Windham Fabric Snip-its

The Things You Don’t Know About Rosemarie Lavin Designs

Today I am pleased to present to you an interview with Rosemarie Lavin talking about her newest fabric collection Breeze.

Q: What was your main inspiration for Breeze?

A: The inspiration came from my garden. I grow all types of hydrangeas and lilacs. All summer I pick huge bouquets of flowers and put them in every room in my house (I've included a photo). They come in such a wide variety of colors. Creamy whites, soft grassy greens, deep rich blues and all the beautiful purples in between. And that is the colors of Breeze.

The patterns are inspired by the flower and the colors. I tried to mix the colors in a way to achieve dark and light tones throughout the collection. Sewers can play them off each other for their unique creations.  I can’t wait to see all the projects people will make and do hope they will send me photos at rosemarielavin@gmail.com.

Q: If Breeze had a scent to it what would it be?

A: You asked what smell Breeze would have, that’s easy! It would smell like the breeze coming off my lilac bushes in the middle of May. Nothing smells better to me, it means summer is coming!!! The lilac bushes were planted by my grandmother over 60 years ago so they hold a special place in my heart.

Q: What is your single favorite SKU/pattern from the Breeze collection?

A:   It’s hard for me to pick one favorite pattern from the group, but I am a little partial to the lilac ground floral.

Q: What advice would you give an aspiring fabric designer?

A: As for advice to aspiring designers I would tell them what I tell my sons. Do what you love and hopefully good things will follow. I have had an art studio for many years and never get tired of it. I feel bad for people that have to get up every day and go work at something they don’t like.

 

Q: If you had to describe your personality as a color, what color would it be?

A: Color is such an integral part of my life that I am not always the same color. I think my color changes with the seasons and with the projects that I’m working on.  I'm bright happy orange in the summer and soft cool blue in the winter.

Q: Work and life essentials aside, what is the activity you spend the most time doing?

A: In the summer we spend a lot of time outdoors, at the beach or on our boat in the Great South Bay. I have to admit to spending way too much time at tag and yard sales on the east end of Long Island.  I think I'm addicted, as are a few members of my family (I won’t mention names but they know who they are).  My other addiction is WORDS WITH FRIENDS (like Alec Baldwin) I am currently involved in 5 or 6 games.  If anyone wants to play you've got my email.

Win a Breeze Fat Quarter!!!

Starting Thursday, February 2^nd until Friday, March 2nd three lucky contestants will have a chance to win a Fat Quarter from the Breeze collection by Rosemarie Lavin.

Here’s how it works:

Go to http://twitter.com/windhamgirl and click follow.  Next send an email to Jennifer@baumtextile.com telling me what you like most about the Breeze collection.  Three prize winners will be selected by a random drawing.  Entries received after March 2^nd will be disqualified.  All winners will be notified the first week of March. 

Good Luck and Happy Quilting!!

Prairie Crossing

Prairie Crossing is Julie Hendricksen’s newest collection of beautiful reproduction shirtings.  Each carefully selected design and pattern offers endless possibilities of use such as a blender or as a background.  See how versatile these miniature patterns can be by using them as part of a larger quilt pattern or altogether in a scrappy quilt design.

Julie Hendricksen is a designer, lecturer and owner of JJ Stitches, a fabric store that specializes in reproduction prints with a folky style.  She has a love of reproduction fabrics and aims to offer a wide variety of shirtings and other small patterns to meet the needs of quilters with all interests. 

Prairie Crossing is in stores NOW so don't forget to contact your local sales rep or get hold of your favorite fabric stores! 

Enjoy Prairie Crossing and download this free project!

Happy Quilting!

 

Meet Denice Lipscomb Designer of Women of Courage Block of the Month

Today I had the chance to interview the one and only Denice Lipscomb of Common Threads Quilting and ask her a few questions about herself and her newest Block of the Month Women of Courage.

Q: What was your biggest source of inspiration when creating the Women of Courage Block of the Month?

A: History is always my source of inspiration for quilts whether it’s an antique quilt that gives me an idea for a setting or a story I want others to hear. I like the idea of combining my love of history with quilting. I can learn about the women we are honoring and share those stories with others.

Q: If you had to pick one famous woman from history to have dinner with who would it be and why?

