What I'm Working on Wednesday

New fabrics for my shop.

I especially love this pattern. It's one of that I created for my next commercial collection for Moda, but this one is obviously hand patterned and dyed and each hexagon is larger in scale than it will be in the commercial version.
I'm also working on new color ways for existing patterns like this one:

And new lengths for a few much loved patterns.

Due to a custom order, I recently ordered some blank yardage that 60" wide instead of the traditional 44" wide and am wondering if other folks would be interested in single yard pieces that are extra wide? Feel free to pipe in here and give me some feedback.
I  haven't forgotten about my monthly pattern and am making good progress on my Klee's Trees quilt. Hopefully I'll have the remaining 8 blocks done by week's end and will be ready to start writing the pattern as well quilting the top.
In the meantime, here's a progress shot to give you a hint of how it's coming together.

I know there are different schools of thought about whether you should post images of work in progress, especially when it has a commercial purpose, but I'm only human and I get excited about what I'm working on and I want to share that excitement.
I don't think that diminishes other people's interest in making the quilt when the pattern becomes available, do you?

If I could give the world a coke...

Remember that commercial? The premise was that if we could all share a coke and smile together then the world would live in peace and harmony.
Well, I'm a little skeptical about that regarding coke, what with it being filled with sugar and just generally bad for you, but, based on the enthusiasm and number of comments you all left for the giveaway fabric, I think fabric might be the way to bring us all together.

So, on that note, i'm announcing the winner of the fat quarter bundle:

 Maureeneh said...

What wonderful Fabrics-I'd love to Win them

Yay!

Maureeneh, please email me at malka@stitchindye.com with your address and I'll get that bundle in the mail to you.

Wasn't thinking and writing about fabric fun?

Let's do some more.

Yesterday, I sent off the designs for my next fabric collection. I have been working and thinking and working and thinking about these fabrics for quite a while. I'm very happy with this group, but having finished, I'm also strangely feeling a little empty. Not that I don't have plenty of work that I've put on the back burner to finish this project, but I think you understand. it takes a day or so once you're done with something big to refocus on the next project.

All that aside though, I am very excited about these fabrics, both as designs and as jumping off points for other designs.

So, I'm sharing a few images I took yesterday. I would have loved to have taken more, but my deadline awaited.

What I'm Working on Wednesday

That title is kind of growing on me. Especially because I have a lot in the works lately.
I'm picking up my quilted Boyfriend Quilt from the long armer today, so look for finished photos of that possibly as soon as Friday and am furiously working on my next collection for Moda Fabrics.
It's that work, dyeing and designing new patterns that has led to these:

New a stitch in dye fabric bundles for sale in my shop.
And these:

Quarter pound scrap bundles are also available.
Both these items are on super limited quantity as right now I'm focused on my new collection, my 12 in 12 quilt project (12 quilt patterns in 12 months, yikes!), and my soon-to-be-released and totally awesome new website (folks, wait until you all see this...so cool).
But, I am excited to be working on new fabric patterns for the shop. It has been a long time since I introduced some new fabrics and new colorways of much beloved patterns.
So, if you're interested, go ahead and grab yourself a bundle or stay tuned to see what's new and next.

Improv Courthouse Steps

I'm in final wrap-up for Quilt market mode which really means scrambling to finish projects before I head out on Friday.
Before things get any crazier though I wanted to share with you my finished Improve Courthouse Steps quilt.

I quilted the entire thing from start to finish yesterday and then finished binding it this morning. I've got a bit of backache which is pretty funny considering I just came back from Colorado where I ran the Barr Trail and around Garden of the Gods, hiked halfway up Pike's Peak and ascended the Manitou Incline...twice. Those didn't seem to bother me, but machine quilting this piece has me taking ibuprofen.
No matter. I'm super happy with the way this quilt turned out and it has sparked loads of new ideas for using the stripes featured in my new collection for Moda, From Outside In.

Mini Quilt Monday meets what I was supposed to blog about last Friday

How's that for a long, un-catchy title? Let's hope my epitaph is a little bit more of an attention grabber.
But, the truth is the truth. I was supposed to blog about new additions to the shop last Friday and instead I was, you know, eating bon-bons.
Ok, maybe not eating bon-bons, but it didn't happen, so I'm going to add(read shove) that into this post.
First though, a mini quilt:

or two:

or maybe even three:

All these are made with Moda Pre-cuts called Honeycombs. They are and I say this as a self-proclaimed expert on the value of sliced bread, the best invention since...well, you know.
I love them so much I plan on carrying them in my store(along with a pattern designed just for them) when they are released in January of 2014.
The one with the circle dyed in its center is one of these:

I patterned a few hexagons by clamping and over dyeing them like I do my Twinkle circles.
Serious excitement ensued when I un-clamped these babies, but, no mention of their relation to the greatness of sliced bread. That's reserved for the hexagons themselves.
I see lots of possibilities with these and that excitement is inspiring all sorts of new ideas with the other pre-cuts as well.
More on that in a future post.

