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Alchemy of Fabric - Ombre Surprise

Our April Alchemy fabric selection is Gelato from Maywood Studios. This fabric is a beautiful ombre that transitions from dark to light to dark, from selvage to selvage, with tone on tone lines. Photos can't do it justice. 

The rich colors and visual texture make this fabric the perfect blender, but it can also be the star of the show.

We paired Gelato with Kona Cotton in black and white for this Polanco quilt. This pattern puts the focus on the color and how it transitions. Stunning!

This pattern really shines a light on the ombre effect in the fabric. You can achieve the same effect, with other strip friendly patterns like Birch Bark or Flora.

Patterns like Cranberry Chutney and Preppy Pod, that have large pieces of fabric would also be a good choice to showcase the ombre colors. 

Want to show off the ombre without committing to an entire quilt? Try a fat quarter apron.

You can also fussy cut Gelato to feature the exact color, or blend, you want. Prefect for quilts like Arctic Feathers or Himalyan Pink.

Add some of this months companion fabrics and you'll have a great mix to work with for either quilt.

From top left our fabrics are: Heath in Eggplant, Quantum in 8957-O, sold out, Quantum 8960-E, Heath in Berry, French Press 8888-Y1, All Squared Up in Scout, Grid 50403, French Press 8888-B, and Treasure Hunt

Looking for just the right smaller project to show off your fabric? 

What about a Lisa the Unicorn pillow? That mane would be fantastic in Gelato.

An adorable animal stuffie? Any little one would be thrilled to have one of their own to cuddle.

Try Pincushion Party from Jen Kingwell Collective. The four sizes and 15 appliqué designs are ideal for experimenting with color, or getting a quick sewing fix. Plus they are darn cute!

Whatever you choose to do, don't forget to share it with us. Use #stitchinpost on Instagram or tag stitchinpostor on Facebook. 

Alchemy of Fabric March 2019 - Starburst

March's Alchemy of Fabric collection combines bold colors and geometric patterns. The addition of orange and black freshen up the classic red, yellow, and navy color scheme and give the collection a modern feel. The ten companion fabrics draw from the same colors while introducing more pattern and scale to the mix.

The lovely and skilled Fern will be making all our Alchemy of Fabric projects from now on. This month, she chose to use her fat quarters to make two pillows, focusing on the yellow, white and navy fabrics. 

The first pillow is pillow #6 from Val's pattern Jewels for the Home . The finished pillow is 18" x 18" and features an adorable bird applique. Fern used the Navy Metsa Saihke for the front, Sunshine Herringbone for the bird and half the back, and the white woven for the remainder of the back. The hand-stitched feet on the bird add a lot of character to the pillow.

The second pillow was pieced to use the remaining navy, sunshine, and white fabrics with a black Metsa Saihke back. Fern did a fantastic job fussy cutting the navy to feature the diamond design. She also added interest to this pillow by altering the direction of the herringbone print. 

The pillows look so fresh and springlike, it's hard to imagine that we are still struggling through multiple feet of snow!

Starburst - March 2019 Alchemy of Fabric Collection

In order from top left : Metsa Saihke Black, Flower Market Trellis Orange, Mixology Coordinates Herringbone Grey, Metsa Saihke Navy, Metsa Saihke Red, Mixology Coordinates Woven White, Mixology Coordinates Herringbone Sunshine, Starburst Collection

Starburst - Companion Fabrics

In order from top left : Musings Charcoal, Kona Cotton Tomato, Manchester Royal, Quantum Color C, Heath Red-Yellow, Kona Cotton Duckling, Panache White, Essex Yarn Dyed Navy, Eliana Yellow, Musings Charcoal

 

Project Pattern

Please post your project to Facebook or Instagram with the tag #alchemyoffabric or #stitchinpost, we'd love to see them.

Cheers,

Samantha

Croatia - January 2019 Alchemy of Fabric

If you can't get away from winter by traveling to sunnier shores this month's Alchemy of Fabric collection, Croatia, can make you feel as if you have. 

This collection is full of sun drenched color and vibrancy! The fabric feels full of life and energy. 

I can see these fabrics as a cute box bag, or a bright luggage tag, or so many other things. We settled on placemats for our project. Placemats are such a useful project, and a great way to add a bit of color and fun to your décor without a long term commitment, or needing to worry about coordinating with all your decor.

We made two placemats and two napkins from Valori's pattern. 

