Fresh Figs

To Market, to Market to Make a Silly Video

I know we all say this when we hear our own voices... but I guess I will be unoriginal and say it all again....

Do I really sound like that? And is it THAT uncomfortable for everyone who sees themselves on video or is it just me?

I mean, you would think that I would have gotten used to it all, with lovely Gene chasing after us with that blasted video camera year after year, Market after Market... but I don't! Every time I see a new video, I have to shut it off or at least I have to leave the room so that others can watch it.

Just an odd experience that I can't seem to get used to...oh well.

But, anyway, in the absence of having edited any of my Market photos [hope to start having those for you by tomorrow], here is the lovely video that the lovely Gene took for the lovely folks at MODA and they, in all of their loveliness, felt the need to share it with the world :-) :-).....

 

 

 

Happy viewing,

Joanna

Warning: Picture Heavy!

You know how there are certain patterns that you remember sewing long after you are done with them? Those ones that become favorites no matter how many other quilts you have made in the meantime?

In my case, that often means those are the patterns that are mysteriously “unavailable” to travel or go to shows because they are… well, they are being used on our couch! The original SUNWASHED pattern is one of those patterns.

We have made it up in various different color combinations and are still in love with most of them, several of them are “regulars” in our quilt basket and get used on a daily basis.

 

THE ORIGINAL SUNWASHED PATTERN

[MADE UP FROM OUR WHIMSY COLLECTION]

....on the cover of the pattern it is also made up out of our Mill House Inn collection

 

 

Something about the simplicity and yet complicated look of this quilt is fabulous to me. Not that I can take any credit for the design as I discovered it on a vintage quilt many years ago and just reinterpreted it with a much easier piecing and assembly technique. I love that it is a simple 1 block quilt that is created primarily through the pieced sashing!

 

CALIFORNIA GIRL VERSION OF THE ORIGINAL SUNWASHED.

Pieced by the lovely Sherri. Quilted by the amazing Diana [QuiltedGrammy@aol.com]

 

So when it came time to start thinking of patterns for this Spring release, the favorites popped quickly to mind, including this one.

Before we started re-designing, the first thing we thought would be fun is to make the SUNWASHED pattern our of our new, CALIFORNIA GIRL, collection.

Choosing to focus on the blues, Sherri pieced this one for her own collection. We are ga-ga for this version! Beautiful job as always!

... doesn't it just make you think of the beach? 

 

 

OUR BRAND NEW PATTERN, MARIGOLDS [DEBUTING AT MARKET NEXT WEEK]

Pieced by the lovely Sherri. Quilted by the amazing Diana.

During the design process, the variation we came up with that is completely different but completely the same…. is that there is no appliqué in this one, its all pieced from charm packs!!

 

Super simple, to say the least, with the same straightforward sashing construction this version is just like the original but no appliqué. Now mind you, the appliqué on the original SUNWASHED is the most simple kind of appliqué there is and one that I recommend to beginning appliquers all the time. It is a simple curve, with ends that don’t have to be finished or even tucked under because they are pieced into the next block. You really can’t go wrong with that kind of appliqué. In fact, the appliqué doesn’t have to be done at all. Just prep the pieces using starch or any other method that you are familiar with and then simply topstitch the ¼- circles into their blocks and be done. Either way the circle version, SUNWASHED, quilt is a perfect introduction to doing a bit of simple appliqué or at the very least, appliqué prep.

This new version, MARIGOLDS, is entirely pieced, same construction, just an even simpler setup. Half square triangles with “snowball” corners and a pieced sashing. We love it. Made up here also in CALIFORNIA GIRL, focusing a bit more on the corals and the yellows.

... really can't figure out which one is our favorite!!

 

Hope you might be inspired to try one of these summertime yummies, regardless if a bit of applique is your thing or not!

Believe it or not, there is another version made from our TAPESTRY COLLECTION in the works to be debuted at Quilt Market in Kansas City. If all the stars align, we will show some pictures before then!

 

NEW PATTERN INFORMATION

Name: MARIGOLDS

Size:  53" x 68 or 68" x 68"

Collection: Shown here made out of California Girl. Coming soon, made also out of our brand new collection, TAPESTRY.

Available: Patterns will be available at the end of May, 2012.

Sneak...

...Peek

Just thought I'd pop in amidst our sewing and designing frenzy to show you a project in my upcoming book, With Fabric & Thread. This is one of my favs. 

 

We don't have them in our hot little hand just yet but a little birdie just told me that we should be getting them any day now!

So we are working to get books ready to ship to you next week, WOOHOO!

We will start taking pre-orders on the site this weekend [or perhaps later today if all goes well] so check back if you would like a signed copy as soon as we have them! 

 

 

 

More on all this book fun later. For now, hope these little goodies give you something yummy to think about this weekend! And if you have time, feel free to send all possible sewing and cutting vibes our way as we will be literally buried in fabric!

Talk to you soon.

Introducing...

