Wednesday, October 2, 2013

The Crazy Bunny Lady's TV Adventure

Hellooooooooo!  It's hump day! Have you seen that TV commercial with the camel saying "Hump day, it's hum day?"  It totally cracks me up! Ya know I got a thing for talking animals and dorky humor. hee,hee,hee. ;)

Well, the dust bunnies have finally settled down enough for me to share my adventure to Quilting Arts TV. I still feel like I'm dreaming. It was sooooooooooooo much fun and actually, a ton of work too. It's amazing how many components goes into producing each of the episodes.


So here I am, The Crazy Bunny Lady, getting set up. I couldn't wear my hat during taping as it was too big and blocked the table from the overhead cameras. They let me keep it on the table though. Yippeee! I also got to have my makeup done by the professional makeup artist. I tried to explain to her that I normally look like Kim Kardashian, but she wasn't buying it. We both had a major laugh.  


Here the producer, Kathie Stull, on the left looks over the project. For each segment I was taping, I had to have multiple pieces of each step in the project. They call those "step outs." My carry on bag was full of lots of parts and pieces of bunnies, carrots and the like. It also had all my finished quilts. I figured the airport could lose my underwear and clothes, but I would have a meltdown for sure if they lost my quilts!


What can I say about the host, Pokey Bolton? Well, she is AMAZING!!! She is so darn nice and easy going. She can listen to the producer talking to her through the microphone in her ear and keep guests on track at the same time. I felt as if I was just sitting there talking to her about Folk Art Fusion.

 
Now don't get me wrong, I was nervous as all get out! Everyone has some kind of thing that happens when they are nervous. Some people lose their voice, some blink a lot, some tap their foot. My thing is excessive hand shakes! It's like I drank 15 pots of coffee! They wanted me to trace a pattern piece onto fusible web. I was shaking so bad that it looked like a toddler traced it.


Also, while showing the primitive lazy daisy stitch on the Honey Bun postcard, I stabbed the crap out of my finger! I kept thinking, please don't bleed, please don't bleed. For the most part though I did pretty good.


Then, I had my total "groupie/fan" moment when I got to not only meet the incredible Susan Brubaker Knapp, but I also got to join her for dinner twice! She said, "Michelle you're not allowed to say fan, only friend." Ummm...well... nope. Still a major fan of her and her work.


I really, really wanted to take that sheep home with me. Isn't he the coolest ever! I mean like ever! Susan was there taping her new DVD. She has several others available too. Hop over and visit her. Tell her me and the bunnies said hi!


This super lady is Vivika Hansen DeNegre. She is the editor of Quilting Arts Magazine. I had the pleasure of joining her for dinner as well. Vivika was taping some segments too. I can't wait to see the one on the felted banner. It was so awesome!





I can't believe I didn't get a photo of me with my kindred sister, Jeanne Cook Delpit! I'm borrowning this photo from Susan's blog. Jeanne is the Director of National Events for Bernina. She is a super sweet person and I felt an instant connection with her. Hi Jeanne! Did you get our photo? Where is our photo? Jeanne was there to help us with the sewing machines. We got to use some incredible Berninas. I totally got new sewing machine fever.


I will be in four different segments in the 1300 Series. All the projects I demonstrated will be FREE to download on their website. Cool huh? The new series will start airing around February on your PBS station. I will keep you posted.

This was an adventure I will never forget. Thanks so very much to everyone who made this little bunny feel so welcome, especially Katherine Lamancusa the production assistant. Katherine told me they tape all sorts of different shows at the studio, but the quilters always seem to be the friendliest and most outgoing. I told her it's just how quilters are. No matter where you go in the world, quilters are always passionate about quilts and the people who make them. :)

Harrington and Hannah will see you back here on Friday with some more news!

xx,
Michelle and the Bunnies

33 comments:

Kris said...

Awwwwwwwwwwwwesome!!!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Oh, you are such a teeny weeny beany!! Congratulations sweetie, so happy for you I can just Bunny Dance.

margaret said...

what a wonderful tieme yo must have had, such a shame we will not be able to see this programme here in the UK as it looks so worth watching

Judy1522 said...

So glad you had such a wonderful time. I am just sorry we have to wait until February to see the show but I will definitely be watching for it.

Jeanette said...

Oh wow. Much excitement for sure. Wish I could get the show here. Hugs, xx

Lesley said...

Congratulations on your entry into the world of TV! You looked great, with and without your bunny hat! The entire experience sounded wonderful. They were lucky to have you! Looking forward to seeing these segments in the new year!

Pat said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful time and met some fantastic people. Can't wait to watch the segment on tv. Congrats!!!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

THIS IS SO EXCITING, MICHELLE!

