Fat Quarter Shop's Jolly Jabber

Designer Tidbits: Deena Rutter

2012-02-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Deena Rutter to the Jolly Jabber. Deena’s latest fabric collection is Scoot from Riley Blake Designs.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Scoot collection?
A: The inspiration for the Scoot collection came from toys from my childhood. I even had a little scooter like the one in the fabric. I knew I wanted this to be a hand drawn look... and I wanted to walk the fine line in between not too cutesy and too realistic. When my boys were young, it was hard to find that style, so I wanted to bring it to life myself.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A:
1. Can’t Stop - by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. Superman - by R.E.M.
3. Long Time Gone - by the Dixie Chicks

All these songs remind me of my boys when they were littler guys.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: This fabric was so fun to design. The Scoot collection started as hand-drawn sketches of little trucks, trains and scooters. The colors look so great to me on my computer screen, but when I saw the prints in fabric I was in love! My favorite is Scoot Cream Tiny Toys. It has a soft vintage feel with the hand drawn look that I was hoping it would have.

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I worked with my sister, Shana Muse, to design the Rooty Scoot Scoot quilt pattern (coming so soon!) She made this great pillow with my helicopter applique. This quilt and pillow make me wish my boys were 5 again.

Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: The smell of a freshly bathed little boy after playing outside all day...the scent of his little head when you tuck him in and kiss him good night.

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: It's called Stars and Stripes.

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: A night owl... I have 4 busy kids and most of my work ends up happening at night when everything else in my home is settled. You could say I am slightly nocturnal. Designing in the quiet night with a little music in the background is one of my favorite things to do.

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: I like celebrities that do something great with their fame. Bono from U2 is the first celebrity I think of. I went to their concert in the fall and the message of ONE person making a difference still rings strong.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: I have been told I resemble Hilary Swank, so maybe her... but when I saw that “Office” episode when they were trying to figure out if Hillary was "hot or not" I started to wonder if I like the compliment or not!

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: Illustrator, Charley Harper. I love his animal and bird illustrations.

Designer Tidbits: French General

2012-02-08T08:00:00.009-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Kaari Meng of French General to the Jolly Jabber. Kaari’s latest fabric collection is Rouenneries Deux for Moda Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Rouenneries Deux collection?
A: My inspiration for Rouenneries Deux, besides the original Rouenneries collection, is an old abandoned chateau in the South of France.

Every summer, while visiting one of my favorite towns near Toulouse, I drive by this old mansion and wonder who lived there and what stories the house has to tell. Even though no one has lived there for years, I imagine it was once filled with beautiful textiles that covered the beds and hung from the windows.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Something French, probably sung by Edith Piaf, like La Vie en Rose.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: That's not fair - because I love so many of the prints in this collection and I especially love them all together! But, if I had to choose one, it might be Tournesal Rouge, which was my favorite print from the original collection and continues to be a classic for me.

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I love our new quilt, Parisian Courtyard, designed by Penny Tucker. It is simple and French without being overly fussy. I think the fabrics all complement each other perfectly.

Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: Lavender, lavender and more lavender!

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: My next fabric collection is called Petite Odile and it is inspired by the prints found in a little French girl's armoire - sweet, yet sophisticated - perfect for today's little girl's room.

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: I've never thought of that before - but if I had to have a mascot, it would have to be one of my two cats - Johnny or Boots. They are both big lovers, yet very elusive - very French!

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: My favorite celebrity is Sophia Loren - who we named our daughter after.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: I have no idea - hopefully if you ever make a movie about my life you will call me!!

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: I have so many favorite designers - how to choose just one?! In the quilting industry, I enjoy Amy Butler's style and freshness. We have grown up in this business together and I think we share a certain curiosity - while continually trying to stay true to our own unique style.

*****

And now, it's time for a giveaway! We will be giving away 5 Rouenneries Deux Charm Packs to one winner!

To enter comment on this post answering this question: What is the most "French" thing in your life?
You have one week till contest closes.
Good Luck!

Winner: Tanya Whelan's Sew What You Love Book

2012-02-07T14:03:00.001-06:00

Well, the blog hop has officially ended and it's time to announce the winner of Tanya Whelan's newest book, Sew What You Love. Tanya visited us in this post and gave us a sneak peek into the awesomeness that is this book! I know you're all dying to find out who won, so let's get right to it...

The winner is...

"I like the Rose Trellis prints - they remind me of my grandmother's china!"

Congratulations! To claim your prize e-mail stephanie[at]fatquartershop[dot]com with your full shipping address.

Happy Giveaway Day and thanks to everyone who participated!

It's Sew Emma Spotlight: Among the Stars Block of the Month

2012-02-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

We are happy to present Among the Stars, the first block of the month pattern from It's Sew Emma! Even better, this block of the month is NOT exclusive; shop owners that are interested in hosting this BOM can contact Kimberly (mailto:kimberly@itssewemma.com) for details! This pattern will be available in February as ISE-128.

Among the Stars came from Kimberly's deep love of star quilts. Of all the countless quilts she has made over the years, these quilts never fail to inspire her. Combine a star quilt with 3 Sisters fabric and you have some awesome cosmic chemistry!

This seven-month program features a star design each month colored two different ways, resulting in twelve beautiful blocks and soft, vintage holiday cheer! The simplicity of the quilt makes it perfect for beginners and seasoned quilters alike. To find out more about this lovely quilt visit the Among the Stars webpage!

Notion of the Month: EZ Quilting Easy Dresden Ruler

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

It's Notion of the Month time! This month we have selected the EZ Quilting Easy Dresden Ruler as our Notion of the Month.

And don't forget the Notion of the Month is 20% OFF all month!

