{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.

{get to it} Kansas City March at Quilt Market

Have you heard about the Kansas City March?

As a shopowner, you can join in the fun at the upcoming Quilt Market in Kansas City, where you’ll get the chance to win all sorts of goodies just by collecting stamps. You might win fabric bundles, books, pattern bundles, or even the Legacy Sample quilt. You can check that quilt out while you’re getting stamps–it will be displayed in the Andover Fabrics booth (#1724). So how do you win? It’s easy!

First, you’ll need a special passport available on the Kansas City March site, in your Buyer’s Guide at Market and in the April issue of FabShop News.

Second, you will visit the booths of participating designers and sponsors, collecting stamps. There are 16 designers and six sponsors, so take the time to visit each and find out about their new Market releases, as well as getting your passport stamped.

When you finish, you’ll need to drop off your passport at the Andover Fabrics booth before noon on Sunday, May 20. Everyone who completes the march and includes their email will be given downloads for all the blocks of the Legacy Sample quilt. One lucky winner will walk away with the finished quilt! One entry per, please.

CHA OPENS TRADE SHOW TO NON-MEMBERS AND FOCUSES ON POWER OF COMMUNITY

Craft industry’s top trade association announces new show theme and program to introduce non-members to value of CHA and its trade shows

The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) announces “The Power of Community: Build Locally, Drive Socially” as its theme for CHA’s 2012 Winter Conference & Trade Show.  To demonstrate the power of community building, CHA’s board of directors voted to approve removing membership requirements for CHA Trade Show exhibitors and attendees.  Beginning with the CHA 2012 Winter Conference & Trade Show, non-member companies are welcome to exhibit, shop the show floor and experience the craft industry’s premier trade events first-hand.  Opening the CHA Trade Show floor to non-member exhibitors and attendees represents a major shift in community building within the craft, hobby and other related creative industries.

“While remaining focused on our core business, we recognize there is a tremendous opportunity to grow the Show and industry by offering an affordable way to experience the CHA Show and attracting a more diverse group of exhibitors and buyers,” says Tony Lee, acting president and CEO of CHA.  “CHA’s partnership with the Hobby Manufacturers Association (HMA) demonstrates that CHA can expand the range of products at the Show while offering a marketplace for all things creative.”

Over the next several Shows, CHA staff will work with carefully identified groups for greater exhibiting and attendee promotions.  All non-member exhibitors and attendees must qualify to participate by providing valid business credentials.  Non-member attendees will have unrestricted buying access to the entire show floor and may upgrade to CHA membership onsite in order to participate in the CHA Conference program, which includes business seminars, product technique workshops, networking and special CHA events.  Non-members may now exhibit at the industry’s premier CHA buying events, expected to result in a wider selection of products being available at upcoming Shows.

CHA invites the entire industry, regardless of CHA membership, to participate in the CHA 2012 Winter Conference & Trade Show at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., January 29 through February 1, 2012, and witness the “Power of Community.”  Contact Anthony Licata, senior sales manager at CHA, at 201.835.1203 or alicata@craftandhobby.org for enrollment in these new exciting programs.

For more information about CHA, membership or its award-winning CHA Conferences & Trade Shows, visit www.craftandhobbyorg.

StudioKat Designs – A Popular Booth at Spring Quilt Market!

FabShop member – StudioKat designs and markets handbag patterns. We asked Kat to share a few things about her business and here is what she said.

• We currently have 24 patterns including 22 handbags and 2 different purse insert patterns.  We include a lot of storage and design extras that set our line apart from most.
• Our newest pattern is the Quattro. It has 4 separate exterior storage areas, including a back zippered pocket and a front kangaroo-style pouched area! (The Quattro is front and center in the photo below.)
• We like to say that our patterns are designed for the way women REALLY live!

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.