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!  

1800's Fabric Collection

Our 1800's Reproduction fabric room features a new display! See the connection between antique machinery including antique sewing machines and fabric from the same time period! From 1898, Montgomery Ward & Co. had a ten-year warranty on their sewing machines. This new display is brought to us by Jane, who shared this combination of vintage and salvaged items at the Farm and Tractor show this past summer. Come take a look!  It's fun to compare some of these original antique fabrics with what's on our shelves today...!  

1898 advertisement from Montgomery Ward & Co.

A few of our latest fabrics in the photo above from designers Jo Morton and Pam Budda that were recently added to the 1800's shelves!  

Skill building classes!

We have a few spots left in a couple of our skill-building classes that are just around the corner!  

 If you have some lingering projects to finish but have been hesitant to tackle the binding this Better Binding class with Jo will get you on your way!  

And - perfect for travel, rainy days and 'on location' sewing - learn hand work skills in this Beginning Hand-piecing class so that you don't ever have to stop sewing!  Sharon will cover the basics, offer some tips on tools and techniques and even get you started drafting your own templates!