QUILTS & MORE... Meet in the Middle

I love it when I do a project and then completely forget about it until it arrives in the mail or I suddenly see it online! Its like a surprise and a memory all at once. I know it sounds a bit silly, since I did make the project, but it happens to me all the time!

In this season's QUILTS & MORE magazine [American Patchwork & Quilting, Winter Issue], we have a few fun pillows featured.

 

And since I knew you might want to whip up some for your summer or fall decorating, we have some kits!

 

 

 

 

Kits include enough fabric to make (4) of these yummy little projects, including fabric and buttons kits for all 4. You will need to purchase the QUILTS & MORE magazine for the instructions.

Click HERE for more info on the kits.

Have a great day!

Joanna

On the 9th Day of Christmas

 

On the  9th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine Ladies Dancing.

I've always wanted an entourage, one that didn't involve my children or pets so perhaps nine Ladies Dancing would do it. I wonder what the neighbors would think if everywhere I went, there were nine Ladies Dancing around me? It might make going to the store a bit difficult but it sure woiuld be entertaining to walk down to our local coffee shop. Can you imagine the entrance we'd make? 

But since we didn't have nearly enough dancing ladies around here to share with you all, we thought we'd share our popular MILKY WAY: CHRISTMAS STARS kit. We offered this one in our red and taupe version at a recent show and many of our customers asked if we would be making it up in more Christmas colors. We thought that was a grand idea! We have it in two slightly different combinations shown below.

 

MILKY WAY: CHRISTMAS STARS #1

 

... the backgrounds are a mix of creams and the stars are reds, greens and a solid taupe color for a bit of pop.

 

 ... these are the fabrics in this kit.

 

MILKY WAY: CHRISTMAS STARS #2

This version uses a red print [instead of the larger floral] for the border and a few different prints within the stars but is almost identical in everything else. Making 2 versions just gives us the opportunity to offer you more kits. Not sure which one is my favorite... I guess it doesn't really matter. Love them both!

 

 

 ... these are the fabrics in this kit.

 

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And the goodie for today is our WHIMSY FRESH pattern....

 

 

 

For more info on any of the projects above, CLICK HERE.

See you tomorrow!

 

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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS FINE PRINT

 

*** Please note that if the 12 Days of Christmas website space is blank, that means that the item for the day has sold out. Nothing is wrong with the site, the item has just been sold out.

• The Fig Tree 12 Days of Christmas sale starts on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and lasts for 12 days.

• Each day a different kit, stocking stuffer or home dec goodie will be advertised. Each day a special offer will be made as well.

• Each special offer will only be available on that day. Each goodie will only be available while stock lasts. Many of the items offered will sell out on that day.

• For those of you who want to continue to purchase items throughout the 12 days of the sale but want us to hold your purchases for one shipment, you need to note that in the comments section of your order. If there is no note, we will ship the items as they are ordered.

• For those of you who have your items held for one shipment at the end, your orders will continue to accrue shipping charges for each order throughout the sale. We will calculate the actual shipping at the end and then refund any necessary shipping charges then. 

 

On the 7th Day of Christmas

On the  7th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven Swans a Swimming .

Now swans are beatiful creatures but we don't have a pond. And if the hub is not up for a chicken coop, i don't suppose he would be up for builidng me a pond.  So I guess I will have to trade in the swans as well. I  guess I am turning out to be a bit of a bad gift receiver!

Instead we thought we might kit up a few of our newest THREAD PATTERNS.

First up, our LE RADISH PATTERN KIT. Each kit has enough fabric, ribbon, wire and wool to make 1 large radish and enough fabric to make a coordinating smaller radish. A fun project to make for some pincushions or for a little table decor!

 

 

 

Next up, the TOOTSIE POPS TABLE RUNNER KIT [ we just have a small quantity of these because we didn't have that many MODA 2 1/2" CANDIES left to use] made up out of our upcoming AVALON collection on the pattern cover, but we made these kits out of our current TAPESTRY group exactly as shown below. Perfect for the holidays or for year round use.

Last, the SMARTIES TABLE RUNNER KIT [we just have a small quantity of these too becuase they also use the MODA CANDY CHARMS that we had in very limited quantity] uses those same 2 1/2" charms to start and embellishes with one of my favorite fabrics from the whole collection. A perfect fall project.

