Saturday, December 31, 2011

Designer Tidbits: Jo Morton



The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Jo Morton to the Jolly Jabber. Jo Morton’s latest fabric collection is Crimson Bouquet from Andover Fabrics.




The 'Crimson' group is so pretty and perfect for appliqué projects and pieced quilts. Think of Baltimore Album quilts, classic red/green quilts, patchwork quilts, and finally quilts or craft projects like ornaments, pillows, runners, stockings, mug rugs, place mats and more for the Holidays!





I love the multicolored prints; I think the stripe is fabulous and will be so much fun to use in many ways: for borders and sashing, to add interest to appliqué or piecing, and of course for crafting Holiday ornaments and other décor. By adding the small little print in four assorted colors, the little stripe with the yellow accent in four assorted colors are the perfect playmates.




Q: What are 3 words you would choose to describe this collection?
A:
1. two beautiful soft yellow companions
2. two new cheddars for spark
3. and the three new teal blue colored prints for added interest




Friday, December 30, 2011

3 for Me: Jessica Thornburgh











Good morning everyone! We hope you had a very Merry Christmas and are ready for the New Year! Have you decided what your resolutions will be this year? We have! And we'd like to share them with you! Please welcome Jessica Thornburgh as she shares 3 of her New Year's Resolutions:



"My fiance always says I eat way too much candy--and he's right! You should see my stash drawer at work! So this year I am going to make a conscious effort to eat less candy! I always want to carve out some time to do more art. I love painting, drawing, crafting, photography, pretty much anything so I chose this fun stripe by Art Gallery Fabrics and the Silent Film Roll Up to remind me that everyone needs more art (especially photos--get it?! Silent Film!) in their lives this year! Happy New Year!"




Jessica's 3:

1. Bespoken Aqua Stitchery SKU# BE-6105

2. Silent Film Kona Cotton Solids Roll Up

3. Timeless Treasures Black 70's Candy SKU# C8198-Black
















Thursday, December 29, 2011

Designer Tidbits: Tanya Whelan


The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Tanya Whelan to the Jolly Jabber. Tanya’s latest fabric collection is Sugar Hill from Free Spirit Fabrics.





Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Sugar Hill collection?
A: My inspiration for this collection was definitely the 1950's. I wanted to contrast pretty rose designs with really graphic patterns so that the collection would feel really fun and playful as well as pretty.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Well, I think 80’s new wave had lots of retro 50’s style and was really playful so I think Sunday Girl by Blondie, Candy O by the Cars, and Rock Lobster by the B52s would work well.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: PWTW044-Blue; the scattered roses on top of big polka dots. The classic combination of roses and dots always makes me smile.




Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I haven't been able to sew with Sugar Hill yet, but I can't wait to!! I'm dying to make a super retro apron with it...

Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: Pancakes and maple syrup.

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: I'm so thrilled to say Barefoot Roses, my first collection for Free Spirit, is being re-released in its most popular pink and green colorways which will follow up Sugar Hill.





Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: I'd have to say a Golden Doodle because we just got one, he's the first dog I've ever owned and I'm completely in love with him, even when he's naughty.

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: That's hard but Gregory Peck in "To Kill a Mocking Bird" as Atticus Finch is one of my favorite portrayals and one of my favorite movies of all time.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: I would have Madeline Castaing play me since she is my favorite designer/ decorator/ stylist. Her work still feels modern and although incredibly chic and elegant; the rooms she designed were always fresh, playful and unexpected.




Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Designer Tidbits: Liz Scott


The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Liz Scott to the Jolly Jabber. Liz Scott’s latest fabric collection is Domestic Bliss for Moda Fabrics.





Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Domestic Bliss collection?
A: My favorite place in the entire world: home. Each print in this collection was inspired by the simple spaces that surround my family and me; the kitchen table, the garden, the seat next to the window... The overall tone is vintage modern and my vintage fabric stash was a great jumping off point for this collection.




Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Oh, good question. The soundtrack would have to be classic and modern alike, with a nod to country. And since Domestic Bliss is feminine, it would have to include soulful, sultry ladies of substance: Gillian Welch, Feist, Neko Case, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Aimee Mann, and Brandi Carlile.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: The more I work with them the more each one of their personalities presents itself to me. To pick just one is hard, but this one was love at first sight.




Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I did this little sit upon blanket for the Moda Country Fair Blog Hop.




I am also quite smitten with this blanket.




Q: What is your favorite part of working in the fabric industry?
A: The people are really nice and everyone you meet is on your same wavelength. That and the love of fabric! There seems to be no end to beautiful fabric!

