New Hoffman California Fabrics, Heart & Soul Sisters by Jamie Fingal and Insights on Quilt Festival

Who doesn't find inspiration with new fabrics and designs?  Even more fun when you get to create a fun project with them.  As such, SewCalGal enjoys learning about new items showcased at Fall Quilt Market and/or Quilt Festival.  And, today, I'm delighted to share insights on new fabrics from Hoffman California Fabrics, with an emphasis on the new Heart & Soul Sisters line, by Jamie Fingal.  I also have insights to share about one of Jamie's classes at Festival.  I hope you are also inspired too!

If you have problems viewing the above catalog embedded in this post, click this link to view it directly: 
 http://issuu.com/hoffmanfab/docs/fqm14_lr?e=0/9986772

Hoffman is always introducing beautiful new fabrics that are perfect for quilting, mixed-media artists, as well as sewing and embroidery enthusiasts.  The newest line by Jamie Fingal, is a whimsical and colorful line called Heart and Soul Sisters.

Jamie Fingal is a mixed media artist, teacher, and curator who became a Hoffman fabric designer in 2013.  She is a "Rebel Quilter who creates great fun in everything she does.

She is also the Founder of the House Quilt Project to assist Furnishing Hope, who works with designers to create interior rooms and entire houses to help those in need. Jamie works with individual quilters to coordinate the making of patriotic house quilts for the walls of rooms for individuals wounded in service to our country.  Volunteers are always welcome.

One of Jamie's classes at Quilt Festival, was Coffee on the House!  Beth of Sierra Stars Quilting Vacations was one of the students in this class and she kindly provided photos for me to share with you today.  And she also shared:

"When you're with the Rebel Quilter (Jamie) everything is about fun and creativity without any rules.  Coffee On The House class was a perfect ending to my visit to IQF Houston. "

{above} Jamie Fingal

{above} project materials

{above} class samples

{above} Beth's project

Hoffman recently released an article on their blog about Heart & Soul Sisters, a new line of fabric designed by Jamie Fingal, with fun insights on this fabric and free tutorial to use it to make mini-quilt wallhangings that could also be great kid friend projects, or even fun family projects.

The fabric line comes in two colorways:  Rainbow and Daisy.

{above} Rainbow colorway of Heart and Soul Sisters

{above} Daisy colorway of Heart and Soul Sisters

Jamie also has a free tutorial at We All Sew to make a cute whimsical house art wall quilt. 

You can find Jamie Fingal at:

http://www.jamiefingaldesigns.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jamie.styll.fingal
http://dinnerateightartists.blogspot.com/
https://plus.google.com/118217541608991391121/posts
http://theprayerflagproject.blogspot.com/

You can find Hoffman at:

http://www.hoffmanfabrics.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HoffmanCaliforniaFabrics
https://twitter.com/HoffmanFabrics

You can find Beth of Sierra Stars Quilting Vacation at:

http://www.sierrastarsquilting.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SierraStarsQuiltingVacation?ref=br_tf

Year of Red and White Quilt Challenges - Show It! Red/White Quilts Made with Purchased or Free Designs - a Virtual Quilt Show

Welcome to the last event in the Year of Red and White Quilt Challenges, a virtual show of red/white quilts made in 2014 using either purchased or free patterns.  

Voting for your favorite entry in "this" Made with Purchased/Free Designs will begin on on the 20th and be open thru the  26th, when winners will be announced.   Simply bookmark this post and you'll be able to use the linky tool to vote for your favorite during that window and leave a comment on this post after you've voted, to get an extra entry to win prizes.

You can also vote  for your favorite quilt in the "You Made It/You Designed It" show where voting is opened on the 14th and runs through the 24th of October. When you vote for your favorite entry, using the linky tool to vote, and leave a comment on the respective show post that you voted, you get entered to win a prize!

