This is week 1 of the farmers wife 1930 sew along and it had been quite the week.  This sew along is sponsored by gnome angel, fat quarter shop, marti michell and let me tell you they have put in a lot of work to get this going.  the sew along has over 4000 people in it so far and it seems to be growing daily.
I decided to used Cheddar and Indigo from  Penny Rose fabrics- I love the colors and I thing this will be fun colors to work with.
I have started my block and have completed the first block which is Becky( shown below)  Bonnie block is the second one and then there will be one more this week .   The colors are vibrant so I am app about the result.  I chose to paper piece the first few blocks and will decide if I will use the MM templates in future blocks.  Paper piecing is a bit confusing at first and you tend to make a few errors and need to use your trusty seam ripper.  After you work with paper piecing a few times it really makes the blocks look great and match up nicely.
A few things I have learned a long the way-
1.  Use a new needle- your needle dulls rather quickly and you will have issues with skipped stitches .
2.  Use a good thread weight- I used 50 wt.
3.  Use the right needle size so you will have a more precise seam allowance .  I used a 70/20 needle.
4.  Don't worry about keeping up or not having the most perfect points just do your best and enjoy the journey.  The Bonnie block was a fun one to do and I put it next to the Becky and it looks like it is going look great doing the 3 colors throughout the quilt squares


Our next challenge was to be creative with displaying the squares so on the next block which was the Aunt block which is shown next.  The Aunt block I decide to use the MM templates and I found them easy to use and the results came out just as well as the paper piecing.

I started to second guess my decision about just using the 3 colors and just using cheddar and indigo collections after seeing all the different blocks from the ladies in the group.  I even went as far as picking out another collection and do two of the quilt blocks - one of each- but the more I look at the cheddar and indigo collection the happier I am with my decision.
The new block is below  and I decided to use the center for a pop color and to fussy cut the flower for the center to make it stand out even more.

This is now the second week and I finished my block for the new week and was ok with it but the more I look at it the more I wanted to redo it.  My points were a bit off and the seams did not seem to be as tight as they should be so I am about to redo it and now it is Thursday and there is another block which is Caroline which I need to do as well.

                                           

       Frivols #2

Friviols second in the series of 12 is on its way to us and we should have them by the end of the week.  This time the collection is Paisley and Dots.   It has an Americana feel to it.

   

 This is a sample of some of the blocks that can be made with the fabric in this tin.  They are maker blocks  to give an example  if you want to select other designs.  Included in this collection are 2 quilt labels







This is the finished look of the quilt pattern that is included in this                                                         quilt .  If you want to be sure to get this second collectors tin be                                                             sure to get it quickly because they are selling quickly and are                                                                 limited in quantity.                                                                                                      

Have you ever?

Felt stuck ?  I have been wanting to start this new quilt project and could not wait until I finished the project I was already on.  I was so excited that I was finally done and pulled out the pattern I recently purchased on the net.  The pattern that is pictured below is called Bubble.  I love this pattern.  The background with the low volume print is something that I have been wanting to do and when I saw this one I knew this is one I wanted to make.  Why is it then I am procrastinating?  I want to start and yet I do not- I think about it many time throughout the day and think  I am going to go downstairs and begin but.........I just sit there and do nothing.   I am stuck- not because I do not think I can not do it nor want to - I really do but I just can not seem to start the process.  I have plenty of fabrics to work with so I can not say that is the problem- I have the time so that is not the reason I do not begin .  

I am not sure what the issue is but rather than force the process I will wait until I am once again inspired to create something.  I know this is the one that I will make I guess it is like many things in our lives sometimes we are challenged .  Whether it is lack of creativity or motivation or whatever the reason we get stuck we just need to get though it and when the time comes and I know it will I will happily begin this wonderful pattern of bubbles.                                                                                

New this week

do you find it difficult to find premium solid color flannel?

         Did you ever want premium quality solid flannel?                                       

We have searched high and low for a great solid flannel   and after 2 years we have finally found it.
MDG has come out with the best looking flannel that we have ever seen touched, felt!  This flannel is super soft, double napped .  The colors are saturated and consistent.
We think you will love the new flannel we have shown above.

The new Tula Pink Eden will be here on Friday Sept. 4, 2015

Its here its finally here!   Well almost here.  We have been waiting since January to get this beautiful fabric, new from Tula Pinks new collection EdenThe new Eden collection will be here on Friday Sept. 4 2015

   an excerpt from Tula Pink from Free Spirit
 Eden is a snapshot of that imagined place made real in fresh, vivid color. For me Eden is both a retreat and a reminder to leave a little room at the end of the day to embrace the mystery and take time to wonder. Albert Einstein may have said it best when he wrote, "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.” Eden is about keeping our eyes open and maybe seeing that there is more there than we originally thought. 

