{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} 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} New Patterns from Figgy

Scirocco by Figgy Patterns

Banyan by Figgy's Patterns

Zephyr by Figgy's Patterns

Patterns are expected to ship by mid-May, 2012. For wholesale orders, contact Figgy’s Patterns at orders@figgyspatterns.com.

{coming soon} New Prints from M & S Textiles

Two new fabric collections are being released by M & S Textiles. Both Grand Mother’s Journey and Bush Medicine were designed by Marie Napurulla and will be available for wholesale in May 2012.

{look-out} new patterns from Oliver + S

Oliver + S released their Spring-Summer 2012 collection of children’s patterns, available to ship this month.

Badminton Skort, Skirt and Dress pattern

The coordinating top features a curved yoke that doubles as shoulder straps, and the little ruffles at the shoulders add a bit of sweetness without being too frilly. There is a drawstring detail at the front, which cinches up the gathers a little bit. The top can also be lengthened to an adorable sundress with a scalloped hem.

Designed for quilting cottons, this style would be equally great in dressy fabrics like silk dupioni. It’s rated it two out of four scissors in difficulty.
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Trench Coat pattern

The raglan sleeves and easy collar construction make this a much simpler project than it appears to be at first glance. This coat is unlined and can be finished with bias binding (instructions included) for an extra-special coat that looks as nice on the inside as it does on the outside.

The details really make this style special: a shoulder flap, sleeve tabs, patch pockets, and a vent at the back. And secret agents can be feminine, too, with a dropped-waist version of the jacket for the girls.

This pattern makes up beautifully in laminates, canvas, denim, or home-dec fabrics. And of course you’ll want to pick a fantastic printed quilting cotton for the bias-bound seams. Oliver + S rated this pattern as two of four scissors in difficulty.
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This nautical-inspired dress features two sweet options and lots of fun, easy-to-sew details. The dropped-waist style has elastic inside the casing so it’s very comfortable to wear and features a keyhole opening at the back that means no stitched buttonholes! The version shown on the envelope has a cute little collar, while the alternate view has a simple yoke that lends itself beautifully to embellishment of all sorts.

This pattern is designed specifically for quilting cottons, but it can also be made up in a wide variety of other fabrics for dressy and casual styles alike. Oliver + S rated this style a two scissors out of four for difficulty level.