Today, Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs is going show us how "easy" it is to make a beautiful Dresden Plate Quilt using this ruler!

There is something about a Dresden Plate quilt that I have always loved. Maybe it’s the way the fabrics work together, the roundness of the block or the repeat of the pattern. My husband will tell you it’s because the blocks look like plates and that I buy plates like no one else. Either way I just can’t help myself. I have a weakness for Dresdens and I’m hoping you do too! That being said, today I am going to show you how easy the Dresden Ruler makes my life and hopefully yours.

Have you seen the Dresden Plate Club over on my blog yet? For 6 months I am posting a tutorial how to make a Dresden Plate Quilt! It's so simple yet so adorable. Here is a link to Tutorial #1: How to use the ruler to make the Dresden Plates. It literally makes the perfect plates!

In future months I will be posting tutorials on how to create the rest of the blocks and how to complete the entire quilt. You can find the tutorials each month on my blog under the "FREE" tab and Fat Quarter Shop has been so kind to make a Quilt Kit out of it! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Hugs,
Anne

Designer Tidbits: Jo Morton

2012-02-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

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

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Bridgeport collection?
A: I didn't have any one inspiration for the group but pulled from my antique fabrics/blocks/tops collection. I knew I wanted an assortment of reds because reds go with everything. Same for blacks, and I dearly love browns as they always make a quilt better for me by adding warmth.

Bridgeport gives us a nice assortment of these three colors to play with or use with other lines. Since there are no lights I would pair Bridgeport with Toasty or the Attic Shirtings. I believe more is better. My confession is that I really find it hard to make a quilt out of one fabric line (shhhhhh, don't tell on me).

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Smooth Jazz. But at Christmas, it is Mannheim Steamroller.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: Maybe 5605: that sweet stripe with a circle of dots. It will be nice cut up in blocks, a good alternate block and a great binding cut on the bias. The paisley 5601, the flower 5600 or 5602 are all really nice too. 5608 adds another layer as does 5604, and of course . . . how do you pick your favorite child? It is a 'family'.

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I've started making some small (3 3/4") Ohio Star blocks (scrappy); we’ll see what happens with them. By the way, I sew blocks then figure out the setting. I have pencil and graph paper, camera and my eyes to determine what to do next. I love playing with fabric!

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: Yes! It is called Simple Charm; it is actually a companion group to Bridgeport. We re-colored the Bird Toile that we love so much, added a printed ticking stripe and 6 wovens in a positive/negative window pane plaid - I see decorator pillows, shams, pillowcases and valances to go with a quilt. Or a decor pillow for the family room! I can hardly wait!

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: A Kitty

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: Debra Winger comes to mind.

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: Sorry, I know too many and love their talents, can't narrow it down to one.

3 for Me: Kathy Watt

2012-02-03T06:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Friday everyone! It's February already and the color mania continues! Please join me in welcoming back Kathy Watt as she shares some Spring-time fun, the color purple:

"Vibrant color always makes one happy, I think, so these purples should do the trick if you have the winter blahs. Check out the patterns in our Tote Bag, Apparel, and Misc. section and you will find wonderful ways to use this fabric. A great tote bag for Spring or a favorite little girl’s Easter purse would sew up quickly. Perhaps a slumber party is planned at your house and a pillowcase pattern would make the perfect party favor or a table runner for a fresh look in your dining room would be cute. If all else fails, you can just drape the yardage in your sewing room and gaze at the beautiful prints!"

Kathy's 3:

1. Caterwauling Tales Purple Pin Stripe SKU# 0919-4

2. Simple Pleasures Purple Tossed Wildflowers SKU# 0870-3

3. Sew Heavenly Purple Rolling Clouds SKU# 0832-04

Designer Tidbits: Me and My Sister Designs

2012-02-02T08:00:00.001-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Barb & Mary of Me and My Sister Designs to the Jolly Jabber. Me and My Sister Designs’ latest fabric collection is Twirl for Moda Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Twirl collection?
A: We usually start our collections with the main print. It is usually a floral and becomes the inspiration for the rest of the prints. The whole group started with this print…

Then we add coordinates that complement the main floral like this…

Then Moda does their magic and the whole thing comes together!

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: You know I am not a huge music person, I never turn on the radio and don’t even have an iPod or anything like that with a music playlist. I never turn on the radio in my car and I know that Lady Gaga is a singer but could not tell you what she sings! I am a TV girl though! It’s on in the background all the time in my sewing room. Reality TV is the best and I watch it ALL between episodes of Law and Order.

But I could tell you what my 2 favorite commercials are at the moment …

1~ The Snickers commercial where the sharks are talking about how good Steve tastes cause he just ate a Snickers bar.

2 ~ The Microsoft commercial where the kid does a Power Point presentation for his parents to get a new dog … but the dad gets shot down when he does one to play golf on Sunday!

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: Oh … that’s difficult! Its really hard to pick just one but it would have to be this … Mary picked it because it’s PINK!

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: Would have to say the #3 layer cake quilt from our Simply Cakes pattern. So simple and easy to make!

Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: Laundry twirling in the wind on the clothesline! If that is a scent?

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: Our next fabric collection is called “Good Morning”. It will ship to the stores in August. I love how the prints with this new flower turned out!

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: DOGS! Do you really want me to start talking about my dogs! That is one of my favorite subjects! My little dog Bella is a Jack Russell terrier and sneaks into lots of the pictures that end up on our blog.

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: Can this be an author? Both Mary and I love to read and we have a wide variety of authors that we love and share their books. But I have to admit that one of our favorites is Janet Evanovich. She writes a great series of books that have me laughing out loud whenever I read them!

