Linda's Tangled Threads

Little Bluebell: Fabric Keychains

2011-12-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

Little Bluebell: Fabric Keychains

These fabric keychains are really adorable. Check them out.

Snowman Maniac Quilter: Tree Skirt Made

2011-12-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

Snowman Maniac Quilter: Tree Skirt Made

This tree skirt was made by a friend of mine. It is really cute, check it out.

Houston International Quilt Market 2011

2011-11-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

It has been several weeks since Quilt Market and I can't wait for all of the new fabrics and patterns to arrive. So while we are waiting I thought that I'd share some of my adventures with you.

This year I took my dog Max along with me. Max is a cute little 1 year old dog, part terrier and who knows what else. I rescued Max this summer from the Las Vegas Rescue center Adopt a Pet and he quickly became attached to me. He howls when I leave so my husband said he had to go along to Houston with me. They don't allow dogs at the convention center so we had to be sneaky. We will be starting a "Find Max" game on our website on November 15th. Be sure to join us.

Here Max is checking out Mickey Lawler's techniques on fabric painting. She has a new book out called "SKYQUILTS" in which she describes her techniques for fabric painting beautiful landscapes. She also includes instructions for 3 projects. Choose from "Mountains", "Beach House", or "City Pillow". Both "Mountain" and "Beach House" are wall hangings. Visit our web site to find out how you can win this signed copy of the book.

This was Max's favorite booth "Dolce Amico". I'm sorry that our picture is a bit blurry but Max was so excited that he kept wiggling in my purse making my hands shake when I took the picture. He fell in love with the lab puppy on the table.

Dolce Amico features pet patterns and much more. Created by designer Faith Cleary, a teacher and fabric artist, Faith has been featured in the magazines "In-Stitches" and "Quilting Art" teaching techniques on how to create your pet's portrait using fabric and thread. She has also filmed a DVD and has won a spot on the coveted 2012 Quilting Art Calendar months.

We look forward to carrying her patterns and seeing what else she comes up with.

We will have more pictures of Quilt Market on our website and on Facebook.

Valerie Wells' Wrenly

2011-05-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

I know it has been two weeks since Quilt Market but every time I look at my pictures I get excited again for the new fabric lines coming out.

I just loved Valerie Wells new line, Wrenly, and her booth Wrenly's Place, just rocked. The tiny wrens everywhere made the place sing.

I first noticed the outfit created using Wrenly, including the cute blouse with the collar and little triangular pieces of fabric in the bodice. If I understood her correctly, she will be making this into a pattern.

Then my eye follow to the left where she had a nightstand covered in her fabric, and it was hard to the touch (looks soft, doesn't it). I believe she did a decoupage of sorts to create that look.

The rest of the room was just as spectacular, with the bed all made up and the cute bird cage in the corner.

Watch for this line coming to stores in June.

Amy Butler adds new fabric types!

2011-05-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

I had so many favorites at Quilt Market that I didn't know where to starg. So I decided to share with you the first thing that caught my eye.

Check out this beautiful dress (pattern by ModKid design) made from Amy Butler's Organic cotton line. Yes, you heard me correctly. Organic cotton! Not only that, there will be 3 other new fabric types: rayon, voile, and corduroy.

We are so excited to get these in an play with them. We expect the fashion prints in June and the organics in August.

What an honor! Rising Star Nominee

2011-05-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

Boy, were we surprised to find our names on the FabShop Network Stars nomination list. Being new to the industry we didn't even know it existed.

Well we didn't win but it was great just to be nominated. Thank you to all of our customers who like the work we are doing.

We will continue to bring you the best products and best service this year.

Look for some exciting news of what we found at the spring Quilt Market coming soon.

International Quilt Market - It's not all about Quilting!

2010-11-14T21:25:00.000-08:00

Quilt Market is no longer just about quilts. There are an amazing number of designers choosing to create clothing with their fabric lines. And they are no longer just using quilting weight cottons to make their quilts either.

Take Patty Young for instance, creator of patterns ModKids and designer of the new fabric line "Sanctuary" for Michael Miller.

Not only does Patty design great kid patterns using her knits, but for adults also (check out her dress).

