Quilting Arts: Behind the Scenes

Deadline Extended for Modern Patchwork--Submit Today!

Kristine Lundblad — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:39:00 GMT

Good news, we have extended our submissions deadline for Modern Patchwork to May 31 and we'd love to hear from you!

Modern Patchwork is our semiannual special issue focused on fresh and contemporary projects in the latest fabrics. We are looking for original designs with modern-day appeal. This issue will hit newsstands in November so we urge you to keep that in mind when considering your design and fabric choices. Our spring issue of Modern Patchwork is out now--we are so excited about it!--and a peek at that will give you a taste of what we're after.

Modern Patchwork is packed with projects for today's quilters and sewists. This issue features quilting techniques and patchwork projects of every kind, including home décor, accessories, and wearables. From large bed quilts to patchwork scarves, totes, pillows, and more, we welcome submissions of a wide array from innovative sewists. The contemporary and fresh aesthetic of these projects pays tribute to the modern revival of patchwork, integrating traditional and innovative techniques to create items that are tasteful and unique.

We've recently freshened our guidelines for submitting projects to this special publication--check out the details here. Submit your ideas today!

Kristine

New Deadline for Quilt Scene--Submit Your Project!

Kristine Lundblad — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:06:00 GMT

Good news, we have extended our submissions deadline for International Quilt Festival: Quilt Scene to May 20 and we'd love to hear from you!

International Quilt Festival: Quilt Scene is our annual issue of fresh ideas for today's quilter, including patterns and projects, galleries of beautiful quilts from the International Quilt Festival in Houston, interviews, tips, and more. We'd love to see your quilted projects and patterns as well as your quilting techniques and tips.

The focus of Quilt Scene is not art quilting, rather, it celebrates the traditional--but with a lively, contemporary spin. We are looking for articles geared toward both the traditional and the intermediate/advanced quilter.

We've recently freshened our guidelines for submitting projects to this special publication and Modern Patchwork Winter 2013--check out the details here. Submit your ideas today!

Kristine

Your Quilt Could Be Here!

Kristine Lundblad — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:38:00 GMT

What's the best way to see your quilt or project in the pages of Modern Patchwork or International Quilt Festival: Quilt Scene? Submit your work to us!

Modern Patchwork is packed with projects for today's quilters and sewists. This issue features patchwork projects of every kind, including home décor, accessories, and wearables. From large bed quilts to patchwork scarves, totes, pillows, and more, we welcome submissions of a wide array from innovative sewists. The contemporary and fresh aesthetic of these projects pays tribute to the modern revival of patchwork, integrating traditional and innovative techniques to create items that are tasteful and unique.

We've recently freshened our guidelines for submitting projects to these two special publications and you can check out the details here. Submit your ideas today!

Kristine

Modern Patchwork Fabric Giveaway

Kristine Lundblad — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:42:00 GMT

Oh my! We got so busy with our publications and videos we almost forgot about the giveaway. Here are the winners: jane.grau and AnnC@24.

Congratulations! Contact us and we will send you your fabric.

* * *

One of the most fun aspects of working on Modern Patchwork magazine is poring over all the contemporary fabric collections we review. Collections are released throughout the year, but spring is an especially inspiring time to shop for new fabrics.

"Shelburne Falls" designed by
Denyse Schmidt for Free Spirit

This spring, we noticed a preponderance of orange-and-blue combinations. In prints, the 1950s-'60s kitchen has inspired many fabric designers, with starburst clocks, angular coffee makers, and abstract shapes reminscent of hand stamping used as motifs.

Chickens are still popular, but llamas have also come on the scene. Typography, numerals, and graphic elements with letters and numbers on them (like tickets and labels) make prints interesting to look at.

Most of these fabrics could stand on their own as frame-able art. But they are meant to be cut and stitched into modern quilts and patchwork projects like the ones in the pages of Modern Patchwork Spring 2013.

