Instead of sewing on your machine, when was the last time you did hand piecing? Cathedral Windows? Yo Yo’s? Our 5Square Packs will be your perfect partner for a quick start on handwork. Find a shady spot, thimble up, and enjoy some peaceful (or should that be pieceful?) stitching.

Karen for Debbie G.

p.s. We sincerely apologize for the long silence in adding new blogs to this website. Now that the blogger (yes, she is a still a newbie!) has been assisted with some technical issues, we should have more photos and information coming on a regular basis. Thanks for your patience!!!

April is such a beautiful time of year . . . kind of a prelude to the beauty of May when we traditionally think of all things that bloom coming to life! May 1^st, or May Day, has always brought back fond memories for me of a little lady at church who always hung a bouquet of fresh flowers on the door to my office in celebration of that day! Flowers just have a special way of lifting your spirits no matter what kind of day you’ve had. Flowers and much more will bedeck the Studio e Fabrics booth (#2620, 22, 24) at the Spring International Quilt Market in Pittsburgh, May 15-17.   Browse our new offerings, request your favorites from your local quilt shop, and start planning your next quilt with Studio e Fabrics!

Laura

]]> http://studioefabrics.com/fromthestudio/2009/in-the-merry-merry-month-of-may/feed/ 0 http://studioefabrics.com/fromthestudio/2009/its-earth-day-2009/ http://studioefabrics.com/fromthestudio/2009/its-earth-day-2009/#comments Fri, 01 May 2009 14:03:55 +0000 dgraves http://studioefabrics.com/fromthestudio/?p=45 This Wednesday we celebrate Earth Day which was first officially observed on April 22, 1970.  Designed to call public attention to our environment, the impact of human activities upon it, the limited resources of our planet, and our need to preserve and safeguard it were highlighted by this designated day.  In December of the same year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created to legally protect and enhance these aims. 

Today we hear the  rallying cries of “Reuse–Recycle–Renew” in our efforts to “green” our planet.  These “buzz” words have always been in quilters’ vocabularies and actions since our ancestresses first stitched  quilts.  These enterprising and thrifty women fed their scrapbags with reusable parts of clothing, recycled even the smallest bits in string piecing and patchwork, and renewed their supply of quilts to warm and comfort their families.   Not to mention, at times, feeding their creative souls with these material pursuits, as well.  Yes, I believe that quilters are the ultimate recyclers of the world. 

To celebrate the beauty of our Earth and its creatures, we at Studio e Fabrics offer our “Nature-ology” collection to be released this Spring.  This line features two colorways. The first boasts a fresh, spring-tinted assortment with a rich earthy brown and the second is anchored with a deep mellow red that reflects the the warm, glorious hues of autumn.  The pictorial lead print is supported by a cast of coordinates to provide quilters with a versatile palette to design, sew, and express their joy of nature.  Motifs include birds, feathers, leaves, trees, and branches, enhanced with a rustic tweed design and ornithologically-themed words.  A wall hanging kit, “Empty Nest,” and nature-inspired pillows, with free instructions on our website, will be available soon to inspire your imagination.

Single Irish Chain with Celtic Inspired Quilting

Happy March, Seamsters!

It’s already half way through the third month of the year!  It has indeed come in like the proverbial lion with snow that cancelled many functions here in our southern locale–including a day of work!  I am keeping my fingers crossed that the part about March going out like a lamb is going to be true as well!

This week includes the observance of St. Patrick’s Day.   As a quilter, I have become interested in the history of various blocks and patterns.  In honor of Ireland, I thought you might like to learn a little about the extremely popular pattern, the Irish Chain–single, double, and triple.   Some background about this pattern and others from the old country can be found at  http://www.antiquequiltdating.com/Early_Irish_Patchwork_Quilts_and_Traditions.html.  The Single Irish Chain was first documented in America in 1806  (see http://www.womenfolk.com/quilt_pattern_history/irishchain.htm for more information).  By the 1820s the Double Irish Chain had made its appearance (http://www.reddawn.net/quilt/timeline.htm), followed by its cousin, the Triple Irish Chain.

This Single Irish Chain consists of two different blocks, a nine-patch chain and a plain block.  While this pattern appears to be on the bias it is actually sewn with straight piecing.  (As an aside, this would be a good pattern for a beginner, especially with strip piecing methods.)  As the quilt is laid out, the resulting squares in the alternating blocks are ideal for applique, autographs, novelty prints, and of course, fancy, ornate quilting.  (Perhaps a shamrock would be a lovely motif?)  The layout looks best with an odd number of rows to complete the pattern. See this website for directions on how to make an Irish Chain quilt http://www.quilt.com/Blocks/IrishChain/IrishChain.html.

If you’d rather applique, another technique derived from the Land of the Leprechauns is Celtic quilting designs created with interwoven, knotlike patterns executed with bias strips. (Think illuminated manuscripts.)   If you’re interested in pursuing this style, try looking up Philomena Wiechec Durcan, a modern designer of Celtic patterns.  Another good resource for this type of design is The Great Book of Celtic Patterns: the Ultimate Design Sourcebook for Artists and Crafters by Lora S. Irish

Obviously, green would be the favorite color of the month for those of Gaelic heritage.  (Remember to have a little green about your person to avoid being pinched on St. Patty’s Day!)

Until next time,

Debbie G.

With Sweet Holiday Wishes from Studio e!

Laura and Debbie G.

Greetings from Studio e!

