A Night with Jay McCarroll

Shhh, don't tell anyone - but when I first found out about Jay McCarroll's first fabric line, I hadn't heard of him before! Shock, right?! Well, I wasn't a big Project Runway watcher and I had never seen the first season, so I was totally clueless about Jay winning the competition in its first year. As it turns out, I really loved his fabrics, so of course I learned about his past success in fashion design.

I found the first two lines - Woodland Wonderland and Garden Friends - soon after I first started going to Spool in Philly. I then went to see him at a meet-and-greet at Spool and got to see some of the projects made with the fabric. At the time I wasn't a quilter, but now that I am, I appreciate his newest line, Habitat, even more. Jay came to speak to the Philly Modern Quilt Guild last Tuesday night and it was tons of fun! Jay talked about Habitat, Project Runway, and everything in between (and beyond). Jay also was there to announce the Modern Quilt Guild's Habitat Challenge. This is really exciting and I've already started on some block designs! I can't wait to see all the entries.

Enough of the talking, let's get on to some photos!

Jay showing off the Skyscraper quilt made by Spool.

Jay hiding behind his fabric board.

Three pillows showing the three Habitat colorways.

Jay modeling a skirt made by Spool.

Jay shows off a chair seat that he covered using Habitat fabrics.

Jay had everyone's undivided attention.

Look how many people showed up to hear Jay speak!

Jay talking about fabric and life.

Closeup on the fabulous chair.

Closeup on the fabrics and quilts.

Jay with some new friends.

Me and Jay.  We were starting to get silly - it was at the very end of the night.