Placemats can be made from three fat quarters, and napkins require one fat quarter each. If you want to make a set, like ours, you will need extra fabric. 

You can find all of the Croatia collection fabrics and the ten coordinating companion fabrics here. 

What will you make? 

-Samantha

Silkroad - Alchemy of Fabric December 2018

With all the holiday hubbub, this month's fabric and project were delayed, but we're squeaking in our post before the new year. It's still December for a few more hours!

This month's collection, Silkroad, is comprised of modern prints with an Asian flair.  Art Gallery Fabrics describes the line as "Ancient Asian techniques of brushwork, ink making, and fiber knowledge are shared through the trading route that is Silkroad. Black, white, and red impactfully define the elegant florals and geometrics that will transport you to a world of delicate craftsmanship." 

However you describe these fabrics, they're beautiful. 

The colors and patterns in Silkroad are also very versatile. Art Gallery Fabric's image gallery helps us imagine, not only gorgeous quilts, but fun bags, stylish tops and dramatic home accessories. I would love to wear that top! 

For our project we made a set of three petal pouches, with six of the fabrics from the collection. Aren't they cute?! 

Petal Pouches are great for storing works in progress, organizing supplies, and even make a cute purse. They would also be the perfect way to wrap up a special gift. The pattern comes with instructions for all three sizes and is designed by Valori. You can purchase the pattern as a pdf download or sewing card. 

You can find all the individual fabrics, and ten specially selected coordinating fabrics (pictured below), on our website. 

What will you make?

Cheers,

Samantha

Pearl District - November Pick of the Month

Like everyone else my thoughts are starting to turn toward the holidays and entertaining. With that in mind, I choose the Pearl District table runner pattern by Busy Bee Quilt Designs for the pick of the month. It's a great pattern with instructions to hand applique, machine applique, or fusible web the circles to your squares. Jean made this table runner back in June with Chalk & Charcoal charm packs. 

So sophisticated! The quilting adds so much interest to this project. Take a look at our earlier post, for more project details and a hand applique tutorial. 

Materials : 1 Chalk & Charcoal complete collection charm pack,1 Chalk & Charcoal assorted basics charm pack and 1 7/8 yard black quilting cotton for border and backing (Kona black is a good choice).

I digitally put together a few more options to consider. Digital representations are created from photos of the fabric. Fabric scale, repeat, and color may be altered. Pictures are meant to give you an idea of what the project will look like, not a prefect representation. 

First up, I selected 101 Maple Street charm packs. 

I love the classic appeal of this collection. It reminds me of arts & crafts design, and I thought it was perfect for fall, without hitting you over the head with a theme. 

I think it came together nicely with the dark border, but any fabric from the collection could work. 

Materials : 2 101 Maple Street charm packs, 1 7/8 yard Maple Syrup Deep Dish Dots for border and backing.

Paige, our graphics guru, selected a joyful Christmas mix for her version. 

Paige's version used three fat quarter 6 packs. The pattern calls for 18 different fat eights, or fat quarters, making it a perfect project for fat quarter bundles or towers. 

If you go with fat quarters, you'll have enough fabric to make two table runners, or a lap quilt. Be sure to get more backing and border fabric though. 

Materials: 1 Red Holiday 6 pack, 1 Green Holiday 6 pack, 1 Holiday Lights 6 pack, 1 7/8 yard Way Up North for border and backing. 

These two prints from the Way Up North collection are also good options for your border and backing. 

Our last table runner features fabrics from White Christmas by Zen Chic. Karen, one of the lovely ladies on the shop floor, chose and is actually making two runners in this combo to give as gifts. 

Isn't interesting how different the two Christmas options look? I love how bold Karen's version is. Something else I thought was interesting...

At home I'm working on an advent panel from the same fabric line and decided to add almost the same red. Great minds think alike ;)

Materials: 1 Zen Chic 6 pack Cream, 1 Zen Chic 6 pack Light Grey, 1 Zen Chic 6 pack Black, 1 7/8 yard Quilter's Linen Crimson.

If you prefer something a bit more understated you could add a solid black or any of the fabrics from the White Christmas line. I also thought Hudson-Field from Camelot Fabrics would make a nice border and backing fabric with it's small red accent. 

Pearl District is a wonderful pattern and I hope you're inspired to try out one of our versions or come up with your own. Please share photos with us if you do. I love seeing all the creative ideas and talent our customers have!

