{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.

{cute stuff} Everyone is reading FabShop News

Not only do shopowners read FabShop News, so do their pets!

Little Quilt‘s owner Mary Ellen says her cat, Gracie, is interested in FabShop News, too!

{look-out} New design competition with Indygo Junction and BurdaStyle

Amy Barickman’s new Vintage-Inspired, Modern Style Design Challenge (hosted by BurdaStyle) is an opportunity to encourage fashion enthusiasts to use their sewing skills and creativity to make a wearable fashion project. And of course, to help you sell some patterns, notions and fabric while building and inspiring your community.

This challenge was created to celebrate the history of sewing by recognizing both SINGER and Coats & Clark, who are both celebrating significant anniversaries this year (160th and 200th, respectively); as well as educate and inspire through the life and work of Mary Brooks Picken, the authority on fashion and dressmaking in the early and mid-1900s. Mary’s work is the basis for Amy’s book, Vintage Notions.

Amy made a short video sharing all the details on the challenge and how to enter. Feel free to post this video on your blog and website!

The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 12th at 11:59 pm (EST). The winners will be announced Monday, March 26th.

Indygo Junction want to provide you with some tools to help you create buzz & excitement in your store around the challenge! They encourage you to create an in-store display (they’ve got a free poster you can use), plan an event (sponsor a fashion show of the entries from your area!), send out an eNewsletter (feel free to use their graphics & videos), post on your Facebook page, Twitter page, website and blog! Don’t forget to link to the Challenge Page on IndygoJunction.com!

As an extra incentive for your customers to participate in your planned events – they are offering you goodies to do a giveaway! Coats & Clark will ship to you a vintage-inspired, 200th anniversary commemorative tin filled with thread. Indygo Junction will send a selection of patterns and a copy of the Buttonware book. All you have to do is send them a photo (via email) of the poster hanging in your store or send a copy of your eNewsletter promoting the contest to info@indygojunction.com.

For more information, Cheryl@indygojunction.com or call their offices at 913.341.5559.

Spring Quilt Mkt. visit with Piece O’ Cake Designs

FabShop member Piece O’ Cake Designs has been designing quilts and writing books and patterns for 18 years.

            *    Known for colorful, happy applique designs.        

            *    Newest collection - Treasures & Tidbits, is about to be released by Robert Kaufman. 

             *   Newest pattern pack, Fresh Picked Posies, published by C&T

             *   New Christmas book ‘Quilt A New Christmas’ will be out in a few weeks. 

Project Comfort – Help for Joplin Tornado Victims

Quilters have a unique opportunity to help people whose lives have been affected by the tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri. Two quilt shops in that community, Bittersweet Quilts and Block by Block, are coordinating the effort to gather quilts (and other bedding) for families who have lost everything in this disaster. The following is a message from the shops with details about how you can help.

A near term need that quilters may respond to is the donatinon of quilts as the tornado victims start to rebuild their lives.  All quilt sizes are needed.  The preference for donations is the following:  nice, new, home made quilts of 100% cotton.  Please send only those quilts you would be happy to receive yourself.  If possible, send a new, matching, solid sheet set equal to size of quilt folded together with each quilt, placed in a large Ziplock bag and labeled as to size, ie queen quilt, queen sheet set.  If quilts are sent in labeled bags with sheets they will be easily sorted and disseminated to those in need.  These quilts may be sent to the following stores:

Bittersweet Quilts
attn: Tornado Relief Effort
8133 W Hwy 86 Joplin, MO 64804

Block By Block
attn: Tornado Relief Effort
530 W Fir Road
Carthage, MO 64836

Thank you for your generosity.