fall in love with them!  They are the most enthusiastic couple you'll meet in the quilt world.  They are so willing to share and are interested in EVERYTHING quilt related.   I called them to decide if we might be a match, and the next thing you know we were on a road trip to meet them.   The minute you walk through the door of their shop, you feel as though you have known the whole staff forever.   We had a wonderful day getting to know the people who make the store and retreat center run so effortlessly even though we all know how much work it really is.   

I, for one,  can't wait to get started with the students.  This will prove to be a great event, no doubt!   So don’t forget to sign up at www.threadsoftimefab.com and we will see you all there. 
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Common Threads

We all have common threads that bind us. Last week I had the honor to meet and give a trunk show to the Common Threads Quilt Guild of Mt. Comfort, IN.

Lynn Hodge, the vice president, worked with me to be able to meet this wonderful group of ladies. They were no disappointment! Everyone seemed to have such a great desire to learn something new to add to their very wide range of stitching backgrounds. It was a great pleasure to share my work and to answer all of their great questions. 

Two of the women sharing show and tell brought pieces inspired directly from my book. It was so flattering to see such great work and to be given credit for inspiring them. It was a very proud moment for me.

I would sure be remiss to not mention the wonderful food that brought to their pot luck. Let me just say that these ladies rock in the food realm as well! The food was so good that I'm licking my lips as I write now. Thanks for a great day, Brian.

I'm back!

 Hello friends! I have missed you. I am having some technical problems with posting and after having a expert look at it, I am so glad to tell you for once it's not me. I have so much to post please stay tuned. Also check back often.

Here's a design for you to download, copy or trace onto your piece and embroider as you see fit. The rest of this design is featured in the Summer 2012 issue of Pat Winter's great Crazy Quilt Gatherings magazine.
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