We're So Excited

The August issue of American Patchwork and Quilting just arrived and as you might guess, we are the featured artists. We didn’t expect it to be out for at least another month but when we received a call from a woman in Iowa last week asking about our “Neiman Marcus” pattern, we knew that copies had hit the stands. Be sure to get your copy to see photos of Diana’s beautiful studio where we meet to work each week. Also included is our new “Asian Teacups” pattern. It is complete with yardage, cutting and construction for the quilt. To our surprise, there is a smaller variation made from fabrics designed by our friend Lizzy House for Andover Fabrics. Be sure to read about this talented young designer on her blog at www.lizzyhouse.typepad.com.

Do you enjoy a mystery?

Try one of our new mystery patterns including Mystery at the Altar, Mystery on Daffodil Hill and Mystery of the Wild Seed. Each pattern includes a deck of clues printed on individual cards. Each card contains instructions and colored diagrams to help you unravel the clues to making your new quilt. You can purchase either a single pattern or a pack of six – just perfect for your Mystery Party Night.

Do you like a Mystery?

We are always looking for new and exciting ideas for classes. Mystery quilt classes have been around for several years and we have taught a few of them. This past weekend Laura decided to try another design. Laura made the students a mystery lunch – a big pot of tortellini soup, salad and Ghirardelli brownies (yum!). It was such a fun day and a huge success. The students were kept guessing right up until the very end of the day when all of the pieces were pinned onto the wall. Each and every one of the quilts turned out fabulous. We will definitely be making this into a pattern. We will post photos of the students work when they are completed. Until it’s ready to go, here’s a sneak peek at some of the pieces.

Can you tell whet the overall design will be? Let us know and we will send a free pattern to the first one who solves the mystery.

If you have never tried a mystery quilt class or pattern we encourage you to do it. It’s an exciting way to spend the day sewing with friends or other students. Consider having a mystery quilt party. Let us know how it goes. We enjoy hearing your stories.

Bouquets for You

Empty Spools Seminars sent out cards last week with the image of our quilt pattern “Bouquets for You”.

This is our original design and an example of what Laura will be teaching at the 5th session (August 30-Sept. 4, 2009). This five-day class offers you an opportunity to learn to draft your own original design, determine the best methods for cutting and constructing them and selecting fabric. Those interested in taking it one step further, can also learn how to write instructions for producing your own patterns. If you are a shop owner or teacher you can use this time to develop new classes. With Laura’s expertise you can make the sample quilts and write the instructions. You will be ready to return to your shop not only with an abundance of new ideas for classes, but samples ready to display. We ran the Teacher’s Development Seminars for C & T Publishing for over 7 years and have taught classes for over 25. We know what is important for designing successful classes.

Consider joining us at the Empty Spools Seminars located at Asilomar.

Inspiration is where you find it!

We are frequently asked where we find our inspiration for designing new patterns. While I (Laura) was teaching at Tennessee Quilters last summer I was greeted by an enlarged version of the house pattern featured in our book Q is for Quilt. I had a wonderful time teaching at their annual Quilt Fest , a must go if ever you are in the Jonesborough area. Better yet, plan a trip. It is well worth it!

This shop has everything. Check out their extensive inventory at www.tennesseequilts.com . I was so touched and inspired by the quilt that I shared the idea with Diana.

We expanded on the idea and came up with "Our House" quilt pattern. It was a showstopper and looked so cute in our booth at Market. One local shop liked the pattern but didn't have the Michael Miller flower print on the ground so decided to make their own collage of flowers. What a great idea. We love all the creativity that the patterns inspire. As soon as the quilt returns from the quilter I will post an image so you can all enjoy this adorable new design.

We love working with Asian fabrics...

We shared a delicious lunch together at a lovely Japanese restaurant. We were inspired by the simplicity of the lines and designs and presentation of the box lunches. When a box of fabric arrived from Kona Bay fabrics we knew immediately that we wanted to capture the memory of that lunch.

Our Asian Teacup quilt will be featured in August in an article in American Patchwork and Quilting magazine. We’ll keep you updated as you won’t want to miss seeing this new design. Complete yardage and instructions will be included as well as some beautiful photos of our sewing studio.

In the meantime, check out our best-selling patterns that showcase some beautiful Asian fabrics including: Bamboo/Pinwheels, Sensu (upper right), Through the Window and Shoji Screen (lower right).

Santa's Elves caught in the act: Tea for Two Aprons make great gifts

The most appreciated and talked about gift this past Christmas was the Two For Tea apron, pattern #143. We were recently hunting through a box of old aprons and found one made by Diana’s mother in the 40s. Tucked in the bottom of the pocket was her original paper pattern. What a treasure! We knew we had to make more, and that’s exactly what we did.

We spent an entire day with two of our friends sewing these adorable aprons to give to our loved ones. While we were sewing, we had a surprise visit from Alex Anderson who stopped by to see what we were doing. Alex's website at www.thequiltshow.com has lots of great information, and her daily blog is full of fun and useful tidbits. Check out this videocast from her December 17 visit, for a sneak peak at our workshop, and the Apron Assembly Session. These are quick and easy gifts and perfect for any holiday. I’m sure we’ll be making more for Valentine’s Day.

Let us know if too make one. We always enjoy seeing what you do with our designs, and post photos of finished items on our website.