A: I really have to choose two. Mary Roberts Wilson was a personal friend of mine. I met her when she was in her 80’s. She had packed her Silver Star away in a chest and never mentioned it. Another friend introduced us because she knew we would have things in common. I am also a retired nurse and I love hearing stories of World War II since they remind me of my father’s stories. I would sit for hours listening to Mary tell stories. I was instrumental in her being found by Tom Brokaw’s researchers. In fact, the picture that I used for her block is one that sits on a ledge in my kitchen. After a chapter was written about her in his book, Mary became a local celebrity and spoke to many different groups about her experiences. Of course, I’d love to have the opportunity to see Mary again.

The other woman I really would like to meet is Nancy Wake. Now there was a strong woman! I had to honor her in the first block because of her outstanding feats of courage. I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to parachute into enemy lines or bribe guards with cigarettes (actually I know I wouldn’t!).

 

Q: When did you first realize your love for reproduction fabric?

A:I always say that I was born in the wrong century (except I love air conditioning and indoor bathrooms). It is a natural progression to also love reproduction fabrics. They speak to me in so many ways. Sometimes I look at a fabric and can see it in a dress from the 1850’s as well as a quilt.

 

Q: What is it about the Civil War period of reproduction fabric that you particularly love?

A: I think people who are not familiar with reproduction fabrics think they only come in shades of brown (maybe because they’ve seen a lot of tintype photos). I really love the beautiful floral prints that were available, especially large stripes that can be used in borders.

 

Q: Tell us a little about being a quilt shop owner?

A: Being a shop owner is both a challenge and opportunity. I tend to work many long hours mainly because it’s so interesting. I’m fortunate to have my oldest daughter, Laura, working with me full time now which takes some of the pressure off. It’s also a privilege to work with her side by side every day.

 

Q: What are some of your biggest challenges as a quilt shop owner?

A: Our biggest challenge is balancing the different sides of the business. We have a large Brick and Mortar shop, an online shop, and now also a wholesale pattern business. Sometimes we catch ourselves coming and going!

 

Q: What would you say is your greatest accomplishment and why?

A: My greatest accomplishment as a shop owner has been my ability to hire some of the best people you’ll ever meet to work at Common Threads. I am continually amazed at how great these women are and how well they work together. It’s so rewarding to realize that I know so many delightful people because of Common Threads and our love of quilting. I can’t imagine my life without these great women.

 

Q: If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island (all your food and water are taken care of) what are three items you want take with you?

A: First of all my iPad (it’s 3G so I’d still be able to check my email!) and since I’ve got a Kindle app on it, I wouldn’t need my Kindle. I would also need a generator to keep that iPad charged! After that, I could settle down to do hand applique so I’d need fabric and thread to keep me busy until I’m rescued (maybe I could improvise a needle?).

 

The Quilt

The Women of Courage fabric collection is a 12 month BOM program. Each block corresponds to a brave and courageous woman in world history.

The fabric collection and the quilt is full of luscious floral prints, beautiful tonal blenders and a breathtaking color palette of brown, tan, red, teal and green. Enjoy learning a little bit about history as you sew with this gorgeous collection.

Quilt Designed by Denice Lipscomb

12 Month Block of the Month Program

Shop Owner Info: Shop Kits Available March 15, 2012 First Quarterly Shipment May 2012

Happy Quilting!!

Garden Tales

Nature is all around us and deep within us. It inspires us in so many ways to create! Many great designers derive their inspiration from nature. Tracie Lyn Huskamp of The Red Door-Studio uses her passion for nature to fuel the fire of her creative spirit. Garden Tales is Tracie’s second fabric collection which was inspired by her magical encounter with these enchanting bunnies!

 

You can feel the whismy and wonder of a journey in nature with Tracie’s collection Garden Tales! In this charming collection she perfectly captures a delightful garden experience with warm subtle hues of an inviting landscape.  Garden Tales is in stores now so get hold of your favorite fabric stores or your local sales rep!

Scrapbook Bunny by Betty New

82" x 82"

Free Project

To learn more about Tracie follow her on her blog The Red Door-Studio!

Happy Quilting!!

 

Windham Fabrics Holiday Party!

