Spring Quilt Market 2012 has come and gone. The largest wholesale trade show in the quilting industry is held twice each year. Spring Market rotates between 5 different regional locations: Kansas City, Portland, Pittsburg, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City. Fall Market is always held in Houston.

Quilt Market is different things to different people. As a shop owner I’m focused on assessing trends, clearing my head, and using my social time to network with other shop owners, vendors and designers. 4 days away from the bustle of running a business gave me time to think strategically. I always return rejuvenated. This market left my head spinning with new ideas!

Here’s my take on Quilt Market Spring 2012:

- Relatively new designers releasing their 3rd or 4th fabric collections have really hit their stride. There seems to be a comfort level with who they are that translates into confident designs. Collections appear original, polished and well-curated.

- Blogging is most definitely a gateway to entering the business. I made note of lots of pattern designers, fabric designers and shop owners that started their journey via that first lonely blog post. The online world has opened up the market in a way that is positive for every person in this industry. No need to be an insider. Just create, share your gifts with the world, and take flight!

- The speed at which the industry is growing and changing is mind boggling.

- Social media has left everyone wondering how to do it all and where best to put one’s energy.

- Color, Color and Color!

- Veterans in the industry are extremely gracious, humble and genuinely nice people. In addition to talent, it’s clear that being grateful for and respectful of your customers is a ticket to success. I waited 3 deep in line to talk to Amy Butler. She talked with each person one at a time in a relaxed, non-hurried way. Engaging them in a lovely conversation that was a delight to eavesdrop on. It was clear that the opportunity to talk with her was a special experience for each us. I just have so much respect for that and it makes me admire Amy more than ever!

- Cloud9 Fabrics took orders for their debut of organic canvas. Yay!

- Moda announced two new pre-cuts:

• Candy – 2 1/2 inch squares in a pack of 42
• Junior Jelly Rolls – 21 strips in a pack vs. the traditional 42

- Customers shopping in the internet age still value service. Yay for the thoughtful, passionate, conscientious shop owner (both online and bricks & mortar). She is appreciated and will thrive!

- The retail climate is healthy. Shops seem to be spending again and focusing on strategies to grow and thrive vs. just survive. Positivity swirled around the convention center.

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I have some super fabulous items of market loot to share (plus a few carry overs from Fall 2011, oops on that one!).

Leave a comment telling me what you think the market trends are. I’ll pick winners next Monday. Giveaway is open worldwide!

Books:

• A SIGNED copy of Denyse Schmidt Modern Quilts Traditional Inspiration!
• A SIGNED copy of Sew Serendipity Bags by Kay Whitt
• A SIGNED copy of Kaffe Fassett’s Quilts in Sweden (signed by both Kaffe Fassett and Liza Prior Lucy)
• A SIGNED copy of Stupendous Stitching – How to Make Fun and Fabulous Fiber Art by Carol Ann Waugh

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I’ve always been very open about allowing people to use my images where ever they’d like. I’m a small business for goodness sakes, PLEASE use my images!

We recently realized that images on the blog were blocked from being pinned to Pinterest. Eeek! That was not intentional. A little sleuthing led to Flickr. We post all images on the blog from the Flickr account. Our sharing option was set to ‘No’.

Here’s how to allow your content to be shared on Pinterest from Flickr (or the opposite if that’s your preference):

From Flickr select You –> Your Account from the menu.

Click on the Privacy & Permissions tab.

Edit the 3rd option down on the list called ‘Allow Others to Share Your Stuff’. Set it to ‘Yes’.

Again, I apologize if you’ve tried to share our images and gotten blocked.

Visit our Pink Chalk Fabrics Pinterest page. Happy Pinning!

ps the above image is from the Tula Pink booth at Quilt Market – quilting by Angela Walters – I’m working on my market post right now so I’ll be back soon!

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Project Name: Retro Mama Greta Doll – Downloadable Pattern

Dimensions: Finished doll is 18″ tall

Sewist: Carrie

The first birthday of my niece was all the inspiration I needed to make this cute little doll. Dolls have been on my sewing wish list for some time now. The Retro Mama Greta Doll simply makes me smile. Pulling out fabrics and ‘dressing’ the doll is tons of fun – this greatly extended my estimated sewing time for this project!

The pattern refers to the facial features as eyes, nose and freckles. I see a very happy expression.  The features are stitched with 3 strands of embroidery floss. The little collar is felt and attached with a running stitch of 6 floss strands. I elected to make a tiny yoyo to replace the button. (It is suggested in the pattern to use a felt circle for children under 3.)

Little Mary Jane shoes are a perfect fit on Greta!

The most challenging part for me was stitching around the body and securing the arms and legs.  Kim, the designer says, “Go slowly and be patient” – if you stick to this suggestion you will be fine. Patience  is so hard sometimes…sigh

I absolutely love the personality of my Greta. I am looking forward to her coming to ‘life’ in the hands of a little girl.

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

One thing I enjoy about sewing and quilting is constantly learning new things. The online world multiplies that concept x 10 million.

I received a lovely note from Marisa Zucek last month. She had an idea to design a series of applique blocks based on modern objects. The blocks would then be unveiled and shared via a network of blogs she enjoyed following. After clicking over to her blog and getting TOTALLY drawn into her work I had that familiar feeling of wonder and amazement at discovering yet another talented quilter.

