Donna Ragone from Piece By Piece Creations pass this along to me.  I thought it was wonderful enough to share with you.

OH WHAT A DIFFERENCE FABRICS MAKE!

How many of us pick up a quilting pattern, look at it, and put it down immediately because the fabric colors in the photo may not be “our thing”?  We never even take the time to look at the design itself and try to imagine what it would look like with the fabrics WE love.

If you are familiar with my patterns, then you know I just love the bright colors!  After doing several trunk shows for some local quilt guilds, I realized by the reactions I received when showing my quilts that bright fabrics aren’t for everyone.  So I decided to make some samples to show along with my quilts that would help the quilters visualize MY patterns in THEIR fabrics.

So let me show you what happens when you take one of my patterns and replace those brights with some traditional fabrics.

Now here’s a four-block sample of “It’s Sew Me!” with some traditional fabrics…

Now let’s take a look at “Star Trax”….my bright version and the four-block sample…

Can’t you just imagine the entire quilt with the calm, quiet colors of the small sample?

All it takes is a bit of practice in looking past the colors of the fabrics used and instead at the DESIGN of the pattern itself.  So I’ll give you a bit more practice!…..

Block Tie Affair….

And even Shake, Rattle & Sew!

So next time you look at a pattern, remember what a difference fabrics make!

Thanks Donna for that submission.  I know would love to see some of those 4 blocks in a full quilt sometime!  Hmm, maybe I should make one myself…..I need to practice more!!!

Until next time-

Kari

Sharon Williams of Briarwood Cottage has some pretty interesting events coming up.  In the January issue of “Quilts” Magazine, there is a very nice article that spotlights Brenda and Sharon.  Also, Harris Publishing interviewed them at this fall’s Quilt Market.  Then at the end of January, Brenda and Sharon are going to be attending the Heritage Quilt and Needle Art Associations annual retreat in Utah.  They will be teaching 2 different classes from their designs in the “Christmas at the Cottage” book.  They are also working on their 4th book which we hope will be ready for Spring Market. 

If you ask me, these two ladies have a lot on their plates for this month and it is already half over.  I don’t know about you, but the days seem to be getting shorter and shorter.  I hardly have time to keep up with all of the good things happening to our wonderful friends. 

Sharon and Brenda, to you I say, congratulations on these wonderful events and good luck on the new book.  Keep up the good work.  I’m sure it will have some really great new patterns.  I can’t wait to see them.

Hope everyone is well.

Kari

Hi again. I received the following information about one of the industries leading designers. Kaye Wood, hostess of Kaye’s Quilting Friends TV Show, is completing her 40th TV Series. Kaye has brought 520 inspirational programs to you in the past 20 years, and if you ask me, that is great. Her new series will be available for viewing starting February 11, 2007 on PBS stations throughout America.

Her 40th series includes:

Strip-piecing techniques by Kaye Wood
Sewing tips for the MC11000 by Annie Moody, Janome America
Sassy Bag by Joan Hawley
Piecing Techniques by Charlotte Angotti
Rings and Things Quilt by Carolyn Griffin
Chenille Quilts by Amy Whalen Helmkamp
Quilted Bargello Jacket by Nanette Weaver
Paper Piecing by Lisa Marie Amabile
Quilt as You Go by Linda Sherony
Scrap Happy by Lyn Steinmetz
And much more

Call your local stations for dates and times. The new 2200 series will also be airing. If you would like more information, please contact Kathleen Patchin at Kaye Wood, Inc. (800) 248-5292 or email her at kathleen@kayewood.com

As always, please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Until next time, Happy Quilting

Kari

  I’m back, well sort of and this is my first blog for QuiltersShowcase.com.  For those that don’t know me, my name is Kari and I used to work for QuiltersWarehouse.com.  Unfortunately, my career took me into another direction, but I still try to keep up on the tips and techniques that I was taught about sewing while I was there.

When I first started working for QuiltersWarehouse.com, I didn’t know a thing about sewing, quilting, or anything regarding this past time.  But thanks to Suzanne and the ladies at PrairielandQuilts.com, I was able to start sewing and actually completed a very simple beginners quilt top.  Since then I have made a couple small blankets for my nephew and niece and a handful of scarves for my family.  I will forever be grateful to them at Prairieland Quilts for all they have taught me.

So, when I was approached to write for this site, I jumped at the chance.  I hope to have some interesting information to provide, some new patterns to share, and just general information about shows and retreats.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask, I will do my best to have them answered by the professionals in the industry.  Maybe we can even get a couple of them to do a guest blog about what they are working on and their new products.

Until next time, keep up the quilting and have a great day.

Kari

There’s a needle arts party going on at the TNNA Preview Promenade! Wait until you see all the items that are debuting in the preview.

The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) hosts another spectacular trade show for the needle arts beginning late next week. As a lead-up to that show, the Designers & Teachers of The National Needlework Association have put together a ‘Preview Promenade’ to give the attendees (and the rest of us) an advance look at each of their new creations.

Here’s more from the TNNA Preview Promenade:
‘We know you are busy, so we hope by providing a central point for you to “see the pre-show” it will be possible for you to stop by as you wander the web and find out about some of the “new stuff” both products & services that will be on display.’

About TNNA:
 

January 13 – 15, 2007, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California
The largest show of its kind, TNNA houses the most unique and creative designs in needlepoint, spectacular colors and fibers in handknitting yarns, diverse selections of embroidery, crochet and counted thread supplies and needleart accessories.

Some items from our vendors at Quilter’s Warehouse will be on display at the show.  The new book Bold Bags from Lazy Girl Designs will debut to the needle arts industry at the show, but you saw it here on our blog a while ago!

TNNA’s website hosts some fantastic information not to be missed by anyone interesting in needle arts.

‘Kudos’ to the Designers & Teachers of The National Needlework Association for organizing and sharing this fabulous preview with all of us!

John

Thanks to Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs for spreading the word!

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New Quilting patterns introduced at Quilterswarehouse.com this week include:

Our Prayer from Legacy
Tic Tac Table Topper from Carolyn’s Creative Designs
Aunt Maggie’s Tulips from Brandywine Design
Tuscan Sunset from Bloom Creek Designs
Grannies Sweethearts from Of One Mind
All Snowed In from Prairie Grove Peddler
Christmas Gone Crazy from The Quilted Cardinal
Line Dancin’ from MH Designs
Potluck from Make It Easy
Snowman Gift Card Holder from The Quilted Rabbit