2013 Scrap Lab #1

Who doesn't like playing with scraps and seeing what awesome creation they can come up with? Last year I was honored to be asked to be a lead designer in a feature column called SCRAP LAB, in the magazine Quilts and More (a Better Homes and Gardens publication). For the next four issues of Quilts and More, I will be working closely with the amazing Carrie Nelson, of Miss Rosie's Quilts, and choosing a guest star each time to create fun projects using different scraps of fabric.

In the first installment of Scrap Lab, we chose to work with the awesome Julie Herman, of Jaybird Quilts, and my newest fabric collection, Textured Basics. I was thrilled to see the super cool projects those two designers came up with... and even more thrilled when I saw the cover featuring our pillow design in the top right corner!! Wooohooo!

The Summer 2013 issue of Quilts and More is available NOW in news stands and features adorable projects by Carrie, Julie and yours truly. You can even find Julie's table setting pattern for free online HERE!

If you would like to try your hand at sewing up one of our Scrap Lab projects, we are offering a FABRIC KIT, so you can make any of the projects featured in the magazine!

The Scrap Lab Kit includes:

• 1/2 yard of Natural Texture
• Fat Eighth of the 6 fabric prints shown from above Textured Basics

It sells for $15.00 including shipping within the US.
(Magazine not included)

Want to win a free copy of this magazine? Leave us a comment below and we will draw a winner this Friday, May 10th. Best of luck!!

Spring 2013 Sewing Pattern Reveal

As I was digging my toes into the soft and warm sands of the Bahamas last week, and feeling sorry for all my friends back in the Midwest, it occurred to me that I still haven't blogged about our new patterns. WOW, I'm really behind! I guess I had vacation on my brain. Can you blame me?

So, without much further ado, I present to you our 4 newest patterns. Click on the pattern name to go to its listing on our site.

First up, it's BAILEY...

Bubble Shorts and Romper With Shirred Back

Sizes 12M - 5T

Bailey is a girls' romper with shorts option. The romper features a comfy shirred back panel and suspender straps that attach with snaps. The shorts have a flat front with elasticized back and adorable bubble hems. A pair of contrasting color inset pockets complete the ensemble.

Check out these adorable photos from my testers. The following 2 are by Courtney Davis and Bella Vie Photography:

And this one is by Andrea Thomas Lambe and Lyndsey Sullivan Photography:

Next up, it's GRACE.

Smock-style Tunic with Ruffled Cropped Pants

Sizes 2T - 10 

Grace is an adorable smock-like tunic with coordinating cropped pants. The tunic pulls over the shoulders with two small buttons in the center front for ease of dressing. The pants have an elasticized back waistband with flat front. Tiny ruffles, accent bands and adorable pockets add an extra touch of flair!

Now, for some sweet tester pics! This one is from Cheryl Santos and Mike Kohberger Photography:

And this one is from Bridgett Wright:

Next up, it's QUINN.

Knee-length Dress With Front Button Closure, Gathered Skirt and Sleeves

Sizes 2T - 10  

Quinn is a classic-style dress with front button closure, a full gathered skirt and adorable bubble sleeves. The bias binding along the front closure adds a bit of contrast and boutique feel. This dress features a longer skirt (knee-length) but can be easily shortened, if desired. Mix and match your favorite designer fabrics for a unique look. 

I just adore these tester pics!!! This sweet pink and green version is from Bridgett Wright:

 

And this playful and colorful version is from Liz Mouse:

And last but not least, here is RILEY.

Peasant-style Dress With Round Neckline and Large Bow

Sizes 2T - 10 

Riley is an adorable peasant-style dress with a rounded neck band, a paneled front body and a whimsical bow detail that will make every girl twirl with delight. Choose a long- or short-sleeved version and make it with or without the contrast ruffles for a different look every time. 

Check these out! So sweet! This is one of my favorite pics of all time by Andrea Thomas Lambe and Natalie Kimball Photography:

And this cutie is by Cheryl Santos and Mike Kohberger Photography:

That's it, folks! Would love to hear what you think.

I'd like to thank all of my pattern testers and photographers for a marvelous job! You all know how much we appreciate all of your help!! And a big hug to all the adorable models! xoxo

If you are interested in purchasing these patterns, they are in stock and ready to ship on our website or check with your favorite fabric and sewing pattern retailer to see if they have them in stock. We have been shipping wholesale orders every day since they came in!

Also, stay tuned as we will be releasing some brand new and super adorable new PDF pattern later this week!

Not Quite Hexies
Updated: scroll to the bottom and see how you can win a copy of the magazine!

If you haven't gotten the latest issue of Generation Q magazine, run to the stores and pick it up. It is seriously jam-packed with awesome goodness. I was excited to design a quilt, using my newest fabric line, Textured Basics, for this issue and check it out... it came out so cool!

You can download a FREE tutorial and make one for yourself here.