 

 

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And the goodie for today is our NOTIONS TO GO pattern. 

 

 

 

For more info on any of the projects above, CLICK HERE.

See you tomorrow!

 

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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS FINE PRINT

 

*** Please note that if the 12 Days of Christmas website space is blank, that means that the item for the day has sold out. Nothing is wrong with the site, the item has just been sold out.

• The Fig Tree 12 Days of Christmas sale starts on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and lasts for 12 days.

• Each day a different kit, stocking stuffer or home dec goodie will be advertised. Each day a special offer will be made as well.

• Each special offer will only be available on that day. Each goodie will only be available while stock lasts. Many of the items offered will sell out on that day.

• For those of you who want to continue to purchase items throughout the 12 days of the sale but want us to hold your purchases for one shipment, you need to note that in the comments section of your order. If there is no note, we will ship the items as they are ordered.

• For those of you who have your items held for one shipment at the end, your orders will continue to accrue shipping charges for each order throughout the sale. We will calculate the actual shipping at the end and then refund any necessary shipping charges then. 

 

On the 1st Day of Christmas....

On the 1st Day of Christmas my true love sent to me, a partridge in a pear tree. 

But since we didn't know what to do with a partridge, we added a little Peppermint Pops kit. And since we weren't really sure about shipping you all a pear tree, we added a Mini Stocking pattern with every kit order placed.

 

 

 

We are in the process of making our own version and are once again having so much fun with the blocks...

 

This is what your kit will contain... yummy!

 

 

... the free goodie that comes with the kit today.

 

Please click HERE for more information.

See you tomorrow!

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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS FINE PRINT

• The Fig Tree 12 Days of Christmas sale starts on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and lasts for 12 days.

• Each day a different kit, stocking stuffer or home dec goodie will be advertised. Each day a special offer will be made as well.

• Each special offer will only be available on that day. Each goodie will only be available while stock lasts. Many of the items offered will sell out on that day.

• For those of you who want to continue to purchase items throughout the 12 days of the sale but want us to hold your purchases for one shipment, you need to note that in the comments section of your order. If there is no note, we will ship the items as they are ordered.

• For those of you who have your items held for one shipment at the end, your orders will continue to accrue shipping charges for each order throughout the sale. We will calculate the actual shipping at the end and then refund any necessary shipping charges then. 

Housekeeping...

Not the actual kind unfortunately, since that really needs to be happening around here right about now, but the quilting kind. Although if anyone has any offers to help with the actual kind.... well, let's just say that I am ready and willing to make a deal :-)!!

 

Just a couple of things that many of you might want to know...

 

SOLD OUT

All of the Halloween Pops have shipped as of last week. This kit was so crazy popular that we re-ordered fabric several times and made as many kits as we could. We are still getting emails about whether or not we might be able to make more but we just can't. We are so sorry for those of you who missed out. We really did try to make as many as we possibly could!

 

[On a little side note, we are working on a new version of this quilt. Can we say a little Christmas? Stay tuned for sneak peeks...]

 

Many of you have asked about the fabrics we used for the Halloween version. We did not work with one collection on this kit, nor did we stick to just Fig Tree fabrics. Here are some suggestions for fabrics if you would like to make your own...

ORANGES

The oranges are perfect from our brand new TAPESTRY collection. Out in stores as of this week so be sure to go and get some of those yummy oranges before they dissapear. Other Fig Tree lines that have the same orange... Mill House Inn and Breakfast at Tiffany's are also great if you happen to have those in your stash.

Another great orange fabric that we used in the kit was the houndstooth from Deb Strain's GIVE THANKS collection. That was perfect for this quilt.

We have found the same tone of orange also in Sandy Gervais' GRAND FINALE group as well as pretty similiar to Sweetwater's, LUCY'S CRAB SHACK, line.

The solid that we used for both the blades and the center circles is the MODA BELLA SOLID, Golden Wheat. 

 

BLACKS

We used black fabrics from Deb Strain's GIVE THANKS [black houndstooth], Basic Grey's LITTLE BLACK DRESS, Sandy Gervais' MERRY MEDLEY, MODA ESSENTIAL DOTS and others.

 

BACKGROUNDS

We used MODA BELLA SNOW and AMERICAN JANE PINDOT for the backgrounds. We used MODA ESSENTIAL DOTS in eggshell or the MODA BELLA SOLID in parchment. We love both of those.

