Windham Fabric Snip-its

Sophia is more than just a Beautiful Name

Sophia is a collection by Windham Fabrics that is full of black and red florals grounded by a rich vanilla cream. It debuted in the late spring and is now available in quilt stores and boutiques. We suggest you run out and buy it right away if you have not done so already. The consumer response has been overwhelming and it won't be on shelves for very long. (See our new store locator on our website by clicking on each fabric image in the collection to find retailers that currently carry the Sophia collection)

 

No collection would be complete with out a few pictures that show off the collection. We are very excited to announce the creation of a BOM designed by Denice Lipscomb from Common Threads Quilting. Check out the Web Sampler and find out more information about the program.   You can buy the finishing kit for the quilt shown below when you visit the Common Threads website.

 

There are also a few patterns that are also noteworthy that show off the beauty of the Sophia collection:

 

1. Karen Bennett of Nellie’s Needles created a magnificent quilt for us to display at the International Quilt Market in May. She has created a pattern called Desert Flowers below that you just have to add to your collection.

 

2. How often do we get a chance to wear our favorite fabrics that we are so passionate about? Here Morning Glory Designs – created a pattern for a super jacket and shoulder bag. We have to thank our own Sharon Boysen for finding this pattern for us and sending the beautiful pictures.

 

 

Hopefully these items have all inspired you to want to run out and make your own Sophia masterpiece!

 

Happy Quilting! 

 

An American Tribute

As we come into a long holiday weekend and celebrate another anniversary of America’s Independence we want to give thanks to the soldiers and veterans of wars current and past. Windham Fabrics is proud to honor the brave men and women of the American armed forces with our American Tribute Collection. Classic patriotic and Americana designs are perfect for creating the special quilt that shows your appreciation to the service men and women who protect our shores. 

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of American Tribute is donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.  For more information on what this outstanding organization is doing for our troops, please visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

We are delighted to offer two quilt projects that are great for a loved one or a dear friend that you want to share your love and support. the first was designed by Larene Smith of The Quilted Button and it is called "All American Tribute".  

The second quilt is from our own Whistler Studios call "All Star Tribute".   
   
  

See another great quilt that was designed by Cheryl Phillips from Phillips Fiber Art using our Gettysburg / Civil War 8 Collection with assistance from the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and the Gettysburg National Archives.

 
What a great way to pay tribute!

  

Gardening Anyone?

Now that Spring has come and most people are beginning to feel the longer days and warmer weather, it is nice to think there is a collection of fabric that will get you into the gardening mood. See Windham Fabrics new collection Gypsy Garden by Genevieve Gail.

 

Gypsy Garden is Genevieve Gail’s second collection for Windham Fabrics. Garden flowers grow wildly in all shapes and sizes as if they were running up a trellis or packed over a garden bed. Bright sunny colors mix with the rich garden earth tones. Think of digging into a freshly turned patch of rich earth for the browns. Sky blues, deep magentas, golden flowers and a splash of green leaves float over a saturated color palate.

 

Here Genevieve describes her new work as having a laid back style and offers hints of a Bohemian vibe. The loose hand drawn shapes update the look, and the distressed finish is reminiscent of Genevieve’s jewelry creations. Genevieve stays true to her style of simplicity in both shape and color.

 

We hope you will get your hands dirty and gather up a cluster of Genevieve’s floral fabrics and make Genevieve’s rag style quilt that is just a perfect compliment to the Bohemian style of this collection. Go to Windham Fabrics to download a copy of this quilt.

 

 

To learn more about Genevieve Gail and her jewelry design go to her Etsy Store or visit her blog. http://genevievegail.blogspot.com/

Jenny Haskin's When Dreams Flower

What a delight it is to be working with Jenny Haskins.  Windham Fabrics now has the pleasure of bringing you the premier quilting collection from this imaganitive and talented innovator from the world of embroidery.  Jenny Haskins delights us with "When Dreams Flower," her first fabric collection based on her stunning quilt and book by the same name.   Jenny's book will be available in May, and the new quilting line in July. 

Those of you who are familiar with Jenny's work will delight in the intricate nature of this new collection.  Beautiful roses abound paying the same attention to fine detail as in Jenny's embroidery motifs.    