Updated! We've just received our comp copies of this issue and would like to give away a copy to a special blog reader. Leave us a comment below (and a way to contact you if you win). Winner will be chosen on Friday, March 8th. Good luck! 

NEW UPDATE: Random.org picked comment #2 as the winner, which is you, Melissa Kirk! CONGRATS! Send us your mailing addy and we'll get you a copy of this GenQ mag.

Elf Stocking FREE PDF Pattern



When the folks at Baby Lock asked me if I'd like to participate in their blog round-up of “Snappy Holiday Projects.”, I was thrilled and flattered. They said it should be something that will fulfill that “OMG I need to come up with something fast!” feeling we all get during the holiday crunch, and I knew exactly what I was going to design! This whimsical Elf Stocking has been in the back of my mind since last year, but I never had a chance to sew it up. Now, I had the push to get it done. And now you can too with this FREE pattern you can download off the Baby Lock site. Just check out all the amazing projects you can make from these talented blogger friends!! You can seriously make something cool for everyone on your gift list!



Just like our adorable Owl Stuffie Pattern we featured last week, this one comes as an 8-page downloadable PDF document. Print it at 100% (no scaling) right to your desktop printer. No need to enlarge the pattern... it has been tiled so all you have to do is print, cut, tape and sew! Step-by-step sewing instructions, detailed diagrams and photos are also included in true MODKID fashion.



Here's another close-up of the stocking. We sewed miniature jingle bells to the points of the cuff and curly toe, but you could add anything from your stash... pom-poms, buttons, ribbons, whatever your heart desires! These are perfect for using my new Textured Basics fabrics (shipping this week!)



Have fun making your Elf Stocking! And please let us know what you think of the pattern. We would love for you to add photos to our Flickr pool. :)

Find this pattern and many others HERE.

Happy Holidays!

Quilt Market via Instagram

My new iPhone5 and super cool case featuring Textured Basics came in just a few days before I flew out to Quilt Market, so the night before I left I made an executive decision: not bringing my big camera! This is the first time I've done that and for those of you who know me well, you know that that thing is practically an extra appendage for me. But, being that I was traveling alone this time, and it was a quick trip for me, and the new phone boasted such an incredible camera, I figured it was worth a try, so let me know what you think!

I did have a booth, a tiny little thing (5' x 8'), but bursting with color and pattern! Here are a few shots...

The big square quilt in the back was designed by the wonderful Ellen Maxwell and it will be a free download on the Michael Miller site, once the fabrics come in. The small table runner on the left side was designed by none other than Debbie Taylor of Fat Quarter Shop and It's Sew Emma patterns, and it's currently available on the Fat Quarter Shop site as a FREE download!

I did manage to play with the Panoramic photo feature that comes built into the iPhone5 camera app and I must say, I LOVE IT! (click on it to enlarge)

I *heart* going to Quilt Market not only because it affords me the opportunity to show off my newest projects, but also because I get to visit with dear friends, some which I only get to see once or twice a year. This has quickly become my family away from home and I truly look forward to catching up and sharing a good meal (or drink) at one of the many fabulous events that surround the show.

I had the pleasure of spending some QT with these wonderful ladies... from left to right Shannon Robinson (of Fabric Nosherie), Laura Gunn, Trenna Travis (newest licensed designer at Michael Miller Fabrics), me and Heather Bailey.

I love the vintage feel of this Instagram pic of Kait Witte (of Michael Miller Fabrics) sporting a gorgeous skirt which she sewed herself out of Textured Basics.

At Fabric 2.0, I documented the very moment in which Quilts, Inc. "bought the party" from Caroline Devoy. heehee

Then Bob Ruggiero (Quilts) tried to make Jon jealous. I used this picture to remind Jon to never ever skip a Quilt Market again. ;)

 

After the party, a few of us headed across the street  to The Grove for dinner and lively conversation. Here I am with Aneela Hoey and Roxane Cerda (C&T Publishing). Not pictured, Carla Crim.

The following night it was the Modern Quilt Guild Party and I am sad that this is the only picture I captured that evening. Here I am with Jessica Levitt (left) and Jenean Morrison. (sorry, so blurry! I guess the photographer must've had one too many glasses of wine!)

In addition to the parties and dinner, I also love visiting my friends and associates at their booths... you never know what you'll find and what sorta trouble you'll get into.

At the GenerationQ booth, I spotted my quilt hanging right at the front! This design will appear in a future issue. And... in case you haven't heard... the *current* issue is pretty darn special to us. Go get it! Seriously!! (more on that soon)

At the GenQ booth I had a photo op with none other than Betz White and Thomas Knauer (pssst... Thomas, a.k.a. waycoolkid, graces the cover of the current issue I was talking about! Don't miss it!)

And here's me being silly with GenQ's picture quilt...