Part 2 - Show It  -  Made with Purchased/Free Designs

This is a virtual quilt show for those that may have purchased a pattern or book, or used a free pattern, to make their red and white quilt in 2014.  Both Bloggers and non-bloggers will be able to share their red and white quilt projects that they've made in 2014, to also enter to win prizes in this challenge.

Challenge Timeline:  October 13th - 20th

Voting Timeline for this particular event:  October 21st - 26th

Please be sure to read the rules below, before adding a link to the linky party for this show:

An InLinkz Link-up

Rules to enter are pretty simple:

1) Your quilt must have been made in 2014 using a free or purchased pattern.  It needs to have a red/white theme to it of any size and style (e.g. pieced, applique, machine embroidery, etc.).
2)  You can still enter this show even if you shared in the Make It! Challeng!  or other events.  Consider it an extra entry to win prizes, but this show is intended to show off those that used "free or purchased patterns" to make their quilts.
3) The intent is to have quilts finished to be in this show, but if your project is large and just has the top finished, that is fine too.  But please don't go rush to make a top of a mug rug and enter that this week. On the other hand, if you haven't yet made a red/white quilt this year there is still plenty of time to make one and enter it in this show.

4) Bloggers must have a post dated during the show (Oct 13th - Oct 20th) and are encouraged to reflect a link to this post, but that is not a requirement, I hope you will encourage your followers to come enjoy all of the entries too!

5)  Non-bloggers can upload to flickr and add a link directly to their photo entry (not a link to a group of photos), but your photo must be viewable to everyone.  Please refer to FAQ if you are not sure how to do this.
6)  Please recognize the source of your purchased or free pattern (e.g. who was the designer, name of the pattern or book, or source of the free pattern) if you know.  Consider including a link, when you can.  This info is intended to help those that may be inspired by your entry and want to make a similar project, as well as to help provide recognition for the respective designer.

As always, if you have questions you can email me. 

Year of Red and White Quilt Challenges - Show It! You Made It! You Designed It!

Welcome to the virtual show for Red and White Quilts made in 2014 for those that made their quilt this year using their own design. Everyone is welcome to participate.   Voting for viewers choice begins on the 8th of October.  UPDATE as of 10/8: Voting will be opened on the 14th and run thru the 24th of October.    Hover your mouse on top of the image in the linky that you want to vote for and you will see a heart.  Click that heart to cast your vote for your favorite entry.  And then leave a comment on this blog post, letting me know you voted, to get an extra entry to win prizes in the Year of Red/White Quilt Challenges.

When you vote for your favorite entry, using the linky tool to vote, and leave a comment on the respective show post that you voted, you get entered to win a prize!

What, you haven't made a red/white quilt this year?  Don't worry....technically there is still time for you to make a red/white quilt and enter.  Depending on how fast you are, consider a mug rug, table topper, wall hanging or other small quilt.  We'd love to have you participate and everyone needs their own red/white quilt.  Just remember this particular show is for those that designed their own red/white quilt made in 2014.  On the 13th, a show will be opened for those that made a red/white quilt using a purchased or free pattern.  Lastly, even if you shared your quilt in the Design It or Make It Challenge, you are encouraged to participate in these shows as they are final events in the Year of Red and White Quilt Challenges, where you can get extra entries, before prizes are randomly awarded to participants in the Year of Red and White Quilt Challenges.

This is a virtual quilt show for those that designed and made their red and white quilt in 2014.  Both Bloggers and non-bloggers will be able to share their red and white quilt projects that they've made in 2014, to also enter to win prizes in this challenge.

Challenge Timeline:  October lst - 10th  Note, as SewCalGal was late releasing this show, the deadline to enter will be extended thru the 13th of October. UPDATE as of 10/8: Voting will be opened on the 14th and run thru the 24th of October.    Hover your mouse on top of the image in the linky that you want to vote for and you will see a heart.  Click that heart to cast your vote for your favorite entry.  And then leave a comment on this blog post, letting me know you voted, to get an extra entry to win prizes in the Year of Red/White Quilt Challenges.

