We’ve had over 5″ of snow overnight, with more snow and sub-freezing temps on the way. It is a good time to stay inside with a hot drink, to sew and quilt! I had a ticket to see Itzhak Perlman in Denver tonight, but the icy roads made me choose to stay home safe here in Boulder. However Sophie Quinn is still going since she lives in downtown Denver and works for the Colorado Symphony. (While she goes to school at MSU getting her music ed degree.)
I am finishing a Japanese-themed quilt and starting an environmental-themed quilt this weekend, both of which will go to my solo gallery at the Kyoto Quilt Festival.
We are sponsoring the Best Machine Quilting award at QuiltCon, and I would really like to go to Phoenix for a day or two, but it is right before my trip to Japan. So…not sure if I can make it to QuiltCon.
Tuesday this week I am giving zoom talk for the Visions Museum of Textile Art, and it is a presentation I don’t do to often but it is a lot of fun – an autobiography on my life as a designer and artist. It is the 3rd in their current subscriber lecture series. If you haven’t subscribed yet, the previous 2 lectures were recorded, so you can watch all three!
In case you missed this link last week, I have compiled a list of relief agencies and non-profits who are on the ground in the So Cal communities affected by the fires. I hope you will join us in donating whatever you can afford to help those who have lost everything.
Just watched the last episode of the current Outlander season 7, now anxiously awaiting the final season 8….later this year? Made even more interesting because we visited the atelier who helped make some of the more intricate costumes for the series, during my textile/costume tour last month. The new prequel spin-off series will come out this summer. So more time-traveling romance and COSTUMES this year!
sharing your love for fabric, Luana and Paul
Travel/Lecture Dates: www.luanarubin.com Jan 21 – Visions Museum Zoom Lecture Feb 25 – Mar 5 – Kyoto Quilt Festival Apr 3-6 – SAQA Conference – St Pete, Florida April 27- May 3 – Alegre Retreat
To make this 62″ x 48″ quilt design, you will start with our exclusive, magical 29″ x 44″ jaguar panel. Piece the borders with our rich and vibrant canopy curls coordinate, together with solid black.
Order the pattern as configured, or customize it to your liking with any of our thousands of fabrics. Just place your desired fabrics in your Wish List, and these fabrics will appear in the Fabric Selector below the pattern.
Today I feature this quilt by Patty Simmons, which was at QuiltCon in February 2024.
It is called “Lahaina”.
The artist statement: “Wind and fire joined forces to create a perfect storm of devastation to the town of Lahaina, a tragedy for our entire country. I had started playing with the hands and faces fabrics well before the catastrophe destroyed the entire town, not knowing where my quilt was heading. But on August 9, 2023, the day following the total destruction, I knew what this quilt would become: a tribute to the people who were lost and to the hands that helped halt the fire. I created an image of the fire with winds circling to keep it aflame. It is devastating what happens in such a short period of time. 100% of my proceeds from the sale of this quilt will go to Maui Strong Fund to aid with ongoing financial needs of the Lahaina community.”
This quilt spoke to me partially because my community had endured the loss of 1100 homes in just a few hours, on Dec 30, 2021. (The Marshall Fire) Now it speaks to me again, during the incomprehensible losses of the current Southern California fires.
In the future I am sure there will be quilt drives for victims, but right now they need safety, shelter, clothing, food, etc. We are donating to the World Central Kitchen. I have posted a list of local community charities and non-profits in So Cal, who are helping those who are displaced.
Climate change is real. This last year was the hottest year on record. The last ten years were the hottest 10 years on record. The global temperatures have now exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and we see the results. It has been all over the news the last few days. How many more fires, droughts, hurricanes, floods will it take for people to wake up and demand action?
We all need to be talking about this. You can speak through your quilts, as Patty has done here. Many of us are documenting the times we live in…and you can join us…your voice is important too.
Thank you for supporting our family-owned business. We are here for you!
Sharing our passion for fabric….. Luana and Paul
Travel/Lecture Dates: www.luanarubin.com Jan 21 – Visions Museum of Textile Art – Zoom Lecture – Creating a Life Feb 25 – Mar 5 – Solo Gallery @ Kyoto Quilt Festival Feb 28 – Mar 2 Apr 3-6 – SAQA Conference – St Pete, Florida April 27- May 3 – Alegre Retreat
Here is a list of suggested organizations in the community now. Please feel free to share. We can all donate something. This list will be updated. – Luana Rubin, eQuilter.com
The Mutual Aid LA Network has created a Google spreadsheet filled with information about shelters, animal centers, and volunteer opportunities, as well as places to donate funding for those impacted by the fires. Details, which will continue to be updated, are organized by city and type of aid. You can either donate directly to the group or connect with other local hubs, as provided by the organization.
World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Our teams and partners have mobilized across the region to provide nourishing meals to people in need.
For the LA County wildfires, we’ve activated our fund to complement immediate relief, addressing the long-term recovery needs of neighborhoods long after media attention has shifted away.
The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of the damage emerge.
