Pieces

Market - Part 2

The quilt market is not just about quilts anymore.  These days there are numerous displays of bags, clothes and anything else you can make out of cotton fabric.  The booths themselves are a sight to behold.  In fact, there is a competition within the market for best booth displays.  It's a bunch of fun. 

I may just have to take up garment sewing again after seeing these...

... And for kids...

There were several displays that featured chair seats covered in fabulous fabrics.  The Alexander Henry booth went all out with that theme.

There is nothing like a pillow to display your colleciton of fabrics.

As for the booths, looky here.  Do you recognize her?  This is Eugene's own Sheila Sinclair Snyder doing a demonstration and book signing. 

 

 

Twice during the market, I heard the words decoupage and Mod Podge.  In fact, there is a new book out about using the 10 different kinds of Mod Podge to create decoupage creations.  I remeber (yes, I am that old) getting together with friends in my early teens and using this stuff  with pictures from magazines.  I have to say though that nothing like what you see here ever came from our little craft sessions.  This decoupaged jaguar from the Anna Maria Horner booth won a prize.  It was pretty awesome.

 

 

Market Hangover

It's Wednesday and I'm feeling more like myself today.  My quilt market "hangover" lasted two days this time.  There is so much to see that it takes a while to process it all.  Since I got back Sunday night I've been in a fog - but today, the fog is lifting and I'm feeling on the road to recovery from the quilt market frenzy.

Color Trends

I like to go to the Kathy Miller's (from Michael Miller fabrics) presentation on color trends - and apparently so do a lot of other people.  I could not get a decent picture of Kathy Miller presenting as there were just too many people in front of me. But, she had giant color boards made up of what she thought was happening now with color and what was coming up in the near future.

Kathy makes it her business to know what is happening with color trends so her talk is always interesting.  She commented on how everyone is talking about color these days in more detail than ever before - like her weatherman using the word "tangerine" to describe a color.  She looks to what is happening in fashion to predict fabric color trends and thinks that...

• the citron color so popular now will gradually turn more true green
• olive green and loden green are on the rise
• kelly green is going to be hot, especially combined with peacock blues
• burgundy will be back
• bright yellow will turn more ochre
• oranges will go towards rust more
• oranges and pink will continue to play together
• warm grays will continue to be a popular neutral
• more pastels, especially lavender, are coming

Who knows if she is right, but it is fun to think about.  I don't know about you, but I have never met a color I didn't like and I welcome as many variations in print and color in fabric as can be.  Bring it on...

Before we leave Michael Miller fabrics, guess what their theme was this year.  They always do a big theme display with their booth.

Of course there were many impressive sights other than fabric swatches.  The display quilts were awesome.  Of special note this year was the quilting on the display quilts.  I don't remember that in previous years the actual quilting was as much of the design as it was this year.  Below are some of the quilts that just caught my eye for various reasons, in no particular order.

 

There were so many more but a person can only remember to take so many pictures.  In the next post, I'll include pictures of bags, clothes, etc. that found their way into my camera. 

One other thing about my market trip. For those of you who know me you know I have another obsession besides fabric...

I discovered this place on my walk from the hotel to the convention center on the first day.  Can you believe the size of this store?  I was so excited. Would you believe that EVERY time I walked by there in the next 3 days it was either before they opened or after they closed.  Drat!

 

Summer Quilts

It sounds like we are heading into some nice weather, perfect for... a picnic, a nap, a book or an IPad out in the sun on a fun summer quilt.  This pattern is called Surrounded and as you can see using lots of different bright fabrics makes it one happy quilt.  Oh - and can you see the binding?  I am proud and embarrassed at the same time to say that this is the first time in my decades of quilting that I have used bias binding.  Normally, I'm not a bias binding type of girl but the big check was just screaming to be cut that way and it is perfect.

We finished the other summer quilt we were working on in the shop too.  This one makes me think of popsicles....

This pattern is Gimme Diamonds and if you are in the shop take a look at it in person.  The striped sashing really adds a lively touch that I'm not sure comes through in the photo.

