Jacquelynne Steves of The Noble Wife designed a new fabric line which is in stores now called “Happy Town.” All of Jacquelynne’s royalties from the fabric line are being donated to Quilts for Kids. Read on to find out how you can win $500 cash in Henry Glass’ quilt contest!
How did you get involved with Quilts for Kids?
I met Linda Arye, the Founding President of Quilts for Kids, at Quilt Market a few years ago. It turned out that we live in the same area (she in Pennsylvania, me in New Jersey) so we kept bumping into each other at local quilt shows and shops. I was impressed with her enthusiasm and passion for her organization and I knew I wanted to get involved. We got to talking about me designing a fabric line for them. We had lunch at The Cheesecake Factory one day and went over a bunch of ideas, and the rest, as they say, is history. I decided to donate all of my royalties for this line to Quilts for Kids.
How did you get involved with Quilts for Kids?
I met Linda Arye, the Founding President of Quilts for Kids, at Quilt Market a few years ago. It turned out that we live in the same area (she in Pennsylvania, me in New Jersey) so we kept bumping into each other at local quilt shows and shops. I was impressed with her enthusiasm and passion for her organization and I knew I wanted to get involved. We got to talking about me designing a fabric line for them. We had lunch at The Cheesecake Factory one day and went over a bunch of ideas, and the rest, as they say, is history. I decided to donate all of my royalties for this line to Quilts for Kids.
What was your inspiration for this line?
I was thinking about those rugs that have little towns printed on them that they put in kids’ playrooms. I thought about sick children who maybe couldn’t get down on the floor to play with their cars and trucks, but if you made a quilt like that they could have the play mat right on their lap or bed. So I designed a panel that is just the right size for Matchbox cars & little dolls. The panel is a full yard wide, so you just have to add a border or 2 and you have a fun quilt/play mat!
Do you have a favorite project that you’ve made with this fabric line?
It has been a very busy time in my studio! I have been working on quilts, stuffed animals, a great tote bag… all of these are available in an e-pattern which I will be releasing in February. The pattern is also going to have other fun stuff like kid-friendly recipes & activities. You will find it on my website.
Henry Glass is sponsoring a contest with cash prizes. Where can quilters find out how to enter?
Yes! The first place prize is $500 cash, 2nd place is $250 cash, and there is a prize of $50 for the winner of the Under Age 16 category. You can click here to find out how to enter HERE. This contest benefits Quilts for Kids 2 ways- All of the quilts entered will be distributed to seriously ill children, AND the royalties on Happy Town fabric purchased to make the quilts are also donated to organization. We hope to get lots and lots of quilts entered in the contest!
Linda Arye and I will be on the American Patchwork & Quilting Radio Show with Pat Sloan on March 4 to talk about the contest, the charity, and the fabric line. It should be a lot of fun- I hope everyone will join us!
What else have you been working on lately?
We have almost finished our next newsletter which will go out on January 31. I am really excited about it because this edition is the first that we are doing as an online magazine- 20 beautiful pages of projects, recipes, and inspiration. We (my daughter & I) do 6 or 7 issues a year, and people can sign up for a free subscription by clicking here.
What was your favorite toy when you were a kid?
I actually just really liked playing outside- I liked to make up all kinds of stories and characters. I also liked doing arts and crafts- every Christmas & birthday, everyone in my family would get me various arts & crafts kits.
What food can you not live without?
Please do not ask me to give up chocolate.
What have you tried that you will never do again?
Skiing- It was awful! Even with the instructor giving me private lessons I couldn’t make it down the hill even one time. I eventually took the skis off, walked down the mountain, and never went back! I’m more of a “drink-hot-cocoa-and-read-a-book-in-the-lobby” type….
What have you tried that you wish you had done earlier?
I’ve always loved singing but I was too shy to do it publicly. About 7 years ago I got up the nerve to give it a try- now I am the lead vocalist on my church worship team and sing solos every Sunday. It took a long time to get over the nervousness of singing in front of an audience, but now I am pretty comfortable with it.
How can people get in touch with you?
I am all over the interwebs, ha ha!
