Quiltmania Magazine

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Penny Haren

If you haven’t experienced Quiltmania yet, you should. It is just that – an experience! This magazine was started over 20 years ago in France and is published in English as well so we can savor every single word!

The English version includes pattern instructions in inches and 1/4″ seams so there is no conversion required. Not only are the projects stunning, the photography is so good you feel like you are visiting the quilts in their own locale.

The magazine is published six times a year and can be ordered in advance. Why not order some copies and start subscriptions for your customers today? This is an opportunity for your customers to view quilts that are a little quirky and fun. Who doesn’t love to see a new set of eyes step out of the box with traditional blocks?

For those customers who love Modern Quilts, Quiltmania publishes a quarterly magazine with them in mind – same beautiful photography and eye for detail with a modern twist.

Simply Vintage is also available quarterly and focuses more on smaller projects and handwork. Wool and embroidery take center stage – as well as wonderful home dec ideas.

Why not order an assortment of all three and let your customers choose their favorites?

Zen Chic Blues

Posted on May 11, 2019 by Penny Haren

The true test of a designer is someone who has their own sense of style. As soon as you see the quilt, you know who did it without even looking at the name. Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic is such a designer. And, her designs cross generations.

Case in point – Stitched Denim! This 65 inch square quilt is a perfect throw size and who doesn’t love 50 shades of blue???

London Blues reminds me of the subway tiles that are so popular now. What a dramatic statement – with plenty of room to show off some machine quilting! I can’t wait to see it at Market!

Blue Labyrinth is a stunning take on a half log cabin block. By making the “logs” different widths, it almost gives the illusion of curves.

And then there is Groovin’ – a modern take on the arcs of a traditional wedding ring.

She has also written two booklets – The Basic Series. Each one has a variety of projects that focus on a specific technique. Log Cabin Fun explores her take on this oh so traditional block!

All of these are due to arrive later this month so order them now!

Negative Space – Explained!

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Penny Haren

In The Quilter’s Negative Space Handbook, Sylvia Schaefer explains the concept of negative space in eight key ways. These simple techniques turn any traditional quilt into a modern version – and I love them all! Here are just a few examples…

Sew simple but sew effective!

Explore your Inner Child – Part Three

Posted on April 15, 2018 by Penny Haren

These newest additions to the Whole Circle Studio line are due to arrive this month – and are a more adult version of some all-time favorites.

Combine them with her earlier patterns to make a statement!

Whether you choose one or all – and decorate the entire room around them, they are sure to brighten your day….every day!

Stash Busters with a Modern Twist

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Penny Haren

This is a book whose time has come! Scrap quilts with a more modern twist!

After all, modern quilters have stashes too – and look what Kelly Young has done with them! This is a case of a picture is worth a thousand words.

I love them all….. and they are all created with a new technique referred to as “improv piecing”. This is how they describe it:

Welcome to structured improvisation, where there’s a plan in place but still plenty of room to play! Structured improvisation is perfect for using fabric scraps quilters have on hand–everything works and anything goes. Learn three methods for sewing rectangles, squares, strips, and even oddly shaped fabric pieces together; then use the resulting blocks or panels in a dozen dazzling step-by-step quilt patterns. Start by working with just one color at a time to get the hang of improv piecing; then progress to mixing colors and prints in beautiful, colorful quilts that will give a home to every scrap that quilters have ever saved. Efficient use of fabric scraps; even tiny scraps can be sewn into bigger blocks. Close-up, step-by-step photos illustrate how to master 3 approaches to improv piecing.

This book is due to arrive next month. Don’t you want to give it a try?

Then Came June – Modern June

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Cindy Abdoo

Check out this new pattern line due to arrive this month! Meghan Buchanan has a fresh modern look – with its roots in tradition. Check out her patterns:

Most are available in multiple sizes. Why not order them all and make a display with a fresh, new look!

Zen Chic

Posted on January 21, 2018 by Penny Haren

I love everything from Zen Chic. And her latest patterns, due to arrive next month, are stunning! She manages to bridge that gap between traditional and modern – and combines her designs with exquisite quilting that highlights her design perfectly. I made these images as large as possible so you could see the detail.

Her eye for detail is breathtaking! Don’t you already want to add these to your bucket list for the holidays, 2018?

Guaranteed Sales – Part Two

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love the way Zen Chic adds a modern touch to traditional designs and her newest additions are no exception! Check these out:

Her minimalist look appeals to modern quilters and traditionalists alike. What a great window display to attract a new generation of quilters!

Choosing Fabrics from your Stash Successfully

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Penny Haren

Stash Lab by Tonya Alexander is as much a study in color as it is a collection of spectacular patterns.

Item #B1335T Retail $24.99

Learning how to choose fabrics from your stash – which crosses fabric collections – is an art that can be learned by following Tonya’s simple sorting techniques. After all, we know that when scraps are combined effectively, you achieve the results featured in her projects. The photographs speak for themselves!

Whether you love the look of traditional or modern quilts, this book covers the spectrum of spectacular! Start organizing your scraps today.

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