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: That’s’ easy! Sandra Bullock! Mary and I would both pick her. Could we be Sandra twins? I love her style, talent and humor. Not to mention … I would like to look like her in an evening gown!

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: My favorite designer is Ralph Lauren. I love his classic American style and simple clean lines. Years ago I borrowed a book from Polly Minick, the autobiography of his life. I read the whole thing and enjoyed every page. He almost failed several times and kept trying until his dream came to be. Did you know that he can’t sew a stitch?

Book of the Month: Make It Sew Modern

2012-02-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome back to our Book of the Month feature at Fat Quarter Shop! This month we are featuring the Make It Sew Modern Sewing Book by Vanessa Christenson of V and Co. The adorable Vanessa is here today to take us on a little adventure inside her life and her new book.

And don’t forget, the Book of the Month is 20% OFF all month!

Thank you Kim and all the awesome gals at Fat Quarter Shop for inviting me to talk a little about my book!

front cover

First a little about me:
I'm a mom to 4 awesomely crazy go nuts kids. Three boys ages 12, 10, and almost 8, and one girl age 5.

I'm also going to celebrate 14 years of marriage to a pretty great guy, my bestest friend, the man that can make me pee my pants from laughter: Jake.

We just recently moved across the country to our new surroundings in the Midwest after my husband's employers closed down their doors. It was a hard decision where we were going to relocate, but I do have to say, we're happy we moved here. There's a lot of corn, like EVERYWHERE, there are no mountains or ocean to let you know you are going the right way or the wrong way, BUT the people are super nice, the kids have made friends, and the husband is loving his new occupation.

That initial scary feeling of 'we don't know how it’s going to be' has been replaced with happy thoughts, and promises of great new adventures.

back of book

Now, a little about my book. :D
It really seems like a dream ago that I was working on this book. All the work that goes into it pays off when you see it all coming together in photographs and layouts. And EVEN more cool: to see it in actual print.

I still can't believe I did it, I'm so happy to be able to finally show everyone all of the hard work!

doily quilt with gathered borders pg.47

If you read my blog, or have seen any of my projects you know I like to play a lot with texture and some color.

I believe texture can add so much life to your projects. There's almost an elegance that can go with texture, and I love to find new ways to implement it in everyday projects for home decor, quilts or wearable items. Add a gather to a quilt, or scarf, and all of a sudden you have natural pattern with the texture. I love how it plays with your eyes and makes you want to go up closer to get a more up and personal look.

flower bouquet pillow pg. 29 (personal fav...shhhh)

In my book Make it Sew Modern, you will find simple projects made gorgeous by adding texture in one way or another. It is for the modern sewist that is just starting out, or the seasoned sewist that is looking to change it up a little with texture. This book is also great to help the little budding crafter in your home with some great first time non-sewing projects as well!

My book is divided into 4 sections: Ruffles, Gathers, Pleats, and Twisting. You will see over 20 projects using these techniques!

Each project is explained in detail, and with some general hints on how to make your texture work for you.

spring blossom wreath pg. 17

All of my projects in this book are able to be made with NO SPECIAL attachments. Yup, just you and your sewing machine, and a few little fun tricks with no extra cost of special feet to create your gorgeous texture.

school girl skirt pg. 81

I pride myself in saying that I wrote this book. I would personally buy it if I didn't write it. I love the projects in my book, and it really made me realize how much fun and how many possibilities there really are to embellish your projects with texture.

I could have added a bazillion (okay maybe more like a hundred) more texture embellished projects as they are constantly popping up in my head and onto my notebook of design ideas. I am so excited to keep going in this wonderful little world of mine of texture I have started. I feel like I've just started my journey.

handy tote pg. 85

I hope you have as much fun with these projects as I did, and are as excited about the results as I am. Thank you Fat Quarter Shop for carrying my book and my patterns, and of course, for carrying all the material anyone may need for all the projects in the world! :)

Designer Tidbits: Women of Courage Block of the Month

2012-01-31T13:22:00.000-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Denise Lipscomb to the Jolly Jabber. Denise’s latest design is the Women of Courage Block of the Month with Windham Fabrics.

Q: What was your inspiration for the Women of Courage Block of the Month?
A: I love history and am always looking for ways to combine my love of women's history, particularly, and quilting. Because reproduction fabric often tends to center around the Civil War era, the history included with patterns using reproduction fabric also tends to center around women from the Civil War era. When I started designing this particular quilt, I really wanted to branch out and include women from other time periods. This program gave me the opportunity to do that.

Q: Can you tell us a little about how you picked each “woman of courage”?
A: I wanted to not only honor women that were well known by everyone but also those lesser known women who have made a difference in the world. One of the women we are honoring, Mary Roberts Wilson, was a personal friend of mine, and was the first woman I chose for inclusion. The Women of Courage program gave me the opportunity to share her story with the quilting world. During my research I found other lesser known women: Nancy Wake who was nicknamed the White Mouse and had a bounty on her head during World War II; Maud Fitch who had to provide her own ambulance to drive the injured from the battlefield in World War I; Bessie Coleman (who, by the way, came from Waxahachie where I was born and now live) who was the first African-American woman pilot. I love the idea that these women will be known throughout the quilting world for their courage.

Q: What do you consider your biggest achievement in the quilting world?
A: The thing I love most about being a part of the quilting world is the people I've met. I feel so fortunate to know so many good, caring people that I never would have met had I not opened a shop. I count some of these as my good friends now so I guess "friendship" is my biggest (and best) achievement.

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: I love Kate Morton. She is an author out of Australia who is my absolute favorite. I've read her novels over and over… and see something different each time. She has the ability to bring things to life with words that make you feel you're there with the characters. Her three novels so far have been flashbacks to the period around World War I and World War II. Once again, it's that love of history I think.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: I’d pick Meryl Streep since she always wins all the awards!