 

BACKINGS

 

We have a few, really just a few, backings available for those of you who purchased HALLOWEEN POPS kit. The links are here for those of you interested....

https://store.figtreeandcompany.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Polka_Dot_Backing_Pops

 

https://store.figtreeandcompany.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Grey_Backing_Pops

 

MILKY WAY

Many of you have emailed or expressed an interest in a kit of the Milky Way pattern, in any number of varieties. We will have Christmas versions of this pattern kitted up as a part of our 2nd Annual 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS sale. If you would like to be on a pre-order list for that kit, please contact us.

We did have several of the Milky Way kits made up of TAPESTRY, left from our retail show last month. Once the dust settles on all of the other kits going out this week, we will let you know if we still have any available.

We will also make up this pattern in the patriotic colorway in the Spring so you can always stay tuned for that if Americana is more your cup of tea.

 

PATTERN SHOWCASES

No, we are not done with these yet. In fact stay tuned for another one later today!

 

Speaking of 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS... stay tuned for upcoming information about that fun and crazy event!

 

Talk to you soon,

 

Joanna

We interrupt this program...

We are working on more PATTERN SHOWCASES for you but thought we would let you know that today....

TAPESTRY IS SHIPPING TO STORES AS WE SPEAK!

 YEAH! It is the perfect harvest collection so don't miss out!

 

So if you have the time this next week, be sure to go to your local quilt shop and check it out in person or let your fingers to do the walking and visit your favorite online shop or come and see what kits we still have AVAILABLE from this collection.

 

 

 

Pattern Showcase #3

You know how we are about our projects.... we love those quilts nice and big and our mini patterns, nice and little. Its a perfect combination in the studio. If we get tired of piecing, we move on to our little mini projects for a totally different pace and then back again. It really is a good way to go, especially if, like me, you enjoy the satisfaction of getting something little done in the midst of a larger project.

 

So along those lines, introducing  A PEAR IN A TREE. Do you get it? As opposed to A Partridge in a Pear Tree? Yah, well, my husband didn't get it either but I entertained myself!

 

... perfect to make with one of those yummy little MODA CANDY packs or any of your favorite little piles of scraps. These make perfect ornaments or decorations of to fill a bowl or as gifts... the options are endless! They are just the perfect little size.

 

 .. you can piece them scrappy, or with just two different fabrics or if you want to get a lot done in a short time, simply use one fabric for each side of the pear or even just one fabric for the entire thing. They're pretty much cute, regardless.

 

 

 

... these might be my favorite..... pears 

 

... don't you just wanna eat 'em up?

 

PATTERN INFO

NAME: A Pear in a Tree

SIZE: Finished at app. 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"

FABRIC: The pieced pear samples are made with scraps from our upcoming AVALON collection. The single fabric pear is made with my favorite green print from our upcoming TAPESTRY collection [due out in stores any day now]! For pattern, click HERE.

 

Pattern Showcase #2

Whereas Lollipops might have been my favorite yesterday... and maybe for another 2 weeks or so... the moment that I start to decorate for winter, this will surely be my absolute FAVORITE, as fickle as I am :-)!

Introducing.... MILKY WAY.

This classic star pattern was our answer to a twinkling night sky or one exploding with fireworks. We loved the idea of creating different size stars of the exact same blocks, simply by using different sizes of strips with which to make them. The result is a sparkling quilt full of movement while it is actually a basic, straight forward block set in a giant nine-patch. We love how it turned out!!

 

This is the TAPESTRY version...

 

... by choosing the taupes and reds with a background of several different cream prints, the pattern feels even more classic and timeless.

... those nice open spaces are a perfect occasion to show off some quilting like these wonderful wreaths that Diana made. 

 

... pieced by the amazing Cheryl and quilted by you-know-who! 

 

 

This is the AVALON version...

In case you are in a more patriotic or Americana mood, this sample made up out of our Spring '13 line, AVALON, will surely fit the bill. We absolutely loved the twinkle that the royal blue added to this version!

 

... again, the mixed cream backgrounds with a variety of different feeling prints that are still light/mellow enough to not detract from the stars, makes for a sparkly, twinkly effect we think.