Cheers,

Samantha

 

Tanglewood - Alchemy of Fabric November

Every year I get a little cocky right before Halloween, and start thinking I'm way ahead of the Christmas game. I mean, it's not even November and I've thought about Christmas gifts, and planned projects, so I must be prepared. Right? Then Halloween happens, and the next thing you know Thanksgiving is a week away, and now I'm not feeling cocky at all. In fact, my feelings are better described as anxious working their way toward panic. Sound familiar? 

This month's Alchemy of Fabric collection and project are going a long way to ease my panic. Journal covers are fast, look great, and make a good gift for almost everyone. They are also a fun way to try out new techniques, test color combinations, and experiment with print mixing. 

The cover uses Valori's Journal Cover pattern (pdf version), three fabrics from the Tanglewood collection, and one companion fabric. I chose to cover a watercolor large landscape journal. With a portable watercolor kit, and a brush, it would be perfect for any art lover. 

For the outside of my cover, I used Soft Sand Premium Linen Bend, Scarlett Shot Cotton, and Praline Mushrooms. The moth is fussy cut from Moth Bouquet. I used fusible stabilizer before cutting it out, and then stitched it to the finished cover. The lining is also Moth Bouquet. 

The pattern has instructions to cover any size book, so your options are endless. You could make a cover for everything from a blank journal, to a fiction book, or even a three ring binder. I'm covering my bullet journal next. 

This month's companion fabrics include some 108" wide denims that are great for this project. You can cover almost any size book without extra seams and the fabrics are durable so your cover will stand up to use. Besides being practical, the heavier fabrics also add texture and dimension. The width makes them easy options for quilt backs and they are a darn good value. 

One of the things I like about this month's fabric selections, and companion fabrics, is that a number of them are fabrics men would like. I think my husband would love a book cover in the crosshatch denim, with a bit of green accent.  

Tanglewood fabrics from top left: 

• Poppy in Misty by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella
• Mushrooms in Praline by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella
• Musings by Valori Wells AVW-17320-184 Grid Charcoal
• Shot Cotton in Scarlett by Kaffe Fassett for Free Spirit
• Rabbit Study in Misty by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella
• Moth Bouquet in Multi by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella
• Poppy in Gardenia by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella

 Companion fabrics from top left:

• Sprinkle in Peach for Cotton + Steel
• Quilter's Linen in Forest Green from Robert Kaufman
• Denim Studio Crosshatch Textured Denim in Clouded Horizon for Art Gallery Fabrics
• Forage by Anna Graham AFH-17984-188 Pepper
• Sevenberry Kasuri in Red from Robert Kaufman
• Eclectic Elements Provisions in Sage by Tim Holtz for Free Spirit
• Denim Studio Premium Linen Blend in Soft Sand from Art Gallery Fabrics
• Denim in Cool Foliage from Art Gallery Fabrics
• Nikko 3805 from Diamond Textiles
• Dimples Red for Andover Fabrics

I hope you enjoy this month's collection and project! I'd love to see what you make.

Cheers,

Samantha 

Alchemy of Fabric - Equinox

Our gorgeous central Oregon sunshine is in abundance during the day, but now that the Autumnal Equinox has occurred, our nights are longer and down right chilly. It's perfect for getting in some quilting time, and cuddling up under the results. 

October's Alchemy of Fabric collection of Indah Batiks nicely walks the line between summer and winter, light and dark, and batik and modern. Equinox signifies both balance and transition, and this collection is an embodiment of both. 

Our project this month is a table topper, made by Kim. The table topper is based on the pattern Sidewalk Chalk, by ThenCameJune's Meghan Buchanan. Kim used the baby quilt block size, and constructed four rows for a finished size of 20" x 40". 

The pattern calls for five fabrics, but Kim's version uses fat quarters from this month's collection and companion fabrics, with some extra bits from her stash.  

I would not have put this collection together myself, but I think the results are stunning. Sometimes having a set starting point (fabrics & colors in this case) can really spark creativity and push you to try something new. 

Fabrics are available as a collection or individually.

All Equinox fabrics are Indah Batiks by You + Me for Hoffman Fabrics. In order from left to right:

• Lines - Fire
• Chevrons - Honeysuckle
• Buildings - Lagoon
• Mosaic - Chalk
• Crystals - Zebra
• Lines - Sunset
• Mosaic - Wade

Our companion fabrics are mix of styles and fabrics lines chosen to coordinate with the Equinox collection.