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: I love those designers who have the ability to bring together creativity and attention to detail, and also create not only beautiful quilt designs, but also patterns that are well-written and easy to read.

Designer Tidbits: Minick & Simpson

2012-01-30T17:45:00.000-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Polly Minick & Laurie Simpson to the Jolly Jabber. Minick & Simpson’s latest fabric collection is Prairie Paisley II for Moda Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Prairie Paisley II collection?
A: The original Prairie Paisley was one of our favorite and most loved collections. We decided to design with this in mind and we used the exact colorways as was in the first collection, but this time, we searched for different old paisleys. If you have any scraps left over - they will blend perfectly. Not only did we love this, we felt we were listening to and answering all of you as our collectors.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Well, it would sound very old and contemporary at the same time. It would sound welcoming and familiar. Maybe, La Boheme?

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: Laurie: I would pick 14731-11. It is very much like my favorite fabric from the original collection - large, graphic paisleys with roses against a red background.

Polly: We pretty much like the same things, which is a wonderful help as we work on our collections. The one difference is I usually pick a small print as a favorite and Laurie often leans to a larger scale as her favorite. 14738-15 is mine!

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: That would be Go West.

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: Our next fabric collection is going to be called Independence Trail. We don't have the strike-offs back yet, but it will be our same Americana with a mid 19th century look.

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: It would have to be both Annie and Gibby - our dogs! Our dogs are our constant companions in our studios each day and are with us through each collection and project - and they are totally loyal - there could be no other.

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: In this house it is the two Harbaugh brothers. Jim coaches the San Francisco 49ers and John coaches the Baltimore Ravens - I am sure Laurie agrees, she actually babysat them! The parents are our dear friends and the coaches are our son's best friends, there is usually one of our sons at each game.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: Isabella Rosselini? No?

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: Ralph Lauren, without question.

Designer Tidbits: Eleanor Grosch

2012-01-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Eleanor Grosch to the Jolly Jabber. Eleanor’s latest fabric collection is Imperial Pheasant from Free Spirit Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Imperial Pheasant collection?
A: The inspiration behind the Imperial Pheasant collection was the traditional Chinoiserie style used in European sitting rooms. It was the European interpretation of "the East." The style usually uses beautiful colors, birds, and exotic flowers.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Definitely my "Chinese Flutes" favorite channel on Pandora! Every time I listen, I'm brought to my "inner spa."

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: I love the lead pattern - the pheasants in the garden. It has the most energy to me, and I like to see the whole scene played out.

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I haven't yet made a project, but I would love to make some grocery bags for my Mom. They would look chic yet be totally practical.

Q: What is your favorite part of working in the fabric industry?
A: I love coming up with an idea and fully developing the scene to then pull from for the coordinating prints. It's a challenge!

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: Oooh, yes...I'm pumped about this one! It's called "Serengeti" and it's a modern spin on the safari animal theme.

Q: What is your absolute favorite thing in your house?
A: I love the kitchen floor - we totally gutted the kitchen and got to be really creative with the design. We used CubanTropicalTile.com to get the tiles - they're traditional Cuban tiles made with cement.

Q: Which project stands out in your memory as your all-time favorite?
A: Probably the snowboarding decks I did for Alien Workshop - they just really came together fluidly and I'm still proud of them!

Q: Where do you do your best thinking? Can we see a photo of your studio?
A: My studio varies - I have a laptop, so sometimes I'm in our messy room designated as the studio, but mostly I'm on our couch.

I do my best thinking when I'm doing something physical because my mind then relaxes and I can let the creativity flow. I try to work out a bit every day. It's good to clear your mind.

Q: What is your favorite snack food?
A: My choice is nearly always coffee - I love it. I think I really can't get enough. My favorite is Starbucks Thanksgiving Blend. So good!!

Q: What is your one guilty pleasure in life?
A: A manhattan every evening...

Basics Charity Challenge

2012-01-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited because Cara Wilson of Cara Quilts & #talknt is here today to tell you some very touching information about the Basics Charity Challenge. Well, she has a lot to share so I will let her get right to it.

Thank you for having me today Kimberly, and hello Jolly Jabbers!

In our daily lives we have a lot of things we think of as basics.

This morning you brushed your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
You used toilet paper.
Had soap to wash your hands.
Put on some deodorant.
Ran a brush through your hair.
Maybe took a shower with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a razor.
Put some make-up on.
You were able to put on clean underwear and socks, that no one else has ever worn.
In the kitchen did you grab some paper towels to clean up a little spill?
At some point during the day you probably grabbed a coffee or tea.
Used some tissue to blow your nose. Maybe sanitized your hands after.

I could go on but you probably have the point by now. We have a LOT of things that we consider basics.

Last year I started the Basics Charity Challenge, and you can read about how it all started in here.

We had a wonderful response, both from those we reached out to for prize donations and all the people willing to donate basics to their local shelters.

After receiving an email from a wonderful woman who wanted to let me know she had continued to pick up extra basics when they were on sale and every month dropped off a care package at her local shelter, I was moved to issue the Challenge once more.

In each of our communities there are places that people don’t have the very basic things we all take for granted. Shelters- for abused women/children, homeless, men’s missions, - exist in virtual every community. They are a necessary safety net for people in our communities who for an array of reasons need help. But these shelters are almost always in need of the basic items. Many of the people have had to leave everything behind, or don’t have anything to begin with.

Last year I received many emails from people telling me how either they or someone they know had had to use a shelter, and how much these very basic items can mean. If you are lucky enough to never had need of a shelter, are protected and loved by your spouse, been supported by family and friends, give thanks by helping those who aren’t.