Los Angeles Fire Department Fund
The Los Angeles Fire Department is on the front lines of containing the fires and is in need of donations. It has issued an emergency funding alert. Money donated to the LAFD will help equip fire fighters with necessary equipment and supplies, such as emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks, and wild land brush tools needed to put out the fires.
Immigrant day laborers, undocumented workers, and mixed-status families who have been impacted by the fires face the additional burden of fear and uncertainty when seeking shelter and emergency services. The Pasadena Community Job Center is currently serving as an emergency center for the day laborer community, providing temporary shelter, food, water, and emergency kits. Donate here to support immigrant workers impacted by the California fires.
Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby, a nonprofit dedicated to serving children in need, is providing essential items such as diapers, food, formula, and hygiene products for children and families in Los Angeles impacted by the wildfires. Here’s how you can donate directly to their disaster and emergency relief program.
Displaced Black Families GoFundMe Directory
Altadena, one of the neighborhoods devastated by the Eaton fire, has historically been a hub for Black families in Los Angeles County. This spreadsheet provides resources to donate money to over 50 Black families that have been impacted by the Eaton fire, which destroyed over 1,000 structures in Altadena.
California Teachers Association Disaster Relief Fund
Your support helps us deliver essential aid to the right places at the right time for vulnerable people, pets, and communities affected by this disaster. Please, Rush Aid Now!
Pasadena Humane has taken in over 400 animals from the Eaton Fire Emergency. We are desperately in need of monetary donations to help us purchase medical supplies and other resources as we start to see a significant increase in the number of burned and injured animals coming to our shelter.
Your gift brings emergency assistance to animals impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Donations to this fund are used exclusively to support lifesaving work in the Los Angeles area.
This interactive guide is designed to bring people the exact type of aid required at the location in which it’s needed. Those in search of help can find everything from animal boarding and workspaces to free meals or transportation, complete with hours of operation for certain businesses.
LAist, an NPR-affiliated radio station located in Pasadena, has compiled a list of local evacuation centers for both humans and animals. The website also includes specific resources for those seeking mental health assistance, as well as food or childcare, specifically.
Secret Los Angeles, which curates best-of guides for the area, has a list of available animal shelters for refuge from the fires, in accordance with LA County Animal Care & Control. The lineup is separated between small and large animals, and indicates whether or not each facility has remaining space for pets in need.
Airbnb has partnered with 211 LA to offer free temporary housing to those who have been displaced or forced to evacuate from the wildfires. Certain qualifications must be met to receive accommodation, including living in the current evacuation zone and having an Airbnb account. Those in need of a place to stay can request aid by filling out this intake form with 211 LA. If you’re able to offer shelter, visit Airbnb.org for more information on how to sign up to host, free of service fees and with damage protection insurance included at no extra cost. And nonlocal people looking to help can donate directly to the company.
GoFundMe Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 – GoFundMe is currently supporting relief and recovery efforts related to the wildfires burning in Los Angeles County by sending emergency relief grants of $1,000 each to individuals who have lost homes, loved ones and property due to the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires. You can have an immediate and direct impact on people who have lost everything and nonprofits on the ground serving survivors.
Pasadena City College Community Relief Fund – Many members of the Pasadena City College community have lost their homes as a result of the Eaton Fire and other local fires. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference by providing critical support to those affected during this difficult time.
Pasadena Community Foundation Relief Fund – The Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) has opened the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund providing an opportunity for those who want to support immediate and pressing needs in impacted communities like Altadena. PCF has seeded the fund with an initial $100,000.
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To make this 57″ x 66″ quilt design, you’ll start with our 34″ x 44″ digital panel, then piece the borders with two coordinating green Hoffman Hand Dyes plus a white tone-on-tone fabric. The blue Hoffman Hand Dye binding accents the White Tiger’s eyes.
Bring the majestic presence of this gorgeous Tiger into your home with this dynamic wildlife quilt!
PLUS – you’ll receive Free USA / 50% off INTL shipping when you order the fabrics for this exquisite quilt pattern (orders $100 and over, no coupon needed).
Order the pattern as configured, or customize it to your liking with any of our thousands of fabrics. Just place your desired fabrics in your Wish List, and these fabrics will appear in the Fabric Selector below the pattern.
To make this 65″ wide x 53″ high quilt design, you will start with our exclusive 29″ x 44″ horse portrait panel. Piece the Southwest blocks and borders with our rich and vibrant forest leaves coordinate, set against a dramatic sold black background. Finish with a copper Hoffman Hand Dye binding.
PLUS – you’ll receive Free USA / 50% off INTL shipping when you order the fabrics for this exquisite quilt pattern (orders $100 and over, no coupon needed).
Order the pattern as configured, or customize it to your liking with any of our thousands of fabrics. Just place your desired fabrics in your Wish List, and these fabrics will appear in the Fabric Selector below the pattern.
A simple appreciation tonight, for this quilt that was in the Cherrywood “Poppies” challenge exhibit in Houston this last Fall.
“Ode to the Unknown Soldier” by Karen Coates of Highland California
Thinking of all of you affected by snow and frigid temps in the Midwest and East, and especially those of you near the fire in California. We empathize, having had a tragic fire fed by high winds here in Boulder, just 3 years ago. Stay safe!