 

.... ooopps, that left hand side binding didn't quite get finished before the photo shoot!

 

...pieced by the lovely Sherri.

 

 

And in case you were hoping for a more holiday version of this pattern....

Here is the red and green version of the quilt. This one is absolutely perfect for the holidays and will literally light up any room that its in, whether on the wall or on the couch. Can't wait to finish ours! 

 

 

PATTERN INFO

NAME: Milky Way

SIZE: 78" x 78", 3 different sizes of stars. 

FABRIC: Shown in both our current, TAPESTRY, collection as well as our upcoming spring line, AVALON. We are also making a Christmas version as seen above from a mix of reds, greens and creams. The sample shown above is made from AVALON, which is due out in stores in Spring, 2013.

MORE INFO: A wonderful way to practice sewing strips together and using the 45 degree angle on your ruler for a fast and simple method of making these kinds of stars. Not out of anyone's reach! Click HERE to purchase the pattern. Some limited kits will be available later this month. Feel free to let us know if you are interested.

Showcase #1: Lollipops

 

 

 

 Some of our newest projects that went on to Market for us this year.

 

So I promised some sneak peeks this weekend just so we could all pretend that we are at Market sending you debuts and new pattern showcases. I know its not the same but what's a girl to do!

Wow, I could get used to this "market from the couch with a diet coke" approach!  So come and pretend a bit with me!  Instead of a booth to share, we'll show off some of our brand new goodies...

 

Each time I share a new pattern release, I  tell you that I have a favorite and even though I am not supposed to [its kind of like having a favorite amongst your children, I mean come on!]. There is usually something about one of the quilts that really just sings to me personally a bit more than the others. This time around however, I don't have a favorite or really, I have 6 or 7 favorites and I can't seem to pick one to be more favorite than the others.

So to make it easier on my poor little psyche, I will just tell you that each one is my favorite for that day. And then I will tell you the same thing the next day. Deal? Deal.

 

Introducing my newest favorite quilt.... LOLLIPOPS.

The pattern has 2 completely different versions of the same block, one with larger and thinner pieces and one with fatter and wider ones. The results are both stunning and yet completely different even though the blocks and the quilts are created and put together in exactly the same way. I love that about a pattern!

Not to mention the fact that there are no sewing templates or rulers or anything in this method, just straight sewing. You gotta love how these blocks come together!

 

CARNIVAL LOLLIPOPS VERSIONS

 

 ... The AVALON version of the larger CARNIVAL LOLLIPOPS pattern. We topstitched this version of the block onto the background and machine appliqued the center circles. This lovely quilt was pieced by my dear friend Valerie Marsh. She did a wonderful job as always.

 

... there is something about the soft grey background that makes these simple, graphic blocks really sing! I love the color combo. For the background, you could either use the grey with dot print from our AVALON grouping or one of your favorite grey/tan solids. Either way, the results are fab.

 

... this version of the quilt is currently hanging at the MODA booth in HOUSTON. Have you seen it? If you have, send pictures!

 

... perfect for the summer or Americana or patriotic or... gosh, I can think of lots of ways to make this quilt again.

 

 ... this is the same quilt, same layout done out of our TAPESTRY collection [our fall line due out in stores any minute, literally, now]. Whereas the first one is Americana, this one is definitely warm and harvest and yet still modern and graphic all at the same time. I love this version a lot. Maybe its my favorite :-). I am really looking forward to this one returning so that I can enjoy it this fall. It is currently on its way to HOUSTON FESTIVAL, so you should be able to see it in person if you are going.

 

 ... this one is also topstitched straight onto the background, but the center circles are appliqued. This TAPESTRY version of the quilt was pieced by the amazing Sherri McConnell, words do not describe this girl's skill with fabric and a deadline! Love her!

 

... Diana decided to crosshatch the centers on this one to give us something a bit different and I love the result. 

 

 

... surprises me every time, how different a pattern can look simply by changing the colors of the backgrounds or other small changes!

 

LITTLE LOLLIES VERSIONS

Since we can never leave well enough alone, we thought it would be fun to give you another alternative in the pattern, a different size and width of "fan blade" that ends up making a completely different block.

 

 

... our AVALON sample of this LITTLE LOLLIES version. This just makes me think Spring and Fresh and Americana and, well it makes me think of lollipops at the beach in Avalon. Go figure. Its my favorite!

