Blog | Stitchin' Post tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-13509322017-07-03T15:25:10-07:00For quilting, quilt fabrics, kits, patterns, notions, classes, workshops and retreats--plus sewing, yarn and knitting supplies. What's new and interesting at the Stitchin' Post quilt shop in Sisters, Oregon with Jean and Valori Wells. More at www.stitchinpost.com.TypePadDesigner Delighttag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e008d551a8883401b8d292ba43970c2017-07-03T15:25:10-07:002017-07-04T21:21:15-07:00“Designer Month” it is for July! To celebrate all the wonderful fabric designers that come and teach workshops for us at the 43rd annual Quilter’s Affair in conjunction with the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. The theme for the show this...Blog | Stitchin' Post in Sisters, OR

“Designer Month” it is for July! To celebrate all the wonderful fabric designers that come and teach workshops for us at the 43rd annual Quilter’s Affair in conjunction with the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. The theme for the show this year is “Storytellers" which is fitting for designers. Each of them create a story when they put together a line of fabric. Tula Pink weaves quilt a tale with each of her collections and Tabby Road is no different. Kaffe Fasset and Brandon Mabley design under the Kaffe Collective label for Westminister and Kaffe is a master at throwing in one dull color in a print that makes the others sing. Valori Wells “Jasmine” collection is made of of rich two shade prints and was a great accent for the collection.

We picked a beautiful geometric from the Amy Butler collection entitled Mighty Corners. And we always like to pull in a neutral of some kind so Carolyn Freidlander’s diagonal grid is perfect. We liked the grey tone and felt it played well with the prints. Carrie Bloomstron, a designer for Windham painted a beautiful triangle pattern. The painterly look fit in perfectly.

Kayley has been very busy sewing up a sample to showcase this group. She chose the “Rosalie” hexagon quilt pattern from The Stitchin’ Post. It is a really slick quilt to make the way we wrote the instructions and is perfect for a scrap like quilt. I am sure you have fabric in your stash that will play nicely with our July Alchemy Group.

Recommended 10

We really focused on the periwinkle colors in this group with the bright green playing a close second. Another purple and neutral seemed appropriate too. This collection just feels like summer and so playful to me. Enjoy!

~Jean

Our intention for creating the "Alchemy of Fabric" club is to provide the spark... the catalyst... the inspiration... for a project that your color palette is built upon. We have a monthly tutorial of insights on each fabric chosen. We have also included 10 other recommended fabrics to expand from the core fabrics and further guide your choices.

We are excited to share this educational opportunity as a study in color and fabric as well as build your artist palette of fabrics. As you practice designing your project from many different designers and collections our hope is to facilitate greater confidence and empowerment in your creative pursuits..

At the Stitchin' Post were are committed to creativity and inspiration and we are now embarking on a journey opening to new options together as the "Alchemy of Fabric" unfolds each month. Please share with us what the spark has ignited in you using the hashtag "#AlchemyofFabric" on your preferred social media platform, so others can be inspired by your work! You can also search #AlchemyofFabric to see what others have done, and to gain your own inspiration.

Save

Alchemy of Fabric - June 2017tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e008d551a8883401bb09a294ed970d2017-06-05T11:59:49-07:002017-06-05T11:23:37-07:00Our focus for Alchemy of Fabric Club this month is “water” and the variety of shades of blues, aqua-green, and everything in-between. The colors of water that you perceive when looking at the water before you, is momentary and fleeting....Blog | Stitchin' Post in Sisters, OR

Our focus for Alchemy of Fabric Club this month is “water” and the variety of shades of blues, aqua-green, and everything in-between. The colors of water that you perceive when looking at the water before you, is momentary and fleeting. It is an ever-changing scene affected by the sky and light on the water. Monet painted plentiful scenes of water in his “Water Lilies series”. The theme of water lilies or as he called them “landscapes of the water” first appeared in Monet’s work in 1898 and was a theme until his death in 1926. There were approximately 250 oil paintings that became larger and larger paintings as the theme progressed. In observing and studying the colors used in these paintings, the water varies in color from deep purple to lavender, dark cobalt & ultramarine to light blues, reds & pinks, yellow and yellow greens. Virtually every color in the rainbow is seen in the reflections, giving the water a multi-colored appearance. The blues are generally a reflection of clear skies above. Sometimes in his paintings you see the surface, sometimes into the depth of the water. The colors used affect the atmosphere or mood conveyed. Sometimes it provokes the clarity of the day or the overcast, soft misty feeling to that moment in time that was painted. With Monet’s “water color palette” as inspiration, use this as a helpful guide in selecting fabrics for your quilt or project. You might also employ the use of printed texture to give a feeling of ripple like movement to the water.