Speaking of quilts in booths (not that there aren't enough at this show! haha) I also spotted our Houndstooth Quilt -- a version made by Kristen McVane of Stash Quilts -- in the United Notions booth! Doesn't it look gorgeous all made up in Heaven & Helsinki?? WOW!

Over at the Westminster booth, I got the pleasure to speak with Ty Pennington, who was there to promote his newest fabric collection. What a nice guy!

And last, but certainly not least, I visited for a while with the dynamic duo of Kim and Kris of YouCanMakeThis and The DIY Dish fame.

While we were chatting it up, Lizzy House showed up and we couldn't resist taking this The View-esque photo... haha

Yes, we were discussing very important matters... can't you tell?

Well, I guess for not having my camera with me I didn't do too shabby of a job of documenting the show, eh? Thanks for coming along with me on this crazy ride... especially to all of you out there who kept me virtual company while I spent much-longer-than-I-wanted-to in airports last week. (that's what I get for flying out on Hurricane day!)

OK, one more and then I'll go. I leave you with a sweet pic of me and my booth mates. I love these gals!! (photo courtesy of Trenna Travis Studio)

Stay tuned for GenerationQ magazine info and giveaway... coming shortly!

Introducing... MODKID® Micro Minis!

It is reveal time, ladies and gentlemen! We are over the moon excited to announce this brand new product for us, called MODKID® Micro Minis!





haha... now that I got your attention, let me tell you about these. MODKID® Micro Minis are a collection of sewing-card-style patterns that fit in the palm of your hand, are easy to sew and inexpensive to buy. These Micro Minis are perfect for classes, workshops, gifts and more.

Here are some specs for you:

• Finished size 4.25"w x 5.5"h
• Full color inside and out
• Printed on coated card stock
• Packaged in a crystal-clear resealable poly bag with a large hanging hole
• MSRP $4.95 USD

Those of you already familiar with our line of MODKID patterns will notice the same high quality and attention to detail we are known for, from the detailed assembly instructions to the easy-to-follow diagrams, just in a new teensy-tiny format. Also, we did not skimp on testing. All of our patterns are thoroughly tested by sewists just like you from all across the country. A special thanks goes to Liz Mouse, Andrea Thomas-Lambe, Cheryl Santos, Bridgett Wright, Kristen McVane, Terri Hoffacker and Pat Alberts for your helpful feedback!

OK. Let's go through these one by one.

DAPPER

Layered bow tie and adjustable suspenders in child and adult sizes.

For the little (or big) man in your life, we've designed this set of layered bow tie and adjustable suspenders perfect for all special occasions. He has never looked more handsome!

HOUNDSTOOTH QUILT

Finished size: 50" w x 70" h

We designed this bright, modern and bold quilt based on my Vintage Houndstooth print from my Textured Basics fabric collection. It looks equally as adorable made up in 2 colors, like this:

 

WRAP SKIRT

Sizes XS-L women

Our easy-to-sew wrap skirt for women is feminine, figure-flattering and fashionable! This is the perfect canvas for that bold print you've been dying to use. Best suited for XS - L women.

JEWELRY ROLL

Quilted roll-up bag with several compartments

Bring your favorite jewelry pieces everywhere you go with this fabulous Jewelry Roll. Inside, it has two necklace and ring holders, six separate pockets of varying sizes and a zippered pouch to keep your most valued possessions safely tucked in. It rolls up into a sweet and compact little package that will fit easily into your purse or carry-on luggage. Finished size: 19.5"w x 9.5"h (Open)

MOD CASES

Quilted ipad, iphone and eyeglass cases with accessory pockets

Protect your most prized possessions with these quilted designer cases. These are the perfect stash-buster projects because they use small scraps of fabric, but look oh, so cool when finished! 

LUNCH BAG

Finished Size 10"h x 7"w x 6"d

Be fashionable — even at lunchtime — with this super chic insulated lunch bag. It has plenty of room for your food and drink, plus an extra little interior pocket to hold an ice pack. It features a padded handle and Velcro® closure.

All of our Micro Mini Patterns are currently in stock and ready to ship! RETAILERS: If you will be attending the International Quilt Market next week in Houston, please come by my booth (#1318) to see these in person. The first 10 store owners to come by will receive a free sample set of all 6 patterns!

And for all of you out there, please leave us a comment and let us know what you think of this new format and the projects we've offered. We'd love to know what sorts of projects you'd like to see for future Micro Minis (or regular-sized patterns). We will draw a winner next Wednesday who will receive a sample set of all 6 Micro Mini Patterns!

Happy Sewing!

UPDATE! Contest is now closed. We used Random.org to choose a winning comment and it was... lucky number 6!

KellyS1:31 PM

Love these! I am really drawn to the minis already available in my LQS because of the price. I would love to see more clothing for women/girls, purses, and especially more quilts. Thank you for coming out with these!

CONGRATS, Kelly! Please email us with your mailing address at info AT modkidboutique DOT com to claim your prize!