So, you’ve picked out all your fabrics, drawn a dynamite design and stitched it to perfection. Now what?Our patterns begin with a finished sample. In this case a purse – or a few of them. We like to work on this part first (before getting into the instructions) because it takes weeks to have the covers printed. While those are being printed, then we get into the guts of the pattern.

Let’s start with our newest creation, The ClaudieJo Bag. They were designed by Claudia Atchison and Jody Rosenhauer (hence the name). They’re made using charm squares and each bag is a mini art creation on it’s own. Naming a pattern can be a tricky process in itself. Sometimes you have the name before the sample is started. Other times, it takes hundreds of suggestions to get to the final name.

You need some variety when you have small items like these, plus you really want to show people the many possibilities. The first step is a photo of the sample. No problem, right? Well, not always. The lighting and setting needs to be just right. We tried several different settings – on a cute hall tree, flat on the ground and hung on a wall.

We thought the hall tree set up was great because you could see all of the purses at once. But, it was too busy, the background didn’t work, and you couldn’t see the purses up close……… What about the purse on the wall? Well, we just didn’t like how the handles looked…. So the winner was, the purse photo on the ground (center). We played around with handle positions and got some good shots.The next step in this process is designing the cover of the pattern using our photos. Our next blog will begin that process. Be sure to check back in next week….

Want to know what’s new with us the minute it’s developed? Then sign up now for our email updates.

Amy Cotham & Judy Reynolds
Black Cat Creations

Well if you missed QuiltersWarehouse.com April Fool’s product this year, you have a second chance.  They have decided to keep all their April Fool’s products active year around now.  So you can see all the year’s past products as well as this years ‘short arm QUILTER’

You can view all the QuiltersWarehouse April Fool’s on the web products here.   They are all ficticiously manufactured by a company called AFenterprise and their disclamer at the bottom of the page is worth the read.   Hope you check it out.

Have you seen the quilt patterns from our new designer, Threaded Pear Studio? I absolutely love these patterns. There’s just something about them that strikes my fancy, so I wanted to share them with you. There are far too many great patterns that I want to highlight in this post, but I’ll keep it to a few of my favorites!

Brought to you by designers Stephanie Goudzwaard & Gina Halladay comes Madeline. This quilt is made with fat quarters and the simple design mixed with any color scheme is sure to make it the eye-catcher in any room. Two size options available 50” x 50” or 64” x 78”

Use your favorite fabrics to make this quilt. Modern Day Diamonds can be made with any combination of fabrics, even your favorite scraps! Finished quilt size: 48” x 58”

On Point! is quite possibly one of my favorite patterns. It’s a quick fat quarter quilt that can be whipped up in a matter of days. Finished quilt size: 62” x 82”

Skipping Squares reminds me of one of my favorite quilts of my grandmas. It can be made with fat quarters as well as scraps. Use any of your favorites to put this wonder together. Two size options available: 40” x 50” or 50” x 60”

I hope you have enjoyed these patterns as much as I do! Be sure to check out the whole Afternoon Delight Series. Besides, what better way is there to spend a rainy spring afternoon than putting together one of these quilts!?!In addition to these wonderful patterns, Gina Halladay is also the publisher of a wonderful BLOG called QuiltersBuzz. You should definatly check that out!

Christy

It has come to our attention that AF Enterprises plans on introducing a new product tomorrow. As in most years past, the corporate officials at ‘AF’ are tight lipped about this new product to be sure no other company can duplicate such a creative invention within the quilting industry.

Speculation abounds as this event draws near. Many manufactures are concerned as AF products released in previous years have turned the industry on it’s head. Be sure and visit QuiltersWarehouse.com during this exclusive and prestigious offering on the 1st day of April, 2008

Ever wonder what goes into the creation of a quilt pattern? Think it’s a snap? Well, over the next few weeks, we’ll share that process with you – or at least our process. Each person’s is different.

For us, the creation of a pattern can start with a doodle on graph paper or playing around on a quilt design program. Once inspiration came from a tile floor in a bathroom. Sometimes it’s the fabric that inspires us. The manufacturers today do a great job of creating gorgeous lines of fabrics that just leave us drooling. We have folders of designs that have never made it to the cutting table because they just didn’t work or we were waiting for just the right fabrics to come along. You start cutting and piecing and you know instinctively when something is good and will appeal to other people. Those are the ideas that come to life.

A big part of our inspiration are the quilt shops. Having worked in shops, we know what they need to sell fabric and lots of it. A good pattern can do that for them. They are trying to sell the fabrics put out there by the manufacturers – the same fabric that inspires us. It’s our job to make a product that will not only sell for us, but will also sell fabric for the quilt shops and the manufacturers. We all sort of depend on each other.

And, yes, we design patterns because it’s just fun, but also because we want to put a little money away. It’s been great to do something we love and be able to do it while raising kids and running a household. To be honest, Judy and I just wanted to be able to buy fabric whenever we wanted without dipping into the household stash. I think you can say we’ve accomplished that and more.

Once you have an idea that you think is doable, then comes the fun. Picking fabrics and deciding just how you’re going to put this thing together so that anyone can pick up your pattern and make one just like yours. No problem? Not always. Sometimes a design looks nothing like it’s original concept once your finished. They evolve and take on a life of their own.

Stay tuned. Each week we’ll make a new blog entry that will take you into the actual steps of creating the finished product – a completed pattern.

Amy Cotham & Judy Reynolds

Black Cat Creations

Well, you quilting fans, LOTS to update on since my last post! We have several NEW quilt patterns for you to enjoy, and…have you checked out our Top 20?!?

First up, check out a few of these new quilt patterns!

You will love the child-like aroma that fills the room with this quilt! Drop-Z, brought to you by Noble Needle Quilts is a fun appliquéd alphabet quilt made from 5″ squares. All are sure to love the bright colors and fun learning tool this quilt provides.

Feeling patriotic? You definatley will be after seeing Patriotic Cat! This quilt pattern brought to you from The Wooden Bear, features pieced as well as appliqued work. Finished quilt size 19″ X 22″

Everyone needs The Perfect Pouch. From For the Love of Fabric this convenient pouch will take care of all your storage needs. This pouch can be made in virtually any size with any fabric making it one that you’re sure to love!

Can’t get enough of all of these amazing quilt patterns…Be sure to check out everyone’s favorites on our new Top 20! Your bound to find more than one pattern here that will strike your fancy, I know I’ve found many, and afterall the Top 20 comes directly from you!

Alrighty quilters, these amazing patterns ought to be enough to keep you busy for quite a while! Enjoy!

Christy