We received a bunch of really great new fabrics.  First up is a re-release of Amy Butler's first collection, Gypsy Caravan.  I usually don't look too hard at re-releases but the shop wasn't even open yet when this was first out and I've always liked it.

In the same delivery was this stunning fabric from Valori Wells, and some friends from he cocoon line.

It's all about London right now with the upcoming Olympics and Dear Stella sent some pretty fun prints to celebrate.

And a more Town and Country look in gorgeous autumn colors...  (love the squirrels!)

 

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there.  I hope you have a wonderful day!  My mom is going to get these snack napkins made by her favorite daughter (sorry to break the news to you, sister dear). Mom, if you see this before you get these, you will still be surprised by what comes with them...(my mom loves suspense)

 

Books and Tools

So many new tools come across my radar screen that I barely notice them - there are just so many.  Recently a few people told me about these clips called "wonder clips". 

At first, I wasn't very interested.  I thought they sounded like just another new new thing.  But, I gave them a try on a binding.  And...I'm impressed.  They hold everything in the right place and there are no pin pricks.

They are curved on top and flat on the bottom for easy feeding by the presser foot and they won't leave holes in laminates and vinyls as pins do.  I will have to have some in my sewing box at home.

New Books

We have several new books in that are getting my attention.  First up is Denyse Schmidt's newest...

She has a reputation for being able to reinterpret tradition to make fresh funcitonal quilts that give a nod to times gone by while embracing today.  In this book she realizes a dream to create more faithful, formally traditional renditions of her favorite designs. 

This book is not just a collection of pretty pictures.  There are good instructions and lots of technical guidance.

Next on the tour of new books is Quilting Modern byJacquie Gering and Katie Pedersen.  Unlike the book above that builds on tradition, the authors of this book wanted to share their enthusiasm for improvisational quilting - which to them means creating in the moment and reacting to ideas. 

This is also not just a pretty picture book.  There is a comprehensive chapter about tools, preparing fabric, seam allowances and just about eveything else that you need to know to get going.  Their illustrations are clear and the quilts are lovely.

If  you are a fan of Tula Pink's fabrics and patterns you are bound to like her book

She has a style all her own.  In addition to a chapter on the tools and techniques of quilting she includes a peek into the fabric design process which is really interesting.  And then, of course, there are instructions for the unique collection of quilts presented in this book - and (my favorite) real photos to illustrate.

Last but not least, is a fun little book about bed runners.  I was only vaguely familiar with the idea of bed runners before this book but I have to say, it is a good one.  A bed runner quilt is a narrow quilt that drapes over the end of the bed adding a focal point.  Not only are they more manageable to make, you could change them out with the season or your mood. 

Hmmm - a warm evening on the deck with a new book..... bliss.

 

Solid

We love our solids.  At any given time we have about 115 different colors in our solids department, and we will continue to add more.  Mostly we carry the Robert Kaufman Kona Cottons but we have started to add Moda's Bella solids when we find colors that we just must have.  In June, Kaufman is adding 28 new colors to their collection which will then total 243 - wow!  Of course, I have my eye on some of the new colors so watch for them this summer.  FYI - We have started bundling fat quarters in color groups so you can have a nice range of options in your stash at home.  As an aside - does anyone besides me think of Linc and Pete from Mod Squad when they hear the word "solid"?  (Yes, I was a BIG fan of the show.)

Spring Apron

Yes - those are rubber boots on the apron, yes they are in duck colors and yes, there is a companion print that will tickle you...

Check out this new one called Velocity.

I do like the motor scooter/bike print but I love the buildings.  I think they would be an interesting addition to a "scrappy" quilt. 

Progress Update....  the "summer" quilts are coming along.  This one is being quilted at the shop right now

and the second one is mostly pieced (thanks to my obsession with this season's The Voice, which turns out to be a great show to sew by) and some of the ladies working on the Lollypop applique block of the month are making amazing progress...

A Few Random Bits...

• Please don't forget about our auction.  This is an opportunity for you to purchase some really nice quilts and bags at a great price and contribute to FOOD for Lane County at the same time.  You can see all the quilts and bags in person at the shop.

• The Safari starts this Friday 4/27 and runs through May 5th.  Load up the car with your buddies and visit some unique shops up and down our valley.