I am so very excited and proud to share with you, my latest "baby". Many a times I did indeed compare it to child birth so I guess the metaphor has stuck!

My new book....

 

WITH FABRIC & THREAD

 

It feels like it has been such a long time in the coming but I guess if I look at it all with better perspective, it hasn't been that long at all- at least not for a book process that is!

I will tell you much more in the upcoming weeks and share a lot of fun stuff about the process & the projects. For now I am just happy to show you this!

 

 

The book showcases projects that are both geared towards quilters as well as sewers and focuses on both of these wonderful worlds in separate sections of the book!

 

Leave a comment telling me what topic in the book-  QUILTING or SEWING- you are most excited about or interested in and I will enter you to win a mini bundle of our newest fabric collection, California Girl!

We will draw at the end of this week so be sure to check back.

 

Can't wait to hear which "side" you are coming from. Geesh, I can barely wait to show you more goodies!

A little Sneak & a Peek

 

You know when you see fabric that just makes your heart skip a beat?  

That is what this is doing for me right now. I know, I know... part of me feels like I can't say that about my own work and I should wait for someone else to say it. But I can't!

I also have to admit that this is not always true of every collection or design I do. Sometimes I really like them and think they are good. Sometimes I love them. Sometimes I wish I could have added something more or expressed my vision a bit differently. Sometimes its a combo of all of the above.

But sometimes, I dream about them before they get here.  This is one of those times.

I have so many more pics to show you but I think it might be best to wait just a bit. It's called TAPESTRY. Hope it adds some loveliness to your day.

 

Stay tuned for another big reveal this week. We are just full of surprises around here.

 

Mini Stockings

Since we have been completely remiss in showing you all of the new goodies that we introduced at Market, I thought I'd start with the ones that you might want to be making soon...or like right now!

Introducing the MINI STOCKINGS pattern!

For us a lot of the time, we want something simple and fun in between the more involved and time consuming projects as it gives us something completely different to work on and it gives us almost instantaneous results. Sometimes I am all about the instant gratification LOL! This was our favorite solution to that problem!

These little guys are so much fun to make whether you choose to spend a bit more time and make them scrappy or go for the quick project and make them all out of one fabric. Fun to make together with friends, with your kids or just on your own for a little holiday project.

Perfect for small gifts for friends- filled with some goodies, to  hang on your door, for teacher presents or to decorate just about any nook or cranny of your home!

... scrappy patchwork, romantic pink or our strawberry version, all together on a door.

 

... the main scrappy version. We have a few kits of this guy here.

 

... I love them all three in a row!

 

... for those of you who prefer the more pink, romantic holiday deco... this would be a cute choice. Pink and grey!

 

PATTERN INFO

Name:  Mini Stockings

Size: 6 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Price: $6.50

Click here for more info on kit. Click here for pattern.

 

Talk to you soon.

 

Introducing.....

It always feel so odd for me to announce the arrival of one collection- in this case Butterscotch & Rose- while literally at the exact same moment, introduce the newest group that we are about to show. But sometimes that's just the way it turns out....

So, today we would like to introduce to you our newest collection, due out in stores in Spring, 2012!

 

Introducing

California Girl

 ... a Summer Inspired Retro group reminiscent of days at the Boardwalk.

... fat quarter bundle of goodness.

... jelly roll of yumminess.

 

And the first quilt pattern that returned from the quilter.... Star Blooms. Available in two size blocks. Shown here is the 20" block. To see the rest, come visit us in Houston or check back here for more sneak peeks! 

 

Pattern and more info will be available in November!

 

Talk to you soon,

 

Joanna

xoxox

B&R has hit the streets!

Hope you're not already tired of me talking about this collection but.... BUTTERSCOTCH & ROSE HAS SHIPPED and is arriving in stores as we speak.

The timing for this quintessential, classic autumn collection couldn't be better we think. We can imagine a whole slew of projects out of it. What might you make?

And even better, we have a kit available for our most popular pattern from this collection, My Log Cabins.

Kit contains all you will need for any of the 3 variations in the pattern.

The Barn Raising version.

 

The Birds in Flight version.

 

The Sparkling Diamonds version.

Click here for more info.

I will be back tomorrow morning with some last minute sneak peeks of what is right around the corner. I know you have all been so patient so I want to make sure I get them out to you before I leave for Houston. Don't forget to check back!

xoxo

Joanna

Summertime...

Well, its officially the beginning of summer vacation around these here Fig parts and although the Mama has lots of deadlines, nobody else seems to! So, we have been doing a whole lot of this....

and a bit of this...

... how much do you think I paid them to pose for me like that LOL!! I am sure that one of them slugged the other right after this shot.

 

So we've been eating way more than our fair share of these...