Please be sure to read the rules below, before adding a link to the linky party for this show:

An InLinkz Link-up

Rules to enter are pretty simple:

1) Your quilt must have been made in 2014 using your own design.  It needs to have a red/white theme to it of any size and style (e.g. pieced, applique, machine embroidery, etc.).
2)  You can still enter this show even if you shared in the Make It! Challenge, as well as the Design It! Challenge, and even if you did not enter those challenges.  Consider it an extra entry to win prizes, but this show is intended to show off those that "designed" their quilts.
3) The intent is to have quilts finished to be in this show, but if your project is large and just has the top finished, that is fine too.  But please don't go rush to make a top of a mug rug and enter that this week. On the other hand, if you haven't yet made a red/white quilt this year there is still plenty of time to make one and enter it in this show.

4) Bloggers must have a post dated during the show (Oct lst - Oct 13) and are encouraged to reflect a link to this post and while not a requirement, I hope you will encourage your followers to come enjoy all of the entries too!

5)  Non-bloggers can upload to flickr and add a link directly to their photo entry (not a link to a group of photos), but your photo must be viewable to everyone.  Please refer to FAQ if you are not sure how to do this.

Call For Quilts: Farm to Fabric Challenge

At the IQF Houston  this fall there will be a special quilt exhibit where all the quilts will be made from fabric grown and made  in the United States.  And a Farm To Fabric Challenge has been launched to get quilters to make quilts with fabrics grown and made in the United States, where you can also enter your project for this upcoming juried exhibit.

This special exhibit of quilts will be made exclusively from a new brand of fabrics from Clothworks, called American Made  Cotton Solids.   And this exhibit will premiere at International Quilt Market and Festival, October 25-November 2, 2014.

These solids are beautiful and vibrant perfect for Modern Quilters, but with such a large selection of colors, they will certainly appeal to all styles of quilting.  The design possibilities are endless.  Needless to say, SewCalGal is very excited about this new line of fabric, this challenge and for this special quilt exhibit in Houston this Fall.  Of course, I'd even be more excited to see your quilt on exhibit!



With 50 colors to select from, what colors would you like to create a project with?

I'm certainly in the mood for a Springtime quilt with purples, blues, greens.  But a Patriotic quilt with red, white and blue would be fun too.  Or maybe a quilt made with American Made Cotton Solids in red and white to enter in the Make It! Challenge of the Year of Red/White Challenges?  Or incorporating reds and greens for a gift for  A Handmade Christmas Challenge?  Clearly, what ever you create with these new fabrics will be lovely.

There is plenty of time to make a project for the Farm to Fabric Challenge.   The entry period is June 15th - August 15th, 2014.   Click here to enter this challenge, or get more info. 

Let's help to make American Made Cotton Solids a solid American business, by making handmade projects with it.  

 to find a retailer near you that sells American Made Brand cotton.

If you don't find it in your local quilt shops or favorite online shops, let them know you'd like them to carry it.  You can also find the American Made Brand online at Fat Quarter Shop and Fabrics N Quilts.   SewCalGal was surprised to find the price so reasonable, especially given these are fabrics made in the USA.  What a deal!

It is important to buy locally grown and manufactured products.  Be proud! 

You can find American Made Brand at:

http://americanmadebrand.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Made-Brand/688789501163939

Special Redwork Exhibits, hosted by Bird Brain Designs, at Road to California

The Road to California Conference and Quilt Show always has a variety of beautiful quilt exhibits.  Today, I'm delighted to share insights with you on two exhibits sponsored by Bird Brain Designs.