The Challenge is this:

Go drive past your nearest shelter for abused women/children or the homeless.
See if there is a sign, if not call. Ask what they need. Check online, they probably have a website and most have a list of what is needed at that particular time.

Next time you are at the store pick up a few of the items for the list. Take a picture of the items and then go drop them off at the shelter or drop off point.

Add your picture to our Flickr group, and then leave a comment on my blog post telling us you have.

If your community doesn’t have a shelter, or its location is confidential and there is no drop off point for donations, you can donate through the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Or in Canada the United Way provides funds to many shelters. If you are international there is the Red Cross.

Again, leave a comment stating you have donated.

Each comment will be entered to win one of the many fantastic prizes from our sponsors as a thank you for reaching out and helping those in need. Winners will be drawn on February 29th on my blog.

Spread the word, blog, tweet, facebook, tell your guild, email your friends. Let’s see how many people we can get to help out their community. The best way to solve a problem is to be involved.

Best Wishes,
Cara

3 for Me: Debbie Taylor

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hooray! It's Friday and the Color Mania continues! We hope it's been a great week for you and that you're ready for the weekend...and for a quick dose of turquoise! Please join me in welcoming back Debbie Taylor as she shares her favorite color with us:

"What’s not to love about the color turquoise? It reminds me of Robin’s eggs, Easter eggs, and the Caribbean! The turquoise in Me and My Sister’s newest collection called “Twirl” is one of my favorites! I especially like the twirling ribbon pattern! It’s the promise that Spring is on its way and time to get sewing again!"

Debbie's 3:

1. Twirl Twirling Turquoise Twirly Dots SKU# 22174-16

2. Twirl Twirling Turquoise Mini Twirls SKU# 22172-39

3. Twirl Twirling Turquoise Ribbon Stripe SKU# 22175-16

Designer Tidbits: Patty Sloniger

2012-01-26T15:19:00.000-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Patty Sloniger to the Jolly Jabber. Patty’s latest fabric collection is Backyard Baby from Michael Miller Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Backyard Baby collection?
A: My inspiration was my own amazing childhood growing up with an older brother and lots of neighborhoods kids. We didn't spend much time playing video games (Atari back then) and watching tv, we spent most of it outdoors, exploring the wonders of nature or just running around, playing tag and catching fireflies.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: A sunshiny, happy collection of carefree songs, probably something like:
1. "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin
2. "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves
3. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
4. "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash
5. "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I'm just starting to quilt, so baby quilts are the perfect size project for my limited skills. This one is my favorite so far.

Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: That's easy... fresh mowed grass, I still love that smell to this day.

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: The dog in the striped shirt!

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: Probably Benedict Cumberbatch, I think he does an amazing job portraying a modern day Sherlock Holmes in the BBC's Masterpiece Mystery.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: Haha, maybe Renee Zellweger? She's played some quirky characters; I think she'd do the job pretty well!

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: Tula Pink, she has the most fantastic color palettes and such an imagination!

It's Sew Emma Spotlight: Gumdrop Garden

2012-01-25T17:00:00.003-06:00

Hi Jolly Jabbers,

Let me just start by saying that I am a Patty Young fan! I first met Patty and her husband, Jon, at a Michael Miller dinner at Quilt Market. Through conversation I found out that they lived in Bloomington, Illinois, which just happens to have been the town my husband grew up in, and we still have lots of family there. So we had lots to talk about and on our very next visit to the Midwest Patty and I met for coffee!

When Patty’s new line from Michael Miller was presented to us, I fell in love with it. The colors are bright and cheery and I loved the names of the different patterns; flower shop, vintage dainties, twirling blossom, sculpted garden and modern lotus just to name a few. I knew immediately that I had a pattern designed in my head for this fabric. I could hardly wait to get a piece of graph paper in my hands and start to draw.

My favorite pattern is the Modern Lotus colorways! I had to use them as the centers of the larger squares! I tried to use as many of the different patterns and colors as possible. Jocelyn Ueng, our It’s Sew Emma Design Manager, drew up my design in Illustrator and we went to work “coloring” it! Next, the fabric arrived for the quilt sample and I spent the next weekend putting the quilt top together. I sent a picture off to Patty to see if she approved and she LOVED it and asked if she could display it in her booth at Fall Quilt Market.

The Australian distributor of Michael Miller fabrics then saw the quilt in Patty’s booth and asked her if he could take it back to Australia with him for the Australian Quilt Market! I thought, 'what, my quilt is going to Australia without me?' I really thought I should accompany it, but that didn’t happen! Later, I called to see if Patty had received it back yet, and she said, "well no, your quilt is in Europe now!" What? How exciting, except my quilt is having more fun than me!

I hope everyone around the world that has seen it loves it as much as we do! It is the kind of quilt you will want to be working on now during the dreary days of winter with the hope of spring to be here soon!

I hope you enjoy this pattern or quilt kit as much as I do! If you are a shop owner and want to distribute this pattern, it is available at Checkers & United Notions as IES-121.

Winner: Amy Ellis' Blogger Choice Fat Quarter Bundle

2012-01-25T15:53:00.001-06:00

Last week all-star Amy Ellis came to visit the Jolly Jabber presenting her Blogger's Choice Fat Quarter Bundle.

At the end you had a chance to show us how well you know Amy by guessing which word of each set she likes better.

1. jelly roll or layer cake
2. planned or scrappy
3. prints or solids

Today we get to find out who knows Amy best and what exactly her choices would be. So without futher adieu the winner is...

Heather

"Layer cake

Planned

Prints"

To all of you who picked "solids", Amy Ellis said she does love solids, but can't do without prints!