Each year at Windham Fabrics we take a little time out of our very busy schedules to get together and celebrate the holiday season. This year we had a fabulous holiday party at a beautiful venue.  At the party we celebrated one very special birthday, ate delicious food, had fun conversations and danced until we could dance no more ;) Here are some pictures of one amazing night out with the Windham Fabrics Team!

Welcome to the Windham Fabrics Holiday Party at the Venetian!

The food was mighty tasty !!!!

We ate...

 and ate some more…LOL!!

We all posed for some pictures!!

I must say everyone looked divine!!

Lots of smiles made the night complete!!

The music was pumping!!!

And

Everyone brought their dancing shoes!!

We celebrated a very special 84th birthday!

Happy Birthday Stanley!

 

Wishing Everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday!!!!

 

Elizabeth

I have to say I have completely fallen head over heels for this romantic flowery group with its big pink roses, floral trellises and trailing vines. Mary Koval, a master expert on antique fabrics has created another stunning collection from her amazing stash of antique document pieces called Elizabeth.

The main floral print is dated back to 1870.

           

                Most of the other Elizabeth prints are dated from 1840-60

     
Elizabeth has a fresh soft color palette that makes this collection unique.  Brighten things up this winter with Elizabeth and let the light and beauty of this darling collection warm you up!

Elizabeth is in stores NOW so don't forget to get hold of your favorite fabric stores!

To find out more about Mary Koval read her blog at http://marykoval.blogspot.com/.  Find out what inspires her and what she is up to!

Enjoy and Happy Quilting!!

 

Vivaldi

 

December is finally here and boy does Windham Fabrics have the perfect collection for you to put on your holiday wish list.  If you are craving fabrics in deep rich red, black, and tan, then you are craving Vivaldi by Whistler Studios.  This collection has a timeless appeal along with an eye catching and exquisite color palette that will sweep you off your feet!

 As a fabric enthusiast, I personally have fallen in love with the beautiful and sophisticated ornate floral and leaf designs in this collection.  Along with luscious flowers, mix classic foulard patterns to create an instant touch of elegance to any sewing project!

 

Free Project

Vivaldi hits stores December 15^th!!!

To check out the full collection go to www.windhamfabrics.net.

If you purchase Vivaldi and send a picture of any project or quilt you made we will post it on our Windham Fabric Facebook Page!

Send all pictures to jennifer@baumtextile.com

Enjoy and Happy Quilting!!

Meet Jackie Shapiro of French Bull

Today I had the opportunity to interview someone very special.  I am more than delighted to present to you the one and only Jackie Shapiro of French Bull and designer of Windham Fabrics new collection Shadow Flower!

Q: What was your inspiration for the Shadow Flower collection?

A: Wonderland meets 19th century silhouette art – I love collage and juxtaposing.  Cross-referencing diverse origins with iconic revolutions in pop culture is a running theme for me.  This collection is full of splashing color-play and floral fantasy that transforms the mundane with distinctive pattern.

 

Q: Can you tell us about all the different products under the French Bull Label?

A: We’re a lifestyle brand devoted to creating exciting new uses for color and pattern. I like the non precious becoming precious and visa versa. We manufacture and import several product lines that include house-ware items like carbon steel kitchen knives, cushion floor mats for the kitchen, and ceramic eco friendly travel mugs  all cloaked in pattern. The brand has partnered with a broad range of like-minded manufacturers to expand our constantly growing vision with laptop covers, lunch bags, beverage carriers, wall art, Beach towels, flip flops, wall paper, slippers and stationery. We believe in updating the overlooked and work to make the ordinary extraordinary.

 

Q: How would you describe your personal design style? 

A: I go pretty high end, and way low when it comes to personal style from clothes, accessories, cars, and things for my home.I'm most comfortable when I manage to strike the perfect personal style note, between the two.

• Favorite brand for boots - Manolo Blanik 3/4 flat boot. They're timeless, always right, and totally worth the investment because you never have to worry that your shoes are dated.

• Favorite T shirt store - Wal-Mart boys department - they have the best licensed character tees. I have a special occasion one that's a glitter Ironman T that I covet. $6.99 100% cotton - Levis & Adrianno Goldschmidt for jeans.  Thrift shops for leather jackets, and sunglasses. Wal-Mart for steel heal rain boots, B&B Italia for furniture is on my wish list.

