Pieces

Mr. Roboto

Just in is Mr. Roboto and some fun companion prints.  The block print above would be ideal as the centers of a modern log cabin style block.  The companion prints are loads of fun.  Who could resist circuitry, nuts & bolts, or gears.  This collection is begging to become the basis of a child's (or a child at heart's ) quilt. 

Hmmm - maybe some boardshorts made from the gears or tools for a little guy....

First Quilt

A customer named Martha brought in her "first quilt" to pick a back fabric for.  She has been a garment sewer forever but is new to quilting.  A friend suggested she start by sewing strips together and from that advice this beautiful quilt evolved.  Wow!  That is an impressive first quilt, I think Martha underestimates her talents.  I love it when people just dive in and let it evolve as it will.

This is a short post because there are many things left to do today before I head out to the Spring Quilt Market!  Woohoo!

This year the market is at our big sister's place.  We are headed to Portland to see the latest and greatest that the industry has to offer.  There will be a lot of travel up and down I-5 as all the ladies of PbP juggle wandering the aisles of the convention center and being here for you at the shop too.  We will have lots to tell, I'm sure.

Batiks

The batik wall is fully loaded again! Deliveries of batiks are unpredictable and it is hard to reach the right balance between having too much and too little. But at this moment it is just right - and so pretty to look at. 

We have another new textural tone on tone print in.  Similar to Kaufman's Quilter's Linen are Timeless Treasures' Screen Textures.  The thing I love most about these (aside from the colors) is that the texture adds depth or interest and that the line pattern is uneven.  Unlike some tone on tone prints with lines you don't have to worry about cutting these perfectly straight - the lines work in any which way you use them.

Did I mention the vivid colors?

What do you get when you cross an engineer with an interest in fashion? 

My oldest son.  Yep, he made a special trip from the Big Apple to come home to learn to sew bow ties.  I've mentioned before about how I was having fun making bow ties for him and how we went shopping for interesting fabrics when I visited him.  But he is taking it to a new level, with his sites set on a little cottage industry.  While I hand drew the patterns I used, he will be using his CAD program to perfect the shapes he wants, (I did not know bow ties could be made in so many shapes) and his versions are adjustable to fit a range of sizes.  As for the sewing, he is coming along.  He became acquainted with a sewing machine and finished 3 ties in the two days he was here. He is very precise and sews super slowly on the machine.  If you had told me 5 years ago when he was in Colorado hurling himself off snowboard jumps or climbing rock walls that we would look forward to spending a couple of days together sewing I would have laughed at you.  But the laugh is on me - we had a whole lot of fun. 

 

Scrappy Trips

Quilts made scrappy from the Trip Around the World pattern are popping up everywhere these days. We've been watching the trips on blogs for a while now and decided to try our own.  I thought it would be fun to see how it came out if four different people worked on it independently starting with one fabric in common.  Kelly, Tracy, Kesch and Chris each went off to make a block.  They had one red print in common, directions and access to any fabric they wanted from the shop.  The result...

Pretty cool, eh?  The pattern we used recommended a certain placement of darks, mediums and lights.  I didn't think to specify which place the one red one should go in.  Three out of the four sewers coincidentally put it in the same position.  Can you spot the one that is one row off?

I'd like to play more with this pattern and we may get some kind of scrappy trip day organized if there is interest.  In the meantime if you would like to have a go of it yourself we have a free pattern in the shop that uses 10 strips per block.  There is a tutorial here from Bonnie Hunter for a version that uses 6 strips per block.  Safe travels!

Upholstery fringe on a purse?  Yes, Please!  Nice work, Deborah!

I still have pillow obsession....

The shop hop will be going on through the weekend, and tick-tock, tick-tock - the block of the months start sooooon - and don't forget the Benefit Auction going on at the shop.   It is supposed to be positively summer like here this weekend - enjoy!

This and That

In the last couple of posts I was excited about a new book, Pillow Pop, and a new line of fabric called Glimma and wondered how to use it.  Ta-da!

I like the pieced pillow very much and I liked being able to do a small project that included piecing and quilting. There is another pattern in the book I have my eye on.  Who knows, maybe the ancient pillows on our couch at home will get replaced? 

Jason Yenter with In the Beginning Fabrics has jumped into the ring with a line of solids called "Modern Solids".  They are yarn dyed and use subtly different colors of thread for the warp and weft giving them a certain richness and depth.  We are starting out with these colors...