• The Eugene Marathon is this Sunday.  I know that has nothing to do with fabric and such but I am a fan and it is good for Eugene.

• Notice the tulips?  They amaze me.  My mother-in-law lives in Holland and sends me bulbs every year for my fall birthday.  It just blows me away that those funny looking lumps of matter grow into such vibrant flowers.  But, they don't last long so you have to keep your eye on them.  The first picture below was taken on Sunday, the second picture on Monday.  (PS - I am having a good time learning all about my first "grown-up" camera....)

 

 

While We Wait...

...for the skies to clear and the air to warm, why not get in the mood?  We started a new quilt project today that I hope says "summer".  So far, it looks like this

I couldn't make up my mind between what is happening in the picture above and doing something with the bundle below - so I think we will just have to do both.  What do you think, are you feeling a summer vibe from these?

There are two more shop samples to catch up on.  The first involves a really uniqe border print and a pattern from the ladies at Modern Quilt Relish.  The border print has an edge in orange on one side and teal on the other.  We also have the same print in a purple,aqua,blue colorway.  This photo does not do it justice - come see in person.

And there is the onion bag...

If you've been in the shop lately you may have noticed that we added guards to the rulers we use at the counter.  A few weeks ago I posted a picture of Tracy's unfortunate encounter with the blade of the rotary cutter while cutting.  Truth is, she isn't the first one of us to have a close encounter at the counter.  I did it a couple of years ago too.  So, seemed like it was a good idea to add these guards. 

I was resistant to the idea at first because I thought they would visually interfere with accurate cutting - they don't. And it turns out there is a surprise advantage to the guards - they are really handy to grab, making the rulers easier to move around. We have them in stock if you want to give yourself a little extra protection.

Reminder - we will be closed on Easter Sunday.  Enjoy your day.

 

"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!

What are you reading?

Do you follow a lot of blogs or have just a few favorites?  I plan to update my list of blogs and would love to know what fabric related blogs are your favorites.  Comment to this post or send me an email about your favorites and I'll check them out and update the blog list here.  

 

Petal power! Mrs. P created this beauty.  It is so fresh and springy and would really cheer up a room.  Wouldn't it be lovely to sleep under this bed of petals especially during this season of pouring rain.   It will stop raining someday, but in the meantime there is some sewing going on. Here's a look at some of the projects that have been keeping people busy lately.

Nice bag, Betty. 

Paula has been working hard on this scrappy improvised sampler quilt.
  Some very lucky person is going to receive this as a gift.  I really like the feel of this quilt.

Speaking of gifts, Sarah made these for baby shower gifts.  SO cute.

At the shop, we finished this baby quilt made from the Leftovers pattern from Modern Quilt Relish.

What are you sewing during these rainy rainy days?  Bring it in and show us...  We love to see what is going on.

 

Extra Wide

Regularly people ask why Piece by Piece doesn't have extra wide fabrics that can be used for backs of quilts.  The reason is that I don't find many that I think work well with the contemporary colors and designs of the fabrics in the shop. But, maybe that is changing.

These lovely dots arrived today and I'm hoping it is a sign of things to come, that we will see more extra wide fabrics we can love.  These are 108" wide so that means no seams (yeah) for most quilts and it is more econimical than buying the yardage needed for a large back from regular fabrics (yeah, again). 

We finished a new shop sample this week.  The pattern is Boardwalk from Fun Quilts and the fabric comes from Dear Stella's Palladium collection. 

I really like this soft yellow and gray pallette, it is soothing.  We have more of this fabric on the way and will have some kits put together to grab and make your own.

Fly Away....

Hey folks, it is no joke.  Rotary cutters are sharp, really sharp. They cut fabric beautifully and without them our craft would be much more difficult  - but don't ever take them for granted.

OUCH!

Even experienced sewists can have an accident and it hurts. I'm so sorry Tracy that things were off for you today for that brief second.  I'm glad it wasn't more serious and that you will be using your pointer finger again soon. In the meantime, I'm pretty sure you can't cook, clean, grocery shop, wash clothes or vacuum or pay bills.  Let this be a lesson to all of us....

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!