If you need a little down time away from your sewing machine, DMC (known for their yummy embroidery flosses, perle cottons, threads, and other wonderful needlework products for over 250 years!) has some fun in store for quilters of all ages.  Several eagle-eyed Studio e staff members attending the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Trade Show in Anaheim, CA held the last week of January spotted their brand new introduction, “Quilt-opoly.”  This entertaining board game will be available in quilt, craft, needlework, book, and toy stores this spring.  What a cool way to keep you, your family and your guild/bee members running around the “blocks” for hours!!! (And not even break a sweat, I might add!)  Check it out at http://www.dmc-usa.com/majic/pageServer/02010102iy/en_US/index.html for more info!

Piecefully yours,

Debbie G.  

p.s.  The above character strikes a little too close to home.  Have these DMC folks been spying on me???

It’s February again, that special time for lovers of all kinds–quilt lovers, chocolate lovers, fabric lovers, …  I think you catch my drift.  This month show off your creativity in the kitchen by wearing Studio e’s “Chocolate Delight” Convertible Apron (one apron with four different looks to suit your every mood!) shown in our yummy, calorie-free “Chocolate Love” fabric line!

As a special Valentine treat, Studio e would like to share this deliciously quick and easy dark chocolate and peanut butter fudge recipe.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (Easy as 1, 2, 3!)

(from the kitchen of Deni Thompson)

You will need:

• 1 – 12 oz. jar cream style peanut butter
• 1 – 16 oz. pkg. white chocolate chips
• 1 – 16 oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Wax paper

In a double boiler, melt the peanut butter and white chocolate chips until creamy.  Line the jelly roll pan with wax paper.  Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave until melted (approx. 1 minute on high).  Pour peanut butter/chocolate mixture over wax paper and spread evenly.  Pour melted semi-sweet chocolate on top and swirl with a knife.  Refrigerate until hard.  Score and cut into 2″ pieces.  Remove from pan and store in an air tight container.  Discard wax paper.  ENJOY!

With love from Debbie G.

and all

your friends at Studio e!

Hope you all have had a chance to break at least one of your New Year’s resolutions by now and begin at least one new quilting project.    I thought that you might appreciate the above phrase that a co-worker shared with us a while ago.  Her husband passed along the term “mind sparkle“ after hearing it from a Chinese woman in an overseas office he was working in.  Do you have any guesses as to what it might mean?  When asked, the woman defined it as a “good idea.” 

I really love the image that it creates for me of a great notion dawning upon me as an “ah-ha” moment.  Finding the perfect solution for a design that has been stubbornly refusing to be solved, discoving the absolutely ideal shade of fabric for my project after visiting my favorite fabric haunt, adding just the right embellishment that makes my piece sing.  Your “mind sparkle“ may differ from mine but I think we’ve all had them.  So, here’s my New Year’s wish for each of you that you be open and mindful of the “mind sparkles“ that may come your way–from your bqff (best quilting friend forever, of course!), the magazine you’ve just bought, or the speaker at your next guild meeting.

Multitudes of Mind Sparkles to You All!!!

Make more quilts, the world needs more comfort! 

Until next time, I wish you pieces of joy and creativity!

 Debbie G.     

I imagine many of you have already made new year’s resolutions about your quilting life.  One year two friends and I made a pact not to purchase any new fabric, as we all had massive stashes, and to my absolute surprise, I ended up being the last hold out.  I am not one who can easily say no to new, fabulous fabrics beckoning from the shelves to be sampled, taken home, and dreamed upon.   Withdrawl from acquiring new  fabrics is like a lot like resisting your favorite chocolate dessert.  It can result in total binging!!!  (Remember:  Daily fiber therapy is a good thing, to borrow a phrase from Martha Stewart.)

Now that I work for a company that designs and sells fabric, I see the flip side of the process.  Our staff seeks out inspiration from myriad sources to create that very temptation that quilters cannot possibly resist.  We look for that ever-so-irresistable pattern and color that will have you reaching for that bolt, and the one next to it, and the coordinating one on the other side, and ….  I’m sure you’re nodding at your monitor as you recognize yourself.  Seek out some of our debut collections from your local quilt shop and see if a little Studioe is just the remedy for a post-holiday project slump!   Don’t completely deny yourself the pleasure of adding a few new fat quarters or a little yardage to your collection, they might be the perfect creative spark your newest quilt design needs. 

Speaking of new designs,  we are currently working on some wonderful interim lines that feature holiday themes and our collective fingers are itching to start working on projects to feature these wonderful  prints.  Additionally, there are more new fabric lines in the wings for the spring market coming up in May–some of our initial introductions with a brand new twist as well as some terrific new offerings from some of our licensed designers. 

Well, I’ve kept you away from your quilting long enough, so I’ll sign off for now and wish you all a very productive 2009 creating warmth, joy, and love in your own personal and unique way. 

Stitchingly yours,

Debbie Graves

Hello from Studioe!

I have been super busy working on a  major project for Studioe and my co-worker and sister product developer, Laura,  was kind enough to pen a few words for your reading pleasure.  I’ll be back soon with more from Studio e

Laura Jones writes: 

Having just returned from Quilt Market less than a month ago makes it even harder to comprehend that the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are almost upon us.  I hope you are looking forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving meal and times of relaxation visiting with family and friends this coming week.  After that, the full impact of the Christmas holiday season will move into full swing, and I’m sure we’ll all be making, baking, shopping and partying with abandon!  As you are thinking “Christmas,” the staff at Studio e Fabrics is already thinking “Spring Quilt Market,” and we are in full swing designing and creating wonderful new fabric collections to show. 

Keeping checking back with  us!  More exciting updates to come….

Sew hooked on quilting,

Debbie Graves