10 for 10 #2 - Cara from Me? A Mom?

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Time for Interview #2!  Today, we'll be talking with Cara from Me? A Mom?




I started following Cara earlier this spring - about the same time she started back to work.  As a fellow working mom, her posts truly resonated with me.  There is something to be said for the balance struggle that exists between work and home, and Cara puts it all out there with a style and grace that leaves me both snickering and pondering at the same time.  A quick glance at her Labels Cloud will show you her fabulous sense of humor...my favorite?  If it's not one thing it's another.  That's a daily saying around my house.  Of course, the I'm losing my mind label isn't too far behind because, well... I am.

In the on-line blogging and quilting world, there aren't many of us who have an outside job, kids, and the ability to find more than five minutes of down time.  So it's nice to see Cara doing all the things I try to do and succeed.  I mean, really... her Finished Quilts page puts mine to shame!  Have you seen these?



Folky Flannel Double-sided Quilt






Raspberry Delight






The Wonky Quilt





So, maybe there's still hope for me.  She's also going to the Sewing Summit and I hope to meet her in person there.  Perhaps I can talk her into a cup of coffee so we can swap stories on kids, work, staving off insanity...and enjoy some laughs.

So, without further ado...on with the interview!

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If you won $3,000 today and had to spend it today, what would you buy?
Hands down, I'd buy the nicest Bernina sewing machine I could get. I sew on a very basic Janome that I've completely outgrown.

What color scheme or fabric line are you loving right now?
Oh my goodness, I seem to have a new favorite every day. But right now I love all the crosshatch prints that have recently been released. I also have crushed pretty hard on Joel Dewberry's latest line Heirloom. And, of course, I love just about anything Anna Maria Horner puts out.

What is one thing from your "bucket list"?
I don't even have a bucket list. Is that bad? Most days I'm just trying to make it to bedtime. That said, I would love to some day have the financial freedom to pursue quilting with reckless abandon, but I'd probably file that under "Pipe Dream" rather than "Bucket List."

Is there a sewing technique or quilt block that you would like to try?
I've been extremely intrigued by paper piecing ever since I conquered the Flying Geese block. Cathedral windows have also long been on my list to try.

What hot trends do you see coming our way?
In terms of trends for modern quilting, I think we're going to see a shift to a "what's old is new" trend. We're already seeing some of this from the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along. I'm also noticing bloggers who are making more traditional blocks but with modern fabrics.

What kind of movies do you like and do you have an all-time favorite?
These days I like the kind of movies that involve a theater and a babysitter. Before kids, I loved a good independent film. These days just about anything will do as long as it isn't violent, scary or subtitled.

When you’re faced with a lack of motivation, what do you do to get re-energized?
My inspiration comes in spurts so I've learned to just wait it out. My sewing mojo always returns and with a vengeance!

What one piece of advice would you give a new quilter?
Just start sewing. Don't worry about making mistakes or the "right way" of doing things. Just do. It'll all work itself out. Quilting is a journey, not a destination.

What is your favorite finished project to date?
This changes like the weather for me but right now I'm loving my Birdy quilt. It was the result of a modern quilt guild challenge. Without that challenge, I don't think I ever would have put those fabrics together on my own. I love the unexpected combination of colors and fabrics.

You have an unplanned evening alone with no responsibilities – what do you do?
Hands down I'm the most boring person on the planet (but I'm also the mother of three small girls so maybe you'll cut me some slack). I would soak in the tub and slip into some comfy pajamas. Then I'd cuddle under a quilt and order some fabric online, catch up on blogs, flickr, and pinterest, and then hit the sack early and get some sleep. See?  Boring.  Boring, but true. :)


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Well, Cara, boring or not, I have a feeling most of us would do the same with an evening alone.  It sure sounded fabulous to me!

I also think it's pretty cool that we're giving away fabrics from Cara's current "crush" - Joel Dewberry's Heirloom.  Believe it or not, that wasn't planned!

Today's giveaway -- courtesy of Cathy at Wondrous Woven Fabrics -- is a bundle of fat-eighths from the line; one each of Ornate Floral Garnet, Blockade Blossom Crimson, Opal Blush, and Paisley Garnet.






