{get it now} New patterns from Amy Butler for Spring Market

Amy Butler is at it again, releasing two new big bag patterns and a collection of project patterns specifically for use with voile. Just in time for the summer, the bags are perfect for toting around towels, novels, swim suits and a picnic lunch.

The Gypsy Sling can be made with quilting cotton or home décor weight fabrics and includes instructions for both leather and fabric strap options. It’s super roomy silhouette is perfect for showing off your favorite print.

If you prefer the ruffles, you’ll like Amy Butler’s new Wanderer RuckSack. Made for the romantic vagabond, the back has plenty of ruffles and is designed for use with coordinating quilting cottons. It can can be carried over both shoulders as a backpack or just sling it over one shoulder.

And with the recent release of voile by several manufacturers and designers, including Butler’s Soul Blossom for Rowan, her new Pretty Romance Voile Projects couldn’t come at a better time. The pattern includes instruction to make a Peony Bloom Flower Pins, Lovely Petals Necklace, Boho Braided Necklace, and the Ruched Scarf.

Contact Amy Butler Design for wholesale orders.

{book it} The Stitching Book

Techniques such as silk shading, blackwork, drawn thread embroidery, crewelwork, Hardanger embroidery and Mountmellick embroidery are explored by six embroiderers in The Stitching Book (SearchPress USA).

Drawing on work previously published as part of the best-selling ‘Beginner’s Guide’ series of needlecraft books, this book provides a reference for anyone interested in surface stitching.

Clear, step by step-by-step photographs and diagrams guide you through all the essential stitches and techniques.

Projects range from motifs that can be used to decorate clothes, accessories and other items, to bags, cushions and samplers that can be mounted, framed and displayed around the home.

Suitable for absolute beginners as well as those wishing to explore new areas or develop their existing skills.

{in the know} Cincinnati Quilt Festival attracts 16,000+

The recent edition of International Quilt Festival/Cincinnati—its second year in the Queen City—drew quilters from around the country for more than three days of shopping, artistic inspiration, and education.

The total attendance for the show at the Duke Energy Convention Center from April 13-15 was 16,687. This was lower than the show’s debut last year (maybe quilters were busy filing their taxes!), but still a healthy indicator of quilting’s popularity.

“The show went incredibly smoothly on all levels. And I was happy there was such enthusiasm among quilters, many of whom had never attended a large quilt show before,” said Festival Founder Karey Bresenhan. “We look forward to increasing that enthusiasm as they become familiar with International Quilt Festival.”

The Cincinnati Festival also featured a total of 192 exhibitors in 354.5 booths on the show floor offering fabrics, books, notions, sewing machines, crafts, and more. More than 500 quilts were on display in 22 special exhibits. Festival’s Quiltmaking Academy held over 80 classes in everything from Log Cabin and Mariner’s Compass designs to thread sketching, appliqué, machine quilting, fabric painting, and pictorial quilts.

The dates for the 2013 show in Cincinnati are April 12-14, with Preview Night and classes beginning on April 11. The next two 2012 Festivals are in Long Beach, California (July 27-29, Preview Night and classes beginning on July 26), and Houston, Texas (November 1-4 with Preview Night on
October 31 and classes beginning on October 29).

• Find Festival on Facebook or @quiltfestival

{book it} Art in Felt and Stitch

Moy Mackay’s work is breathtaking and includes still-lifes, animals and landscapes inspired by the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Borders where she lives and works.

In her new book, Art in Felt and Stitch, Moy takes readers through every step of the process, including the materials and tools needed, the feltmaking process itself (which is easier than you might imagine), and how to put together four fabulous felt paintings. There is guidance on stitching, including both hand- and machine-stitching, as well as how to use color and introduce texture in the form of different fibers and threads.

Available from Search Press USA.

{in the know} Get “Quilts of Valor” on Your TV

“Quilts of Valor,” a 73-minute documentary starring national quilters Eleanor Burns, Alex Anderson, and Mark Lipinski and hosted by Marianne Fons, has just been made available to all public television stations nationwide by its producer, Iowa Public Television. To make sure this unique and compelling program is aired on your local station, contact your station’s programming department and ask it to schedule the show.

For help in finding your local station, go to http://www.pbs.org. Contact your station via email, phone message, or personal note to let them know you want to watch “Quilts of Valor.” It will be available May 22, 2012.