Pieces

"Spring" Break

They call this week "spring" break,  but we know better - it is not very spring like around here. There are some signs though, like the tough little daffodils that made it through last week's snow crazy.  Is anyone else enjoying the birdsong?  I've started to hear lovely bird noise in the morning and in the evening and it makes me pause and anticipate the rest of spring coming - sooner or later.

We have a new bird-inspired collection at the shop this week that is absolutely charming. 

 

New Rolls!  Surprisingly, they didn't come with a catchy name like jelly roll, or charm pack.  They are just called Six Inch Designer Rolls.  Yes - they are 6 inches wide so there are all kinds of ways to use them - including applique.  And - they are all Kaffe Fassett prints, grouped into 3 different bundles:  fire, water and earth.  Yum!

 

It seems as if lots of us have been spending these rainy days at our sewing machines.  There are many projects to see...

We've been inspired to update some shop favorite patterns with new fabric.  We made a new Tahoe tote and Birdie Sling as well as a new pattern called the Lucille bag.

A customer brought in her "Mondo" bags and I fell for them.  I have ordered the pattern and soon will have to make one.

It was also time for some updated cuteness around the shop.  First, a new patchwork twirly skirt...

...and then we needed a new sundress for the small (headless) girl that lives in the shop, Natasha.  The dress is made from one of the reversible patterns from Olive Ann Designs, and includes a pattern for a matching doll dress.

Of course, of course - there are new quilts too.

First, that shop favorite pattern, Sidelights, in some pretty unique fabric.  We used this fishy print for the panel piece...

and finished it off.

Wendy madethe quilt below for her daughter's wedding.  It will not be a wedding present but rather it will be used for the bride and groom to wrap themselves in between outdoor photos this coming weekend at their wedding.  I bet it makes it into one of the pictures...

Jessica finished her "web"  quilt - such a happy, scrappy sight.

That's it for now.  Sew on!

Generousity

Today was donation day sewing at the shop and I was struck by this image.  There was something about her red sweater and the really lovely black featherweight with the gold embellishment that caught my eye.  What they were sewing was also really impressive. They finished this top...

 

 

 

 

And made great progress on another.  These quilts will go to kids who graduate from the independent living program.  When they graduate they will move from being cared for by a loving foster family to starting their lives as independent young adults. If you would like to help, call the shop or check the calendar for the next donation day.  Big, big thanks to Kelly for organizing and leading this effort!

So Many New Things

So many new fabrics have arrived in the last few weeks while I was focused elsewhere that it is going to take a little bit to catch up.  And may I say (once again) that we are so lucky to have as much variety as we do in our fabric choices today. 

 

While I was checking in the new batch that arrived Tuesday I contemplated what pattern I would chose for each group.  If only I could actually get all these done.  The fabrics above is called Caimen and comes from the house designers at Westminster.  I think it is just screaming to be used in one of our favorite patterns - Sidelights.  I'm leaning towards the purples,...

 

The next box revealed Cosmos by Dan Bennett also from Westminster.  I find this reall interesting and think that the border print would look great in the pattern TV Dinners.  Really, we may have to make this.

As if that wasn't enough goodness for one day in the last box we found Verona from Riley Blake.

So, so pretty, but I couldn't choose between these two patterns to feature this collection.  What would you do?

FYI - The next class schedule is in the chaos stage....

but I'm confident I will pull it all together!  A sneak peek...

New Year News

Here's hoping your 2012 is off to a good start. We went to the coast last weekend where I started getting to know my new "grown-up" camera.  It was fun to play with the settings for action shots.  This is the first picture I've taken of my dog running amok on the beach that wasn't completely blurry. 

At the shop the new year is also off to a good start.  We received the first line from a brand new fabric company, Dear Stella. 

I don't know if it is a phase but I am more attracted to neutrals than I have ever been.  Maybe it is because the prints are so interesting but as soon as this collection arrived we decided to see what would happen with the fabrics above and this new pattern from the Modern Quilt Workshop

It's cut and the piecing has begun.  Stay tuned...

And if you are looking for creamy soft cuteness, then this one from Alexander Henry is one you may want to take a look at.

Apparently, I'm not the only one who is feeling inspired by neutrals lately. Susan brought in her latest project to show, and it is just lovely.

 Cheers!

Stress Break

I don't know about you but I hear a lot of people talking about being stressed by too much to do right now, what with the holidays just around the corner.  I confess being a bit overwhelmed myself but then this (Half Moon Modern by Moda)arrived today...

