Project Wednesday!

It is Project Wednesday here at The Shabby!  Today we are featuring a customer project.  Marilyn Perry created this colorful quilt for her granddaughter's 11th birthday!  Marilyn used fabrics from the Lakehouse Fun Flowers collection.  Here is what Marilyn had to say about the project:

The design of the quilt was based on a quilt in the 2010 quilt calendar by That Patchwork Place, designed by Cynthia Tomaszewski. I redesigned the hearts so that I could digitize them in my Bernina software for machine applique. I also digitized her initials from Bernina software. The embroidered flowers and butterflies are from Amazing Designs.

The design used Bernina Version 6 software. The sewing was done on a Bernina 830 and 240. The quilting was done on an HQ16 mid arm machine.

I really had fun doing the project and your fabrics worked out perfectly!

Thank you so much for sharing, Marilyn! 

We'd love to see YOUR projects using your purchases from Shabby Fabrics!  Email photos and a brief description to julie@shabbyfabrics.com

All submissions will be entered to win one of two gift baskets filled with fabrics, patterns, and more!

Introducing The Apron Lady!

When I was in Salt Lake City for the wholesale show in May, I met Jan Lutz, otherwise known as The Apron Lady!  Jan creates beautiful patterns and is known most especially for her apron designs. 

Jan and Jen in Salt Lake City

We are happy to carry quite a few of Jan's designs.  Take a look below:

Suzy Swirl includes instructions for three different projects: skirt, leggings, and a fun tutu!

The Honeycomb Smocked Apron includes instructions for an easy smocking technique!

Get ready for a tea party with these darling aprons!

A great apron for your little girl - Child's Honeycomb Apron.

The Hoot Owl Apron pattern is four projects in one!

Which is your favorite?

The Blessings of Summer Quilt is Finished!

I am so excited that our Blessings of Summer Quilt is finished!  We've spent more hours on this quilt - designing, contemplating, redesigning, appliqueing, piecing, quilting, embellishing - than almost every other quilt designed by Shabby Fabrics.  What does that mean for you?  Why it is nearly perfect!  Just see for yourself.....

Blessings of Summer Quilt

You may remember Pearl the Dove from our Blessings of Spring quilt.  Here she is again complete with her beautiful trademark necklace!

Ice cream and strawberries?  Yes please!  The strawberry tops are made of wool felt for added texture.

This darling little cottage block features a white picket fence, gingerbread trim, a kite in the sky, and two miniature quilts hanging on the line! 

A close-up of the miniature quilts - these are actually pieced!

These pinwheels are 3-dimensional - and don't miss that ladybug!

 Ahhhh, sunflowers!

You have to smile at this little red wagon filled with daisies!

 A little sailboat enjoys a sunny day on the water.

This block may be the simplest, but it is far from being the least important!

Have we piqued your interest enough yet?  Full patterns and embellishing kits will be available within the next couple of weeks.  We still have spots available in our Blesssings of Summer Block of the Month program which begins in August.  Use Coupon Code SHABBYSUMMER5 for $5 off your sign up fee!  Coupon code only valid for the Blessings of Summer Sign Up Fee and expires August 15th. 

Sign up today!

Which is your favorite block? 
How does it remind you of summers past?

Answer for your chance to win one of three excellent prizes:

One winner will receive a $100 gift certificate

Two winners will each receive a $50 gift certificate

Don't have an account? Use the "anonymous" option or the "Name/URL" option.  Just be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win!

Christmas in July Sale!

Enter our Christmas Shoppe here.

July Giveaway!

For our July Giveaway, we'll be doing something a bit different.  Instead of having a question for you to answer, we want to create a forum-type atmosphere where you can ask and answer questions pertaining to sewing and quilting! 

For instance, perhaps you want to ask others about how they organize their projects or how they master Y-seams.

Every comment (whether a question or a response) will be entered into our giveaway.  Three lucky winners will receive $25 Gift Certificates to http://www.shabbyfabrics.com/! 

If you do not have an account, you may choose the "anonymous" option - just remember to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win.

Here are a few questions from our Facebook page to get you started:

Carol asks "Are most quilts machine quilted these days or is there a swing toward traditional quilting?"

Debra asks "My quilting question is how do some sit all day and quilt? Any special chair tips?"

Please note that responses are not endorsed by Shabby Fabrics.

You asked for it - free-motion quilting and applique resources!

You asked and we delivered!  An overwhelming majority of the answers to our June Giveaway Question pertained to free-motion machine quilting and applique techniques.  I have searched high and low for some great resources, and am happy to share these with you today!

 Free-Motion Machine Quilting Book

This book is an excellent resource!  Containing methods and techniques, a troubleshooting guide, and over fifty designs, this is a great book to keep on hand.



Free-Motion Machine Quilting Class For Newbies DVD

For a bit more assistance, watch this instructional DVD!

Shabby Fabrics Applique Guide

Our very own step-by-step photo guide to spray-starch applique!  At just $3, you can buy one for all of your friends!

Applique Techniques with Pearl P. Pereira DVD

Follow along with Pearl as she shows her own technique. 

Applique Workshop Book

This book is the equivalent to a multi-day workshop!  Contains ten applique techniques and projects for learning each.

I hope these books and DVDs are helpful for you.  For even more reference material, check out our newest Patterns & Books category: Reference & How-To.

Thank you to everyone who responded.  It is great to know what you want to learn!  Our three randomly selected winners are:

Patty D.

Sue

Diane H.

Congratulations, ladies, you have each won a $25 gift certificate.  Check your inbox for details!