From top left they are:

• Designer Solid Solar - Free Spirit
• Outer Space Navy - Alexander Henry Fabrics 
• Quilter's Linen in Delft - Robert Kaufman
• Add It Up Mustard - Cotton + Steel
• Bali Batik Cherry - Hoffman
• Cyan - Kona Cotton
• Natural Kitten Lines Gingiber Catnip - Moda
• You + Me Chalk Ts - Hoffman
• You + Me Moons Black - Hoffman

Let us know what you make with your Equinox fabrics! Tag us on Instagram #stitchinpost, share on our Facebook page, or email photos to social at stitchinpost.com. We'd love to see your work and share it with others.

Cheers,

Samantha

Alchemy of Fabric - Harvest Moon

The Old Farmers Almanac says, "The Harvest Moon is the full Moon nearest the start of fall. For several evenings, the moonrise comes soon after sunset. This results in an abundance of bright moonlight early in the evening, which was a traditional aide to farmers and crews harvesting their summer-grown crops. Hence, it’s called the “Harvest” Moon!" 

 

I doubt any of these fabric will aid farmers in their harvest, but they do have the feeling of fall bounty and color.

 

Our Harvest Moon fabric's are all from the Autumn Vibes collection by Maureen Cracknell from Art Gallery Fabrics.

 

In order from left to right:
Simple Defoliage Violet

Floral Glow Twilit

Cozy Ditsy Apricot

Pressed Ablossom Auburn

Simple Defoliage Gold

Floral Glow Cocoa

Meadow Trinkets

 

This month's project is a table runner made from two columns of the Cranberry Chutney pattern using all of the club fabrics, plus Shot Cotton in Bittersweet.

For full instructions you'll need the pattern, but here's a peek at the construction:

Step 1 - Slice into the square of fabric one or two times, insert strips.

 

Step 2 - Stitch inserts to block sections. Press toward inserts.

 

Step 3 - Rotate block 90 degrees, slice block again (through previous inserts) and add second insert strips. 

 

Repeat steps until you have 18 blocks. Sew together and bind for this gorgeous fall table runner. 

 

  

Finished runner is 70" x 16". 

 

 

We've picked ten additional fabrics that work well with this month's fabrics. 

In order from top to bottom:

Grunge - Fig

Psychedelia -Merlot

Shot Cotton - Bittersweet

Shot Cotton - Magenta

Floral Waterfall - Dots Olive 

Chrysanthemum Toile - Taupe

Essex Yarn Dyed - Peacock

Shot Cotton- Chartreuse

Essex Yarn Dyed - Peacock

 

And ...Muslin Mates - Muslin (I somehow missed this in the photo)

 

We would love to see what you make with your Harvest Moon fabrics. Tag us on Facebook or Instagram (#stitchinpost and #alchemyoffabric). 

 

Happy Stitching! 

August 2018 Alchemy of Fabric: Pink Lemonade

“Pink Lemonade”

 

It is on this 104 degree weather in Sisters, the hottest day of the year so far. My poor garden is barely hanging on except for the sunflowers. But summer is magical in Central Oregon.

 

This month we choose some cooling neutrals to play with the colored fabrics this month. The stripe is so suggestive of colors as well as a prompt for quilt design. I can see it in a more contemporary style quilt. Then the yummy yellow floral with barely a suggestion of flowers can play along in a number of ways. My favorite is the black and white floral with the taupe background. I might just need a summer pincushion.

 

This month's fabrics from top to bottom:

• Remix by Allison Glass for Andover A 7246 K
• Abacus by Allison Glass for Andover A 8070 C (This is one of her first designs she did for Andover and it is still in print.)
• Unruly Terrace Shade Art Gallery Fabrics GTH 47502 (sold out)
• Bristling Delicate Art Gallery Fabrics GTH 47501 (sold out)
• Collected Stems Bright Art Gallery Fabrics GTH 37504 (sold out)
• Bristling Balmy from Art Gallery Fabrics GTH 37501 (sold out)
• Traveler Pebbles from Art Gallery Fabrics SGN 68705 (sold out)

This month's companion fabrics (left to right):

• Whiskers and Tails AY1 – 17973 – 1 white
• Windham Wovens Eucalyptus
• Round Elements from Art Gallery Fabrics ROE 311 Pebble Shadows
• Jetset Europe from Clothworks Y2380 – 103 light teal
• Grunge from Moda Leprechaun
• Grandale from Riley Blake C7121
• I Love Sumer from Dear Stella 949 Multi
• Kujira Star Cotton & Steel 1952 - 2 
• Clementine from Moda Zen Chic 1644 – 17
• Free Spirit Solid – Cranberry

 

As I looked at the Pink Lemonade selection as well as the companion fabrics I was just motivated to play with color and pattern so here is what I came up with.

