Yoko Saito’s Imaginary Garden

Posted on January 19, 2019 by Penny Haren

I love to applique and a quilt like this has been on my bucket list for a long time.

This quilt is a true work of art, and yes, it is mainly aimed at applique enthusiasts as this wild herbarium is composed of dozens of different flowers, cut from a subtle palette of grey and taupes, appliqued directly on a background.

The pattern “Imaginary Garden” was a huge success when it was first published as a three-part series in Quiltmania magazine. As a result of its popularity, it is now available in booklet form!

Image result for imaginary garden by yoko saito

Check out the detail! The little touches of embroidery enhance every flower.

This booklet is actually a library of many of her designs that she uses to embellish purses and small quilts as well. Just think of the freedom! Add any design, any embroidery, anywhere until the entire background surface is covered! This is a true labor of love.

Plan for Fall

Posted on January 13, 2019 by Penny Haren

I know – the holidays just ended and I am talking about Fall already! But it is best to be prepared and you will be ordering fabrics soon so lets plan how to use them!

Witches Night Out by It’s Sew Emma is due to arrive in April and is a perfect class! Pieced pumpkins are repeated multiple times in the quilt – a great basis for each lesson. Other Halloween favorites are scattered throughout! Start collecting those oranges today!

Scrap Basket Bounty

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Penny Haren

The Scrap Basket series written by Kim Brackett continues with her latest addition, Scrap-Basket Bounty.

This book features sixteen different blocks. Each block includes three different layouts so there are a total of 48 projects in the book! Now that is a bargain! Here are just some of the surprises inside….

Choose a background fabric and let your scraps shine! This would be a great sew-in. Everyone can bring their scraps to cut – and share. Seeing the different layout options and colorways are sure to inspire everyone. Have plenty of fat quarter bundles available. After all, some of us love scrap quilts but don’t have the stash YET to create them!

Bonnie Hunter’s New Book will Soon be in the Building

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Penny Haren

The description of this book was so well done, I just couldn’t top it so enjoy!

Once you go scrappy, there’s no turning back!

Are you buried in scraps—big pieces, small pieces, hunks, chunks, strips, and parts? Bonnie K. Hunter fans will love her newest book of playful string-quilt projects! Sew a dozen vibrant quilt patterns using the small leftovers from other projects that seem too tiny to save, yet too big to toss. Learn Bonnie’s basics for foundation piecing narrow fabric pieces 3/4” to 2” wide, turning them into dazzling scrappy blocks and one-of-a-kind quilts.

• Have a string piecing party with a best-selling author, the great Bonnie K. Hunter
• Love your leftovers! Become a scrap quilt addict, sewing fabric strings and crumbs into brand new blocks
• Hunter fans will love this offering of twelve “use it all” patterns in her signature style

I kept these pics as big as possible so you can see the detail! Simply stunning!

Her quilts are a spectacular study in color! I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!

Home Grown by Nancy Halvorsen

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Penny Haren

What can I say??? Nancy continues to amaze me with every line – and book – she does! In Home Grown, she showcases those values that we all try to achieve in our own lives.

And, in typical Art To Heart style, she has thought of everything! The fabric collection from Benartex – Home Grown by Nancy Halvorsen will be available next month – and comes in ten or 15-yard assortments.

I have showcased her signature teal below just so you can see some detail, but all of the colors are gorgeous. Gray is the new neutral – and she has that covered as well!

I have always loved what she does with tea towels…

With this line, she offers a set of six tea towels which can be used to make the projects above.

OR, buy them by the bolt! These yarn dyes are 43 – 44 inches wide.

Just look at the details on these individual blocks of the cover quilt.

Look what you can do with a panel!!!

Of course, it doesn’t stop there! The embellishments add that awe factor to each block!

These buttons are available for individual blocks are as an entire set. Why not do this as a block of the month? Make a block each month as well as a smaller project that will make great companions to add that Martha Stewart looks to your room. Or, have ideal gifts on hand when needed. Who wouldn’t love that???

Twelve Days of Christmas – Part One

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Penny Haren

Not only were all of these items hot at Market, but I also worked Festival and the Novi show in Michigan – and the consumers agree!

The Creative Grids® Stripology Squared Mini is a definite hit. Everyone loves the size and maneuverability of this baby! Designed to square up blocks up to 6 1/2″, I immediately learned that it is my go-to tool when sub-cutting strip sets. (The acrylic raises over the seams so there is no teeter-tottering like your experience with a traditional ruler.) Plus there are five patterns that support it. Offer it for Christmas and offer classes or demos featuring the patterns the first of the year.

Stripology Mixology is the perfect companion to ALL of the Creative Grids® stripology rulers. The book features 13 quilts made from pre-cuts – and tells you how to cut your own. And who doesn’t want a cocktail over the holidays – recipes included!

The portable Reliable Iron is amazing! It is not only an iron, but it is also a steamer. It gets to a temperature of over 300 degrees in a short amount of time. The bag is insulated so you can leave class before the iron is entirely cool – just leave the long cord on the outside of the bag. Another feature – the outside of the bag has a silicone side to use as a rest when in use. This one is a winner!

What good is an iron without a great ironing mat? These Gypsy Quilter mats come in a variety of sizes. The 13 1/2″ mat is one of the most popular sizes since it is big enough to press a 12 1/2″ block!

Stay Tuned for Part Two….

Splendid Sampler 2

Posted on September 21, 2018 by Penny Haren

In their own words: More than 28,000 quilters have joined the Splendid Sampler online quilt-along–and now Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson return with 100 all-new block patterns to inspire quilters all over the world, all over again!

Along with blocks from Pat and Jane, quilters will find beautiful designs from superstar quilters including Lissa Alexander, Carrie Nelson, Jenny Doan, Susan Ache, Betsy Chutchian, Rob Appell, and more. Patchwork, appliquéd, embroidered, and foundation-pieced blocks provide plenty of opportunities to try new techniques, while a quilt gallery offers fun ideas for arranging blocks. Quilters can share their progress online and experience the joys of quilting with this very special community of quilters.

In case you need to catch up, here is the original 100 blocks:

What a great way to learn! Join the online group and you have a multitude of experts to help and provide inspiration!

Perfect Ten

Posted on September 19, 2018 by Penny Haren

You asked for it so we delivered! Not only did we deliver, but we also partnered with one of the top pre-cut designers – It’s Sew Emma!

Our motto? Keep it simple! The square is a true 10″ square – not 10 1/2″. There are additional markings for five inch and two and a half inch squares, as well as the most popular strip widths. Trim half square triangles by placing the diagonal on the seam line. The black and white markings show up on both light and dark fabrics.

Grab a layer cake – or cut your own – and start one of these quilts today.

Square One and Acadia are both Cut Loose Press patterns – a perfect combination.

These creative and colorful It Sew Emma Patterns include yardage requirements for multiple sizes.

Perfect 10 Quilts is due to arrive next month and includes 16 quilts cut from ten-inch squares. If the cover is any indication, this is going to be a best seller!

Sew in Love with Edyta

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Penny Haren

Edyta Sitar’s of Laundry Basket Quilts has just released her latest book from It’s Sew Emma. Reds and creams have never been lovelier.

The book features a gorgeous quilt that includes her signature appliques as well as a pieced version. Choose your favorite techniques and begin your journey.

The book also includes several smaller projects and quilts based on the blocks in the signature quilt. In this case, pictures are worth a thousand words…

There are thread sets, stencils, and appliques as well. Visit our website to see all of the companions. The books are now in stock. Order now and choose your first love!

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