It seems like there are lots of reasons to be out and about right now.  Of course, the sun is the most obviouse one - just have to get outside and get some.  The Pioneer Quilter's Show at the Lane County Historical Museum is going on now through 4/28.  Don't presume that since it is the "Pioneer" Quilter's show that you will see only old-timey quilts.  There are quilts of all kinds in this show of locally made quilts.  Hours are Tues-Sat 10-4 and Sunday 12-4.

Grab a friend, hop in the car and have some fun on the Quilter's Safari starting Friday 4/26 and ending May 4.  There are 11 shops on this route up and down the valley.  It is inspiring to take in the personality of each shop.If you visit all the shops you will be entered into a drawing for great prizes.  Who wouldn't love to win the grand prize - a $75 gift card from each shop! 

With the month of May just around the corner, it is time to think about Mother's Day.  Whether it be for your mother or you - (just say the word, we will be happy to steer your family towards a gift you really want), the Stella Lamp would make a much appreciated gift. 

There are three types of light; one with the purest form of white light for working with colors and fibers, one with a warm light for reading, and a third with a cool light for late night projects.  Each has several levels of dimming and the lamp contorts to shine right where you need it.  Everyone I know who has one, loves it.

Or, maybe you or your mom would like a one-of-a-kind quilt from our benefit auction.  We are auctioning this pile of quilts...

... with half of the proceeds to go to FOOD for Lane County.  There are some beauties in there.  Feel free to dig through them at the shop or visit our website for a better view.

While you are on the web-site check out the Block of the Month programs starting soon. The quilts are finished and hanging in the shop and we've been talking to a lot of interested people this week about them.  

• We've heard from some of you that they seem like big projects - maybe more than you can handle.  Don't be intimidated - they are broken down into managable steps.  Yes - you will spend some time each month working on it but the results are worth it and we are here to help you be successful!
• On the other side of the spectrum are folks who don't want to do the quilts bit by bit.  They want the whole thing all at once.  To that we say - go for it!  We can get it to you all at once if you want to work at your own pace.
• No - you do not have to attend the meeting each month.  Complete patterns are provided with the fabric each month.
• Yes - we will mail them to our out-of-the-area friends.

More questions?  Give us a call or stop by.

Finally for today, any quilters out there have time to quilt a donation quilt for us?  Our volunteers have been super busy sewing quilts for the graduates of the Looking Glass Independent Living Program.  With graduation just around the corner, we are pressed for time.  We have a small-ish lap quilt that needs quilting.  Anyone???

Hope you all are enjoying this delightful spring weather....

 

 

 

While I Was Away...

...in New York drooling over the silk fabrics at Mood...

...new Kaffe Fassett Collective fabrics arrived at the shop.  There are giant paisley prints, scrumptious florals, stripes and more.  As to be expected, the colors are intense and the patterns are intricate and work together beautifully.

In New York I enjoyed museums, Central Park and some wandering in the garment district  - popping in and out of shops like this...

Yep - a whole store of trims!  And evenings enjoying the skyline with the hubby and son...

Meanwhile, back at the shop, the cuteness continued and more children's items finished.

From the night lights of the New York skyline to the night lights of NashVegas - different worlds and so much fun.  In Nashville, the aimless wandering wasn't in and out of fabric stores, but rather...

oh, yes!

... and lazy, sunny afternoons with the younger son and partner.

Back at the shop, Summer colored Simple Marks hits the shelves.  WOW!

There's more.  Lotta Jansdotter's new collection Glimma is here - the whole collection, including six canvas weights.  Been wondering all day what to do first with this.

I want to thank my excellent employees for so competently taking care of business when I am away.  I am able to enjoy my time away knowing the shop is in such good hands.  Lucky me! 

Sample Refreshment

Last time I mentioned our efforts to refresh some samples and showed you a recent project.  Today's newest child thing...

Need a closer look at the inset fabric in the pleats?  Of course you do...

This is the Piper pattern from Mod Kids and well, it's adorable!

 

 

 

 

There are more kids things in progress right this minute, so check back.  We also got started on some new bags.  This first one is Ship Shape by Green Bee Designs.  This tote needs to go on a beach vacation and I volunteer to be it's chaperone!

We tried another new pattern - the Zippy Bag from Jen Giddens. 

This bag has fun outside pockets and inside ones as well.  There is more detail in this one and it went together well - especially whe you use all the pieces.  When I was finished I noticed I had a piece left.  Hmmmm - well, it turned out that I had missed the step where I was supposed to sew the backside on the front pocket panel so my pockets had no pocketness.  There was just empty space inside them.  Some unsewing and resewing and all was well.  Lessons  - 1)  you can't always just look at the pictures, sometimes you have to read words in patterns and 2) listening to a good book on your ipod while you sew is distracting.