Follow trailing vines, and flitting butterflies as they delight us in a delicate color pallete that only Jenny can dream of.  You can plan on lots of opportunities for applique using  motifs from "When Dreams Flower."  You can let them stand alone in your project, or combine them with Jenny's unique embroidery tecniques.  

For more information on Jenny Haskins visit her website www.jennyhaskins.com/home.php or her blog.    

Celebrating The Civil War Sesquicentennial

Windham Fabric's Nancy Gere is proud to honor the Civil War sesquicentennial with Gettysburg - Civil War VIII.  We traveled to Gettysburg PA, and had the rare privilege to visit the archives of The Gettysburg Museum which house some of our nation's greatest treasures.  The archives in this facility truly blew us away.  We saw rows and rows of immaculately preserved, and carefully cataloged Civil War objects.  Everything from canon balls to uniforms were there for us to marvel at. 
We could have spent days looking, and nearly did!  Some of the most fascinating textile objects were the collection of battle flags and commemorative flags.  We know the museum's curator was happy to help us, as we "forced" him to unfurl flags that have been packed away, and not seen for years.   

Laura enjoyed examining this beautiful commemorative flag.  When we look at items such as this not only do we revel in their beauty, but we study them as to how they will fit within the collections.  Some objects are more difficult to fit in then others, but as you will see, these stunning flags were no problem.  Flags along with a scenic toile based on a commemorative Civil War scarf and countless delicate period florals, stripes, shirtings and geometrics make up one of Nancy's most memorable Civil War collections to date.

We know that you will be equally impressed with the collections at The Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum.  You will not only marvel at what you see, but gain insight by talking with the park rangers, and museum staff.  These men and women are easily some of the greatest civil war scholars we have ever met.

So celebrate with Nancy Gere, and Gettysburg, the 150th anniversary of this crucial moment in American History.  Gettysburg - Civil War VIII will be available in quilt shops starting June 2010.

“Just a Coastal Preppy”

In most of the United States we are feeling very weather challenged by snow and rain or general inclement weather. So there is no better way to create some bright and happy dreams but to go out to your local fabric shop and see the new Juliet Collection by Paige Stanley Miller for Windham Fabrics .

 

 
“Sunny mornings, riding my bike, smelling wild roses, and maybe taking a minute to see what's moving in the breeze.."

It's moments like these that inspired Paige to create the art that became her first home sewing fabric collection "Juliet". With a romantic and updated nod to the British tradition she brings us a pretty mix of full blown roses inspired by a vintage quilt, an embroidered style paisley and coordinating stripe, and a colorful floral toile from Provence.  Rounding out the print selections Paige created a lively botanical studied from an English field guide, a stitched doodle from lace, and a straw texture painted from her woven placemats. They all coordinate easily in a soft, sun warmed palette.

 

  

This collection is perfect for making soothing quilts and lounging pillows. Whipping up a picnic blanket or a getaway bag with these fabrics are perfect quick projects. See a few of the free projects available for you to download.

Accent Pillow     Getaway bag Juliet Quilt 
 
Paige is also very multi talented and her art has been licensed for bedding, giftware, stationery, and greeting cards.  Windham Fabrics is her premier quilting collection.  Please visit Windham Fabrics to see the complete fabric collection. To learn more about what Paige is up to visit: http://acoastalpreppy.com

 Dream away!!

 

"TIMBER" a good project

Windham Fabrics is delighted to have Jessica Levitt as one of our latest designers. Her first collection Timber has been a hit with young and old a like. The collection is just arriving a your local retail shops so we thought it would be nice for you to get to know a little about her. I love a good project. It's what my life is about.   And I've tried my hand at so many different kinds of arts over the years: I've sewn intricate quilts. Costumed entire theatrical productions. Planned detailed and festive birthday parties. Designed beautiful rooms. Styled and coordinated extravagant weddings. Sewn inventive clothing and costumes for my kids. And plenty more... But through it all, I keep coming back to fabric. I crafted my first quilt more than 20 years ago, before I was even in high school. Since then, textiles have become my medium of choice and sewing my passion. Combine that with my love for color and pattern, and fabric design becomes the natural product. I'm a self-taught designer with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science (Duke University) of all things. But since I left the field to pursue more creative endeavors, I've never looked back... These days, I find motherhood to be the most challenging and satisfying project of them all. I live with my husband and two children in New Jersey and though our days are chaotic, they're filled love and tons of creativity. As I watch my kids grow I realize how important it is to me to never stop learning and challenging myself. So please stop by my blog Juicy Bits and check out whatever my newest endeavor might be. Check out the Timber Quilt free projects on the Windham Fabrics Website

Seek Peek at Spring 2010

We are working on 25 new lines for spring 2010!  We just can’t wait for you to take a look so here is a sneak peak at the first seven collections.