Our “water fabrics” capture some of the variety that you see in the Monet water lilies series of paintings. Jean Wells shares her experience, “this spring I had an 'ah haw moment' when John and I were driving to California for my teaching job at Empty Spools. Around the Redding area it had rained so much that there was standing water everywhere and the grass was bright green. That day the sky was clear, brilliant blue and the reflection of the blue sky on the water was amazing. I will never forget that. The color was almost surreal. I find that some form of blue or green can almost always save the day when I am trying to put a palette together. They are 'Mother Nature’s' neutrals”.

With summer temperatures beginning and “water play” close at hand I hope you enjoy these “water” fabrics curated for you. Our hope is that you create a fabulous fabric expression that brings back great summer memories that last long after the season changes.

~ Kayley

FABRIC PACK:

*Zen Chic-True Blue- Notice the dots of reflected light on the water reminiscent of a clear day when there is a slight ripple of wave. The dots of light give a pattern to the suggestion of waves in the fabric. Two color variations are in the fabric pack to give some repetition to your design. The lighter version of Pattern 1625 is Color 19 and the darker is Color 22 by MODA.

*River Journey by Holly Taylor has a wonderful feeling of flow with organic curved lines that are light on dark. It is Pattern 6684- Color 11 by Moda.

*Fresh Water Designs- Java Batiks- example the natural variation water as it covers over areas of different depths reflecting from vivid turquoise and green to purplish blue. Adding the batik gives a spark of variety to your project.

*Wilmington Prints-Essentials by Joanne Porter gives a mottled blue look like shallow water over a reef area where there are areas of clear water allowing you to see the shallow bottom mixed with darker areas of coral & vegetation. A perfect addition to the many scenes of “water”.

*Robert Kaufman “Manchester” textured cotton was included in the fabric pack to give an area of quiet reflection on still water.

*Aria Cotton by Kelly Ventura gives the swirl of continuous ocean movement with undercurrents creating pockets of varying wave activity in the mix of one incoming tidal wave. It adds movement to your quilt project and is a “star” fabric no matter where it is placed.

10 Recommended Fabrics:

These fabrics were chosen to expand on the concept of water to a palette guided and inspired by the colors in the “Water Lilies” paintings by Monet.

*Handmaker by Natalie Barnes has a plant like pattern on a coral red colored fabric. This fabric choice was inspired by the many shades of reds that Monet painted in the water lily flowers.

*Island Batik Bubble Hole-Leprecheun-Dotalicous gives the luscious green to the vegetation that Monet illustrated in his paintings.

*RJR-Dots & Stripes- is another variation of dots of light on water in teal & aqua

*Michael Miller- Beachcomber is a color indicating water depth or shadow under the lilies in a rich navy ble with lines very close so there is subtle movement as you look closely.

*Island Batiks creates a batik that has small leaf forms on a light yellow green. Use it in areas in your quilt where you want to suggest “light”. Monet fairly consistently used this color to suggest light on the water lilies.

*Alexander Henry- HeathDE –is a textured patterned fabric, which from a distance will read as a solid, but up close gives visual texture wherever it is used. It suggests areas of shadow.

*Moda Cross Weave Wovens in Color 79 is a textured cotton in a red that works harmoniously with the Natalie Barnes fabric. This fabric adds variety and is used in some of his paintings in subtle shadow areas of the water lilies as well as the water lily flowers.

*RK-Helinki- Jamaica- has a large circle shape on fabric that ranges from green and aqua to yellow green and blue. A full range of water colors with circles suggesting the shape of beautifully round water lilies.

*Island Batik-Snow Balls- in a gorgeous yellow green suggests spring growth in the water landscapes and was a color repeatedly used in the majority of his water lilies paintings.

Our intention for creating the "Alchemy of Fabric" club is to provide the spark... the catalyst... the inspiration... for a project that your color palette is built upon. We have a monthly tutorial of insights on each fabric chosen. We have also included 10 other recommended fabrics to expand from the core fabrics and further guide your choices.

We are excited to share this educational opportunity as a study in color and fabric as well as build your artist palette of fabrics. As you practice designing your project from many different designers and collections our hope is to facilitate greater confidence and empowerment in your creative pursuits..