Congratulations Heather! To claim your prize e-mail stephanie[at]fatquartershop[dot]com with your full shipping address.
Happy Giveaway Day!

Designer Tidbits: Kate Spain

2012-01-23T17:39:00.000-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Kate Spain to the Jolly Jabber. Kate’s latest fabric collection is Good Fortune for Moda Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Good Fortune collection?
A: These two pictures really capture the essence of this collection. I took them at the Portland Japanese Garden on a trip with my husband.

This picture is from my sketchbook where I started to explore some stylized floral motifs.

The idea for Good Fortune actually came to be while I was still working on Terrain. There was one pattern I had been working on (called Pond Garden inspired largely from the first photo above) and I got to a certain point and felt that it didn't really fit with the rest of the collection. Instead I began to see how it could become the core for a whole new collection. To me, it had a distinctly Asian feeling, so I went with it! I started to look at and visit Asian gardens and was inspired by their aesthetics that combine a balance of structure and fluidity. I tried to incorporate these elements in the patterns I designed.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: I pretty much had five CDs playing in an endless loop when I was working on this collection so I picked a few of my favorites:
1. Mr. Blue by Catherine Feeny
2. Pony (It's OK) by Erin McCarley
3. What Would You Rather Do from the September Sessions soundtrack (a film by Jack Johnson)
4. The whole Live Session album by Joshua Radin
5. Bottom of the Barrel by Amos Lee

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: I'd have to say my favorite pattern is Lantern Flower in the colorway Reflection. (sku# 27102-27)

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: So far, I've only made two quilts with Good Fortune and really enjoyed sewing with it. Though they're both very different, I'd have to say my favorite was the one I made for Quilt Market that was hanging in the Moda booth. I wish I could show you more, but it will be appearing in a quilting magazine this spring/summer, (yay!) so here is a little teaser detail:

Three of the prints come in coated cotton and I really look forward to making a new tote bag (to bring to the grocery store)!

Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: I'd have to say the flower freesia. It's fresh, spicy and slightly exotic.

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: Sure! I'm excited to share that I have three new collections with Moda coming out this year. The first is called Serenade and is a fall-themed line that will ship in May. One of the fun features of this collection is that the panel is a ready-to-cut-and-sew pattern for a kitchen apron! It was a designing challenge for me to engineer the panel, but I'm really happy with how it turned out and hope people enjoy a quick, easy and cute sewing project. Here's a peek of a few of the prints:

The other is a Christmas collection called Joy. Here's a sampler-peek of some of the prints:

And again, this group includes another fun panel project! This one is a ready-to-cut-and-sew pattern that will make these two stockings:

As for the third collection...well...it's a little too early to share that one! But certainly you all will be among the first to know. Stay tuned :)

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: For anyone who reads my blog, you know that I already have a mascot! Well, actually two:

Franny & Lou

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: Though he's no longer with us, it would have to be Paul Newman. I really admire celebrities who also dedicate themselves to humanitarian and social causes. In fact, Mr. Newman lived in Westport, CT (the neighboring town to where we live) and thanks to his progressive influence and generous funding our town has a community movie theater that is run by high school students (including kids with disabilities), a local farmer's market, a field-to-table restaurant that supports local farms, and one of 14 "Hole in the Wall" camps for children with serious illnesses. Quite a remarkable legacy.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: Well, before you go and do anything crazy just be sure to ask yourself who would actually want to SEE that movie!!

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: Ack, there are many! But the one I return to over and over is Mother Nature herself.

Sew What you Love Blog Hop + Giveaway

2012-01-21T08:00:00.003-06:00

Tanya Whelan came to visit the Jolly Jabber not too long ago to show off her new collection, Sugar Hill. Well now she is back for a hop, skip and a jump to show off her stunning new book Sew What You Love. Make sure you stay until the end because there is a prize involved!

I just want to thank the Fat Quarter Shop for being a stop on my blog tour for my new book Sew What You Love! They are such an incredible resource for fabrics on the web. As a matter of fact, they have my latest collection, Sugar Hill, which I used for some of the projects in the book, available right now. The book includes 30 projects for bags, home, children’s items (toys, bedding, clothes) and adult clothing.

It also comes with three large pattern sheets in an envelope at the back of the book and a couple of full size templates inside the book. The projects are really simple and will work for sewers at any level. Also included are techniques and tips for sewing with knits, using elastic thread and bag construction. Basically I really wanted to show projects that were simple, pretty, and easily achievable that people would want to use in their everyday life. Decorative and occasional things can be wonderful but I always get a thrill out of actually using the things I make day to day. Hoping all your projects come out perfectly in 2012 everyone.

Happy Sewing!
Tanya Whelan

Now it's time for a giveaway. We are giving away one copy of Tanya's Sew What You Love book.

To enter, comment on this post telling your favorite Sugar Hill print.

Contest closes Thursday, January 26 at midnight CST.

Good Luck!

3 for Me: Kevin Jolly

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday everyone! Hopefully you are enjoying some beautiful January weather; we are experiencing highs of 79 degrees right now! In the meantime, please join us in welcoming back Kevin Jolly as he shares his favorite color with us:

"What's more exciting than brown tonal fabric, especially in winter? I like browns and these three fabrics are a good trio. Featuring football, winter, and kid friendly robots, this pretty much sums up my life this time of year (and I guess fabric in general covers the work part)."

