Friday, May 30, 2014

Quilt Market Wrap Up

So it has been a while since I have contributed a Quilt Market post (or any post for that matter). Jen and the ladies have been doing a fabulous job posting blocks and inspiration for you!

Pittsburgh hosted Spring 2014 Quilt Market. My entire life since Fall Market has been a blur so I kind of forgot to book a flight... or a hotel... or register for Market - OOPS! BUT I did manage to schedule all of my fabric buying appointments! A girl has to have her priorities straight.

This time it was just me. No Frank, no entourage. Quilt Market is HUGE. I couldn't capture it all.

Welcome to the experience through my eyes!

This is a long rambling post, so grab your coffee and sit back! Thanks for reading!

Road Trip!


A road trip was in order! Feeling a little Thelma and Louise-ish, I packed up my stuffed animals, filled up with gas, got a mocha and hit the road. (Okay maybe Thelma and Louise didn't have had stuffed animals - and I didn't drive off a cliff.) I left a little late on Wednesday and really wanted to beat the storms, so I traveled through the night arriving just in time to be the second in line for late registration! The early arrival also made it possible to receive one of the coveted Cotton and Steel Schoolhouse totes!

Schoolhouse is a day of 15 - 30 minute sessions prepared by designers, vendors, fellow shop owners and industry educators designed to provide semi-annual continuing education for the busy shop owner - a.k.a. ME. For the second time, Quilt Market Schoolhouse day began with a spectacular "Premiere Schoolhouse" launching a new product line.

Cotton and Steel - New Fabric Company

Photo: #quiltmarket - let the fun begin!

Cotton and Steel, a brand new contemporary fabric line spin-off of RJR Fabrics, gave an amazing, inspiring presentation to the crowd. We saw a short film on fabric manufacturing prepared from the eyes of a quilting fabric designer. It was breath taking and inspiring!

 

Made in Japan: The C+S Manufacturing Process from Gregory Miller Pictures on Vimeo.

Part of Quilt Market is like a fashion runway show. I don't know if the Milwaukee quilter is ready for Andy Warhol-esque  mustangs on cotton linen, but I do know that Melody Miller and her fellow designers have connected with quilters everywhere in a very powerful way. "Leap and the Net Will Appear" is just one of the signature inspirations appearing on the selvage of her upcoming line.

Learning at School House 

Blueprint Basics by Valori Wells

Photo: #quiltmarket SWAG @robertkaufman #blueprintbasics from the talented Valori Wells #coloroftheweek

Valori Wells presented her Blueprint Basics and Color of the Week program. Valori now designs for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Her debut line is a series of blenders released quarterly which work well as a group or simply as fillers for your favorite palette. Each week she provides photo inspiration on her blog. Focus fabrics are so fun and vibrant we often forget about those quiet tonal fabrics that are a must in most quilts. We have been stocking a greater variety of reorder-able tonal blenders at the store to help you in your quilt building. We are proud to carry the complete series of Blueprint Basics.




Photo: My shoes match the Color of the Week. Sunkissed!!! Where do you find Sunkissed in your life? @robertkaufman #blueprintbasics #valscoloroftheweek (check out my blog -link in profile)

http://www.valoriwells.com/blog/color-of-the-week-sunkissed


PreCuts, Precuts, Precuts

Photo: #quiltmarket @robertkaufman Precut cheat sheet! NEW shapes! OH MY!

Everyone wanted to tell us the benefit of precuts (strips, squares, triangles, hexies, fat quarters). We have been a strong believer of convenience cuts for some time. We feature our own curated collections of 40 fabrics every month at Strip Club.... Did you see that? I learned a new phrase "curated collection"! Apparently when I pick a kit or a fabric set, it is CURATED! Ha! LOVE IT!

MODA fabrics has been on the cutting edge of precut technology for some time. Now everyone is getting into the act and inventing new cuts! All of the manufacturers were touting the benefits of providing coordinated pre-cut fabrics ready to go for your next project.

Imagine what our quilting ancestors would say. We have gone from recycling scraps into quilts to keep us warm at night to being able to buy precision cut shapes, perfectly coordinated into sets so that we can make quilts in only a few days or hours. WOW!

Love it or hate it, pre-cuts have made it easier to make scrappy quilts without having to painstakingly collect, sort and cut stash.

My favorites are fat quarters and 2 1/2" strips! I love the magic number "40" too! I think it is much easier to pick forty fabrics than it is to be six or less for a quilt. The more fabrics you have, the more forgiving your fabric choices.

Modern Basics

Photo: Sneak peek of our new Modern Basics Collection! 
Modern Dots by The Whimsical Workshop and Lombard St by Sassafras Lane Designs

What are modern basics? We saw Valori Wells' Blueprint Basics earlier in this post. Michael Miller shared a selection of dot, gingham and herringbone patterns in a rainbow array of colors. Adding a splash of white, these subtle prints can be used as blenders too.

Batiks!!!

Everyone is making batiks these days! While almost every fabric manufacturer is producing batiks these days, we continue to carry what we believe to be the best selection from the industry leaders in batik making.

