I thought you might enjoy seeing this sample I just finished. Arlene pieced this, I quilted and bound it. This is a pattern we carry called Sidelights - it is designed to show off those large scale prints I love so much. :) I know many of you like them, too, as we have sold a number of geisha, Japanese crane and other 'picture' prints over the years. :) Here is a good vehicle for you to show off your too-pretty-to-cut fabric prints. :)
Linda
I finally got the three samples for my Make & Take: 3D Patchwork class finished - bowtie, square in square and attic windows blocks. You can read about the class details here (class #12). :)
We got a nice assortment of new patterns and books in yesterday afternoon's delivery (but I was not here as it was my day off:):
This cute table topper pattern finishes 17" round - I'm thinking it would look great in small prints or batik brights either one. :)
I really like all three of these winter motif small quilts - but the snowflake one is likely to get my first action. :)
Aren't these funny bugs cute? They make me smile (always useful at 2 a.m.!) :)
I wish this pattern had been around when my son was little! Every truck he saw was a 'digger'. :)
Some of you may remember that I am (slowly) working on blocks from this quilt - variously known as the Bird of Paradise or Civil War Bride design. This book is lovely and gives great historical background as well as patterns for a selection of the blocks.
Come in to take a look at these goodies and others for yourself!
:) Linda
I sure hope you like peacock colors and prints as much as I do! :) We've ordered several this spring - and the first one, from Northcott, just arrived (along with some more Stonehenge prints):
Once, back when I was a high school student in Texas, my Mom decided to raise pet peacocks. Have you ever heard a peahen or peacock cry? They sound like a woman being murdered! :P They may be pretty, but having them wander about on your own lawn is a bit ... startling. :)
On the other hand, as quilt motifs, they are elegant and beautiful - and no one can hate that lovely peacock blue mixed with greens and purples. :) Maybe it is time for you to sew up some peacock goodness? :)
Linda
We got three bolts of fabric from Red Rooster this afternoon - from the Doodles II collection comes bright, cheeful prints:
Do drop by and take in some happy fabric color and texture soonest - I promise it will ease the dull colors of winter!
:) Linda
We got four new bolts of fabric in Friday's deliveries that I just _have_ to share with you - from David Textiles, featuring one of my favorite characters, Hello Kitty:
I first 'met' Kitty when my daughter was a small kiddo, almost 30 years ago. Kitty lives in a sweet world in which all animals are friends and rainbows are constant companions. :) I'd love to visit Kitty's world occasionally!
:) Linda
I've been fiddling with strips of fabric this afternoon, trying to re-awaken an old skill. (sigh!) I am teaching fabric flower making this coming Sunday afternoon (Make & Take, class #7) so I figured I'd better get my act in gear - so to speak:) - and make a few samples.
There are basically four different types of fabric flowers from what I can tell, having looked at maybe a hundred different tutorials online. There are rolled/folded flowers like the "rose" I made shown above - you work from a strip of fabric or maybe ribbon and form the flower.
There are stacked/posey flowers where you cut out floral shapes, usually in an assortment of sizes, and sew them into a stack - generally with smallest inside graduating to largest on the outside of the finished blossom ... sometimes the posey sections are folded into shapes first.
The third common type of fabric flower I've found are gathered ones - sometimes called rouched (French for gathered:) - which can be wrinkled up in various ways. Sometimes these are worked with strips of fabric but I've also made rouched/gathered flowers from squares and triangle shapes.
And, finally, there are fabric flowers made from petal subunits that are gathered up or sewn together into blossoms. I'm planning to teach at least three of these four basic types on Sunday afternoon.
Assuming, of course, that I can get my fingers to cooperate for making my samples (sigh) - I'm always pushing something 'down to the wire' to finish at the last minute. More organizational talent would sure be nice!
:) Linda
We got a few bolts in today's deliveries from one of our distributors - they range from cute to clever to happy - from Benartex, Camelot, Spectrix, and Red Rooster fabric companies.
So, you want to sew up a Valentine, give a kid a kick with Batman, make some Ricky Tims exciting leaves or swirls on your quilt, pay homage to 'man's best friend'? We have got you covered!
:) Linda
Our late delivery today had some fun and spring-y bolts in it - hope you enjoy these pretties! :)
:) Linda
Today's deliveries are filled with inspiration! :) First, fabric-wise, we got a set of reads-as-solid prints from RJR:
(I hope you can see the one above - it is a white-on-white.)
Now for the inspiration! We got a number of new books, magazines and some patterns, including a new line of inexpensive, beginner-level patterns I am particularly taken with - Villa Rosa Designs has developed small, laminated instruction sheets about the size of a 3x5 index card for $2.25 or so in price. Small and sturdy enough to go into your project bag/box with the fabrics and inexpensive enough to make lovely gifts for your favorite beginner!
Now for the 'regular' patterns - a new purse, a new garment:
A new magazine (I am a magazine 'junkie' myself:)
Here are the really 'big girl' inspirational units - new books!
I thumbed through this one and I think I might have to buy it (sigh:) - I am primarily a machine quilter but I do like the look of that hand quilted line. This book lays out the ways and means for pretty 'big stitch' quilting by hand. Good advice (according to what I _do_ know about hand quilting, anyway:).
This is Ellen Anne Eddy's second book - and it is heavily filled with how-to advice from a pre-eminant 'thread lady'!
Great approach to the beautiful geometry of patchwork. :)
What the heck are Skinny Quilts? Table runners, wall hangings for those 'special' pieces of hard-to-fit wall, bed toppers - cute and quick and happy designs.
Long watched-for, our own local artist Debra Gabel's new book! Have you been lucky enough to travel the world - or maybe (like me), you just wish you could? These patterns are easy to do and fun to make up! Don't forget our book sigining event with Deb on Feb. 11th!
Are you a worker of the applique persuasion? Beautiful, botannically rich designs HERE!
Do come in to see us and take a look at the inspiration inside our four walls!
:) Linda