Lastly, another Barbados bag.  Tracy is doing a class on this bag later this spring if you are interested.  I think it would be an excellent travel purse.  In fact - it is traveling with me this weekend!

Yes - I did waste a bunch of fabric to get that part of the circle right where it is, but it turned out just the way I imagined.  I am going to use it next week when I go to New York City to visit older son and then on to Nashville to visit younger son.  I am so excited to see them and in two such fun places.  I have ideas about what to do in each place but if you have any "must do" ideas about either city - send them my way.

You may have heard or read about part of Olive Street being closed for construction in our neighborhood because of this going on across the street.

Not to worry  - you can still get to us easily.  Just don't plan on traveling north or south on Olive St. between 12th and 13th.  Other than that, everything is as usual and it provides us with an interesting spectator sport.

Last, but most definitely not least, we are announcing a new service we are happy to bring to you.  We are working with "The Blade Runner" Sharpening Service to provide a very convenient sharpening service.  The former sharpener at Excalibur Cutlery at Valley River Center (which is no longer in operation) has started his own business.  You can drop off your dull scissors and knives here at Piece by Piece and return for your sharp ones.  Items that are here on Tuesdays at closing can be picked up Thursday at opening time.  I will send an email with more specifics and there is pricing information available at the shop. 

 

 

 

Spring is...

here!  With eveything starting to wake up outside and feel anew, it inspires us to do some spring cleaning at the shop.  First up - we are working on new samples of children's clothes to display.  You know what that means?  Time to sell the "old" ones. 

Come take a look and see if there is something special for a little person you know. Next up, the handbags...

One of the new dressess..

We received a new book this week that I like a lot.  Pillow Pop includes 25 different patterns for an 18" to 20" pillow cover from a Design Collective.

The patterns are fresh and would showcase your favorite prints.  And if you don't have a passion for pillows, each can easily become a block towards a quilt.  Just make these great blocks repeatedly and you would have dynamic quilts. Multiple techniques (paper piecing, applique, embroidery, quilting) are used to keep you entertained and challenged.

If you needed to sew something that had a spring feel to it, what colors would you use?  Kesch asked the question and we all had different perspectives.  I think of spring as many, many shades of green maybe wiht hints of pinks, purples, and yellows.  I love all of the anticipation and potential showing outside.  Things are bursting a bit every day.

PS - both of our block-of-the-month quilts are out of the shop at the moment and in the hands of quilters.  I am so excited to see them - they are going to be spectacular.

Latest Arrivals and Lessons Learned

Before I forget, I updated the blog list here to include some "locals" and new favorite reads.  If you have any favorites that you think others would enjoy, comment here so people can take a look.

There are quite a few deliveries to catch up on. An anticipated collection from Moda is in the shop.  The colors and patterns of Comma would be lovely on their own and work well with lots of other fabrics.

Many of you hae discovered the Quilter's Linens from Kaufman fabrics.  These aren't linens at all - they are quilting weight cottons.  The name quilter's linen comes from the subtle texture of lines printed on the fabric that resembles the weave of linen.  Brand new is an expanded selection of neutrals in this line that would make outstanding backgrounds in quilts, amongst other things.  These pictures do not show these fabrics off well - come see them in person for the full effect.

On the opposite side of the playing field are some silly things. There are some new wild things and some prints that are just for one-of-a-kind fun.

Another interesting collection from Alexander Henry arrived.  See the bottom one below?  It is going home with me to become a bag.  I'll show you later.

 

Sweet yellow flowers also from Alexander Henry...

So cute is "Locally Grown" from Andover.

It was time for a new Patchwork Skirt sample at the shop and we thought this line of fabrics would be just the ticket.  Kesch did a great job sewing this little skirt and is now the queen of gathers.  It is just adorable and we have the pattern available so you could whip up one for a little girl who likes to twirl.

We received a new organic line from Cloud 9 fabrics called Mixteca. There are some very cool birds in these prints

Announcing.... new EXTRA WIDES.  with spots!

Regarding the lesson learned...  Sometimes, things do not come out as planned  We pulled some fabrics to make the newest Turning Twenty pattern and got to work.  I liked all the fabrics and I liked the way they played together.  I liked the background fabric and when we stacked up all the bolts next to each other was happy with the whole bunch.  I was pretty excited about it but after it was all sewn up my excitement faded away.  For me, there isn't enough contrast between the background and the pattern in the quilt.  It is too "mooshy" for me.  I still like the srappy-ness of this quilt and I still like the colors, but it doesn't knock my socks off like I thought it would. Tha pattern of prints is lost.  Next time, I will think more about the choice of background fabric.   