She also made a baby quilt (on the chair in front, hard to see) using KNITS! You should feel this quilt, so soft and unique. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Next to Patty's line is another fun and sassy line by Pillow and Maxfield, a fun and whimsical pair who carry their spirit into their lines.

This line's clever uses of border prints create quick and cute pj bottoms, pillowcase dresses and more. Their line is called "Bandana ____" but we'll have to wait until it arrives so I can't fix the name. Sorry Pillow and Maxfield.

Moving over to the Timeless Treasure booth, these retro colored prints caught my eye. Notice the same prints in the quilt as in the clothing. Same thing but different look. And the name is "Darling Clementine" and is printed on a cotton lawn, which is a tad lighter than normal quilt weight fabric. Still great for quilting but nice for garments too. I can't wait to make some girl dresses out of it. I'm not sure when it will be in stores but I believe soon.

This collection is also from Timeless Treasures. Notice the matching raincoat. The collection is called Sunny Dazy by Alice Kennedy and the laminater comes in the orange with a pink background and a blue and lilac print.

These wonderful youth prints are made from Alexander Henry's new line "Larkspur" coming out next June.

Notice the clever use of the border prints in the shorts on the left.

And the teapot is just so cute along with its matching sugar bowl. Fill that with sugar and you are bound to get some crazy kids!

They also made a pillow case from one of the border prints, not shown. I wish I had taken more pictures of this but maybe next year.

Next week I'll share some new patterns with you.

International Quilt Market 2010 Day 1

2010-10-30T20:15:00.001-07:00

I just finished day one at market and can't wait to kick my feet up and relax. But I wanted to share some of the new sights and fabrics with you before I head to bed.

Check out Debi from Michael Miller , dressed in 60's garb to match their new line of "Princess" along with their sparkling fairy frost. Notice the curtain rod in the costume of the model behind her? Remind you of a certain funny actress (Carol Burnett doing Scarlet Ohara)?

My personal favorite of Michael Miller's was Sanctuary by designer Patty Young, creator of Modkid patterns for girls and women. I loved the new knits and matching prints in the line and look forward to sewing with them soon. By the way, the prints on are 100% cotton shirting, a nice weight a tad lighter than quilters cotton, great for draping, but still strong enough for quilts. And Patty made a great quilt out of the knits, so so soft. I'll try to get a picture of it tomorrow if possible.

Next on my list was a visit with Dennis Farnsworth, our favorite MODA rep.

24 new lines of fabric were introducted. Below is a quilt made using Momo's new line "Just Wing It".

Below is "Lily & Will II" by Bunny Hill Designs. Her second line in the series come with matching satin sashing. I just love this because all my babies loved that satin edging that comes on store manufactured blankets. But I could never find the exact color to go with the quilt that I was making. Now I won't have to worry about that, I just need one of my 35 nieces or nephews to have a baby.

Good night and more Quilt Market tomorrow.

International Quilt Market 2010 in Houston

2010-10-29T10:32:00.001-07:00

Isn't this machine embroidered quilt designed by Sarah Vedeler (but made by her student) just to die for. It uses Accuquilt dies and her machine embroidery designs.

And this one....

International Quilt Market 2010 Begins

2010-10-29T07:39:00.001-07:00

Quilt market is finally here. I am so excited to see all the new lines, notions, and fabrics. This year I get to share the experience with Stacy Cooper, owner of Farm Road Quilts

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Spain or not

2010-09-18T21:38:00.001-07:00

Finally, our trip to Spain is here. After a hard summer of difficulties, my husband of 23 years and I are off to Valencia. And boy did we make it a great start.
We arrived at Las Vegas International Airport at 5am for a 7am flight to JFK. Tickets in hand we endured the crazy lines at baggage checkin, made it to the gate and walked straight on the plane. Hmmm, maybe we cut it a bit short? Nah, I think we can do better!

