The UPS man has visited frequently the last several weeks with massive deliveries of new fabric. Even knowing what is coming, there is nothing more exciting than opening those boxes and seeing the new fabrics for the first time. Each time a delivery is made, we rearrange the shelves to make room, and goodness has there been a lot of rearranging! Let me tell you a little about the fabric that has arrived recently.

Aneela Hoey's "A Walk in the Woods" for Moda Fabrics is an absolutely darling interpretation of Little Red Riding Hood. We have many bolts of fabric from the line, as well as charm packs and layer cakes. Moda offers a free pattern to go along with this fabric line.

Clematis is a stunning new line designed by Cedar West for Clothworks. Trust me when I say that the pictures of this line just do not do it justice. The florals just pop, and the coordinate fabrics are just luscious. Clothworks offers a free pattern to accompany this line of fabrics.

Denyse Schmidt's highly anticipated return of Flea Market Fancy by Free Spirit does not disappoint. This reprint's hues are refreshed and include some new colors of favorite patterns. Be sure to get yours today! We don't expect these favorite bolts to last long.

Joanna Figueroa's latest fabric line designed for Moda Fabrics will certainly make you want to get outside in this surprisingly warm weather and fly a kite, go fishing, or toss a ball with your favorite child. California Girl embodies all of those things in Figueroa's signature style and colors. Playtime Toile, the signature fabric, is just absolutely precious.

Last, but not least, we are thrilled to be carrying fabric from Timeless Treasure's new endeavor, Dear Stella Designs. This new manufacturer promises to have coordinated, fresh designs, which we think our customers will love. Along with the many bolts (about 50!) of quilting cottons we currently have, we also have four canvases and two laminates

As you can see, we really are busting at the seams with new fabric. Come on into the shop--either online or in West Concord--and start a new project for Spring. You won't regret it!

Last week, a customer came into the shop, and as I worked with her, she exclaimed, "I feel like I've found my home! I went into a shop to buy minkee to bind a quilt, and the workers thought I was crazy. But, I walked in here and saw you had TWO quilts with Minkee binding. You're my kind of shop!"

 

We love working with Minkee. We use it to make baby quilts, to back quilts, and even to bind quilts! Recently, we've started offering kits to make Stitch 'n Flip quilt-as-you-go kits. Everyone who comes into the shop loves the look and feel of the quilts. They're soft, cozy, and heavy--just what you would want wrapped around you on a cold night or when you're feeling under the weather. But, people are often a little unsure about working with just that much Minkee. So, here are some tips for working with Minkee to keep your sanity long enough to get the most luxurious feeling quilt you'll ever own or gift.

First, before you even start working with the Minkee, take it outside and shake it out. When Minkee is cut, it sheds. The good news is, once you get your quilt sewn together, this is not an issue.

Next, before you start sewing, do a quick clean of your machine. Each machine is slightly different, so consult your owner's manual about how to clean your bobbin case and the "innards." Depending on what you are doing with the Minkee, you may need to clean your machine again during the project. You will definitely want to clean it after completing the project.

Use a slightly longer stitch then normal. The stitches will sink into the Minkee, which makes Minkee an exceptionally forgiving fabric to work with. It also ensures an absolutely gorgeous backing fabric, though. Look at how the stitches just sink into the fabric.

We currently have three Stitch 'n Flip Minkee kits in the shop. These quilt as you go kits are a fairly easy project, which result in maximum coziness. The Transportation Stitch 'n Flip is shown finished above. Click on the pictures of the kits below to view and purchase these kits.