 

Q: What is your favorite part of the design process?

A: Reinventing my inspiration reference.

 

Q: When working on a new project, what are some of the biggest challenges you face?

A: Manufacturing and the cost of goods we purchase.

 

Q: What are your favorite colors to work with?

A: I love what happens to colors in context so it’s a challenging question. I often use many colors in my work, and it’s all about relationships. But some of my favorites to use are. Pantone Warm RedC  232C & 383C, 402C & 403C.  As an aside, I’m crazy for the color ultra violet, but can’t seem to capture that black light glow in print.

 

Q: What one thing that has happened in your life has made the biggest impact on your career and who you are today?

A: Living and working in Italy after graduating from Parsons.

 

Q: If you could have dinner with one famous person who would it be and why?

A: Joan Jett - I like her attitude.

 

Q: If you could be a superhero what would your superpower be?

A: My super power would be immediate transport. Transportation seems old fashioned, and what a time suck. I know people say it’s all about the journey, but I’d rather spend the time getting anywhere to do other stuff.

 

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 yrs?

A: Scared to answer if I totally blow it.  But, I sincerely wish, hope and work every day towards having French Bull be recognized globally. To have the people I work with very closely reap the rewards of our hard work and commitment. This would make me very happy.

Shadow Flower is Jackie Shapiro’s newest collection for Windham Fabrics! This fabulous collection will bedazzle you with its bright colors and sundial patterns. Shadow Flower is a fun, hip group with its playful mix of color and design.  Check out the complete collection at www.windamfabrics.com. Also, be sure to read the French Bull blog and find out the latest new with Jackie!

Field of Flowers

Size: 48 ½" X 60 ½"

By Jean Katherine Smith

Free Project

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Oh can you see it!! Thanksgiving is here!!  Crisp leaves are turning the most beautiful shades of  oranges, reds, golds and browns!

 Yum … can you smell it!! Thanksgiving is in the air!!! It is time for roasted turkey, gravy, stuffing and of course scrumtious pumpkin pie!

 

Thanksgiving is one of the most wonderful times of year.  I personally celebrate the joy of the holiday by getting together with friends, family and others I hold dear to my heart.  Together we reminisce, reflect and laugh over a delicious meal that is way to big for anyones good!  :)

At Windham Fabrics we love to celebrate the splendor of the season by basking over fabulous holiday inspired fabrics.  This year we have the ideal collection to make all your Thanksgiving holiday paraphernalia. Peace and Prosperity by Whistler Studios is the perfect autumn inspired collection with a color palette of oranges, golds and browns. 

This collection has celebratory fall prints of turkeys, falling leaves, ripened fruits and beautiful autumn flowers. Get creative with this flawless harvest collection and make the most supreme Thanksgiving tablecloths, placemats, napkins or festive seasonal throw.

Make sure you check your favorite retail stores for Peace and Prosperity which hits store April 2012.  Start to prepare ahead of time for fabulous holiday projects for your next Thanksgiving’s extravaganza!

 Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Much Love,

Windham Fabrics

Quiltmaker's 100 Block Tour

Windham Fabrics is once again so excited about participating in the 100 blocks tour. This is the third time one of our designers received the honor of a block placement! The featured block was made by Tavy Umhey from several of our Windham Fabrics collections.

Here at Windham we are more than delighted to supply Tavy Umhey with fabric so she could take part in another 100 blocks issue. Tavy has been one of our most inspiring designers and we are so happy to support her efforts. Check out the Cheerful Quilts Facebook Fan Page and see all the terrific things Tavy has been doing.  You will sincerely be amazed!!

Below is the USA quilt Tavy made using her block!

Don't forget to pick up your copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks from Today’s Top Designers, Collector Edition Vol.4 at your local newsstand this month or purchase the issue from www.Quiltmaker.com. The issue is so inspirational containing tons of beautiful and creative blocks of all different designs and quilting styles.

Also, make sure you check out Windham Fabric’s on Facebook or our new and improved website www.windhamfabrics.com.

We invite you to leave your comments and thoughts below and one lucky winner will receive their very own issue of Quiltmaker’s 100 Block from Today’s Top Designers, Collector Edition Vol.4!!!!!

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