 

Pincushions and potholders are the perfect small projects to try out different fabric palette combinations without spending a lot of time. The first one is always the most difficult but once I get started the “what if” mode comes into play. I did pull a solid and print black to work with the neutrals. It seemed to liven up that palette.

 

These potholders range from 6” finished to 8” finished.

 

And while you are at it try your hand at one of these projects. Both are perfect for combining a variety of fabrics. 

 

 

 Enjoy!

Jean

 

July 2018 Alchemy of Fabric - Marmalade Dreams

 

“Marmalade Dreams”, say it out loud. It just feels light and airy. This is Valori’s newest collection of fabric from Robert Kaufman. The main print was printed digitally so the detail is spectacular. As most of you know, she hand cuts blocks and designs the fabric from those blocks. It is a detailed process, but the results give a one of a kind feeling to the line. We have chosen a variety of prints to give you a feel for the line. We are also giving you the link to the free pattern that Val designed and made for Robert Kaufman. It uses 2 ½” wide strips and is so fun to make.

Download "Day Dream" pattern from Robert Kaufman

 Day Dream Kit Now Available

 

This month's fabrics (left to right):

AVWD 17902 64 silver

AVWD 17898 186 azure

AVWD 17899 270 meadow

AVWD 17898 232 wineberry

AVWD 17900 186 silver

AVWD 17901 82 blue

AVWD 17897 205 multi

 

 (Full width image of the main/theme print.)

Cheryl and I had fun walking around the store choosing ten more companions to go with Marmalade Dreams. We added a couple more soft neutrals and some solid-like textures, as well as prints. My favorite quilt in her new pattern series is the Starlight Log Cabin.

Starlight Log Cabin quilt pattern

 

Companion Fabrics:
The neutral-like prints create a calming background for the bold colors.

Fabrics are, from the top down:

Kaufman Marmalade Dreams AVWD 17900 138 honey

Kaufman Marmalade Dreams AVWD 17901 281 pomegranate

Kaufman Marmalade Dreams AVWD 17902 265 parchment (this print cuts up so wonderfully)

Andover Dimples 1867 T 22

Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed linen blend E064-480 pickle

Kaufman Marmalade Dreams AVWD 17898 meadow

Moda Behind the Scenes woven 18135 17 grey mist

Kaufman Kona Cotton K001-844 princess

Moda Grunge 30150-326 salmon rose

Cotton and Steel Sprinkle 5023-8 Stardust

 - - -

Watch for a Marmalade Dreams sew along beginning in August...

Marmalade Dreams
An Online Quilt-A-Long in 5 Sessions

Marmalade Dreams, the signature quilt of Val Wells’ 40th fabric collection, is a magic carpet ride designed to play with log cabin and diamond imagery blocks. Quilt construction is divided in
five parts, with the final part dedicated to putting the sections together.

This QAL will be hosted by Val Wells through a monthly newsletter, occasional blog posts, and Instagram. Participants will receive tricks and tips, answers to frequently asked questions, and lots of encouragement! Instagram users, be sure to follow and post your progress with the #marmaladedreamsqal hashtag!

Quilt-A-Long is FREE with purchase of the Marmalade Dreams Quilt Kit.

Kit includes:
All fabrics necessary for Marmalade Dreams quilt-top, finished size 60” x 80”
16 page Sewing Cards pattern by Valori Wells Designs, including a fabric reference chart
with fabric swatches, numbers for easy reference, and templates
Bonus pattern! Diamond Days is a playful quilt created by using parts of Marmalade Dreams. Suitable for adventurous beginners, Diamond Days is fat quarter-friendly and finishes to 43” x 60”.

Quilt-A-Long Begins August 25, 2018

You can purchase the pattern here.

You can purchase the kit (including the pattern) here.

 

Enjoy!
Jean