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I'm going to make you work for today's entry - bwahahahaa!  It's time to start talking.  :)

For your first entry, tell me which of Cara's quilts is your favorite, and one (G-rated) item from your bucket list. 
    In addition to that comment, followers of both Cara's blog and my blog get an optional bonus entry - so comment to let me know if you follow both blogs (either new followers or not-so-new!)

    Limit two comments per person.  Comments close at 9:00 am EST on Monday, September 5th and I'll draw a winner that day.

    Good luck!

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    Comments

    1. I love the folky double sided flannel quilt! I may even have to make one! One of the hot numbers on my bucket list is a long arm quilting machine!

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    2. I just love all those pick half square triangles!!

      Mary
      iammaryburke @ gmail.com

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    3. I follow both blogs.

      Mary
      iammaryburke @ gmail.com

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    4. My quilty bucket list includes a cathedral window quilt...I'm a little afraid, though.

      My life bucket list includes an underwater hotel in Fiji. :)

      Mary
      iammaryburke @ gmail.com

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    5. I like all of the quilts, but the flannel one is my favorite. My bucket list includes going to Paris one day.

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    6. My favorite the The Neverending Story -- the back is just as beautiful as the front! However, I love all the quilts - love the colors. My bucket list includes making The Farmers Wife quilt.

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    7. I am a follower of both blogs! Thanks so much!

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    8. I love Raspberry Delight! Bucket list?? Hummm..... probably too long ;-) But how about finishing all of my ufo's in my life time!

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    9. Her quilts are all gorgeous, but I love Raspberry Delight. As to my own bucket list, someday I'd love to have my own dedicated (and decorated!) craft room. Right now, I have a table in the kitchen and a few shelves in the home office... ah, maybe someday. ;)

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    10. Love the folksy flannel quilt and I hope to travel to Israel someday. Great interview today. Thanks.

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    11. Her Dreamsicle quilt makes me swoon. Bucket list: Pay off all of my student loans. Ahhhh, that would be wonderful...

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    12. I really like the Misfit wall hanging. I want to visit some of the sights that show up in Jane Austen novels.

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    13. I love the back of her Neverending Story quilt & the wonky quilt. Is it OK to pick two favorites?

      I would love to travel to Australia some day.

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    14. Jessimama@prodigy.netSeptember 1, 2011 at 8:47 AM

      I LOVE Cara's Dreamsicle String Quilt! Definitely inspired me.
      I've got a long bucket-list... eating my way through Italy, hiking in Ireland and Scotland, writing a song, making a stop-motion video, being as good at anything as my amazing Mom....

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    15. 1-Raspberry Delight
      2-bucket list - attending the big quilt show in Paducah, KY WITH my wonderful mother

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    16. Raspberry Delight! And, I want to publish a book :)

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    17. The Dreamsicle String Quilt is my favorite - I love the sentiment behind it! I am a huge AMH fan as well, love how she uses her designs.

      Bucket list? Hmmm... to travel to Europe as a family when my kids before/while they are in college.

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    18. The quilts are all beautiful but I love the triangle one -- raspberry delights I think it is called...and as far as my bucket list I really really want to visit every continent in the world...especially antarctica. As far as a quilty thing on my bucket list I want to make an around the world quilt with fabrics from my travels. Can you see that I love traveling?

      Thanks for the chance to win! =)

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    19. Bucket list- to get a huge Bernina and go to Australia someday!

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    20. folky flannel for me.

      and italy before i die.

      sarah16@gmail.com

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    22. My favorite is the wonky quilt that hangs in her office. Love the colors and the fresh look..

      On my bucket list is a trip to New York City to see a musical on Broadway!!

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    23. I am a follower (and fellow Modern Quilt Guild member) of Cara's and now a follower of yours...

      look forward to more interviews..

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    24. I actually really like the misfit wall hanging! Maybe I will make one for my nursery.

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    25. I am a new follower of Cara's blog. I have heard of her blog before but never remembered to seek it out and follow it! Thanks for introducing her to us!

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    26. Raspberry Delight is Fab!!