 

Below is our latest version of this same quilt, our HALLOWEEN POPS version which we made up just in time for our retail show a few weeks ago.

Wow, did this little sucker move like crazy! Who knew people would love this one so much! Personally, we were just so "wowed" by the pairing of some of our favorite MODA blacks and our "Fig Tree" toned oranges that we couldn't resist a little seasonal pairing for this time of year.

 

 ... start collecting some wonderful blacks and oranges right now when they are abundant and get started on this quilt for next year!

 

... the oranges and blacks paired with a little grey for the sashing and some creams for the backgrounds and you are good to go. This one was so much fun to put together and we did it all in the studio! Have I chosen a favorite yet, because in case I haven't, this one is my favorite!

 

... these blocks were machine appliqued with YLI silk thread instead of topstitched like the previous samples This creates a slightly different feel that mimics hand applique with a lot less work! Both methods have really good results and make these blocks so fun to finish. It just depends on what you prefer. 

 

We are currently working on yet another version of this quilt so stay tuned for that one too! Did someone say Christmas?

 

PATTERN INFO

NAME: LOLLIPOPS-- both CARNIVAL LOLLIPOPS [larger blocks] and LITTLE LOLLIES [smaller, squat blocks]

SIZE: CARNIVAL is app. 81" x 81"/ LITTLE LOLLIES is app. 61" x 77"

FABRIC: As noted above, we used both our upcoming AVALON collections as well as our almost due to release TAPESTRY collection in the above samples. We also made a harvest/halloween version out of oranges, blacks and creams from a variety of MODA collections including TAPESTRY, LITTLE BLACK DRESS, MODA ESSENTIAL DOTS, GIVE THANKS and MODA BELLA SOLIDS.

MORE INFO:  For pattern info click HERE. For a few kits left for the TAPESTRY version, go to our SHOP page. 

 

Our trip to PIQF

Each year we vend at the Pacific International Quilt Festival and each year we are humbled and surprised by how many of you travel to visit us from near and far. This is the only retail show that we do and we love the opportunity to say hi to our customers and hear from you so.... THANK YOU for stopping by and chatting and letting us know what your favorite products and patterns are. We appreciate you and all your amazing support of our business!

This year our whole family participated, our oldest on the cash register for several days, our middle trying his hand at the register as well for a few hours and our youngest.... well, she will tell anyone who will listen that she is famous as she is our cover model for many of the patterns!

As usual, it takes us much longer to dig out than we expect and we are still unpacking boxes, sending out orders and and re-approriating quilts... all while trying to get new products ready for Market. Makes me a bit tired just thinking about it all.

So here are a few shots of our booth....

 

... a few of our bestselling TAPESTRY patterns, SPARKLE and PINEAPPLE & FIGS [ a few kits have come back from the show so if you missed out on them the first time around, nab one now], topped off with my seasonal favorite, CINDERELLA PUMPKINS [ we have a few kits of that one too].

 

... DANCING DOLLIES & PRAIRIE ROSE in the foreground and the yummy PINEAPPLE & FIGS in the background.

 

... a lot of little goodies and our brand new MILKY WAY pattern done in reds and taupes [pattern will be available next week I promise].

 

... a truly yummy combination: JELLY PARFAIT on the table, the Halloween version of our LOLLIPOPS pattern on the right, a quilt from our new WITH FABRIC & THREAD BOOK on the top left [the cute little red purse is from the book too, the pumpkin with the initial is a mini project from a Fresh Vintage issue.

 

... a little bit of everything...

 

... MILKY WAY, POSTAGE STAMP Series, MARIGOLDS in the corner.

 

... MILKY WAY [pattern coming] and the BLOSSOM quilt from the book. 

 

 

 

 ... our brand new pattern LOLLIPOPS in the HARVEST version [ a few kits available]. This quilt is my current autumn love. Graphic and bold but wonderfully autumny feeling [pretty sure that is not a word but you know what I mean]! SPARKLE in the background.

 

... same yumminess as above.

 

There was SO MUCH MORE TO SEE than our little corner of the show and we have a couple good links that I will share this weekend, but at least this is what we looked at for 4 days so thought we would share the view!

 

More info on new patterns coming very soon. To see the above kits we have available from the show, GO HERE.