Stop by the shop to see the projects from a challenge that the ladies from the Eugene Modern Quilt Guild participated in.  Michael Miller provided fabrics from the Madrona Road collection to the Modern Quilt Guild for a challenge. There were no limits or specifications other than using the fabric provided.  The local girls came up with these...

 

 

Clever Customers

As you know, we really do like to see your projects.  Here are a few that folks brought to show us reecently. 

Gayle needed to make a baby quilt for a gift and was smitten with some trailer fabric. Hmmm- what would she do with that fabric?   Lucky new parents-to-be!

What do you do with fabrics you have in your stash that you don't love that much anymore - maybe they are just a little too sleepy.  Wendy had a pattern she liked and a bundle of fabrics and decided that an unexpected background fabric would wake them up a bit.  It worked! 

The things we parents do for our kids, even our grown-up kids. Mrs. D. set out to make a quilt for her son who had requested something Jamaican/Rastafarian inspired.  I think she pretty much nailed it and can expect enthusiastic gratitude from him.  I like the personal touch on the back.

Speaking of the things we do for our adult-like kids.  I posted a while ago that mine was into wearing bow ties to work and could I pretty please make him some?  I did, and not only does he really like the way they look I'm told they are great conversation starters with the ladies....  

With that positive reinforcement I am collecting interesting fabrics for another batch...

Last week another class of beginners finished their first quilting class.  The class is designed for people who have absolutely no experiece with quilting.  This group's first effort is particularly impressive, don't you think?

I enjoyed being at the shop last Saturday watching a group work on the Spin Cycle pattern.  It is always fun to see how different everybody's blocks look even though they are all using the same pattern.  Here is a hodge-podge of the blocks completed in class.

It is so rewarding to see people enjoying their craft - whether it be something they have been doing forever or something that is brand new to them.

This and That

Today I have a collection of interesting pictures to share that have been accumulating while I was away from my computer for a while. 

We've been busy with classes at the shop.  These are the first blocks from the recent double wedding ring class.  This can be a tricky little block but they mastered it beautifully.  There was no swearing (that I heard) and plenty of smiles.  FYI - we'll be doing this class again next quarter.

Laura brought her projects from the recent City Livin' class. Awesome!  I'd love to see the others... hint, hint.

A couple of new lines have arrived.  I am very fond of this line called Charleston Farmhouse by Felicity Miller with Free Spirit. She says it was inspired by the lifestyle in the Sussex area of England but it reminds me of my Grandmother's apron. 

The other new one is from Tula Pink called Saltwater.  There is her usual bit of whimsey here and who would have thought an octopus could look so stylish.

We also finished a new shop sample.  We've been wanting a fun kid's quilt around and I think this one hits the mark.  We used Ed Emberley's animal drawings and solids and we put a fun soft flannel on the back.

Wendy was in with her latest.  She really liked the typewriter fabric and whipped up this fun quilt. 

Wendy also brought a very clever idea to share with us.  She made this for a baby shower gift.  She made these cool tag blankets...

Rolled them up some tricky way with some One-sies to resemble cupcakes...

and packaged them in a cupcake box.  Ta-Da!

I am going to have to get a lesson on how she rolled these up to resemble cupcakes as I have a baby shower coming up soon and that would be a fun gift.

Barbara brought in her super-duper airplane quilt.  Sooooooo nicely done, don't you think?

Do you know what these are?

They are bow ties.  My son is practicing the art of mixology at a couple of urban-chic places in New York City.  To us laid back west coasters that means he is a bartender.  He is required to wear a tie so he opted to be the "bow tie guy".  I thought it would be fun to make some but he was concerned about my choice of fabric, reminding me that he prefers a consevative, sophisticated look.  He even sent me some web sites of the kind of look he prefers.  Ha Ha Nick, that is funny.  I decided to appease him and sent two oh-so-tasteful ties and one especially for St. Patrick's day. He gave them two thumbs up and promised to send pictures of them on his handsome self. 

I mentioned at the start of this post that I had been away from my computer for a while.  This is the reason...

My husband is getting a new ankle joint , so last week we were in Portland for one of the surgeries.  Once upon a time when I was a young girl I contemplated a career in nursing. Whew, I have reconfirmed that would have been a poor choice - a very poor choice.  I am not cut out for it and I applaud all nurses and the job they do!  While I spent post-op time at the surgery recovery room at Nordstroms they were on the job, taking care of him.  He is home, where I have done my best to make him comfy.