...and it made be stop, take a break and ponder the possibilites and the distraction made me forget about the "to do" list for a minute.  Yesterday, we took a break from the regular duties around here and started a new shop project that involves this...

...and one of these new patterns.

It's going to be good....  These patterns are by Caroly Friedlander and I want to make them all.  She was one of the new pattern makers at the market and I hope she keeps up the good work.  Other new pattern makers are the Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr duo.  You may already be familiar with their books.  In addition to another new book due out any day they are venturing into patterns...

...and a "magazine", although it works a little differently than a magazine.  The back issues will be available indefinitely instead of off the shelves when the new issue comes out.   In addition to 3 new patterns each issue will feature The Cutting Table, where the authors will present their thoughts on basic design and mixing fabric lines, and Palette Chasing, where you will be guided to find color inspiration.  The first issue is here...

There are a couple of other new lines to the shop - Echo by Lotta Jansdotter...

and "Spring Rain" from Clothworks.

Last weekend, instead of baking holiday cookies I entertained myself by making a bag from a pattern I've been wanting to try out for a long time.  The pattern, Sausilito, uses 6 fat quarters and goes together easily.  I used some Amy Butler and Alexander Henry to make this...

Did I ever show you the completed quilt from Tina Givens line?  This ought to speak to the "boho chic" amongst us.

On a side note, I learned a lesson the other day.  I've been very bah humbug about the holidays (I think because neither of the boys can come home this year) and almost didn't go to the annual holiday get together of all the ladies I see at the gym everyday.  I went and boy am I glad I did.  These ladies who I exercise with at 6:00 am all have the kinds of jobs you have to wear skirts or slacks and grown up shoes to, you know - managers, nurses, administrators, doctors, caseworkers, teachers, etc. What do you think such a bunch of early rising hard working ladies do when they get together in the evening - discuss politics? social problems and solutions?  Oh #%*@ no!  They eat and drink and steal each other's gifts and.... cuss.  We sounded like...  well, I don't know what we sounded like but it wasn't pretty -  and I haven't laughed that much in a long time.  I am so glad I didn't stay home and wallow.

 

Holiday-ish

I'm starting to feel a little holiday-ish, thanks to Wendy and Barbara.  They brought in their Halloween quilts last week to show and I was wowed.  It made me want to get a costume or a goblin or something.  Barbara had her way with pinwheels from Halloween fabric... 

 

And Wendy made her own version of haunted houses.

Yep, in each of the houses there is something or someone special in the window.

And if that weren't cool enough, Barbara (maker of the pinwheel quilt above) did some special quilting on Wendy's quilt to make it the total Halloween package.

I want to go to these ladies' sewing day.  They are having just too much fun to keep it to themselves, don't you think?

One Pattern - Multiple Personalities

That "other" holiday is sneaking up on us and many of us are getting inspired to make gifts or something festive for your home.  I have been a big fan of the Anna Banana tablerunner pattern from Pink Chalk Studio - made it several times.  I wanted to use it again for a holiday runner but couldn't make up my mind about which fabrics to use so.....  we made them all.

First is the serious grown-up one...

Then came a "folksy" one...

Then a quirky one (my personal favorite)...

Next some lovely placemats...

and finally some downright silly placemats...

OK - it's proven.  This pattern stands up to any style.  We have lots of patterns in stock so if you are inspired to whip one up, come check them out in person.  It is a pretty simple and quick pattern.

I'm taking pictures of all the new fabric that arrived this past week and will get it up just as soon as I can.  Stay tuned,

 

Batting Report

In the last post (scroll down if you missed it) I introduced a bamboo/silk/tencel/cotton blend Dream Orient batting that is new to the shop.  The test quilt is finished and has been washed and dried.  The quilt seems a little lighter than the cotton batting I usually use and is really soft and drapey (is that a word?).  The overall shrinkage from washing is drying gives the perfect amount of  scrunchiness  (is that a word?) as seen in the 2nd picture below of the quilt back.  You'll have to come in and check it out for yourself - if I don't take it home to get cozy with on movie nights this fall...

 

Oh, by the way - in case you missed it the first time I talked about this pattern, it is called Gimme Diamonds and includes directions for multiple sizes (yea). 

Warning, warning, warning...

Major cuteness alert!

Below are some super cute little jacket/pants sets we made at the shop from Jackie Clark patterns.  An added bonus - the jackets are reversible!  They are so sweet it almost makes your teeth hurt, don't you think?  Just couldn't help ourselves, had to do it.