Delicate pastels and friendly faces are a delight in Flannel Bear by Foliage.  In its debut quilters flannel for baby Foliage once again proves that they are inspired by the word “adorable.”  They continue to find the balance between everyday cute and just enough modernity to attract quilters of all ages. 

Flamboyance, flair, style, élan, and elegance are all words that can easily describe Rosemarie Lavin’s newest collection; Paisley Panache.  An eclectic mix of color presents a dashing sense of spirited style.  With her use of intricate teardrop shapes and delicate line work Paisley Panache is a true modern classic.

 

The coming of the circus was an annual event awaited with great anticipation in 19th and early 20th century America.  Weeks before the circus was due, colorful posters appeared on barns and fences, announcing the dates and new performers.  Finally the circus arrived!  Excitement grew as wagons, elephants and clowns paraded through town and the big-top tent was raised. Traveling circuses are represented at Shelburne Museum and in a new collection by the same name. Vintage advertising posters from the museum's collection inspired this collection commerating the Golden Age of the American travelling circus (1870-1950).

 

     
    

   

Le Poulet is designed as an eclectic blend of traditional and graphic designs.  The bold icons of poulet and coq set off in bold black, cream and red offer a complex construction juxtaposed to the charming picotage and delicate traditional designs.  Elements of pattern design in Le Poulet allow additional opportunities for both piecing and appliqué techniques.  This unique mix of pattern is sure to offer the contrast that will make any quilt pop.

 

Natural graphic shapes and clean colors radiate with contemporary emotion that emanates from Rosemarie Lavin’s Spa Collection.  Larger scale trees, branches and bamboo are soothingly mixed with a free form stripe and organic shapes to create a relaxing esthetic. Colors play off of one another making a subtle statement using intense hues and color comparisons.  See how the spa quilt can be at home in both contemporary and humble surroundings.

 

Vintage hankies from the 1930’s through the 1950’s are the building blocks for Hankie Club by Whistler Studios.  Cut out the 12 full size hankies and then the fun begins.  Use them for appliqué, corner blocks or finish them off as hankies.   

 

Zoo Babies by Whistler Studios offers choices for a unique baby quilt with just a touch of retro, and a bit of whimsy.  In this new collection classic dots give way to spaced dots, and maze like straight pins yield to bold stripes.  Throw in some friendly animals and some kitch color combinations and you’ve got a project that is sure to please. 

 

Keep an eye out for the rest of the collections for spring including more from Anna Griffin, Jessica Levitt, Bari Ackerman, Paige Stanley Miller, Jeanne Horton and Allison Jane Smith. You will marvel at the upcoming classic reproductions from Williamsburg and Nancy Gere’s inspirational Washington’s Legacy. In commemoration of the Civil War sesquicentennial Windham is proud to offer Gettysburg – Civil War VIII ca 1865 a new collection including documents direct from the archives of the Gettysburg Museum.  

 

Finally, and with great anticipation we welcome home preeminent designer, collector and quilt historian Mary Koval!  Mary will premier her newest line with Windham Fabrics in May at Quilt Market in Minneapolis!  We are delighted to welcome Mary back and look forward to bringing you collections with her unique classic signature.

 

Check out http://windhamfabrics.com where will be posting the full collections beginning in January 2010.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

So Much to be Thankful for

When November rolls around we all feel the need to loosen our belts and prepare for the on slot of food that is coming for Thanksgiving. We all get caught up in making favorite foods and visiting family or friends. We realize we have so much to be thankful for that we get weepy and sentimental after a few glasses of wine.

Windham also has so much to be thankful for. Not only do we have incredible designers creating collections for us but we have museums and antique swatches that inspire us. We have artists that do magic. We have sales people that work hard presenting collections to the store owners. The store owners bring joy to the customer that can’t wait to get their rolling cutters into our fabrics.