At the Stitchin' Post were are committed to creativity and inspiration and we are now embarking on a journey opening to new options together as the "Alchemy of Fabric" unfolds each month. Please share with us what the spark has ignited in you using the hashtag "#AlchemyofFabric" on your preferred social media platform, so others can be inspired by your work! You can also search #AlchemyofFabric to see what others have done, and to gain your own inspiration.

Alchemy of Fabrictag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e008d551a8883401b8d27df179970c2017-05-01T10:54:56-07:002017-05-01T14:03:50-07:00The Alchemy of Fabric Club- May 2017 Edition: Friends to All “Friends to All” really is a good description for neutral themed fabrics. We are so fortunate these days to have the variety that we do in the scale and...Blog | Stitchin' Post in Sisters, OR

“Friends to All” really is a good description for neutral themed fabrics. We are so fortunate these days to have the variety that we do in the scale and content of the prints. We have chosen a wide variety for you to sample and play with in your creative endeavors.

The change in scale with the dots is interesting. Notice how the white dot on the grey has less contrast than the two black and white/cream dots. Jen Kingwell is a true master when it comes to mixing not only prints but in blending colors. Two of our offerings have more of a creamy background where the others are black or white. In the old days of owning the store, quilters would never have mixed cream and white backgrounds in the same quilt. But quilters are more adventuresome these days.

Being open to new possibilities will give you more design opportunities. “Matchy-matchy” is fine, but I am drawn to work that has a more edgy feeling as it engages my curiosity to want to take another look. The three prints with text-like writing add a whole new feeling to blocks once they are cut up. They have more of a random textural feeling.

10 Recommended Fabrics:

The featured quilt in the May Alchemy of Fabric is from a pattern called “The Avenue” by Jen Kingwell. Both Jen’s patterns and color palette is our focus for the month of May. We are lucky at the Stitchin’ Post to be hosting two classes mid month called “Quilting with Jen” where the students will be using a variety of her patterns in classes. “The Avenue” was Jean's favorite pattern she saw at Quilt Market in Houston last fall. The inspiration for “The Avenue” pattern is the trees lining the avenue in Paris. Our featured quilt in May is made by Jill Beaman.

The neutral light colored fabrics in the fabric pack is for the background and the black fabrics in the fabric pack are for the tree trunks. The neutrals set the stage for the trees, and the vibrant colored fabrics in the 10 recommended fabrics are for the tree bodies, which are composed of 4 fabrics.

The 10 recommended fabrics are meant to give a high contrast with the background fabrics. The intention is that the neutral background fabrics allow the trees to take center stage. With the exception of one of the fabrics they are mainly medium value fabrics, which easily harmonize, in the unit of 4 pieces in the tree body. The advantage of using high contrast fabrics for tree bodies in comparison with the background fabrics is that it gives a distinct shape to the trees. This is just one effect. Mixing in a few pieces of lower contrast fabrics will give a very different effect.

We chose fabrics for the tree bodies that have vibrant colors, along with small, medium and large prints to add texture to the overall effect of the trees. Little dots in the “Over the Top” dots fabric are a small print in comparison to the large swirls in the “Heart to Heart” fabrics that are both designed by Jane Sassaman. The “Cat Eyes” fabric of Tula Pink with an oval shaped focus and “Aria Cotton” with a square dotted surface design. We also chose some fabrics that read as a solid along with the other prints.

A variety of surface design elements along with a variety of color is the key in the tree bodies and they add up to a quilt that has interest and movement.

Happy Creating!

Our intention for creating the "Alchemy of Fabric" club is to provide the spark... the catalyst... the inspiration... for a project that your color palette is built upon. We have a monthly tutorial of insights on each fabric chosen. We have also included 10 other recommended fabrics to expand from the core fabrics and further guide your choices.

We are excited to share this educational opportunity as a study in color and fabric as well as build your artist palette of fabrics. As you practice designing your project from many different designers and collections our hope is to facilitate greater confidence and empowerment in your creative pursuits..

At the Stitchin' Post were are committed to creativity and inspiration and we are now embarking on a journey opening to new options together as the "Alchemy of Fabric" unfolds each month. Please share with us what the spark has ignited in you using the hashtag "#AlchemyofFabric" on your preferred social media platform, so others can be inspired by your work! You can also search #AlchemyofFabric to see what others have done, and to gain your own inspiration.