I’m excited to be participating in this oh-so-clever idea and hosting the release of the first block in the Modern Objects Series 1 set. Marisa’s Norwegian Bowl block is inspired by a bowl designed by mid-century modernist Grete Prytz Kittelsen (1917 – 2010). Wikipedia refers to her as The Queen of Scandinavian Design. A company called Catherine Holm produced her designs on enamel bowls, pots, casserole dishes and other kitchen objects.

You can follow along as Marisa announces the release of the entire series of Modern Object blocks on her blog Quilt Otaku. The pattern for Norwegian Bowl is available for download now.

Thank you to Marisa for introducing me to her world, I know you’ll enjoy it too! xo Kathy

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Moodboard inspired by Quilt Blocks from Ellen Luckett Baker for MODA.

Stacked Quilt Block tutorial by Ellen Luckett Baker of thelongthread.com using her Quilt Blocks fabric collection from MODA.

What will you make with your Quilt Blocks?

Enjoy! ~Diana

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Project Name: Everyday Scoop Neck Raglan T-Shirt

Dimensions: Women’s European sizes 34 – 52 (US Size 4 to 3X)

Sewist: Tracy

The arrival of our Valori Wells t-shirt knit fabrics inspired Tracy to make the Everyday Scoop Neck Raglan T-Shirt from Ottobre Magazine Autum/Winter – 5/2011.

Tracy chose the Karavan Kashmir Indigo print with a coordinating rib knit for the neck edge and cuffs. The Valori Wells t-shirt knits are very soft. Tracy said, “The knit feels wonderful to wear and is easy to cut and sew.” Tracy recommends pre-washing the fabric. The Valori Wells knits will shrink approximately 5 inches per yard.

Tracy found the t-shirt easy to fit. She felt the measurement chart in the magazine was useful. The raglan sleeves made the project especially simple. Finishing the seams with a serger gives the t-shirt a tidy inside.

Comfortable and pretty makes this shirt perfect for work and play!

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Moodboard inspired by Maasia Mara from dear Stella.

Pink Chalk Fabrics exclusive fat quarter set of Maasai Mara with solids to coordinate.

The inspiration behind the new collection Maasai Mara from dear Stella. A little bit ethnic, a little bit tribal and a whole lotta fun!

Enjoy! ~Diana

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Earlier this month I had the pleasure of meeting up with Katie Pedersen of Sew Katie Did and a lovely group of women from the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild including our very own Melissa. After a fabulous lunch at Cafe Nola and a preview look at Katie and Jacquie’s AMAZING new book Quilting Modern, we made our way back to the shop. Ara Jane took this picture of her adorable baby Ingrid hard at work. Goodness, this image gives me the warmest, happiest feelings ever.

Ara Jane shares great photos from the visit on her blog. I very rarely get to see other people’s photos of the space so these are truly a special treat.

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Congratulations to commenter #113 Carrie, winner of Sewing MODKID Style.

The siren song of Michael Miller Cotton Couture Solids finally seduced us. Look for the complete collection in the shop later today. They’re GORGEOUS and yes, probably a little dangerous!

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Patty Young is well-known for her high quality boutique-style sewing patterns and vibrant fabric designs for Michael Miller Fabrics. Sewing MODKID Style is her first book and what a delight it is! It’s all about sewing comfortable and stylish clothing for girls using knit fabrics.

I enjoyed the focused nature of the book’s content. It allows Patty to share her in-depth knowledge of sewing with knits by combining lessons on technique with practical designs that range from easy to difficult. For whatever reason, most sewists I know (including myself!) often feel like we’re walking around in the dark when it comes to sewing with fabric that stretches. The introduction includes a discussion on different types of knits, fold-over elastic, stretch lace and other trims. Chapter 1 is a guide to sewing with knits that includes the best tools and why they’re used, how to sew knits with your sewing machine, how to sew knits with your serger, and finally, an overview of the different types of finishing techniques.

And that’s just a primer.

The 20 projects included in the book each contain step-by-step construction steps that read like a classroom lesson. Lots of good information in these pages.

Just like her ModKid patterns, Patty’s illustrations and construction steps are top notch. No detail is left out. No guesswork on how it’s all supposed to go together. She’s a talented pattern writer and has clearly achieved the same level of excellence as a book author.

Projects in the book include Accessories, Bottoms, Tops, Dresses and Ensembles. Basics, like the leggings, are paired with creative embellishment ideas. The photography in the book is beautiful, plentiful, inspiring, and gives excellent close up shots of the finishing work.

Sewing Tips include everything I imagine Patty sharing with me if I had the pleasure to sew with her. This girl knows her knits!

The book includes NINE full sized pattern sheets. Wow!

The clothing patterns include sizes 2T to 10. I had to show this picture because this is one of my favorite designs in the book. I’m debating on whether I could grade up to my size? Each garment includes a Notes on Fit entry. Very helpful to visualize how the design is going to work on your kid.

The Bloom Dress reminds me of the dresses Caitlin and Leil wore as little girls. Swingy knits that are easy to pull on and easy to wear. The flower detail around the pocket adds style and whimsy to the design. Matching fabric on the neck and sleeve bands makes for a fashionable finish. Patty’s signature design details grace each project in the book contributing style, function, and just the right touch of little girl sophistication.

Congratulations to Patty on an amazing book!

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Now for a giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a copy of the book from Wiley Publishing. Leave a comment sharing why you like to sew with knits or why you’d like to learn. I’ll draw a winner on Monday morning.

Visit all the amazing blogs on the book tour for more chances to win:

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale