Wednesday, August 31, 2011

New! Shannon Cuddle Fabric and Kits

We have finally jumped on the Shannon Cuddle bandwagon here at the store.  I've always loved how soft it is, but there's so much selection that I couldn't decide which colors or styles to begin with.  Shannon Fabrics made that decision easy for me by packaging pre-cut kits!

The first type of kits are the strip kits.  There are two sizes; the Throw quilt size finishes at approximately 48"x58" and includes (11) 5"x58" pre-cut strips.  The Lap quilt size finishes at approximately 58"x72" and includes (17) 5"x58" pre-cut strips.  You will need to purchase batting, backing and binding separately.  With the "throw" size, the strips are placed vertically on the quilt.   On the "quilt" size, the strips run horizontally on the quilt.


We have several varieties of the Throw-sized quilt kits available:  Mocha Blue, Mocha Pink, Owls (Orange & Brown), and Tiffany (Red & Aqua).   You will also need to purchcase 1-3/4 yards of Cuddle for the backing and binding.

We also have a variety of Lap-sized quilt kits available:  Black & Red, Animal Print, Olive & Brown, and Raspberry Chocolate.  You will need to purchase 2-1/2 yards of Cuddle for the backing and binding.
   
Many of you have told me that you are a little bit leery of sewing on Cuddle or Minky because it's stretchy.  Here's a great how-to video that makes sewing these kits a breeze.
After you sew your row-by-row quilt, then you have to bind it.  Here's another great video on using the Cuddle Cloth for binding.
That wasn't so scary, was it?

We also have the Cuddle Critter kits in stock - these are adorable stuffed animals paired with 2 squares of coordinating Cuddle Cloth.  You can make a blankie for the animal out of the 2 squares, or you can do some "surgery" on the animal and create a one-of-a-kind blankie with the head of the critter on one end and the feet on the other.  What an adorable luvvie for a young one to carry around!  There's even a video on how to do this if the written instructions in the kit aren't clear to you.
We currently have all the critters in stock:  Penelope the Pig, Poochie the Puppy, Enzo the Elephant, Maddy the Monkey, Fergie the Frog, Bailey the Bear and Darla the Duck.  As you can see in the video, you can create a Critter Blanket from any stuffed animal including Ty Beanie Babies.

Are you ready to cuddle up with a Cuddle Kit?

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Fresh Picked Posies

Fresh Picked Posies is the newest pattern by Piece O' Cake Designs.  I just love everything that Becky and Linda do - I've been a fan for a long time.

This pattern features their new fabric line with Robert Kaufman - Treasures and Tidbits.  This line is retro and modern all at the same time.  I predict that this line will be one of those lines of fabrics that people are hoarding and desperately searching for a few years from now.  It's that good.

We are offering this quilt as a Block of the Month here at The Quilt Asylum beginning in September.  Our sample has been hanging on the wall since June, and it gets many nice remarks.  But...I've been hearing that the turquoise cheerio background fabric is just a little too busy for some tastes.  I've listened and we are now offering this fabulous quilt two ways:  with background or without.  If you'd like to do this quilt using the exact same fabrics as Becky and Linda did, but with a quieter background, we can do that!  You will have to purchase 6 yards of your desired background on your own.  We'll send you all the rest!

BOM participation is limited, but we still have slots available.  Sign up today!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Doll Quilt Swap Party + New Tote Bag Swap

We held our Doll Quilt Swap Party last night and 9 great ladies swapped 10 wonderful little quilts (yes, someone made 2 quilts).  The theme was "circles" - interpreted through fabric selection or design.  Aren't you jealous?

Our next swap is TOTE BAGS!  The only guideline is the bag can be no smaller than 12" x 15" - we want everyone to receive a bag that is really useful and intended as Tote Bag.  Fabric selections and construction methods are totally up to you!  If you'd like to play along, come by the shop or give us a call at (972) 562-2686 to participate.

The dates for the swaps are:
     Deadline to sign up:  September 26
     Tote Bag Swap Party:  October 10, 6pm at The Quilt Asylum

If you'd like to participate, but can't make the swap party, no worries!  Drop your bag off ahead of time and we'll do the swapping on your behalf. 

It's alway fun to receive a handmade gift that was made by someone else!