As for what's new in my shop, well I've got a couple of new pieces of fabric patterned with new designs.

And plans to add a bunch of quilts over the next few days. So, if you have a chance, check it out.

From Outside In

That's the name of my new fabric collection for Moda Fabrics and I couldn't be more excited.

I took this super-quick preview shot yesterday after I laid all 33 prints, 6 solids, and 1 cheater cloth print (yes, there's a cheater print in this collection too) out on my dining table. These are just a few and they are all beautiful!
See the one on the very far right? Well I'm washing that one today to prep it for this pattern, but with this modification.
And I'm thinking about re-creating this pillow with the stripes in my new collection.
And I have plans for a quilt that features the prints set against a neutral background. Maybe with some curved piecing for extra, good measure.
I wasn't planning on having today's post be about these fabrics, but when I opened the box(all 78 pounds of it), I got so excited, I knew I would share at least a tidbit about this with you all today.
Now it's back to the projects I was working on and clearing some shelf space for these new beauties.
Have a great weekend!

Something new, but not necessarily blue

I'm working on a new class series for my local and lovely, Stitch Lab, and wanted to present a bit of a teaser for you folks close enough to attend.
The focus of this class series is essentially a block of the month, but rather than present an already established pattern, I've decided to design the blocks myself and for each block to teach a specific, yet simple technique. Also, since I'm a huge fan of the fabric offerings at Stitch Lab, each block will feature a grouping of fabrics available at the Lab.

My first block is constructed out of half-triangle squares and highlights the wonderful and color rich collection of stripes in Kaffe Fasset's collection. I love so many things about these fabrics, their linen-like feel, intensity of color and the way combining them creates secondary and tertiary designs. I love getting more design bang for my piecing buck.
Today's task is to craft the Moda Bella solids I picked out into the second block in the series.
For those of you wondering when all this fun will start, check the July/August schedule when it is published. And, if those months don't work for you, have no fear; I anticipate this being an ongoing offering.

a stitch in color :: preview

Guess what came to my house last Friday? In two BIG boxes. Boxes so heavy I had to get help bringing them in from the porch.
This:

This is my soon-to-be-released fabric line, a stitch in color. People, we're talking 34 different prints and 6 coordinating solids.

Moda Fabrics sent me 5 yards of each solid and print so that I can start making samples for Quilt Market this fall. I'll be there, along with my samples, some of which may be of the wearing variety, to help promote a stitch in color.

I'm also planning to craft several quilts, new designs as well as  remakes of previous designs, and various home dec and accessories all to highlight this beautiful fabric.

For you super-enthusiastic people who will ask me, "Where can I buy these fabrics?" I must respond with, "Hold your presser feet, the fabrics aren't out in stores...yet." They'll preview at Quilt Market in Houston at the end of October and be available in stores and online early in 2012. Until then though, I have been given the go-ahead to preview some of my a stitch in color creations here on my humble, little blog. So, if you want to see what I'm making with this totally fab fabric, check back here, especially this Thursday for my first project.

Any guesses as to what I'll make first? 

Also, can you imagine how fabulous it is for a sewer to have this much fabric delivered in one swoop to her house? Could I possibly be a little fabric inebriated?

I was about to burst...

...but no more because I've been given the green light to tell you all about this:

 

I'm designing a collection of fabrics for Moda fabrics that will preview at Quilt Market in Houston this fall. 

You can't imagine how exciting it is to see a selvedge with your name on it. It's right up there with going to a bookstore and seeing your name on the spine of a book.

Add to that how excited I am about these fabrics. The folks at Moda have done an absolutely amazing job recreating the hand dyed look that my fabrics have because, hey...they're hand dyed. When I opened the box and saw the first set of strike-offs, I declared to my youngest that I may never dye again because I was so happy with the look of these fabrics. That statement made my girl very happy because dyeing fabric takes up a lot of my time. Unfortunately for her, it's not true as I really enjoy the process and it's how I come up with my ideas. Also, I still think there are folks who want the hand dyed original. But, for those of you who like my fabrics but find the price of hand dyes out of your budget, this is the perfect alternative. Hell, it's the perfect alternative for me. You all can't imagine how many times I've wanted to sew a dress for myself out of my hand dyes and been daunted by the task of dyeing 3 yards of fabric. Now, I won't give it a second thought. And, boy do I have plans for everything from giveaways to free projects to kits using these fabrics. 