Kevin's 3:

1. Little Gatherings Walnut Little Leaf SKU# 1045-18

2. Robot Factory Brown Robot Connections SKU# 11533-16

3. Sports Life Brown Sports Texture SKU# 11543-16

It's Sew Emma Spotlight: Garnets and Rubies

2012-01-19T17:23:00.000-06:00

Hi again everyone,

We have another It’s Sew Emma quilt to introduce you to!
For our Garnets and Rubies quilt pattern the design came first. I was doodling and playing with triangles one Saturday morning, and this beauty appeared. I love the simple, contemporary look of the cascading triangles, simple but eye-catching. It needed a strong fabric line to shine, but there was nothing that felt right at the time, so we set it aside.

A few months later, Moda showed us their new Prairie Paisley II collection and we had to find the perfect design since this collection was so awesome. Leafing through sketches, this beauty popped back out, and it was instant love. Surprising, given the more contemporary design and layout, but they are so perfect together. The reds, cream and paisley are lovely, just the right amount of pop and tradition.

Of course, Garnets and Rubies will still look amazing paired with contemporary fabrics or even batiks! Try it with Green Tea Batiks for a soft, spa-retreat feel. Personally I want to make it bed-sized and throw in Secret Garden for myself. :)

Add some Garnets and Rubies to your home today! Shop owners, you can find it at United Notions and Checkers as ISE-112.

Blogger Choice: Amy Ellis

2012-01-18T08:00:00.001-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop and Amy Ellis of Amy's Creative Side have teamed up to present you with a Fat Quarter Shop Exclusive!

Amy has specially selected 12 of her favorite prints along with 3 coordinating solids from our store for this special bundle found only at the Fat Quarter Shop.

Q: What will you be making with your Blogger’s Choice Fat Quarter Bundle?
A: With my Bundle, I hope to make a quilt, or a pile of zip pouches (you can never have enough, right?). I love trying new things with fat quarters, and paper piecing blocks to incorporate into pouches has been a fun and quick project recently!

Q: What quilt project are you currently working on?
A: Currently, I'm working on finishing up a bunch of projects! I have a number of tops that need to be quilted, and put to use. I'm really looking forward to binding them over the next few cold months.

Hot Seat:
1. jelly roll or layer cake
2. planned or scrappy
3. prints or solids

Leave a comment on this post choosing one of each pair you think Amy would have selected. Answer correctly and you will have a chance to win one of her Blogger’s Choice Fat Quarter Bundles.
You have exactly one week from this post till the contest closes.

Good Luck!

Designer Tidbits: Patty Young

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Patty Young to the Jolly Jabber. Patty’s latest fabric collection is Lush from Michael Miller Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Lush collection?
A: My inspirations for Lush were the gorgeous flowers, exotic plants and verdant gardens in the Missouri Botanical Gardens. We visit this beautiful place a couple of times a year and I always draw inspiration from it, but this time, I decided to do a series of colorful floral designs that were drawn directly from the photos I took there.My mood board includes pictures of several of the flowers that ended up taking a major role in the collection, namely, the stargazer lilies, the zinnias and the daffodils.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: I listened to a lot of happy, girlie, indie music while I drew this collection, so I'm sure some of those beats and melodies infused themselves into the designs... they always do! I specifically listened to my favorite English alternative rock band from my college days (early 90's), named ... wait for it ... Lush (surprise, surprise!).

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: The strangest thing is that I'm always drawn to a certain print before it goes on fabric, and once I get the fabric in my hands, my eyes wander and sometimes I end up falling in love with something completely different! Case in point, when I turned in the collection, I was smitten with my Stargazer in Raspberry, but when we got the sample yardage in I just couldn't keep my eyes off the Flower Bed in Grass. In fact, we all loved it so much that we convinced Michael Miller Fabrics to release it in laminated cottons. Note the adorable rain-slicker! Yes, this is a sneak peek of an upcoming MODKID pattern (stay tuned!).

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: It's got to be my Modern Lotus pillow cover! I love how you can use our six coordinating solids for the background of the pillow and then make the applique flower with just tiny scraps of Lush from the studio. We get so many compliments on these pillows!

Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: It would definitely be a sweet aroma with a tinge of citrus. I think it would smell just like my favorite perfume, Ange ou Demon Le Secret, by Givenchi. I wear it pretty much every day and I'm sure my whole studio smells like it... haha.

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: I just turned in the artwork for my Spring collection last week, so it's still a bit too soon to show. It hasn't even gone through the chopping block yet... LOL! But what I can do, is give you a bit of insider information on things to come in the fabric arena. We are re-releasing Andalucia (my first fabric collection) in February. It has been re-colored in all new fresh and gorgeous colors and I cannot wait to be able to show it off! My Spring Market collection will be Scandinavian-inspired, with a nod to mid-century modern art. This collection speaks to the very core of my design style, so I hope you will love it as much as I do!

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: Well, if I had a mascot it would definitely be a dog, since they are my favorite animals, but more specifically it would be a Weimaraner. We had two of them years ago when we lived in Florida and I still think about them every day. They are kind, loyal, very unusual-looking and absolutely beautiful. If Lush had a mascot it would be the most exotic and colorful bird, the Quetzal, usually found in Central America, where I spent most of my childhood.

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: Steve Jobs, rest in peace, for having a wonderful dream and the passion to make it happen. I wrote a little bit about him here.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: This is a really tough one, but I think I would choose Maria de Medeiros because she is short like me, has long, dark hair and an exotic appearance. She has appeared in two of my favorite movies of all time... Pulp Fiction and Henry and June. Not sure how this would work out, though, since she is 5 years older than me, so by the time they'd make a movie about me, she might be too old to play me! Maybe they'll have to find a new young Latina to play my early years and Maria could play my elderly years. ;)

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: I have always been highly inspired by Scandinavian art, pretty much since childhood, as my parents had a lot of Danish furniture in our home. Lately, I have been deeply immersed in Finnish, Danish and Swedish styles since I've been designing my Spring line, so if I had to pick a favorite designer, I'd pick Maija Isola of Marimekko. I feel her modern design style was way ahead of her time. She was a visionary. I remember Marimekko textiles from my early childhood and was so excited when I saw this fresh and modern style pop back up in stores a few years ago.