At JFK we are told to go to gate B20. We are at B26 so we follow the sign around the corner until we see "20". That was easy.
We thought it strange another flight was leaving the same gate only 20 minutes before our plane was to depart, but I proceded to sit down to recharge my phone while Greg went to try to exchange currency.
I love playing with my phone so I decide to check online with Delta to see how accurate their "check flight info" program is. Hmmm, it says they are boarding but clearly they can't be boarding if that other plane is in our gate.
So I get some stranger to watch our bags so I can go check the monitor. Hmmm. It says boarding at gate 20 also. I then turn to my left and see the Sign "international gate B20-B24 shuttle loading area, shuttle leaves every 15 minutes."
Shit! I rush ( as one with a cane and a new knee can rush) back to grab the bags and find Greg. I yell across a crowded terminal "Greg!!!!!!!" and madly wave him over. We are at the wrong gate &$()$&&&"
We grab the next shuttle and I tell Greg to run ahead to hold the plane. And as I'm rushing along as fast as I can I hear "last call for Ruskauff party of two to Valencia". Now that is a close flight!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis

2010-05-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

Spring Market in Minneapolis was a lot of fun. New designers, new patterns, new fabrics, something for everyone. I was very excited that both Michael Miller and Moda were carrying knits in some of their lines.

Moda's "City Weekend" by "Oliver + S" features a mix of cottons woven prints and interlocks in soft colors. Visit their blog for more information on coordinating patterns. Look for Moda's City Weekend in our store in September.

Organics will be in more abundance in the fall too. Look for it in fabric and in batting.

Eleanor Burns, Ricky Tims, Sharon Pederson, and Alex Anderson all have new dies for the Accuquilt Go! Whether you love piecing or applique, these dies are for you.

Want to pre-order a die? Visit our store to reserve one in your name.

Looking for a new young designer? Visit Emily Cier at the Carolina Patchworks. She puts a fresh look on her quilts and we hope to carry them in our store soon.

I have many other pictures to share from Quilt Market so check back next week.

Fairies Save the Earth

2010-05-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

For the last 4 months, my older girl scouts prepared for an earth day event. These girls had to create the event from the bottom up. And so evolved "Fairies Save the Earth", a fun event to teach girls about earth day while having fun.

I think their favorite part of the event was making their costumes. One of the moms found this great recycled wings video and all of the girls made their own designer wings.

Getting into the spirit of the event, we decided to recycle tshirts to make the brownie costumes. My brownies were "Ocean" fairies so we cut up tshirts and tie-dyed them to make a skirt and top. We made a black net from black tshirts because Ocean Fairies are in charge of cleaning the ocean and they need a net to help them collect the garbage.

Quilt in a Day

2010-05-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

I recently wanted to make a quilt for an old friend who is fighting cancer. She is slender and prone to being cold so I wanted something to keep her warm during her treatments.
I chose Hunky Dory from MODA for the project due to its bright soft colors. For the pattern, I chose a rag quilt. I had recently purchased a Studio from Accuquilt and was wondering exactly how quickly I could cut out a quilt so I got to work.
It took me 1 1/2 hours to cut out a large quilt including the batting. The blocks are 8" square (with 1" margins) so I decided on an 8x10 layout.
I used Osnaburg for the batting because of the way it frays and since I was using cotton instead of flannel on the outside. It gave added warmth and softness to the quilt. Also, when using Osnaburg there is no need to sew "x's" through all of the layers, saving me more time in the construction.

A day later, here it is, so I guess you can call it a "Quilt in a Day".

New Store Finally Opened

2010-04-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

I have finally opened my new store at The Stitch Sanctuary and what a journey it has been. I have learned so much about shopping carts and HTML that my brain hurts. I think it is time to sew again.

For my last project, I began using my new software from Bernina, myLabel. If you haven't heard of it, it is a pattern making program. The part that I love about it is that you can see your figure in 3D and fit the garments to the model.

I ignored Bernina's advice about fitting a tunic first and went straight for a comfortable t-shirt. I used a yellow cotton knit that I had purchased online a few years back thinking that I'd use it up. Then I added some stenciling using the Stencil Series Asian I Elements from Indygo Junction around the neckline.

My paints were old but since I thought I was making a throw-away garment, I just used some thinning medium and went full speed ahead. I purchased my paints locally at Glicks but I believe they have an online site also. I used Setacolor by Pebeo.

I then added some glitter from Art Glitter. Their glitter is microfine and they supply tools to help apply the glitter.

Finally I added some bling with some crystals and my shirt was finished. And guess what, it was no longer a throw-a-way garment. I love it and I can't wait to start another.

I'll take a picture of it after it gets washed. I'm anxious to see how the paint, glitter, and crystals hold up.