May 2013 Fabric Feature Newsletter

Because some of the fun of quilting is getting to pick out the fabric, this kit only contains the yardage you'll need to complete the top of the quilt and the binding - you get to choose the fabric for the back! This does mean you will need to either use some fabric you have on hand, or purchase the back fabric separately. The finished quilt measures 58" by 76", so you'll want approximately 5 yards of the fabric of your choice for the backing. If you don't already have the latest issue of Quilt Magazine with the instructions for the Charleston Farmhouse Quilt, you will need to purchase that separately as well. In addition to the full color instructions for the Charleston Farmhouse Quilt, you'll find lots of other quilts and inspiration in the June/July Issue, as well as designer interviews! Whether you choose to use the magazine solely for inspiration or to make the Charleston Farmhouse Quilt, you're sure to be sewing up a storm!

Kaffe Fassett is one of the most brilliant designers around; his Shots and Stripes book which uses his amazing Shot Cottons and Woven Stripes collections does not disappoint! The book utilizes classic quilt shapes and fresh geometric designs all within the realm of Kaffe's basic colors and striped fabrics, and has a fabulous WOW factor!! In true Kaffe style, there are placemats, table runners, wall hangings, throws and quilts, so what's not to love? Kaffe teamed up with Liza Lucy (an amazing designer in her own right) in the 90's and began learning about quilting. With his other-worldly color sense he delved into the woven side of the quilt fabric business and is still producing his ever popular lines of Woven Stripes and Shot Cottons.

The simplicity of these fabrics allows for amazing creativity and color impact, and works perfectly in his quilt designs. Great for clothing in addition to quilting, the Wovens were originally inspired by apparel, as these fabrics tend to flow and are reversible; making them a wonderful choice for shirts, skirts and so much more! We encourage you to look at these fabrics in a category all their own, as consideration should be taken when using them due to their open weave structure. While the Woven Stripes collection is the most current in the Kaffe Wovens category, be sure to check out some of the older collections like the Woven Haze Stripe and Wovens which are now on sale!

We've got plenty of amazing fabrics on sale - here are some of our current favorites!

Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow: 28% Off! Let's all skip through Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow collection, as there is not a print in the collection that we aren't in love with! It is like walking through a Technicolor meadow of fabric whimsy! These prints are great for any kind of design; from soft and subtle to bold and dynamic, Modern Meadow fabrics are perfect for quilt backings, filler quilt pieces, bags and apparel as well. Team them up with any of Joel's fantastic patterns and you can't help but have a successful, head-turning project!

Tula Pink Nightshade: 19% Off! Tula Pink's Nightshade collection has everything anyone might want for a variety of unique projects. It has that unusual pattern splash that we are always looking for in our sewing. The Nightshade prints - both large and small scale - are designed to mix and match together in muted hues of lavender, mint, ash and teal. The slightly macabre yet charming apothecary theme of Nighshade makes this particular collection one-of-a-kind and can be used for anything from quilting to bags and accessories to apparel and home decor!

Sweetwater Hometown Canvas: 19% Off! Do you need some amazingly sturdy fabric for an upcoming summer sewing project? Maybe you are making cushions for your patio furniture, recovering some folding chairs for the deck, or making a beach bag for toting towels and sandcastle-building equipment. Well you can't go wrong with the Sweetwater canvas fabric, and of course on sale is always the best way to go whenever possible! This fun, bold canvas is a generous 54" wide and will add some real pop and charm to your canvas-worthy projects! Grab some for your next heavy duty project that is sure to get plenty of use, as the weave is fine, so feel free to jump right in!

We are so excited to be a part of the Sew Original Quilt & Creative Expo, which will be held in Reno June 20th through 22nd at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino! The QSC Expo includes a large vendor mall, workshops, make-it-take-it projects, demonstrations, and presentations, not to mention seminars with Linda McGehee, Pam Clarke and Sonja Bezuidenhout.

Be sure to check out the Sew Red trunk show on the main fashion stage if you're able to attend! Here's your chance to see some of the great garments that we have, which include: quilts by Kaffe Fassett, Mark Cesarik, Valori Wells and Anna Griffin; skirts designed by Ellen March and Kay Whitt; or the Kimono Sleeve Tunic from Suede, and Amy Butler's fabulous drawstring dress. Stop by the Jimmy Beans shop before the expo and get a voucher for $1 off general admission. We'll see you there!