This leads me to the point of this blog. I owe a big thank you to Joyce Yarling www.sewwow.com for creating this beautiful little girls dress from our Paper Dolls collection. It was given to me to display at the fall market in Houston and it got lost in the shuffle. Sorry Joyce as it was so worthy to be seen. It is a perfect example of how the paper dolls fabric turned into something so special and unexpected.

If you are reading this blog and are a quilter I encourage you to share your master piece made with Windham Fabrics and I will promise to post it in a blog. Send pictures to: laura@baumtextile.com

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks from Today's Top Designers

Windham Fabrics is delighted to be a part of the Quiltmaker's100 Blocks from Today's Top Designers, issue. It is such a thrill to look through all the designer blog entries and to learn more about each of the designers that submitted a block. I hope you are all enjoying what Quiltmaker has done to give exposure to so many diverse creators.

 

     
 Windham Fabrics is especially happy to note that 2 of our favorite designers Susan McDermott and Maria Tavy Umhey both used fabrics from Windham for the blocks that were selected by the magazine. Kudos ladies!!! Furthermore we are happy to be a voice for Susan and Maria since they are not bloggers themselves.

   
 

Susan McDermott’s block can be seen on  page 21, block #19. She just so happened to have Windham collections Clara Barton and Valley Forge on her work table at the time the request came from Quiltmaker looking for designers. This is what became her inspiration for her block.

“The 2 collections complement each other and are historical so that what was what inspired the patriotic slant. I thought of all kinds of images that could go on the ends of the pinwheels....stars, eagles, bells, drums, Uncle Sam's hat....but decided on the flag because of the nice red stripe in the line.  Someday I may get around to a making a quilt with all those images on the end of the pinwheels and call it Patriotic Spin!

Windham's historical lines can work very well together.  I have another quilt on the design wall mixing Clara Barton and the Williamsburg Clarissa line together, using the wonderful blue toile in Clarissa as the focal fabric.

I love designing quilts for Windham.  The fun begins when the Fed Ex box arrives.  I open up the box, stroke all the beautiful fabrics and begin mulling over ideas.  I always come up with the basic design first, perhaps making a rough pencil sketch and then I fine tune the design in EQ.  I always like to keep an open mind when placing the fabrics on the design wall because the way I think fabric will look (in my head or the way they look in EQ) is often not what really works best with the actual fabric.  I always ask "What if?" as I work.”

One special note: Susan is a master at appliqué so it is no surprise that she would do something out of the ordinary using appliqué for her block! 

  

Maria Tavy Umhey’s block is called "Easy 3-D" is block # 88 on page 55 , quite different from Susan McDermott's patriotic block making for a nice representation of the diversity of Windham Fabrics. Maria used fabric from Gathered Over Time to make her block and she really bring out the color contrasts in a collection.

It isn’t by chance that she came to be so talented and what she wrote about herself is very telling about her crafting abilities.

“When I was about nine years old I went with my grandmother to a Ladies Aid Society meeting to tie a quilt stretched on a big wooden frame. That was my first quilting experience.  I didn’t begin making quilts myself until my sons were grown and I had finished my work as a chemist, county legislator and business manager.

I enjoy designing colorful, cheerful quilts meant to keep people warm and make them happy.  Up to date tools and techniques enable me to make quilts with a traditional look in weeks rather than months.  I depend on careful use of color and contrast and the simple shapes passed down to us by our grandmothers to produce crisp, uncluttered designs.  No intricate blocks with lots of tiny pieces or fancy needle work here.  Whether on a bed, on a wall, or casually thrown over the back of a chair, quilts give a feeling of warmth and comfort to our homes.

   About the biggest kick I get is seeing my designs interpreted by others in the pages showing quilts made by subscribers.  I also have lots of fun designing and building play structures for my grandchildren; another activity which allows me to use scraps and left-overs to spread happiness.”

Windham fabrics is so proud to be a part of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks from Today's Top Designers that will be on newsstands November 17^th. To follow the blog tour go to www.quiltmaker.com/quiltypleasures for inspiration, ideas, and giveaways galore! Look for 100 Blocks from Today's Top Designers in your local quilt shop, or purchase it at www.quiltmaker.com/100blocks. Each day, a different set of quiltmakers in 100 Blocks will be featured. Check out Quiltmaker's website and blog -- you can find some awesome things there and could win the fat quarter pack donated by Windham Fabrics!

You could win these fat quarters from Windham Fabrics!