Alchemy of Fabrictag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e008d551a8883401b7c8f10502970b2017-04-24T12:22:13-07:002017-04-24T12:09:53-07:00"Floral Fusion" Collage by Valori Wells It has been a long winter here in Sisters this year, and we have all been looking forward to spring. So we chose Floral Fusion as our Alchemy of Fabric theme for the month...Blog | Stitchin' Post in Sisters, OR

"Floral Fusion" Collage by Valori Wells

It has been a long winter here in Sisters this year, and we have all been looking forward to spring. So we chose Floral Fusion as our Alchemy of Fabric theme for the month of April. Valori made a photo collage inspired by the fabrics that we chose, to inspire us and think about new possibilities with these florals.

As always, this collage is a good place to consider the Elements of Design. The Elements that struck me with this collage are Scale and Proportion. When looking at the whole collage, it would be easy to become overwhelmed with up-close shots of flowers, but Val mixed in photos with small flowers so there is lots of visual interest.

That visual interest is important to note because when you are mixing different fabrics with the fabric pack from this month, which is primarily large flowers on varying backgrounds, a few small prints will help to break up those bold florals. Even in the large flowers, there are smaller, detailed, yet repetitive patterns in the flowers themselves. In some of these photos the buds are the repetition, meanwhile in other photos the flower centers are the detailed section that breaks up each image.

My favorite things in this entire collage are the bees (above) and ladybug (can you find it?). I think of them as the hidden jewels of the collage. Including little gems from other fabrics or dimensional, multi-media items with these fabrics can be really fun! Becky used animal fabrics that were fussy cut in her "Old Blue" quilt which we looked at last week. What could you include in a floral collage that is not just floral?

It is almost impossible to talk about design in the shop without mentioning color. I love all the bright and fun colors that these flowers are, but remember when Jean taught us that "green is nature's neutral"? Look at the whole collage at the bottom of the page and consider all of the different shades of green that are included in this collage. We have sage green, bright spring green, darker forest-y greens and they all look so good with these bright colors. The consistency of the green throughout the piece gives your eyes places to rest as well as a great foundation to build the bright colors on-top of.

A great exercise with this collage is to create your own field of flowers in your Art Journal. One option is to collect floral photos and just make a paper collage with fussy cut flowers. Another option (which I love to do), is to paint a page or spread with watercolors, then build the collage on-top of the base you created, and let the wash peak through the flowers as you would with a fabric collage.

Happy Creating!

~Katie

Our intention for creating the "Alchemy of Fabric" club is to provide the spark... the catalyst... the inspiration... for a project that your color palette is built upon. We have a monthly tutorial of insights on each fabric chosen. We have also included 10 other recommended fabrics to expand from the core fabrics and further guide your choices.

We are excited to share this educational opportunity as a study in color and fabric as well as build your artist palette of fabrics. As you practice designing your project from many different designers and collections our hope is to facilitate greater confidence and empowerment in your creative pursuits..

At the Stitchin' Post were are committed to creativity and inspiration and we are now embarking on a journey opening to new options together as the "Alchemy of Fabric" unfolds each month. Please share with us what the spark has ignited in you using the hashtag "#AlchemyofFabric" on your preferred social media platform, so others can be inspired by your work! You can also search #AlchemyofFabric to see what others have done, and to gain your own inspiration.

Alchemy of Fabrictag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e008d551a8883401b7c8ed811f970b2017-04-14T10:22:04-07:002017-04-14T10:22:04-07:00The Alchemy of Fabric Club- April 2017 Edition: Fussy Cut Flowers on a Denim Jacket Allow yourself to look at the April Alchemy fabrics with “new eyes”. Instead of the overall effect of the fabric take a few moments and...Blog | Stitchin' Post in Sisters, OR

Allow yourself to look at theApril Alchemy fabrics with “new eyes”. Instead of the overall effect of the fabric take a few moments and look closely at the leaf shapes and at the flower forms. When you study the fabric it opens a multitude of options. In creating a collage you will be planning where you cut the fabric instead of a random or partial floral/ leaf pattern based on cutting the size strip or block of fabric that you need. You are isolating a motif or shape that will be used in your collage. You can cut the flower or leaf exactly as it is designed or vary it to simplify the shape that you will use. In the overlapping in your collage you can also use a partial flower or leaf shape.

