True-Up Giveaways

You know me and giveaways–LOL =) True Up is hosting Favorite Fabrics 2009 and a chance to win some great Gift Certificates. Just for talking about my favorite subject…fabric, who knew? I always check out True Up on Sundays because they list great sales happening at many different online fabric shops through the upcoming week. It’s jam packed full of other interesting things as well–hop on over and take a peek & then hop on back–eat a carrot while you’re at it. =)

Some of my thoughts about fabrics of 2009 and, oh my, it was a good year.

1. Fave Collection of the year

Well, any of you who know me and my fabrics will know that I love Heather Bailey–my fave collection came late in the year–but, just in time for Christmas. =) Nicey Jane is a fab mix of modern geometric prints, polka dots and beautiful saturated florals–just amazing. Of course, I have added quite a few prints to my stash–or my ode to Heather Bailey awesomeness. LOL

2. Fave Overall Designer

Well, after the above post it should come as no surprise that Heather Bailey gets my vote here as well. She has had some stellar collections starting with Fresh Cut which still remains my all time favorite:

She also have an amazing blog filled with fun little craft projects, amazing photography as witnessed above and her studio, oh. her. studio. Really, scoot yourself over there and check it out–stay awhile, look at her fab things and then scoot back here–I realize that my blog may be a bit mundane after all the amazingness over there, but, I am willing to take that risk. =)

3. Fave New Designer

Kaari Meng/French General blasted onto everyone’s radar with her debut collection for Moda, Rouenneries. “The fabric collections represent colors that could have been found in 18th century rural homes in France. Different textures and prints are meant to blend together for projects that are both beautiful and functional. Filled with soft faded reds, ticking stripes and provencal checks, the fabrics are made to be used for heirloom quilts as well as home interiors.” Translation: “Vintage loveliness”–that’s all you need to know.=) Check out this line of fabrics here. I also want to bring your attention to this wonderful quilt by Camille Roskelley featuring Rouenneries and a beautiful aqua from her fabric collection Simple Abundance–amazing, right? Be sure to check out the rest of her blog–it’s another great one.

4. Fave Color Trend

Red & Aqua–you saw how great it looks in Camille’s quilt–it has really been popping up. Not only in fabric collections, Moda’s Simple Abundance & Rouenneries are just two new collections with a red/aqua combo, but in fabrics being put together by various quilt makers. A fun trend and one that I am excited about.

5. Fave Novelty Print

I am often drawn to Dena Designs fabrics–you may have noticed my older daughter’s quilt for her big girl bedroom was Dena Designs fabrics. I think her sketchy(as in “hand drawn”–not “shady =D) fabrics are so cute. This year one of her fabrics from her Leanika line really stood out to me:

I mean really, could it be any cuter? And this little coordinate:

I don’t own any of this fabric yet, but everytime I see it, it makes me smile. So cute!

6. Fave fun new trend

I am really loving the new fabric designs being brought to us by Scrapbook designers; My Mind’s Eye & Cosmo Cricket to name two. The designs are fresh and fun and add another element to the fabric world. I used these fun snowman flannels from Riley Blake’s “Be Merry” collection to make two quilts for my daughters. On the flip side, fabric designers are also designing papers for the Scrapbook world–another fun trend to watch.

7. Fave Local Fabric Shop

Miller’s wins this hands down. They carry the widest variety of fabric–excellent selection of pre-cuts & they throw in sales pretty regularly. Nice selection of Kona and various designers/manufacturers.

8. Fave Online Fabric Shop

Hmmm….this one is a toughy for me. There are quite a few that I purchase from regularly but, since we are talking 2009 how about a newly opened store and a new favorite. Hawthorne Threads which began as an etsy store recently opened up a dotcom based site which is really quite fab to put it mildly. They have a wonderful selection of fabrics, you can immediately see how many yards are in stock & super fast shipping(we’re talking, I ordered Saturday and had it in hand Monday)–not to mention great shipping rates. And one of the really great things is their tiered pricing: the more you buy, the more you save. Which means great fabric at great prices–I’m sold! =)

9. Fave Etsy Seller

I figured while we were talking purchasing of fabric (something I am quite good at–I make sure to practice frequently) I’d discuss my favorite etsy seller Sew Love Fabrics. Etsy is a great resource for purchasing fabrics–you can often find great deals & the sellers are very willing to go the extra mile and cut those odd yardages of fabric that you may need. I love when I only need 1/8 yard of fabric that I only need to purchase 1/8 yd not a one yard or 1/2 yard minimum. There are a ton of great Etsy shops with fantastic sellers and great prices.

10. Fave Solid Fabric

My current go-to solids are Robert Kaufman’s Kona Cottons. They have an amazing variety of colors.

Amazing, right? You can purchase one of these fancy little color cards at Pink Chalk Fabrics. Go quick, there are a few left in stock and they go quickly. I managed to snag one last week and it is on it’s way–maybe even arriving today. =) Once you’ve decided on the solids that you must have, hop on over to Fabric Shack and order yourself some Kona–they’ve got great prices, great selection and fast shipping. What more could you want?–A new long arm quilting machine you say?!?–Well, you are on your own there. =)

So, that sums up some of my thoughts on 2009’s best of the year. Here’s hoping 2010 brings about more amazing designs & designers.