      Bucket? More time with my grankids!

      Both interviews have great!

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    27. I love all of Cara's work, but I really love the wonky quilt in her office and the original Urban Lattice for her hubby. Like Cara, my bucket list/pipe dream would be to have the financial freedom to pursue quilting with reckless abandon. I'm a follower of Cara's blog, and now of yours as well. Nice interview, and GREAT pic, Cara! ;)

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    28. I love Raspberry Delight. And I want to travel to Russia. Thanks for the chance to win. VermontPines@aol.com

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    29. Never-ending story is a great quilt, one I love to look at, but as a three cat family it wouldn't work in my home. Bucket list, that's tough. I am working on what I thought would be a "someday maybe" quilt because my daughter asked for it, a Double Wedding Ring. Perhaps a landscape quilt

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    30. My favorite quilt is the string quilt with the baby on it. Love the color combination.
      One thing on my bucket list is to travel up to Maine and camp along the way.

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    31. I love Raspberry Delight! And as for the bucket list ... I want to spend a week at Empty Spools in Asilomar, CA; see the pyramids; get juried into the Houston Quilt Festival ... better get busy! Thank you for the giveaway!

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    32. Cara's quilts are gorgeous. I can't choose between Folksy Flannel or Raspberry Delight. For my bucket list, believe it or not, I've never been on a quilting retreat or camp. You know the one where you go somewhere beautiful and just sew for a week. One day. Thanks for the giveaway and a chance to win some beautiful fabric.

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    33. I already follow you and now I follow Cara. Thanks again for a chance to win.

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    34. I'm in LOVE with Cara's Neverending Story quilt - It's so beautiful! I am already a follower of Cara's and a recent follower of yours. For my bucket list, I would like to someday visit Ireland.

      Thank you for this giveaway!

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    35. Cara makes me laugh too, she's so real and likeable! My favorite quilt of her's may be her Juice Box quilt although choosing is awful hard! Something from my bucket list...hmmm...to stock an etsy shop that is successful and provides me with a sustainable income doing what I love. (might also be a pipe dream, but I'd love to give it a shot!)

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    36. I also started following Cara earlier this year and I follow you too! Two great blogs.

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    37. thats a hard one. i guess the folksy flannel double sided. its gorgeous. bucket list, hrm...to one day have a wee trailer to explore in

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    38. i'm cheating and choosing two, i just can't decide! i completely adore the colours in Raspberry Delight, but i LOVE the layout of Urban Lattice. maybe i should make the Urban Lattice in shades of raspberry? ;)

      i had to google bucket list, but it was what i figured it was, pretty much the same as a 100 before 100 list. one of mine was to go on a road trip longer than one day ALL BY MYSELF. and i did it in July! it was awesome! and now i've proved to myself that i can do it, and i can't wait to do it again!

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    39. I heart Cara's folksy flannel quilt!!

      I'm at: ambernoel226@gmail.com

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    40. On my bucket list is going to all the national parks.

      I'm at: ambernoel226@gmail.com

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    41. Raspberry Delight is my favorite, such vibrant color! I would love to be able to sew full time and not work outside the home. Maybe that's a pipe dream too.

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    42. I love the lone star toddler quilt. so fresh and fun! On my bucket list; become a pro at long arm quilting!!!

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    43. I already follow Cara and now I'm your friend too!

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    44. My favorite of her quilts is the Wonky Quilt! On my bucket list? Travel, in the U.S. and in Europe.

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    45. I love the Wonky quilt!
      One of the things on my bucket list is the Single Girl quilt!!

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    46. My favorite quilt is Folky Flannel Double-sided Quilt. It looks so cozy!

      Dawn Crews

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    47. I follow your blog and have signed up to follow Cara.

      One item on my bucket list is for my family to go on a mission trip together.

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    48. Thanks for the giveaway! I love Raspberry Delight and the Urban Lattice quilt! I don't have a bucket list per se, but I do have a goal of making a quilt that's nice enough to give as a gift!

      eemoody77 at gmail dot com

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    49. I'm a new follower of both blogs!

      eemoody77 at gmail dot com

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