The technique of “fussy cutting” has many uses. I used my fabrics to create a collage on a jean jacket. I am ready for spring & flowers! In this same style you can create a beautiful floral collage pillow for a gift or decorate placemats. If you would like to use individual flowers rather than collage them together, I would fussy cut the full individual flower. If you want to create a wall hanging you can add stems and possibly a vase. If this direction interests you I recommend studying some of Matisse’s paintings & drawings for composition ideas, as he was a Master of this decorative floral art. Create a garden collage like in Laura Heine's quilt “Old Blue” or use fussy cut flowers on the borders of a quilt or corners of a quilt border. You can also use these fabrics to make an intentional floral design within the block or template that you are cutting for a quilt. The options are limitless when you take a moment to see all the possibilities in your fabrics. The extra bonus is that flowers are happy so they are lots of fun to work with!

I used Steam-a-Seam on the back of my flowers. I ironed it onto the back of the fabric, then you remove the paper and the back of the fabric is now slightly sticky so you can move the flowers around until you are ready to iron them in place. When you are satisfied with your collage of flowers iron in place. This product makes it so easy to create a collage of any style.

I ironed my flowers & leaves onto a piece of muslin fabric so I could do most of my zig zag stitching before I put the applique onto my jean jacket. In my planning I simplified some of the leaf shapes. I used a satin stitch / zig zag around the edges of my collage to finish them so they wouldn’t fray, especially considering I was putting it on a jacket. There are many ways to finish your collage based on your own preference and the look you want your creative project to have.

Most of all have fun and enjoy!

~Kayley

Our intention for creating the "Alchemy of Fabric" club is to provide the spark... the catalyst... the inspiration... for a project that your color palette is built upon. We have a monthly tutorial of insights on each fabric chosen. We have also included 10 other recommended fabrics to expand from the core fabrics and further guide your choices.

We are excited to share this educational opportunity as a study in color and fabric as well as build your artist palette of fabrics. As you practice designing your project from many different designers and collections our hope is to facilitate greater confidence and empowerment in your creative pursuits..

At the Stitchin' Post were are committed to creativity and inspiration and we are now embarking on a journey opening to new options together as the "Alchemy of Fabric" unfolds each month. Please share with us what the spark has ignited in you using the hashtag "#AlchemyofFabric" on your preferred social media platform, so others can be inspired by your work! You can also search #AlchemyofFabric to see what others have done, and to gain your own inspiration.

Delilah Block of the Month Clubtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e008d551a8883401b8d2736ef2970c2017-04-05T10:10:00-07:002017-04-05T15:22:48-07:00Our friend, Shannon, is teaching the Block of the Month "Delilah" club by Jen Kingwell and she has some tips and tricks to help with the March block. We have been told that next month's block has a lot of...Blog | Stitchin' Post in Sisters, OR

Our friend, Shannon, is teaching the Block of the Month "Delilah" club by Jen Kingwell and she has some tips and tricks to help with the March block. We have been told that next month's block has a lot of Y Seams and some of these tips will still be important next month!

1) Notions

Shannon recommends some notions to make it easier when cutting around the templates:

Rotating Cutting Mat

25mm Rotary Cutter

Non-slip adhesive rings

2) Fabric Library

Remember to use the Delilah Fabric packs throughout your quilt and not just for that month's block. You are building a fabric library for your quilt. Template sizes vary month to month; some are large and some are very small. Charm Packs are also a good option for the high variety of fabrics to give the "Jen Kingwell" look.

3) Variety

When choosing fabrics, Jen uses a mixture of small, medium, and large prints throughout her quilts. So the key is variety of scale when selecting prints.

4) Read

Be sure to read the instructions to know how many blocks to make with the current month. They vary each month from making one block to making nine blocks with the current templates.

5) Cut the Corners

For the most accurate shape, cut the corners first then the straight lines.

6) No Slip!

Shannon likes to add clear circle/non-slip adhesive rings to the back of her templates. She prefers True Grips by True Cut/The Grace Company. You can use them for rulers or templates and you can see through them. The stickies are very thin. Avoid using the thick ones that raise the ruler or template off the cutting surface. This product makes it easy to cut out the templates with a rotary cutter without slipping.

This is the technique that Shannon uses to sew curves, which this month's block is full of!

9) You are not alone!

We have created a Facebook Photo Album that we will share all photos of the Delilah blocks that are sent to katie@stitchinpost.com

Happy Sewing!