"Modern Home" from Monaluna

To get you started, we're giving away two packages of fabric we reviewed in Modern Patchwork: A roll of "Shelburne Falls" designed by Denyse Schmidt for Free Spirit and a stack of "Modern Home" from Monaluna.

Just leave a comment saying what you might do with these fabrics and we'll randomly choose two winners on Monday, April 22, 2013.

Also, be sure to submit your original project ideas for Modern Patchwork Winter 2013. The deadline is May 13! Get all the details on our Submissions page.

Kristine

Deadline Extended for QA Gifts Submissions!

Michelle Jibson — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:02:00 GMT

Calling all quilters and fiber artists! The deadline for submitting to Quilting Arts Gifts has been extended to Tuesday, April 2nd!

Just to recap, we're looking for quilting and fiber art projects that can be made as holiday gifts, both those that are seasonally appropriate and those that can be enjoyed all year long. In particular, we'd love to see Halloween projects, Hanukkah items, gifts for pets, tree skirts, garlands, and gifts for your studio or quilting buddies. For a detailed description of our submissions guidelines, click here.

Don't wait! Send us your project today, and you just might see it in our next issue!

Submit to Quilting Arts Gifts!

Michelle Jibson — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 06:28:00 GMT

Here in Sudbury, Massachusetts, it's beginning to feel as if spring will never come. And though I love drinking hot chocolate and cozying up to my husband, the truth is that I'm so done with winter. I'm sure you ca n relate.

With many of us itching to shake the snow off our boots and leave winter far behind, my next request may seem a little odd.

I want you to focus your thoughts on the holidays--you know, the ones in December.

"But Christmas and Hanukkah just ended a few months ago," you say. That's true. "And they won't come around again for another nine months!" That is also true.

But here at Quilting Daily, we like to think ahead. That's why we're already planning our next issue of Quilting Arts Gifts, a special annual issue devoted to the art of holiday gift-giving. And we want you to contribute!

We are looking for quilting and fiber art projects that can be made as holiday gifts, both those that are seasonally appropriate and those that can be enjoyed all year long. Past projects include Christmas ornaments, Hanukkah gift tags, everyday totes, table runners, and much more.

So if you have a project that would make a great handmade gift, send it to us today! You can find a more detailed description of our submissions guidelines here.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 15th, so don't wait to send us your projects!

Take a Quick Quilt-related Survey

jane davila — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:11:00 GMT

What do you think? We want to know! Please take a look at the questions listed here and leave your answers in the comments section below. Your responses (without names) will help me create a graphic for an upcoming issue of In Stitches emag.

You can keep it short; you will not be marked down for incomplete sentences!

1. What's your favorite stitching technique?

2. What's your favorite surface design technique?

3. How often do you quilt or make art?

Pick one: Every day Twice a week Once a week When I have time

4. Do you keep a journal or sketchbook?

5. What one new thing do you want to learn or master this year?

6. What's your favorite color?

7. What do you need more of in your stash?

Thanks!

Jane

How to Make a Difference Through Quilting

Vivika_Blog — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:21:00 GMT

As many of you know, I have a large family. With four children, it can be difficult to get time with each one of them individually to touch base, so having dinner together has become one of our important traditions. When we gather around the table and eat our evening meal, we all share about our day, talk about our plans, and strengthen the ties that make us a family.

My piece, "Waiting," will be part of the
"A Year in Art" fundraiser organized
by Virginia Spiegel.

On Monday, our dinner conversation revolved around the inauguration and Martin Luther King Day, and how one man was able to make a difference in so many people's lives. With the spotlight on social action, we talked about others who had done so much because they were passionate about a cause. Rosa Parks made a difference by sitting. Mother Theresa made her mark by serving.

And then I told them about the artist who raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars to fight cancer. She made a difference by quilting.

It is my pleasure to join artist Virginia Spiegel in her cause to raise money in support of the American Cancer Society. Virginia was motivated to make a difference and raise money for research when her father was diagnosed with cancer.