Designer Tidbits: Daisy Janie

2012-01-16T15:52:00.000-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Jan DiCintio of Daisy Janie to the Jolly Jabber. Jan’s latest fabric collection is Tilly.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Tilly collection?
A: The Tilly Collection is dedicated to and inspired by my Mom because she has always been the wind beneath my wings. In order to capture a place and time that reminded me so much of her nurturing, I took a mental tour of our home in the 1970s and re-interpreted a few things for Tilly: big flowery wallpaper, a sofa with quilted, swooping stems and funny leaves that I would trace with my fingers, a garden trellis that was climbing with roses. I added some modern versions of the harvest palette (green, brown, gold, orange) to keep that 70s vibe.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Sticking the 1970s theme, the soundtrack would be all disco!
One Way or Another - Blondie
Mamma Mia - Abba
MacArthur Park - Donna Summer
Knock on Wood – Amii Stewart
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite ?
A: This certainly changes day-to-day because I love them all, but today, my favorite is Mumsy in Dawn. It radiates warmth, sunshine and summer to me ~ and that’s all I’m dreaming about on this very bitter, cold day in January!

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I love this shirred pillow top made with Trellis Dawn and Vinery Dawn. It was my first time working with elastic thread, and I enjoyed making it as much as I enjoy looking at it. A very cool effect!

Q: What is your favorite part of working in the fabric industry?
A: The unending creativity! It never ceases to amaze me what folks come up with regarding fabric design, quilts, quilting and just general making and crafting. I’m inspired by the simple, everyday creations as much as by the artistic, jaw-dropping pieces. I can’t get enough because the possibilities are endless!

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: While I don’t have artwork I can share just yet, I can tell you that it is influenced by the simple beauty I see when I gaze out my studio window, lost in daydreams. One of the designs I will be featuring is a re-introduction of a very popular design that I once digitally printed for my old etsy shop, Boxwood. The initial sketch of this design is shown here.

Q: What is your absolute favorite thing in your house?
A: A tall, textured glass vase that was once my Grandma’s. She had a teak rolltop desk just inside her front door that she used as a hall table, and the vase was always there. It was one of those things that I’d always, always see as a youngster. Once my Grandma passed away, I realized how much I associated that vase with the comfort of being in her home. I’m so glad to see it every day on a table near my own front door.

Q: Which project stands out in your memory as your all-time favorite?
A: Most definitely this elephant costume I made for my son in 1998. It was my first time truly following a pattern and sewing curves! I was so nervous!. I ended up using that same sewing pattern as the basis for a few other costumes for him down the road.

Q: Where do you do your best thinking? Can we see a photo of your studio?
A: I do my best thinking on a long walk – the fresh air and new scenery gets the brain juices flowing!

Q: What is your favorite snack food?
A: Extra-sharp cheddar cheese. This is a food group unto itself as far as I’m concerned!

Q: What is your one guilty pleasure in life?
A: Working out! Seriously. I can’t even begin to describe the amazing things we do there and how freaking fantastic the people are! Nothing typical about it. Like my second family!! Keeps me strong, motivated and confident! Here we are running up a nearby hill in summer heat with weight vests! Booyah!

Designer Tidbits: Emily Herrick

2012-01-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Emily Herrick to the Jolly Jabber. Emily’s latest fabric collection is Hall of Fame from Michael Miller Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Hall of Fame collection?
A: I had a couple of inspirations for this collection. One would be the Norman Rockwell sports prints that used to hang in my boys’ room. I love the colors and the feel of that era. Another inspiration came from old yearbook photos. I could look at those black and white pictures for hours and almost imagine myself there. I wanted a collection that could take you back to yesteryear, yet also be current and modern. I LOVE how this collection embodies both.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: We are the Champions and We will Rock You- Both by Queen. Also Eye of the Tiger - by Survivor. Really, any song that gets you pumped up and ready to go would fit perfectly.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: Argh! This is always the hardest. I think I’d have to say the Pennants. This was a print I knew very early on that I wanted to design. It came together perfectly. I love it in big pieces- as a border or a back. But I also really like it cut up into small pieced pieces. The angles give it a really cool, modern look. (A close second is the Jersey Numbers!)

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: That would have to be the ‘Pep Rally’ quilt. I love how it all came together and how easy it was. Triangles are NOT hard. :o)

Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: Um….locker room!? Ok no, that’s just gross, how about Zest soap. It reminds me of the cleaner scent from locker rooms.

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: I don’t think I can show a picture. But let’s just say- if you liked Going Coastal you’re going to LOVE this next one.

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: I have always LOVED elephants. They are my favorite animal. Since I grew up in the Bay Area where the Oakland A’s play, and they have an Elephant as a mascot, I think I’d have to adopt theirs. Green is also my favorite color so that makes it even better!

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: This is a tough one. It’s always changing. I have a not-so-secret crush on Russell Brand. I know, I know, I think it’s because he’s funny and even though he’s on the crude side, the British make it so endearing.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: I had a hard time with this question so I asked my husband for help. He requested Ashley Judd. I have to agree. If you’re going to have someone play you, you want them to make you look good. Hmmmm, I wonder if she knows how to sew? Maybe I can be her stunt double for the quilting shots.

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: I think this one is constantly changing too. I really like Sweetwater. Their prints are perfect for almost any project. Another favorite would have to be David Butler aka Parson Gray. His new collection has caught the attention of many quilters and I’m no exception. I can’t wait to see what's in the future for him.