Save

Alchemy of Fabrictag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e008d551a8883401bb098c513c970d2017-04-03T12:49:37-07:002017-04-03T12:49:37-07:00The Alchemy of Fabric Club- April 2017 Edition: Floral Fusion This is the perfect month to look at fabric with “new eyes”. It is spring and the image of flowers brings with it the association with ease in the weather,...Blog | Stitchin' Post in Sisters, OR

This is the perfect month to look at fabric with “new eyes”. It is spring and the image of flowers brings with it the association with ease in the weather, a new season, color infusing our world, delight and sweet moments. Flowers bring a happy feeling to most everyone. The fabrics curated for this month and the projects have a focus on collage elements and literally a floral fusion that births a “new mix”. A new fabric is created from the fussy cut floral & leaf elements brought together in harmony from many fabrics. This is a planned cut process to create your own mix of alchemy.

The first fabric is Tula Pink’s “The Hare” from her Slow & Steady collection. If you look closely there are limitless possibilities to create various sizes of leaves from. The dots so carefully planned when isolated in one fussy cut shape give a jeweled effect. This fabric has a beautiful balance of line and color.

The second fabric is another Tula Pink design called “Eek” from her Tabby Road collection. The ornate shaped leaves throughout give a variety of color of aqua, yellow green and thistle purple. The ornate shapes can be kept intact with all the intricate curves or simplified in your collage. Remember with leaves to vary how much is seen to give your collage more interest. Use a variety of full leaf shape to partial shape peaking out from around and underneath the flowers.

The third fabric is by Free Spirit. This collection is called “Natural World”. This fabric has a variety of succulents throughout. The succulent shape blooms out from the center reminiscent of a rose. This fabric design has many colors of succulents so you can pick the color desired as well as decide on the size. You can use the bud like center or full blossom! Some leaves are rounded and some are more gently curved. Just like the leaves utilize partial succulent shape or full floral shape.

The fourth fabric is designed by Amy Butler from the Free Spirit collection Splendor. This fabric has large showcase florals meant to take a center stage in your collage. When fussy cut for collage they make a statement so in creating your mix position them to shine! If used in a quilt this fabric has fabulous lines and graphic elements too.

The fifth fabric is by Valori Wells from her “In the Bloom” collection. It has a whispy feeling to the fabric and will give a softened effect when used in a collage. It can be in your collage like using baby’s breath in a bouquet of flowers.

The sixth fabric is a Kaffe Fassett design called “Bekah”.He is a master of large florals. All the flowers in this fabric have a painterly look and the colors of flowers vary from lavender, to magenta, to purple to red. With the loose brush stroke shapes and lines along with the vibrant color these flowers will definitely be another “leading lady” in your collage.

The seventh, and final, fabric is a Philip Jacob Classic called “Brassica”, a cabbage rose design. Like Kaffe Fasset he designs for Rowan fabric and has a different feeling to his florals. His florals when you study closely always have intricate lines and details throughout. The vibrant colors gently vary from shape to shape by comparison to the way Kaffe uses color. With that said wherever they are placed they will still demand a center stage and are another “leading lady floral” in your quilt story.

The ten supplemental fabrics for this month were selected with more traditional piecing rather than collage in mind. They are all meant to let the florals pop and be the focus rather than being florals themselves. Additionally, these fabrics could be used in a collage to create visual interest, become a base to build upon, and break up the flowers in surprising ways. If you look at a photo of a field of flowers, you might be amazed at how much of what you see is not actually flowers.

Happy Creating!

Our intention for creating the "Alchemy of Fabric" club is to provide the spark... the catalyst... the inspiration... for a project that your color palette is built upon. We have a monthly tutorial of insights on each fabric chosen. We have also included 10 other recommended fabrics to expand from the core fabrics and further guide your choices.

We are excited to share this educational opportunity as a study in color and fabric as well as build your artist palette of fabrics. As you practice designing your project from many different designers and collections our hope is to facilitate greater confidence and empowerment in your creative pursuits..

At the Stitchin' Post were are committed to creativity and inspiration and we are now embarking on a journey opening to new options together as the "Alchemy of Fabric" unfolds each month. Please share with us what the spark has ignited in you using the hashtag "#AlchemyofFabric" on your preferred social media platform, so others can be inspired by your work! You can also search#AlchemyofFabric to see what others have done, and to gain your own inspiration.

