We will be hanging a trunk show from Toadusew in the shop tomorrow. We love the pieces this company creates. They are incredibly skilled at showcasing fabrics from a manufacturer. This time they have used solids from Robert Kaufman in spectacular fashion! We have ordered many of the fabrics used to create Vantage Point, the quilt shown here, and those in the other pieces being hung. Many of the quilts would also be effective when made from the wide range of tone on tone prints on our shelves. I hope you get a chance to see the quilts "up close"!

     The striking pattern Moda has designed to showcase the Kashmir II collection is easier to construct than it looks. Flowers for Kashmir is created entirely from 60 triangles stitched in straight rows. It is as much a lesson in organization as stitching! The elegant fabrics make a beautiful piece that is even more beautiful when quilted. Pattern: $8.00, fabric $9.00 per yard

     Alma Allen and Barb Adams of Blackbird Designs are known for their sophisticated, country style, needlework and quilting patterns. For several years they have also been designing fabrics for Moda to compliment the patterns. We have just received their newest collection, At Water's Edge. Prints in soft, dusty green, rose, blue and gold will blend beautifully with their previous groups. Once again they have included a print that resembles an old cross-stitch sampler. It would make a great centerpiece or could just as easily fade into the background. These prints are certain to inspire some fabulous quilts! $9.00 per yard. Jen will have these online soon!

     Our Asian fabric corner is filled to the proverbial brim! As a special treat to myself (when I should have been cleaning my sewing room) I stitched the Yacho (wild birds) table topper last week. The bold bird print had just arrived and I couldn't resist! The pattern can be found in the newest edition of the magazine Asian Fabric. Each issue of the magazine, published by Kona Bay Fabrics, is packed with designs that really highlight the beauty of their fabrics. The patterns are always clearly illustrated and complimented by articles about travel and Asian culture. The bold quilt works up very quickly, making it a great accent piece or gift.

     The Kansas City Star is making a name for itself in the quilt book-publishing world. One of their newest titles caught my eye. Come to the Fair is written by Edie McGinnis. We first met Edie when we visited the Star several years ago. She was our very knowledgeable guide to the company quilt and pattern collection. This new book looks at the evolution of state fairs in the Midwest. I fondly recall childhood summers frantically preparing for the county fair (there were ribbons and prizes to be won!) - I just had to read what Edie had to say. I loved every page of her book. She talks about early fairs and the importance quilts have always played in these events. She details the early emphasis on agriculture and even shares some of the early fair competition categories (how about best false teeth?!) Nine fairs and corresponding quilts are shared - I began with Indiana. The draw of the Indiana quilt, dedicated to 4H, was overwhelming. The block pattern used for the quilt is an early Star design. It was great fun to make and reminded me of just how much I learned and how much I owe to my years in 4H. The book is great fun to read, I can almost taste the cotton candy! $25.95