Her story has been an inspiration to me, and I marvel at her ability to "rally the troops" year after year and come up with new and innovative fundraisers. From selling fiber art postcards at the International Quilt Festival/Houston to creating online auctions, Virginia is a woman on a mission. Let's help her reach her goal.

This year's fundraiser is called "A Year In Art". Virginia has organized 11 artists to donate original works of art. The pieces will be available for sale on February 12, 2013, for a minimum donation of $1,000. All of the remaining artwork will then be auctioned on February 13. A preview of the artwork is available online, and I can't wait to place a bid.

My piece is made in honor of my parents, and is called "Waiting." What are you waiting for?

It is time to make a difference.

Show and Tell

Michelle Jibson — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 19:40:00 GMT

Here at Interweave's Sudbury office, we have a lovely little tradition. Every Tuesday morning at 10:00, we circle up for a little Show and Tell. Those who have been working on projects bring them in and show them off, while the rest of us admire and are inspired. Though we only spend a few minutes, it's a wonderful time in which this handful of creative ladies can share their talents and initiate discussions that inspire new and exciting ideas.

But why should we have all the fun? I think it's time we shared some of it with you! So here is a glimpse into this week's Show and Tell. I hope you enjoy it!

First off, we have the fun Love Me, Love Me Not belt by Stitch editor Amber Eden.

Here's what Amber had to say about her project: "This is a leather belt made from scratch for an accessories class I am taking. The spikes are all the rage now, so I added them as embellishment. They are heavy-duty hardware and actually are secured by screws, after the hole is punched in the leather. The belt is worn spikes forward and buckle in back."

Next, from the assistant editor of Stitch, Rose DeBoer, we have a cute crotchet bowl.

According to Rose: "I crocheted a small bowl from a thin wool, then stretched it over a metal cup. Using a mixture of PVA glue and water (approximately 1 part glue to 10 parts water), I painted the base crochet. After it dried, I added a bias band on the top from one of my favorite Kokka fabrics. Voila!"

From the Cloth Paper Scissors family, we have two seasonally-appropriate crotchet hats made by CPS editor Jenn Mason.

"While traveling for Thanksgiving vacation, I wanted something I could work on while on the plane," Jenn explained. "I grabbed two unassigned balls of yarn and started to crochet hats for my youngest niece and baby nephew. I didn't use a pattern for either one but was able to make a few adjustments to come up with an interesting design."

And, finally, we have a project from the Cloth Paper Scissors Today online editor, Cate Coulacos Prato--the F abric Circle Topiary.

Cate said of this project, "I have been wanting to make these ever since I first saw the originals by Cynthia Ann Dubbers on the art table in preparation for being shot for CPS Gifts last year. Not only are they beautiful and easy to make, but creating the circles gets to the heart of what I most love about fiber art: mixing and matching fabrics."

Well, there you have it! Until we have our next Show and Tell, it's your turn to share! Write in the comments section about a project you're working on. We'd love to hear about it!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Kristine Lundblad — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:54:00 GMT

It's such a festive time of year. Decorations are going up. People are dressing in their finery. Gift planning is underway.

No, I don't mean Christmas or Hanukkah. It's almost International Quilt Festival time in Houston!


While you're at the International Quilt Festival in Houston next week, stop by the Quilting Arts booth #209 to enter a free raffle for a bagful of goodies similar to this. The prize is worth more than $500!

This year's Festival will feature literally hundreds of quilts, dozens of vendors, classes, and much more. Many quilters have literally been dreaming of Festival for some time. Well, dream no more because it starts next week!

If you go, we hope you will stop by the Quilting Arts Magazine exhibit, Booth #209. At our booth you can test drive our interactive eMags, check out our digital issues, sign up for or renew a subscription, see some lovely quilts, and more. We will host a free raffle for a bag full of Interweave products, including Quilting Arts books, DVDs, and magazines. This prize is worth more than $500! (The winner will be notified by email.)