Introducing the Alchemy of Fabric Club!tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e008d551a8883401b8d261918e970c2017-02-17T15:47:38-08:002017-02-17T15:47:38-08:00We invite you to join us in creating a “Fabric Story” each month, with the characters of the fabrics we have curated for you. The stash you are building is the artist's palette you will draw from for a creative...Blog | Stitchin' Post in Sisters, OR

We invite you to join us in creating a “Fabric Story” each month, with the characters of the fabrics we have curated for you. The stash you are building is the artist's palette you will draw from for a creative project. Look at fabric in a new way and build confidence in your choices.

The Alchemy of Fabric Club - February 2017 Edition:Magenta Magic

Printed fabrics have a character. When you see the fabric, it brings to mind an association with a time period, an era, a trend of the times, a place, an experience, etc. Fabric can be just like music, and it has the ability to transport you to another time or place at a glance. It is reminiscent by nature, bringing back memories that are triggered by association. All this is at play in influencing our fabric choices and preferences.

Each month we will be presenting a new “Color Story” in the Alchemy of Fabric Club along with ideas and information for you to build your own color vocabulary.

Magenta Magicis the February launch for the Alchemy of Fabric Club. We have curated seven choices as the core group, with “magenta” as the dominant focus and grey playing a supporting role.

These fabrics just might be the launch for a planned scrap quilt pattern, such as "Himalayan Pink," from Madison Cottage, which Trish Erickson created from these colors.

What is wonderful about creating quilts from a wide range of fabrics in a planned color story, is you have an opportunity to change up the scale and texture of the prints to add interest, but the color plan will hold the design together.

Having worked with quilters for forty-two years in the store and the classroom, I know that they fall for a color story or a style of fabric first, and this sets the creative process in motion. They are “makers,” and it feeds their soul to create beautiful things.

Variety is the spice of life, and that really rings true in scrap quilts. Our Magenta Magic group represents just that, with two larger scale prints that are so magical--because when cut them up, no two pieces are exactly alike. The artist hand drawn "Cotton and Steel" gray check pattern has a texture, but reads as a solid. The smaller low contrast gray is used to balance and ground the vibrancy of the magenta fabrics. You see subtle geometry and value changes in the remaining pinks that balance out the starter pack of choices. The magenta tones are considered the “spark.”

We have also curated 10 other choices from a variety of collections and designers that can expand from the original seven in the core group. From this base of colors & patterns surprises will be catalyzed in your creative project.

While this is a mail-order fabric club, we want this to feel like a classroom when it comes to inspiration. Please share your work using the hashtag "#AlchemyofFabric" on your preferred social media platform, so others can be inspired by your work. You can also search #AlchemyofFabric to see what others have done, and to gain your own inspiration.

Wish Quilttag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e008d551a8883401b8d25c19d7970c2017-02-03T11:13:14-08:002017-02-03T11:13:14-08:00Wow! Annette did a fabulous job on her Wish quilt! She used Valori's new fabric line, Jasmine, and featured the limited edition Jasmine panel. There was even enough fabric leftover after fussy cutting to piece together strips for the binding....Blog | Stitchin' Post in Sisters, OR

Wow! Annette did a fabulous job on her Wish quilt! She used Valori's new fabric line, Jasmine, and featured the limited edition Jasmine panel.

There was even enough fabric leftover after fussy cutting to piece together strips for the binding.

I offered to sew the binding for her and noticed that Annette took the shape of the camel from the panel to use for the quilting in the background. You never know where inspiration will come from!

Don't forget that we are doing a giveaway of the Jasmine Panel on our Facebook page!

As the din in the market place began to die down and only the waves crashing on the beach could be heard, Jasmine, a camel settles down to sleep after a long hard day. Excited by the smell of the ocean, Jasmine’s son cannot lay quietly…”Tell me a story”! I cannot possibly sleep now…..and so it began…

Inspired by the rich, saturated color, ornate design, and adventures in Morocco, Valori Wells' new fabric line, “Jasmine,” was born.

Jasmine is a vibrantly colored collection of hand block printed fabrics as unique as her experience. Are you ready for a taste of the exotic?

We have a 24 Fat Quarter tower of “Jasmine” fabrics in an array of rainbow colors along with the 11 Fat Quarter “Jasmine Coordinates”, a collection of striking colors in linen to compliment.

As a special surprise for all the creative quilters, parts of the “Jasmine” story is written on the selvedge of the fabric.

Now it’s time to treat yourself, take a minute, pour a cup of tea and enjoy the rest of the story of Jasmine…

...Jasmine signs and begins quietly, “On a long journey through the desert, a young camel met a snake, a magic snake that promised to grant the camel one solitary wish.”