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: I am in the concept and ideation stages on a new collection, but I can tell you that I have been really drawn to florals lately. Obsessed really.

Q: What is your absolute favorite thing in your house?
A: Our dining room table because I made it out of an old door and because it is so central in our home. We eat, work and play around it. If I am completely honest, it is probably a little big for our space, but we love all of that flat surface area!





Q: Which project stands out in your memory as your all-time favorite?
A: My first attempt at a costume! This is my daughter dressed as an avocado this past Halloween.




Q: Where do you do your best thinking? Can we see a photo of your studio?
A: Outside, for sure, but my studio is a close second. Here is a favorite corner in there.




Q: What is your favorite snack food? Can we see a photo of your fridge or pantry?
A: Ice-cream, even in winter. This was my pantry when I organized it a few months back. It does not look like this today.




Q: What is your one guilty pleasure in life?
A: Coffee and sugar. Not sugar in my coffee, but something sweet with that bitter drink. Yum!


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Designer Tidbits: Jennifer Paganelli


The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom to the Jolly Jabber. Jennifer’s latest fabric collection is Girls World Vibe from Free Spirit Fabrics.




Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Girls World Vibe collection?
A: Really, my inspiration was my first book, Girl's World. Folks loved and wanted the aesthetic that was represented in the book, but with a project two years in the making the fabrics used throughout the production were discontinued (Unfortunately this is typical after fabrics are in production for a few years)... and so Girl's World Vibe was born! The dress on the cover is very similar to the new scroll in Girls World Vibe and the tiny flower was brought to life to coordinate and also have something in the same colorway on a smaller scale. The flame stitch, or chevron, was included to heat up the collection and to cause some vibration. When I saw the quilt that Marsha Moore made I knew she took from Girls World vibe the intention that I had imagined.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: It would probably be a mix of Florence and the Machine-- just full of power, energy, vibrance and softness all at once-- some Estelle, because I love how she always brings it home, some Ingrid Michaelson as well, because you can't help but to smile at her voice and sound, and also, definitely some Bob Marley-- the reggae vibe and island sounds take me back to the origination of my inspiration-- living in the Caribbean.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: The Magenta in the scroll makes me want to create. It is such a fabulous color and a twist on the pink hues I normally design with.





Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: My most recent and favorite project using Girls World Vibe would have to be the Leighanna Dress. It is an adorable dress for little girls with bell sleeves. Isn't it the sweetest!?








Q: What is your favorite part of working in the fabric industry?
A: My favorite part as a designer is seeing and showcasing the folks that grab up Sis Boom Fabrics and are really devoted to this sensibility. It's so clear that they truly can't wait for the next line. They keep me wanting to reach for the new and exciting something to get their creative juices cranked!! Take a look at our Flickr Group in Sis Boom to see what I'm talking about! It's wonderful- especially here, here & here!

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: We're so happy you asked... because we are just thrilled to announce it here!! It's called Crazy Love and it will be available to ship in March. It is STUNNING!! It's fresh, energetic and playful.





Q: What is your absolute favorite thing in your house?
A: Oh that's hard, but I love my new rug given to me by a very close friend.







Q: Which project stands out in your memory as your all-time favorite?
A: My book Girls World is my greatest Achievement thus far.







Q: Where do you do your best thinking? Can we see a photo of your studio?
A: My best thinking happens when I'm walking, George, my dog. We talk quite a bit.

Q: What is your favorite snack food? Can we see a photo of your fridge or pantry?
A: I love baked ricotta!! It's a super simple recipe, fills the house with the most amazing smell, and most importantly, it is simply delish!

Q: What is your one guilty pleasure in life?
A: My guilty pleasure is escaping to my room napping. There's nothing like a great nap. I always stress the importance of a room that calms and inspires you-- a place in your home to nap, rejuvenate, feel good and relax. This thought inspired our Sis Boom room trend that we featured on the blog-- ways to use fabulous Sis Boom products in rooms throughout your house to enjoy your dwellings. See our Sis Boom Rooms here.






Monday, December 26, 2011

Pat Bravo's Bo Peep Skirt Pattern



Art Gallery has done it again.

Featuring double layers and a gathering detail, this flirty high-waisted skirt is as easy to wear as it is to make!

The Bo Peep Skirt is part of Pat Bravos PDF pattern line, which is presented in a CD and features more than 40 pages with detailed instructions supported by full color diagrams and step-by-step pictures.

Real size printed pattern pieces are included with the CD.
Enjoy!!