I warned you.  If you have room for more sweetness, you might enjoy the new collection from Moda called Little Apples.

Hmmm... these prints would be great for the jacket and top too.  (Somebody stop me...)

On another note, I'm looking for part-time help at the shop.  Interested?  Send me an email. 

Getting it done...

We planned for a long time to have our house painted this summer and I've been contemplating the color choice for a long long time.  Many months ago, I painted the top five choices on the house by the door we use the most to come and go.  I asked everyone who visited us ifor their opinions.  I stared at the samples in sun, clouds, rain and even the dark (why, I don't know).  I was lost in the decision.  Last week the painter started calling to warn us that we were coming up on his schedule and he would need to buy the paint soon.  I avoided his calls a few times, but Saturday morning he showed up saying he was on his way to the paint store and he had to know NOW.  Realizing that  I couldn't just take my seam ripper to it and fix it if I made a bad choice - I waited anxiously to see ...

Before - the too sunny lemon yellow

After - the "warm" gray that would blend into the surrounding trees more...

Whew - I'm glad that decision is over. A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the ridiculous amount of time I spent selecting a group of fabrics for a new shop quilt.  Below is what we did with that bunch of beauties.  The pattern is called Gimme Diamonds and went together very well.  It is one of those smart patterns that includes directions for multiple sizes. 

Warning - following is just a little tease.  We don't actually have the fabrics we used to make the quilt below, but we will in the next few weeks sometimes.  It is a line called Terrain from Moda and the pattern is Off the Rail from Jaybird.  Delightful, don't you think?

Have you seen the sample Tracy made for our new applique block of the month we will be starting soon?  We will be using the Lollypop pattern from Kim McLean.  Stop by for details if you want to join us - it is going to be a bunch of fun.

Another new quilt for the shop is this fall colored one.  It is simple, modern and stunning.  The pattern is from Modern Quilt Relish and Lisa did an outstanding job of quilting this one!

Let's see, what else did we make recently?  Oh yes - a new Birdie Sling from brand new fabrics from Westminster called Misaki...

And Tatiana (the headless wire girl that lives at the front of the shop) has a new apron and tote bag from the Downtown fabrics...

There is lots going on this weekend in Eugene - hope you all get out and about to play.  G and I and the mutts are headed to the coast on Sunday for a little R&R.  We haven't been over all summer and I am excited to go.  Speaking of the coast - the "Going Coastal" line finally arrived.  One of our loyal customers, David was taken with the plaid and has already completed a shirt from it!  

Love those crabs! 

Knock, Knock...

Who's there?

Orange.

Orange who?

Orange you glad that orange is "in" again?

I have always been a pretty big fan of orange and am glad that it appears to be popular again.  I HAD to get some of the newest Fiesta ware color shown above.  They call it Marigold - I call it scrumptious. Isn't it lovely on this new fabric from Studio E?

I don't know when orange fell out of favor, I had an orange paisley dress and a truly orange bedspread in my room when I was in high school, but after that I can only recall "rust" in my life.  Don't get me wrong, rust is lovely but it is not ORANGE.  Orange has made a comeback - orange orange, yellow orange, red orange and brown orange - it's all here and it is playing nicely with other colors...

Joel Dewberry's new collection, Heirloom, includes an orange/aqua/yellow colorway that is very nice. As is the other colorway...

Hey all you electronic reader owners - have you seen the patterns to make your own covers?  Books and fabric together?  I don't have one of these devices (yet) but it seems to me that having a book wrapped in fabric is a swell idea. 

We recently received quite a few Cross Weaves from Moda.  If you haven't met them yet, you should introduce yourself - they are worthy of knowing.  They are woven with 2 colors which adds dimension and depth.  They have a textured linen-like look, but with the soft hand of quality quilting cottons.  They are similar to Kaffe Fasset's shot cottons but have a bit more "heft" and a less stretchy.  You can see the two colors, aqua and yellow, in the frayed edge in this picture.

The pictures below do not do them justice but I think can give you an idea of what they are like, but really you should try to get a look at them in person. 

Hey - how did that marigold bowl get in there....  Hmmm, I wonder if this fabric would be a good candidate for frayed edge table napkins.  I'm going to have to give that a try - but not right this minute.  I gotta go finish the class schedule.  Focus!

 

Too much inspiration?