Photo: Quilt Market prep is in full swing! #artisanbatiks samples are stacking up, ready for schoolhouses. #quiltmarketcountdown

Robert Kaufman samples from the Artisan Batik Schoolhouse.



Hoffman California Fabrics Series 7 Bali Pops debuting this fall!




Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts from MODA fabrics has another fabulous booth. We are anxiously awaiting her Snowbird Collection this June!


Sample Spree! 

DSCN0411

After a long day of learning, I have the opportunity to buy stuff. Since I drove, I could buy a LOT of stuff. I've worked really hard to bring back lots of goodies to show you in person. Barb and Mary from Me & My Sister Designs caught me in the act!

Trends, Observations and Ramblings... 

Digital Prints

M4203 562-Blooms

Wow! Everything is changing! While I have not jumped on the digital bandwagon, I would be negligent if I failed to tell you about digitally printed fabrics.

Most of us are familiar with Spoonflower. A site you can upload a photo or design and print your own yardage at a premium price. The fabric has a reasonable likeness to what you imagined and has much better colorfastness than images printed on specially treated fabric off your ink jet printer at home.

Traditional screen prints may quickly become a thing of the past. Screen printing is limited to a set number of screens/colors and requires a large yardage commitment to be commercially printed. Digital printing is only limited to the designer's imagination and can be printed in virtually any yardage desired.

Currently offerings are limited and significantly more expensive than traditional screen prints or batiks available in the industry, yet offer an interesting insight on what the future may hold.

Deer

I've reported on birds, butterflies, owls, hedgehogs, foxes... get ready - the latest trend is DEER. They are EVERYWHERE!

Tula Pink - Moonshine Arriving at Patched Works Soon!

Photo: Come find me at International Quilt Market next week in #Pittsburgh! Free temporary Tula Pink #Moonshine tattoos! • #tulapink #makesomethingamazing

Michael Miller

Photo: I almost forgot to mention, Harvey! Without further ado...
http://crazyoldladiesquilts.blogspot.com/2014/05/rustique.html

Cotton and Steel


Even a quilt in Hoffman California Fabrics Booth



Art Gallery Fabrics

Photo: Great booth Katarina Roccella! #Indelible #Quiltmarket #fabriclover #quilt #fabric

Solids, Solids and MORE Solids

Robert Kaufman is adding 28 colors to the massive selection of solids. Did you know Patched Works is proud to stock the entire library of KONA colors? We have the new colors on order to arrive this summer!



Almost every manufacturer has a brilliant line of solids. We carry close to 500 true solids from a variety of manufacturers.Solids offer a true paintbox to play. While the new modern quilter sometimes use exclusive solid palettes, don't be afraid to mix solids into your everyday quilt when you need that perfect color. Solids are available at an attractive price point less than most screen prints. PW Solids Club members enjoy a 20% discount on solids every day!

Hot Color Trends

Navy Blue, Burnt Orange, Grey, Green, Magenta, Teal.... and METALLIC ANYTHING.

There is soooo... much more to say, but I want to wrap it up so that I can publish and you can actually read something! :-)

Check Out My Flickr Album!

Want to see more? Check out more pictures from my trip!





Didn't Get Enough... Post Market Review Live! 

For local PW customers, we are offering a live Post Market Review Friday, June 13th at 6:30 PM. Reservations are required as a limited number of spots are available. A reservation fee of $15 includes a swag bag and amazing door prizes.

We are accepting reservations in person and by phone (262) 786-1523.

Loyal Union Sampler Block E-7 Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home is pieced per the directions on page 46 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.
E-7 Home Sweet Home 

E-7 Jen Jen – “Sparkler” Fat Stack, a beautiful blend of Purple, Blue and Green Kona Solids
Jen says:  I love how soft this block came out.  I chose to paper piece mine because I’m not good at offsetting those triangles on the outside edges perfectly every single time.  I’ll admit, I took the easy way out!








E-7 Stephanie Stephanie – Downton Abbey
Stephanie says:  It looks pretty intimidating but was super easy with paper piecing!











E-7 Lisa k Additional block by Lisa K.













We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 
You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)
It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 
It’s always a party at Patched Works!



Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block E-6 Hatchet

Hatchet is pieced per the directions on page 45 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.

E-6 Hatchet


E-6 Lisa Lisa – Lario by MODA

Lisa says:  Super simple block although when I printed my foundation, it came out a little larger than it was supposed to be, so just check the size if you copy it to foundation paper, as different printers can distort. Pressing seams well will help to keep the larger pieces flat to trim.

 


E-6 Lisa K Additional block by Lisa K.

 

 

 

 

 

 


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Monday, May 26, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block E-5 Harvest Home

Harvest Home is pieced per the directions on page 45 and template patterns on pages 114 & 115  OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.

E-5 Harvest Home


E-5 Diane Diane – Fall Blend, A Fabulous mix of Kim Schaefer Fabrics

Diane says: This block is probably better paper pieced due to all the goofy shapes.

 

 

 

 


E-5 Jen Jen – “Sparkler” Fat Stack, a beautiful blend of Purple, Blue and Green Kona Solids

Jen says:  This was a great block for me to use three dramatic values of Green on.  Paper Piecing definitely made piecing this block a breeze.