There will be a lot more about my line, a stitch in color, in the next few months, but I'm so glad I can finally share the news with you and I think one of the biggest treats will be to see what you all make with this fabric. I'm sure you'll wow me with your creativity!

I have been lax...

...in letting you all know about several upcoming events.
First and foremost, though I mentioned last Friday about Bloggers Pillow Party, I failed to detail(with pictures) the amazing prizes. Oh yeah, I vaguely referred to fabric, but did you imagine that fabric meant this:

Yup, 24 Kona Cotton fat quarters, courtesy of Sew Fresh Fabrics. Also, I'll be giving away a stitch in dye bundle of hand dyed and patterned fabric, sort of like this one:

As for upcoming fun, I've created a little icon in the right hand column that links to a listing of all the workshops and talks I'll be giving over the next few months. Add to that my classes at Stitch Lab(also accessible via a handy icon/link) and there's loads of opportunities for you and me to meet and learn together.
For more immediate gratification, check back here tomorrow for my Kaleidoscope Table Topper tutorial and giveaway.

Pot holders, coasters, giveaway...oh my

Finally. I'm back in this space. I had originally planned on posting mid-day, but this has just been one of those days. I won't bore you with the details, but as an example, I dropped off middle daughter to work out, then dropped off littlest at a babysitting job, finally got home, sat down, and then got a call from middle that she was ready to be picked up. I had just barely touched behind to chair when the call came.
Anyway, I'm here and I'm ready to show off my newest pattern and giveaway fabric. So, put your behinds in chairs(not a requirement, just a suggestion) and we'll get started.
First off, check out the cute, little promo image I made for the pattern.

 

I made each letter a different color and I'm not computer savy enough to do that in one fell swoop, so I had to do it one.letter.at.a.time.

Did I mention that this pattern actually teaches you how to make the template piece yourself, using your very own plate that is probably sitting in you cupboard anxiously awaiting some purpose other than holding your strudel? 

Did I also mention that this pattern includes information about exactly which Moda Cross Weave cottons I used to make the sample color wheels?

Did I mention that I'm giving away 2 copies of this pattern to one of you lucky and potentially seated people?

And...and... did I mention that Wendy over at The Fabric Quarter is giving this away?

So, if you'd like a chance to win, sit right down and leave a comment.

I have to go. I'm betting I need to drive/pick-up somebody.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Brr... it is seriously cold here in Texas. 18 degrees this morning. Which apparently felt like 5 degrees. Add to that the State's sudden mandate of rolling blackouts and a forecast of snow at week's end and I'm telling you, this town will shut down. We can handle 112 degrees and drought, but we are powerless before ice, cold, and snow.
I find the temperature change particularly disconcerting considering that on Sunday, at the start of the half marathon, the temperature was 63 degrees and that was at 6:45 in the morning.
I'm not dyeing any fabric today as my dye studio is in my unheated garage and the heat generated from my melting wax pot and my daughter's swim team parka are not enough to protect me form the bitter cold.
What I am doing is writing to you all and announcing the winners of last Friday's Stitch giveaway. The winners were picked randomly by the all-powerful, all-knowing random.org random number generator.
They are:

Linen and Tulle said...I would like to sew clothes, either for myself or for the children. I've been wanting to buy Stitch but haven't had the funds yet. I can't wait to see it either way!

and

piece peace said...I aspire to sew alot this year, but on my immediate agenda is a monochromatic quilt, a quilt along at CHQ and some sassy hair bands for myself (and maybe a backpack for myself, too). Thanks for asking!


If you all would email me your addresses at malka@stitchindye.com, I'll get you your magazines faster than the city can scatter worthless, non-ice melting sand on the roads.

Also, since I never sign off without a pretty picture because for me it's all about the visuals, I'm including an image of some fabric I made back in the day. That would be last Thursday when it was 70 and sunny.

Second Giveaway of the Year

I was going to title this post, "First Giveaway of the Year," but then I realized that I had a giveaway on Monday, January 3 to promote my new pattern, A Wedding Quilt for Joseph and Annie. Well, no matter, because fate has stepped in to make giveaway #1 a segue to giveaway #2.
The purpose of today's giveaway is to introduce you to a new and wonderful sponsor, Marmalade Fabrics. This terrific online store carries many of the cottons you and I have come to love for contemporary quilting and crafting. Even better though, Tammy at Marmalde Fabrics also stocks some harder to come by, but amazingly beautiful fabrics like these organic cottons form Daisy Janie.
Here's where the segue part comes in. By way of introduction to you all, my lovely readers, Tammy is giving away a fabric/pattern treat. The pattern she's giving away is a copy of A Wedding Quilt for Joseph and Annie and 3 of the Kona cotton colors used in my sample version of the pattern. That's the pattern plus 3/4 yard pieces of Kona cotton in Mango and Coral as well as a 1/2 yard piece in Tomato.