Is it possible to be too inspired?  There are so many things I want to get made up for the shop that I can't focus.  Most of the projects-to-be are inspired by the recent trip to the quilt market.  Of course there was the fabric, but there were also many new patterns that intrigued me - and I want to make them all and I want to do it right now.  I am not so good with patience.... Here are a few highlights of what is lurking around on my "to do" list...

I want to make one or both of Jaybird Quilts new patterns:

I want to make several samples from Olive Ann Designs. This mother/daughter design team from Portland creates super-cute clothes and fun stuff for kids like this Easy Curves pattern

Many of their patterns include directions for making doll dresses to match the "big girl" dress and several are reversible.  How smart is that?  It just may work out for the ladies from Olive Ann to visit us in person this fall and teach a class on this easy curves dress.  We'll see...

I want to make several quilts from patterns designed to use fat quarters from A Quilter's Dream and Grizzly Gulch like...

Or maybe a bag made entirely from fat quarters...

And don't even get me started with all that I want to make from Modern Quilt Relish.  The only question is which one will I do first?

 

There are THREE new bags from Pink Sand Beach calling my name... And then there is the fabric.  Recent new additions are:

These may look like ordinary solid fabrics here but you have to feel them.  These are some very fine wale corduroy fabrics and oooohhhh so soft.  I will be taking home a sample soon to wash and dry - I expect they will become even more lovely.  Of course they would make wonderful clothing but I am also thinking they would be a flannel alternative for baby quilt backs, burp rags, bibs, etc.  They are that soft!

New from Tula Pink is her Prince Charming line - and yes it includes images of frogs...

There is also a happy new collection from Erin McMorris called Somersault...

And  from Kaufman comes the folksy "Appleville".  The main print features fun scenes like these:

and comes with a couple of companions...

And if you are in the farmyard frame of mind, perhaps this Moda print?

 

My head is spinning with ideas and things to make.  I think that in order to avoid spinning out of control it is time to  take a break.  Late next week the hubby and I are off on a spring road trip!  We've never been to Zion, Bryce or the Canyonlands Parks so that's it - we're going.  I can't wait.  There is nothing like walking in the fresh air through what I hear is absolutely breathtaking scenery to help slow things down a bit and re-center. 

 

 

 

 

Projects be done...

I'd like to say that it was intentional and carefully planned that several shop projects were finished in the last week (or so) but it would be a lie.  It is just random, or maybe magic, that the following are finished.

Houses!

I love this quilt made from the House pattern by Cheri House.  I find it kind of mesmerizing.  It would look amazing in my entry way, so if you want to see it drop by my house.  Just kidding - it is at the shop and it is worth a look.  Especially nice is the quilting that looks to me like wind blowing through the neighborhood. 

Speaking of wind....  what is missing in this picture?

Where is my sign?  The windstorm on Sunday took it right off the building and turned it into a kind of rigid flying magic carpet.  It is grounded in my office and will be re-installed soon.  That was some wind we had, huh?  I wish we had a video to chuckle over of me racing around the parking lot Sunday afternoon trying to collect all of the empty cardboard fabric bolts that had escaped from the recycling bins in the wind.  It was quite comical.  Note to self...  wait until the rain soaks them, they don't blow as far away when soggy.

Also done this week...

Shadowbox - a good name for this quilt, don't you think?  This is not a color pallette I have worked with before but I really like it.  I'm glad I gave it a try.

Poor Tatiana, apparantly her mother never taught her about the dangers of mixing plaids and stripes.  Never mind, check out her awesome messenger style bag.  This new pattern by Indygo Junction also features a version with a shorter shoulder bag style handle.  Wait - what is that on the bag.   Is it...

 

a BUTTON?????

Yes, two of them in fact, stacked on top of each other.  The first shipment of buttons have arrived at Pice by Piece and I am a little embarressed at how exciting that is to me. Perhaps I need to get out more....?

Which is exactly what is going to happen in June.  G and I are planning a ROAD TRIP vacation!  I love a good road trip - books on tape - awesome scenery - peanut M&M's....  We are still planning but for sure it will include a Cirque du Soleil performance and national parks.

There are a couple of new books in that are full of fun projects.  For all of you fans of the apron, take a look at this book that has patterns for 12 different aprons to make.

 

New from Oliver & S is...

This book has a variety of things to make for little ones, including...

a puppet theater to hang in a doorway!

Simple quilt with interesting intersecting color scheme.

and an apron for the messier things in life.

And two finished projects by customers.  Maxine did a great job "interpreting" a scene from her real life.  This picture does not do this enough justice - it is impresseive.

And Lindi is having a good time with her daughter and the dollies.

See you soon -