We’ve had snow and black ice and several days of sub-freezing weather, but we are still getting those packages out to you! Good news also that Canada’s postal system has worked out its strike and packages are flowing again from the US to Canada.
Sharing our passion for fabric….. Luana and Paul
Travel/Lecture Dates: www.luanarubin.com Jan 9 – Fraser Valley Modern Guild – Art & Activism Zoom Lecture Jan 21 – Visions Museum Zoom Lecture Feb 25 – Mar 5 – Kyoto Quilt Festival Apr 3-6 – SAQA Conference – St Pete, Florida April 27- May 3 – Alegre Retreat
Our best-selling Masked Mysterious Kitty fabric is featured in tonight’s Free eQuilter pattern! Behold the all seeing eyes of this mystical kitty; her masked, mesmerizing portrait captures the intensity of this cosmic cat’s gaze, surrounded by opulent embellishments.
To make this 54″ wide x 57″ high quilt design, you will start with our exclusive 28″ x 44″ digital-printed panel. Then piece the borders with our coordinating Jungle Floral, together with solid black to accentuate the kitty’s bright colors.
As a wall hanging, this is a real conversation piece for the kitty enthusiast. Or use this as a Nap quilt or small bed coverlet for fantastical feline dreams.
Order the pattern as configured, or customize it to your liking with any of our thousands of fabrics. Just place your desired fabrics in your Wish List, and these fabrics will appear in the Fabric Selector below the pattern.
How are you spending your first weekend of 2025? For those of you being hit by the Polar Vortex, this is a great time to stay indoors and work on your quilting and sewing projects…as long as your power stays on! Hope you are keeping warm and keeping busy.
I’ve had several New Year phone calls this week, and when I am asked ‘how are you?’ my answer is …up to my eyeballs and hair-on-fire-busy!…Getting ready for my solo gallery in Kyoto March 1st. In addition to finishing 2 quilts before I leave Feb 25, I’ve been gathering quilts for this exhibit, including borrowing some back from other traveling exhibits.
In addition, I am planning to have a Studio Open House the weekend after my return home, for friends and fellow artists who would like to see the Kyoto exhibit in my studio. Right now I am planning on Sunday afternoon March 9, which coincides with our 26th eQuilter anniversary. If you are in the Boulder/Front Range area, save the date! I can also schedule a group or guild visit that Friday or Saturday afternoon, Mar 7-8. (I return home March 5) On Monday March 10 I have to start shipping several quilts back to their current exhibit venues. More details as the date approaches.
For those of you who have been asking about another Polar Bear trip to Churchill, well I should never say never. I am negotiating with NatHab now for the dates of a trip this Fall to bring another group of you wildlife-lovers up to the edge of the Arctic Circle to see these charismatic mega-fauna in their dwindling habitat.
For those of you who are also exploring the use of digital cutters such as the Silhouette Cameo, I want to point out that we carry specialty products like Gentle-Fuse and Terial Magic for this fusible applique / digital cutting method that is growing in popularity thanks to artists like Betty Busby and Kestrel Michaud.
sharing your love for fabric, Luana and Paul
Travel/Lecture Dates: www.luanarubin.com Jan 9 – Fraser Valley Modern Guild – Art & Activism Zoom Lecture Jan 21 – Visions Museum Zoom Lecture Feb 25 – Mar 5 – Kyoto Quilt Festival Apr 3-6 – SAQA Conference – St Pete, Florida April 27- May 3 – Alegre Retreat
Our hearts and prayers are with Southern California now. Although there have been some early queries about donating comfort quilts to fire victims, please understand that what they need now are the basics of existence. We are donating to World Central Kitchen, who are bringing meals to those displaced. I always give to trusted/known non-profits, and local relief organizations on the ground and on-site. This will be a long recovery for those who have lost homes, but right now we can support them by donating to trusted organizations that are preferably locally or community-based.
I am sure California quilt guilds are already gearing up to help in the aftermath, but the priority now is to put out the fires, get people to safety, get them fed and safely housed. Having seen our community go through a similar fire 3 years ago, we know what comes next. (Marshall Fire, 12-30-21)
It has been a rough start to 2025 so far, but I am finding my sanity and focus with needle and thread. I am actually in the studio daily now, prepping for my show in Kyoto, but also as a meditation to clear my head and process the news. I hope that you also find solace and clarity in Mindful Making, Slow Stitch, or whatever creative activity is speaking to you now. Every stitch is a prayer….for comfort, healing, and peace.
My mom was born in So Cal, I lived there as a child, and returned to get my degree in downtown LA while I lived in West Hollywood. Now I have a brother and so many quilter and industry friends who live in So Cal. When I look at the maps of burnt neighborhoods, I know those streets, so I empathize with the incomprehensible loss. Sending love and hugs to all of you affected. We are thinking of you.
sharing your love for fabric, Luana and Paul
Travel/Lecture Dates: www.luanarubin.com Jan 21 – Visions Museum Zoom Lecture Feb 25 – Mar 5 – Kyoto Quilt Festival Apr 3-6 – SAQA Conference – St Pete, Florida April 27- May 3 – Alegre Retreat