 And many of the other colors seen in the sample (sewing circle link, how about that?) are available at Marmalade Fabrics, including Orange, Ash, and Coal.
As they say in the lottery commercials, you can't win if you don't play, so leave a comment and see if today(or tomorrow) is your lucky day. I'll take comments through Sunday at 8:00pm CST and announce the winner on Monday.
Good luck!

Book Preview #2

Today's preview from Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design, and Inspiration can best be described as one of my oldies, but, hopefully, goodies. I first created this improvisationally pieced quilt titled Nate's Quilt for a dear friend's new baby.
The first incarnation looked like this:

 My friend's baby Nate is no longer a baby, but an incredibly cute 3 1/2 year old and since then I have returned to this design numerous times to make pillows,

mini quilts,

 and even larger quilts.

And now I'm proud to share it in my new book.

 What strikes me about this design and makes it a favorite that I turn to again and again is that, despite it's improvisational underpinnings it is essentially repeatable and adaptable to a variety of scales. And, if I can repeat it and adapt it, so can you.

What's more it's not about following exact measurements, but making one block and a second and then adjusting the size of one or both, so they fit together. It's about trusting your eye as you freehand cut strips. It's about loving the off-kilter nature of this design and being confident that you can contain it so it doesn't go completely haywire by focusing on solids and adhering to a few basic parameters of construction.
I listed my essential "rules" for embracing improvisation in a little sidebar titled " Ten Ways to Love Improvisational Piecing".

You can read all about them in this post from Quilting Art's blog, Quilting Daily.
Improvisation, whether it's based on a simple block like this modified log cabin or a complicated block like Double Wedding Ring (yes, you can improvise a Double Wedding Ring), is such a fun way to approach quilt making. It's definitely one of my favorite techniques and that's why I wanted to preview this quilt for you. 

My Favorite Recipe

My favorite recipe calls for 1 part beautiful fabric,



mixed with 1 part easy-to-follow instructions for a beautiful and useful item,



Sprinkle in a wonderful new sponsor,



Top all that with a giveaway of both fabric and pattern as well as a discount code that gives you 15% off each item ordered through October 31 and you've got a treat that will have you loosening your belt and saying, "What the hell, I'll run an extra lap tomorrow."
Pretty tempting recipe, right? Well, I whipped it up in celebration of my new collaboration with The Fabric Quarter as well as the release of my latest sewing pattern, Hex Pot Holders. This wonderful online and bricks and mortar shop has an amazing array of modern, fun fabrics from Robert Kaufman, Moda, Cloud 9, and so much more.
In fact, the fabrics I used for these pot holders:



were chosen from the awesome selection of cottons available at The Fabric Quarter.

To spread the love that is great fabric at a great price and used in a fun and functional pattern, The Fabric Quarter has even created a kit that includes all the fabrics I used in my pot holders, heat-resistant batting, and my Hex Pot Holders pattern.
But wait,( I have long wanted to use this phrase), that's not all. The Fabric Quarter is giving away 3 of these 8, fat quarter(how appropriate is that?) bundles.



They are folded into these amazingly cute stars and topped with a tape measure. The packaging is adorable.
Now I'm regretting having said,"that's not all," already because there's so much more.
The three lucky winners of the fabric stars will also receive a free copy of my Hex Pot Holders Pattern and The Fabric Quarter is offering a 15% discount on all items purchased between now and October 31 to all my readers. All you have to do is include the code POTHOLDERS15 when you checkout.
Forget the recipe metaphor, this is a smorgasbord of good stuff.
So, if you'd like an opportunity to win all you have to do is leave a comment along with your email. The email serves two purposes: 1. I can easily inform you when you are the big winner(s). 2. The Fabric Quarter would like to be able to update you on all their terrific products and sales. Don't worry. Your email won't be offered up to anyone else and you can always unsubscribe if you find you don't enjoy browsing beautiful fabric.

I'll take comments through October 31 and announce the winners on November 1. Good Luck!

Reason # 1,565,232...

...that it's good to have interaction with other crafty people: they often have great suggestions. Take, for example, a recent request by a customer for fabric in a chartreuse/red/white color way.
She specifically asked for a couple patterns in those colors. So, I created this:



and this:



based on her suggestions. But then I also made this:



because I felt that the pattern really lent itself to this color combination.
Now I have three new fabrics to offer both to her as samples and to you as quarter yard pieces.



Which I guess brings me to reason #1,565,233 why it's good to have interaction with other crafty folks: someone to share with.