I can't believe it finally came to pass, there you are in all your beautiful and fabulous glory! Can you even believe how far you have reached and where your hard work has taken you? Bravo my dear. You have really earned every bit of this. BACK ON FRIDAY! Anita

Anonymous said...

OH MY WORD GIRL!!!! You have made a name for yourself for all to see! LOVE THAT YOU HAVE ARRIVED as they say.
I too...love that camel so does that mean I'm your dorky friend? Yep...I talk with the animals too and likely why I enjoy you too!

DebbieM said...

How exciting that must have been Michelle, meeting all those quilting celebrities!!! Can't wait to see you in action in Feb.

I worked for a public relation's firm in Pittsburgh for several years and I helped with a Chef Pierre promotion and I met Jacque Pepin, the french chef, and my all time favorite is that I actually got to go shopping with Linda Dano from Another World. Super nice lady. Couldn't believe she had credit cards for all those stores in Pittsburgh!!!

You will cherish this trip forever!!

Mosaic Magpie said...

Wonderful!!!! I watch Quilting Arts every Saturday! Always great things to learn and inspire creativity. Can't wait to see your episodes.
xo,
Deb

Starr White said...

Looks like such great fun, Michelle! I knew you were going to be a big star!!!

Unknown said...

So jealous! I love Susan Brubaker Knapp's work. Sounds like a fun day!

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

I am definitely looking forward to watching your segments! It looks like you had a wonderful experience.

Sparklyjools said...

Whooooo Hooooooo! I'm so pleased to get the low down on your TV debut at last sweets- but I want to see it! Bother this flippin' Atlantic Ocean it does get in the way at times!!!xxx

Shirley said...

Good Morning Shell, I am taking time this morning to catch up with my friends. I am so happy for you and hope it will be in our area when it is aired. I would have been horribly nervous. You have met some wonderful people through your journey's and several doors have been opened. I told hubby about you feeding your friends. There are geese on the pond close to the nursing home. Have a wonderful day. Many Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend

Little Miss Titch said...

Yippee!so glad it went well for you Shell hugs from us both,xx Rachel and Speedy

Sherri said...

Shell,

How cool!! I would be so nervous and I probably would have bled on everything!! You look like you were having so much fun! Good for you!! You always make such beautiful quilted projects. I bet those bunnies were so proud of you!!

kristie said...

Wow! Can't wait to see your segments. Hope your finger is better ;o)

Loris said...

What a fun show! I can't wait to see it :-) I love the pics from Susan Brubacher Knapp. I would have wanted to steal that sheep too!

gail said...

HI Shell, I am soo soo happy for you. What an honor and it is so exciting. I cant wait to see the shows! Your projects are just adorable:)

I also love that silly Hump Day commercial,, already been doing it at the office today!

(()) have a terrific week my friend! gail

Anonymous said...

OMGosh, OMGosh, OMGosh Shell!!! How totally awesome is this... and you deserve every morsel of credit and stardom (grin)! I am totally proud of you girlfriend... your rock my socks off!:D
Hugs to you and the Bunns:D
Beth P

Natascha said...

So exciting & thrilled for u!

Tammy said...

Congratulations! You are officially a super star now.

Quilt Rat said...

Sounds like you enjoyed an awesome adventure!!

Scout and Sage said...

This is just so incredibly cool! When you're rich and famous I can say "I knew her when she was just another pet for some bunnies.." ;)

kc said...

We're always our own worst critics, so I'm sure you did very well - and probably much better than you think! How exciting for you to become a big star on TV, just as you are in blogland! And to think I knew you when.. hehee.

I met Susan BK a couple of years ago, even had the privilege of dinner with her one evening, courtesy of my dear friend Kelly Jackson (I Have A Notion), and you're right...she does spectacular work, and she's a sweetie too! I love it that artists of y'all's caliber have great personalities to go with your talent. It'd be such a waste if y'all weren't likable..and I'm so honored to be a fan of you both. (yeah, I'm still star-struck, so you can say you've got a friend in South TX (me), but I'm still a fan of you both. :)

Createology said...

You are the cutest tiniest bunny girl. What a fabulous adventure you had. Meeting kindred souls and enjoying time sharing is memory making forever. Looking forward to your tapings being aired. Creative Bliss Dear...

Fiona said...

how fun Shell and well done for such a big adventure project... wonderful.... now you are a super star and I am a fan of yours!! hee hee
Hugz

RG said...

We used to all be readers and commenters, then we became followers, now we are Raspberry Bunny Felt Folk Fusion Art Groupies! We will need a caravan of fancy painted volkswagons!

bunnits said...

What a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing those moments. Eagerly awaiting February!!

Annette Tait said...

yay!! congratulations! SO excited for you Shell :) Wes and me may have to start doing some of this quilting stuff now heh heh :)
xxx

Sherry said...

So exciting for you. I know your segments will be fabulous.

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