Which really just makes me want to sew with that apricoty, orange, melon feeling color! Man, there's just nothing that beats it!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A special thank you goes out to all of you who emailed, tweeted etc. about my dad. He is doing much better and we won't really know much more until the fall. But for a guy who just had major surgery, I'd say he looks pretty darn good, wouldn't you say?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

What I am really supposed to be doing is working on book projects- have 4 projects in the works literally all over my floor as we speak-  and prepping for our upcoming photo shoot! I'll have to get back to you on how that all goes... 

On the storefront, our fabulous summer workers are back from college and we have been getting alot of projects underway. To start off with, we have started our limited series bundles. 

Up first, Cream Prints Bundle #1...

... these bundles have (7) 1/2 yd. cuts of various cream prints [3 1/2 yds. total] from Fig Tree lines and another MODA cream print thrown in here and there to complete the set. The prints are from various collections, including Fresh Cottons, Fig & Plum, Allspice Tapestry, Patisserie, etc. We have found that over the years the fabric that most folks, including stores, run out of first are all of the cream prints that can be used as backgrounds, fillers, sashings, stash builders etc.

We have been collecting them for some time and thought we would start sharing them with you in limited edition cream bundles. Each bundle #1, #2...etc. will have a different combination of prints... without any repeats just in case you want to collect them all!

Click here for more info.

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Next, Cream Prints Bundle #2 [ a whole different set of 1/2 yd. cream print cuts including Breakfast at Tiffany's, Buttercup, Dandelion Girl, Fresh Cottons, etc.]

 

 

 

Click here for more info. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Next up, Fig Tree Coordinating Solids...

These are our favorite MODA Bella Solids in colors that coordinate and blend very well with all of our collections. We have been sitting on these bolts since about January and just haven't had the time to get them cut up and bundled!

Here they finally are in all their  "sherberty" goodness [bundle includes snow, butterscotch, peach, aqua and clover].

 

Click here for more info.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  

Also on the kit front, all of our Kiss Me kits sold out almost as soon as they went up for presale a while back. Couldn't believe you guys. As of today, they have all shipped if your card was current. If not, you might wanna give us a call!

A few more goodies are on their way tomorrow so stay tuned. And there is a special coupon in the newsletter coming out on Friday so if you're not already signed up, you just might wanna.

Happy Beginning of Summer,

Joanna

Monday, monday....

Happy Monday everyone! Although I realize that for all those of you who subscribe, you might not be reading this till Tuesday but just know that I had Monday on the brain when I posted this. 

Its one of those Monday mornings where I have so much swirling around in my tired little brain that I'm having a hard time focusing on anything. I guess that is what Mondays are supposed to be like anyway. Since I wasn't accomplishing anything work related this morning I actually sat outside on my porch, got the munchkins off to school....

 

... in case you were wondering what on earth, its CRAZY HAIR day at school today!

 

And just sat there afterwards. Just sat. Waited for the hub to bring home the most wonderful chocolate croissants west of Paris, looked at what was blooming in my front yard

 

 

 

and watched a daredevil squirrel jump from the wire to the branch of a birch tree- I swear I don't know how those things survive all of those jumps!

Can I just share with you how sad it is that I can't remember the last time I did this? I love my porch and deciding right now to spend more time on it. You keep me to it!

One of the things that is making me a little crazy this morning is that my dad is in surgery- as we speak. Hopefully all will be well and since he is a private person, I won't share more than that. But you can certainly keep him in your thoughts or your prayers if you are a praying person. We had a little fam prayer time before everyone went to school this morning. It helped my soul feel lighter. 

Speaking of lighter, on a lighter note.....

Did you see my tutorial on Sew Mama Sew? For those of you scared of that big "A" word..... give it a try! I can almost promise you good results!

Also, pattern debuts are long overdue!! I have already shared about the Daisy Girl backpack but what about the others. Here goes the first one:

My Log Cabin

As I was working on patterns for this season I realized that although I am mostly a traditional quilter at heart, I had never made the most traditional of all quilts- the Log Cabin. Well, to be completely truthful, my very first quilt was a Log Cabin but since that quilt will never see the light of day LOL, this one will have to count as the first!

... tucked on my favorite quilt ladder.

... closeup to see Diana's wonderful quilting. Love that woman!

... obviously didn't finish the binding before taking the shots!

 

... I think this just might be my favorite shot of the quilt.

 

... I love that although this is one of the oldest quilt patterns out there, it has such a graphic almost modern feel to it. I find that that is often true of the classic quilts.

I would love to see this in fresh modern colors too... anyone up for the challenge?

.... Thank you to Cheryl for testing out this block, to the amazing Sherri for piecing this lovely in lickety split time and to Diana for quilting it! You ladies rock!

 

PATTERN INFO

Name: My Log Cabin

Fabric Collection: Made with a charm pack and a honeybun of BUTTERSCOTCH & ROSE [fabric due out in October 2011]. Of course, just as easily doable from your stash. In fact, it would make a fabulous stash quilt. All those 1 1/2" strips that many of us have as a part of our scrap bucket would be perfect for this.

Size: 71" x 71" with 3 different setting options

Click here for pattern.