Jasmine’s son immediately lay down next to his mother, eyes wide like saucers, “What happens? Tell me!” he whined.“Shhh, listen child and I will tell you.” Jasmine scolded.

On a long trek, a young camel met a magic snake, his back awash with bright colors no ordinary snake would have.“Camel, I need a ride across the desert, in return I will grant you one wish.”

The camel agreed and knelt down to let the snake slither into her pack. The camel, being young and somewhat foolish did not take long to come up with a wish. “I wish to have a grand adventure, one that will be famous and told for many years!”

The snake nodded his head in reply and closed his eyes, “It is done, camel.”

Somewhat disappointed that nothing happened, the impatient camel continued to walk on her path, growing more agitated with each step. She was so immersed in her own thoughts she didn’t notice a glowing oasis in the distance, one that wasn’t there before. The camel didn’t see the oasis until she was practically on top of it. Awe struck, she wondered what could possibly be the source of the colorful glow radiating from the center of a vast palm filled valley. She wove her way through the trees, following the glow that grew brighter in the approaching dusk.

At last the palms and vines opened up to a beautiful beach and expansive lake, larger than any the camel had ever seen. The source of the light was a large island. It was shaped perfectly, for an island, a massive hump erupting from the water. What was most extraordinary was that it was covered with colorful tiles, each one shining brilliantly.

The camel was drawn to the island and discovered she could easily wade out to it in the shallow water. Once she got closer she realized that the island was in fact an enormous turtle the largest she had ever seen. The turtle was crying, making the lake she wallowed in larger with each tear that dropped into the water.

Unafraid the camel spoke, “Turtle, why are you crying?”

Surprised to hear a voice the turtle immediately stopped crying and looked down at the small camel that had waded through her tears.

“Oh! Perhaps you can help me? I have been stuck here for so long. I’m mired down in the mud and cannot escape!” sniffed the turtle.

While the camel was young, she was very strong. She splashed her way behind the turtle and began to push with all of her might. The turtle strained to get out, lengthening her neck with every push. Slowly, the turtle began to inch forward, then with an earth shaking pop, she was free from the mud.

“Oh, thank you!” the turtle exclaimed.

“It was nothing.” shrugged the camel nonchalantly, like she saves giant glowing turtles every day. “Please take these jewels as a thank you for your kindness.”

The turtle gave the camel several small, shining, luminescent jewels. Having no where to put them, the camel held them gently in her mouth. Once they were stowed safely, it was only then that the turtle whispered to the camel that they were very valuable jewels, carrying a special power. The camel looked up in surprise only to find the giant oasis and the colorful turtle were gone.

“How strange!” thought the camel.

She almost thought she had imagined it all, but the jewels she held gently in her mouth told her it had happened. She plodded along on her journey coming to the edge of the desert near a drab, dusty town and the ocean shore.

The magic snake awoke, slithered from the camel’s pack, and took his leave as quietly as he had come. The camel, deep in thought of her adventure and what she would do with jewels, barely noticed the snake’s departure.

The camel entered the town, night had fallen and most of the town lay asleep. She lumbered up the lane illuminated by the occasional lantern, light dancing on the simple clay diamond tiles leading the way to the central market.

Suddenly, the camel stumbled, falling hard upon the ground. Gasping in pain, the camel opened her mouth and the jewels came tumbling out. They fell to the ground and disappeared. Angry with her herself for the loosing the magic jewels, the camel began to cry.

“What sort of adventure is this?” she thought.

One lonely tear fell onto the diamond tiles and hissed quietly away on the sun heated tile, still hot from the day. It was only then the plain, dusty tiles began to change. The camel scrambled to her feet and watched as the town changed from the dusty brown it had always been to an array of bright colors arranged in wonderful mosaics.

The town’s people awoke the next morning in shock, each coming up with fanciful theories of how the town became so colorful. The young camel smiled, she knew how it became that way.

The beauty of the tile work remains to this day, the modern tile makers create masterpieces with their painted tiles and mosaics using simple designs that become complicated by repetition.

Jasmine’s son let out a heavy sleepy sigh as he lay drifting off to sleep. He thought of the day when he would get to travel across the desert and perhaps meet a magic snake of his own. He slowly blinked his big dark eyes fringed by his long lashes and wondered out loud sleepily of what became of the young camel and her wonderful adventure.

Jasmine nuzzled her son lovingly and smiled to herself as she to drifted off to sleep.