The 2012 International Quilt Festival is at George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, in Houston, Texas. Preview night is Wednesday, October 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. The show runs Nov. 1-4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (4 p.m. on Sunday). For more information about Festival, visit quilts.com.

Come by and say hi -- we would love to meet you!

The Quilting Arts team

Winners of our Fabric Giveaway

Kristine Lundblad — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:13:00 GMT

I'm pleased to announce the two winners of our Moda Zen Chic fabric giveaway: lydianna and SusanW@8. Congratulations! Please contact me at klundblad@interweave.com.

Thank you to the over 400 respondents for leaving your comments. Please check back often for new fabric giveaways and more.

Kristine

Our Latest Magazine and a Fabric Giveaway

Kristine Lundblad — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:31:00 GMT

Most days, working at Quilting Arts Magazine is like being a kid in a candy store--if that kid is a quilter and the candy fabric, notions, and accessories, that is. Fabric, quilts, magazines, and books are our stock-in-trade.


We're giving away this Moda fabric. Don't miss your chance to win it!

Recently, the Winter 2012/2013 issue of International Quilt Festival: Quilt Scene came in. It is full of beautiful quilts, fun projects, and more. Order it now and you won't have to wait for it to be on the newsstand!

One project, the Rolling Ball Table Runner by Brigitte Heitland, features a Moda fabric line Brigitte designed for Zen Chic called Juggling Summer. This is her premier collection for Moda, and it features a European flair and a fresh color palette. I especially love the variety of circles--they positively bounce!

We received six samples of Brigitte's fabric, graciously sent by Moda, to help us photograph the project for the magazine. Now that Quilt Scene has gone to press, we no longer need it. What are we going to do with all of this wonderful fabric? You guessed it, give it away to our readers!

Leave a comment on this blog and two lucky winners will be selected. Each will receive 1/2-yard pieces of these six fabrics. That's three yards of fabric! Be sure to leave your comment by October 15, 2012, at 9 a.m. EST. I will post the names of the winners later that day.

Good luck!

Kristine

Do You Prefer Coffee or Tea?

Kristine Lundblad — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:58:00 GMT

Like many, my mornings could not begin without a cup of coffee or two. OK, usually three. It is a routine, a ritual that I do automatically, always the same way. It starts my day with structure and familiarity.


Atomic Coffee Break by bofogray

Later, I might have an afternoon cup of tea. This is where I switch things up a bit. Usually I like herbal tea with a dollop of honey but sometimes I'll have rooibos with milk (no sweetener) or a Chinese tea with stevia.

Although I like both coffee and tea, coffee wins out as my morning starter. How about you?

Our latest reader challenge asks the age-old question, "coffee or tea?" We want to know about your favorite morning beverage. Do you stumble bleary-eyed into the kitchen to switch on the percolator or do you fill up the kettle and reach for a tea bag? Bean or leaf? Mug or cup? Cream or lemon?

Combine your love of fiber art with your passion for your brew of choice in an 8" x 10" art quilt. Show us what you drink and the way you drink it, the sensations you experience, the effect the beverage has on you, or how you feel without it.

Our deadline for emailed submissions is December 6, 2012. Click here to read the complete rules and requirements.

We look forward to seeing your work!

Kristine

There's Another App for That - Q&A with Lisa Thorpe

Vivika_Blog — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 06:15:00 GMT

It seems to me that the one constant on which we can rely in this world of technology is change. Just when I feel comfortable with a new piece of software or the latest digital platform, something changes. I have held on to old floppy disks, outmoded cameras, and even a VCR for years before admitting that the times (and technology!) have moved on. In today's world of constant updates, we can't always ignore those changes.