 

 


E-5 Lisa K Additional block by Lisa K.

 

 

 

 

 

 


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block E-4 Happy Home

Happy Home is pieced per the directions on page 44.

E-4 Happy Home


E-4 Mary Mary – William Morris Fabrics by MODA with Batik Backgrounds

Mary says: This block came out a little more “blended” than it shows in the book, but it turned out so nice and even and straight that I didn’t want to take it apart! If you want it to look more like in the book, be sure your “medium” value fabric isn’t too close to your dark.

 


E-4 Julie Q Julie Q – Scrumptious by MODA

Julie Q says:  Laura Ingalls Wilder said, “Home is the nicest word there is.”  It’s true!  Happy Home was a very easy block to make, so my home was very happy the day I made this block!  There was no grumbling as I cut and sewed this block.  It all came together beautifully.  I did press my seams on the first part of my quarter square triangle units to the dark side.  This made it easier to butt together the seams for sewing in step two.  All the other seams I pressed open so the block would be flat.  As you can see in my block, I didn’t follow the color recommendations.  I fussy cut the four corner blocks and I really like the way my block turned out.  It’s different, and that’s OK!  I’m learning to let go and enjoy the process.  My seams don’t have to be perfect and my points don’t have to be sharp on every block.  It’s the creative process I enjoy the most.  Don’t be too hard on yourself, learn to relax and enjoy the process!


E-4 JacquelineK Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt This block was put together by PW Customer Jacqueline K.

Jacqueline K says: For more accurate piecing I pressed my seams open. I ended up making the block twice because I didn’t pay enough attention to the directions. For the biggest “WOW” with the block, make sure the center block contrasts with the surrounding points.E-4JacquelineK2


E-4 Lisa K Additional block by Lisa K.

 

 

 

 

 

 


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Monday, May 19, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block E-2 Granny’s Favorite

Granny’s Favorite is pieced per the directions on page 43.

E-2 Granny's Favorite


E-2 Granny's Favorite Mary – William Morris Fabrics by MODA with Batik Backgrounds

Mary says: I easily trimmed off the excess from this block using my “Get Squared” 6-1/2” ruler by June Tailor. Did you pick one up when you were making your Tula Pink blocks this past summer? That’s when I got mine and it’s been helpful squaring up the Loyal Union Sampler blocks as well.

 


E-2 PamH Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt This block was put together by PW Customer Pam H.

Pam H says: Make each quilt your own. Don’t be afraid to change a pattern to reflect your style!

 

 

 


E-2 Lisa K Additional block by Lisa K.

 

 

 

 

 

 


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Friday, May 16, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block E-1 Good Fortune

Good Fortune is pieced per the directions on page 43 and foundation pattern on page 114  OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.

E-1 Good Fortune


E-1 Leslie Leslie – Midwinter Reds by MODA

Leslie says:  This paper pieced block goes together quickly and easily.  Press the center seams open and the block will lay very flat.

 

 

 


E-1 Diane Diane – Fall Blend, A Fabulous mix of Kim Schaefer Fabrics

Diane says:  I really enjoyed picking my fabric for this block.  It turned out looking like a mosaic!

 

 

 


E-1 Lisa K Additional block by Lisa K.

 

 

 

 

 

 


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block D-11 Glad Tidings

Glad Tidings is pieced per the directions on page 42 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.

D-11 Glad Tidings


D-11 Leslie Leslie – Midwinter Reds by MODA

Leslie says:  Sections A, B, C & D 1-6 are best paper pieced per Patched Works supplemental packet.  The remaining sections are easily pieced per the directions on page 42.

 

 


D-11 Lisa K Additional block by Lisa K.

 

 

 

 

 

 


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Monday, May 12, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block D-10 Gettysburg

Gettysburg is pieced per the directions on page 41.

D-10 Gettysburg




D-10 JenJen – “Sparkler” Fat Stack, a beautiful blend of Purple, Blue and Green Kona Solids

Jen says:  I LOVED making this block!  Make sure when you do the Quick-Pieced Square-On-Point technique that you remove the bulk from your connector units.  Also, be sure to iron open your seam allowances wherever possible.








D-10 Lisa KAdditional block by Lisa K.













We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 
You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)
It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 
It’s always a party at Patched Works!


Friday, May 9, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block D-9 Gerda’s Puzzle

Gerda’s Puzzle is pieced per the directions on page 40 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.

D-9 Gerda's Puzzle



D-9 LeslieLeslie – Midwinter Reds by MODA

Leslie says:  At the 4 intersections of the main center square, clip up to seam line 1/4" of the seam intersection.  Now press those 1/2" intersections open and the block will lay flat.









D-9 DianeDiane – Fall Blend, A Fabulous mix of Kim Schaefer Fabrics

Diane says:  There aren’t too many blocks with large open areas.  This block would be a great one to fussy cut something cool from your fabric.










D-9 Lisa KAdditional block by Lisa K.













We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 
You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)
It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 
It’s always a party at Patched Works!