The "Joy of Red Work" quilt exhibit was curated by Robin Kingsley and was certainly a joy to see.  Bird Brain Designs also had a special exhibit, their their  booth, with lovely red and white quilts made using patterns from Bird Brain Designs:  

And, of course, SewCalGal would love to see some projects made using Bird Brain Designs entered in the upcoming Make It! Challenge in the Year of Red and White Quilts, as well as upcoming virtual quilt shows with a red/white theme.  And, Bird Brain Designs has many wonderful designs that would also make great Christmas Gifts that I hope to see entered in any of the monthly Make It A Handmade Christmas Challenge with a linky party that is held monthly between the 15th and 25th of each month.    There are also wonderful prizes that you can win when you enter these challenges!

You Can Find Bird Brain Designs at:

www.birdbraindesigns.net
www.birdbraindesigns.blogspot.com 

www.facebook.com/BirdBrainDesigns

Mark your calendar to attend Road in 2015: 

January 22-25, 2015

You Can Find Road At:

Website: http://www.road2ca.com 
www.road2cablog.com 

https://www.facebook.com/road2ca

https://twitter.com/Road2CA 

Fabric Flowers - Call For Fabric Flowers For A Community Garden At Quilt! Knit! Stitch

Spring is coming!  Spring is coming. Yes, I'm confident Spring is coming.  At a minimum, those that are snowbound can bring Spring indoors by making fabric flowers.  And, I have several of my favorite tutorials to share with you today, as well as project ideas that I hope will inspire you to make some fabric flowers.

Fabric flowers have an endless variety of uses.  They can be added to a name tag that you might wear to a quilt guild meeting.  They look great on a handmade purse, headbands, decorating gifts and more.  And, you can make enough to fill a vase and create your floral arrangement that never wilts.  Or, you can make one or more fabric flowers and donate to a community garden at the upcoming Quilt! Knit! Stitch! quilt show in Portland Oregon this summer.

Quilt! Knit! Stitch is a new show that will be held in Portland, Oregon August 14-16th, 2014.  This fun event will have beautiful quilts on exhibit, wonderful vendors, and excellent classes.  And, there will be an amazing flora and fauna exhibit made from fabric that "you" can make a fabric flower for this exhibit!  Fabric flowers are needed prior to the opening of this show, but attendees are also invited to bring fabric flowers to "plant" at this exhibit.

For more information on this special "call for fabric flowers", as well as an excellent tutorial to make a fabric rose click here to visit Pokey's Ponderings.

While community gardens are filled with floral and fauna of all different colors and designs, the same goes for a fabric flower garden.  As such, I wanted to share with you today some of my favorite tutorials for making fabric flowers.  Of course, I hope you'll consider making a flower for the community garden at Quilt! Knit! Stitch! and/or maybe a fabric flower for your home, or to give to someone as a gift.  After all, who wouldn't want to receive a fabric flower from you?


Arlette of Poka Dot Pineapple has an excellent tutorial for fabric flowers that has been on my list of favorite tutorials since 2010!  Definitely one of my favorite tutorials.  Click here for her tutorial.

She also has a fun tutorial to make wire edged flowers.

Mark Montano has a fun video tutorial to make fabric flowers with strips from your stash.  If you are on a MAC or have problems watching this embedded video, click here to watch this video tutorial directly from youtube.

Crafts By Amanda has a fun tutorial to make whimsical fabric flowers with ModPodge.

Snowy Bliss has a tutorial to make long stemmed fabric flowers.  Her great tutorial not only shows how to make these beautiful fabric, but also shares a variety of inspirational ways to display them. 

 Polka Dot Bungalow has a tutorial to make "re-purposed" fabric flower arrangement that is gorgeous.

 As this is National Craft Month, which SewCalGal prefers to think of as International Craft Month, I do hope you'll consider being crafty and make some fabric flowers.  As mentioned they are great to decorate your home, to give as a gift, and they certainly will help make for a beautiful Community Garden at the Quilt! Knit! Stitch! Show in Portland, Oregon this summer.   And, of course, I hope you get to visit this show.  But the next best thing to being at such a show is knowing something you've made is on exhibit.  Thus, I hope you'll consider making a fabric flower and sending it to Pokey for this fun exhibit!

 Be Cre8tive!