Art by Lisa Thorpe

When I first saw the work artist Lisa Thorpe was doing combining drawing on her iPad and printing her digital results onto fabric, I was in awe. Her work is fresh, fun, and exciting, and I couldn't wait to try the technique myself. After a few experiments following Lisa's tutorial that we published in the current issue of Quilting Arts, (October/November 2012) I am also hooked on this great way of creating art fabric.

But there's a catch . . . the original version of the Brushes app that Lisa used for her tutorial is no longer available. I asked Lisa to fill in our readers with an update on how to use her tutorial with Brushes 3, the updated version of the app.

Vivika: Lisa, I just love your technique! iPad art is something I can see artists who work with different media exploring in their work. I've heard that the Brushes platform has been updated recently to Brushes 3. Have you tried the new version of the app?

Lisa: I found out from a Quilting Arts reader that the Brushes app wasn't available as of September 18^th, right as the magazine was being sent to subscribers. I quickly found the Brushes 3 app and downloaded it.

I have had a chance to do a couple of drawings with the new app and it is essentially the same with a few added features. They have added more layers, more control over the size and shape of the canvas, the color palette is expanded, and some of the operations have been made simpler. I think these are great improvements, and there is a brief sample tutorial that will help get people started.

Vivika: Have you explored any other drawing apps on your iPad?

Lisa: I have tried out several different apps. There are a lot out there, and many seem to be designed to keep kids entertained and don't have a lot of versatility. My research has pulled up a few that are directed to artists and designers. The Brushes 3 app of course is what I've landed on but there are good reviews for SketchBook Pro, too.

Recently I tried ArtRage. This app is intriguing because it simulates paint in a more realistic way than any other app I've found. I have been playing around with the watercolor and ink modes, and have created several journal pages in my iPad sketchbook library. I look forward to becoming more familiar with this app.

Vivika: Any tips for someone new to drawing on a tablet?

Lisa: The best tip I have is to start off by trying all the strokes and features and playing around before you want to create a finished product. When you are familiar with the way it works, start with a very simple still life. Just like with any artistic medium, you have to put in the time. I always tell the folks that take my classes to remember this is a first date; you're just going for coffee and getting to know this new medium. To have a relationship you have to invest the time. This goes for anybody exploring a new art form, so enjoy, explore, find your voice . . . see where it'll take you!

To see more of Lisa's work, visit lisathorpeartist.wordpress.com.

Empty Nest = Room for Quilting

Kristine Lundblad — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 16:55:00 GMT

I'm an empty-nester ... again. My 25-year-old daughter, who lived with me for the past year, just moved to the Pacific Northwest to start graduate school. Before she moved in, post-college, I had been alone for a couple of years. Of course I opened my doors to her when she needed a place to stay but I also wondered how we would adjust to living together again. It was great and she was a terrific roommate. I miss her already!


This weekend I rearranged furniture to create a "sewing studio," of sorts. I was still smiling, at this point! Photo by Art Illman

The silver lining, though, is I have more space. The extra table I had stored in the attic is now in the "spare" room—which can now be a sewing/guest room rather than a full-time bedroom. I can leave my sewing machine out of its case and keep it set up. I've already moved some furniture around and I know just what project I'll dive into first: the quilt I must finish for my quilt guild's biennial show coming up soon!

But what next for my new sewing room? It still needs to function as a spare bedroom, after all, and it's not too big. And I'm a renter so there's a limit to what I can nail into the walls or change permanently.

I've been enamored with Cloth Paper Scissors® Studios magazine for some time and the Fall 2012 issue features many textile artists, sewists, and quilters in its inspirational pages. I have discovered storage tips and repurposing techniques that are not only clever but economical. I've also found great items at yard sales such as armoires, bookshelves, and containers of all sorts that lend a funky vibe. And I love my local hardware store--I just bought a case of canning jars on sale that will make great containers for buttons, trims, and other do-dads.

My space will probably never grace the pages of Studios but it's shaping up and, best of all, sparking my creativity. Do you have tips to share to make a small space efficient and stimulating?

Kristine