1800's Fabric Sampler subscription delivered to your door!

December is almost here, and we know the real Santas of the world need more help than they get!  Gift the quilters in your life (or yourself!) with a subscription to our monthly Fabric Sampler Club. Each month the recipient will receive a selection of new fabrics, with a focus on 1800's reproductions and Civil War era fabrics. Each package will arrive on the doorstep during the first week of the month, and include 8 fat eighths of our latest additions to our fabric collection.

Sampler Club members receive several other perks including exclusive access to the featured fabric for the current month.  For more information about our Sampler Club, or to sign up visit our website here, or call us to register!

Mostly French General

Some of our absolute favorite fabric designs come from French General... and you already know what else we love... fabric! So you know the only logical answer to where this is going is that we have a TON of French General fabric. And we can't stop using it! 

Take a look at some of the projects we've recently completed! We've got a fabulous table runner (appliqué on toweling fabric), a dynamic quilt, and a stitchery project that's a WIP on pre-stamped linen canvas. 

We've heard from a few customers as well that their collection of French General fabrics is a favorite to work with too - for all kinds of projects - and we consider it a great option for the holidays when you just need some red to add a bit of punch to your home decor.   If you've been adding to your collection or have a UFO that just needs a final touch - stop by and take a look at our latest additions from the Chafarcani fabric line. 

We also have precuts of French General fabric, including curated bundles, our latest project kits and brand new Chafarcani jelly rolls! 

News: African-American quilt art collection

Did you hear?! Nearly 3,000 quilts created by African-American artists have been left to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive as a bequest from collector Eli Leon. Leon passed away last year at the age of 82. Prior to his death he spent a significant part of his life championing African-American quilt artists.

Rosie Lee Tompkins' "Untitled" (1995).
PC: Sharon Risedorph

The collections given to Berkeley include pieces from artists like Rosie Lee Tompkins, Willa Ette Graham and Arbie Williams. Some phenomenal artists! We're thrilled to hear of such amazing preservation of quilt art! Not only are we excited for all the gorgeous quilts that will be on display, but also all the history that will be learned from such an expansive collection.

"Basket Improvisation" (1981), by Willia Ette Graham.
PC: Geoffrey Johnson

According to a New York Times article, "two exhibitions of quilts from the bequest have already been planned. The first, a retrospective of Tompkins' work will open on Feb. 19, 2020. The second will follow in early 2022 and focus on the other artists represented in the collection, like Willia Ette Graham and Arbie Williams."

The exhibit featuring Rosie Lee Tompkins work will have over 500 of her quilts! Learn more by reading the New York Times article here.

New Fabric Additions

Tiny Tiles using Modern Solids

The quilt shown is a variation on the Tiny Tiles project tutorial (linked above) - a great way to use these small stacks of yummy pre-cut modern solids!  Pre-cuts are a great way to get a jump-start on a project and skip the effort of choosing colors and fabric combinations that are just right...

Denyse Schmidt modern solids 2.5 inch squares

Lots of variety in our latest additions to the fabric shelves.  Stop by soon to see what else is new!  We've got some fresh samples in the works and some new inventory besides fabric...the sewing season is here and we're ready!  

1800's color wall additions Marcus Brothers

Carrie Bloomston Newsprint back in stock!

Dear Stella Knitters

Linen Cotton Canvas Ruby Star

Winter Skiers from Northcott

M&S Textiles

M&S Textiles

Did you know?

Did you know that we carry clear vinyl on a 54" wide bolt?  These extra wide goods are great for larger projects and we've also pre-cut some more manageable half-yard (18"x54") pieces for smaller projects...like these fun pouches from Noodlehead Designs and Laura Cunningham.  Great for luggage tags, small pouches, clear pockets on all kinds of travel accessories - you name it!  

Free Tutorials!!
Binder Pouch (one with grommets):  noodle-head.com
See It All Pouch From Laura Cunningham

Three Yard Quilts

Some of our favorite quilts are simple, 3-yard quilt projects. A great beginning quilt for new quilters, or a refreshing project after a long and detailed quilt. This project can be whatever you want it to be! We have curated combinations ready to go, or come in and pick three of your favorite fabrics. Its versatility allows for mixing and matching - a variety of pattern designs and only 3 fabrics, mean you won't get overwhelmed making decisions.   

Along with our curated bundles, we have several patterns that work specifically with 3 yard quilts.  These projects are great for stash busting too if you have some feature fabric cuts - all you need is a couple of supporting fabrics.  Below are two pattern options that we have in stock! 

Boxes and Bows

Pattern by Donna Robertson for Fabric Cafe 

Stepping Stones 

Pattern by Donna Robertson for Fabric Cafe

If you need a quick gift, or want to want to add a splash of something new to your holiday decor - these are great options and are well suited in size to quilting at home on a domestic machine.  You can get these accomplished and start enjoying them right away!  

Reuse and reduce!

After all our sewing and stitching projects, once our thread has run out....what to do with empty cones and spools? All that waste can beg the question, how can we find ways to be more eco-friendly? 

Well, Superior Threads went ahead and answered our question! In a recent blog post, they share different ways to reuse spools and cones. 

Some of our favorites are:

• Reusing empty thread cones by wrapping your binding around a cone! 
• Repurposing them to be Christmas decorations! 

For more tips, visit their website here. 

For quilters who are trying to be more eco-friendly in their sewing practices, Two Thimbles does carry YLI quilting thread, typically used for hand quilting, that comes on a wooden spool.  

Another thread favorite, Aurifil is taking measures to be an environmentally conscious company. They have partnered with an organization whose main objective is to eliminate plastic in our oceans. Though their spools and cones are still plastic based, Aurifil is taking measures to help eliminate their plastic use! To learn more about their efforts, visit their website here. 

We recycle plastic wrap that encloses new fabric bolts shipped from several companies as well as the empty cardboard bolts.  We'd like to see more fabric companies skip the plastic wrap - one of our points to bring up at quilt market this year in Houston when I mingle with fabric reps and company owners!