                                   


                     This fabric is beautiful and has a tapestry look but is 100% cotton.This will be a great fabric to use for many type of  projects.  We                        are so excited to get it.

Frivols are here from Moda

                     Frivols are here!  What is a Frivol?  

Frivols are a new collective tin series that has fabric, quilt pattern and a tine that is exclusive to Moda.  This is the first one in the series of 12.  Each month there will be a new tin with a different fabric with instructions for a quilt top.

This is something new from Moda and has been selling like crazy.

The first tin has Hello Darling fabric squares 7" squares from the designers Bonnie and Camille.   They are one of the most popular designers that Moda has.

How exciting this is!

The Farmer's Wife 1930s Sew-Along Experience

     

 Over the past few weeks the internet has been quite a buzz over the upcoming Farmer's Wife 1930s Sew-along hosted by Angie of Gnome Angel, Marti Mitchell and the fat quarter shop.

You can get the complete information from the gnome angels site but I will tell you briefly about it as it relates to me.

I decided to participate in this sew-along for many reasons.  One it looks like it would be fun to participate in a year long event. Another reason it is self paced and a great opportunity to learn and perfect my skill.   gnomeangel plays a big role my reason due to the fact she is very hands on.  She responds quickly to questions and is helpful.

The sew-along starts on Sept.28th and there are over 1500 participants so far from different parts of the world.
First part of the process was to order the book which I did and got it through Amazon.  I then needed to decide how I was going to construct the squares whether I would use templates or paper piece or hand pieced.  I made the decision to use the templates made by Marti MItchell .  There are several sets suggested and other tools that might be helpful.  The next step was decide on fabric choice.

I chose Cheddar and Indigo by Penny Rose- I love the colors and prints.

The quilt is going to have 99 different squares and the design looks like design wise.  I can not wait to see it in the colors I have chosen.

                 Everything Moda  

This week we have received a truck everyday and each time they have brought us a new Moda fabric.

Some of the fabric brought this week are pictured to the left of this post. Hugaboo by Deb Strain, Hello Darling by Bonnie and Camille and For You from Zen Chic.

Each of the collections are modern with geometric shapes.  Colors are bright.

We have charm packs layer cakes and roly polies.  

Our etsy , ebay and our webstore have a little of each ready for your project or add to your stash.

You will see that many of the fabrics in all the collections can work together to make one design so you have a lot of versatility.

There is much more to check out in our store.

Stay tuned- we have more Moda on its way to us this coming week.

    

Modern Paper Background by Zen Chic Brand New from Moda

                         Modern Background Paper Fabric                                                             

Zen Chic Has once again come out with a new collection that is called Modern Paper.  This collection is so versatile and can be used a blender or a key design in your project. The graphite, eggshell and silver are its main color palette and ranges from newsprint, shapes and geometric fabrics. There is such a variety of backgrounds to choose from.  This is sure to sell out quickly.
The Modern design has been very popular this past few years and remains so this coming year.   



                                            

New Moda Collection Nocturne plus project sheet

          Nocturne by Janet Clare

 Moda had released a new collection this week called Nocturne which is a very modern look.  Most all the designs are black cream  and navy.  There are many of the fabrics that would work well as a background to other designs or works well on its own.
We have a sample of a project done using the Nocturne fabric which is available for download here.  Check out our website, etsy or ebay to see all the fabrics available.


                                    





                                                                             

JUST A FEW MORE DAYS

       

 Trucks have been here dropping off so many of the new fabrics that we ordered.  Talk about job security....we have been working really hard to get all the fabric listed as it comes in.  Check back often to see what is here and for opportunities to win some of the new fabric

  Cotton+Steel fabric are modern and fun to work with perfect for any project. Fabric is 100% quilting cotton.  Fabric washes up nicely and looks great for quilt patterns.  


Some of the new fabrics that are here are Playful by Melody Miller, Mochi

(makes me think of that wonderful ice cream)  Spellbound- great for Halloween projects- fun prints with mummies spiders and headless dresses done so tastefully.  






  

We still have a giveaway going on through Tuesday and will be drawing a name on that morning for a free 5x5 stack.  The rules for the giveaway are very simple.  Subscribe to our website and or facebook an or ebay.  For every subscription you will have an opportunity to win free fabric stackers.  We will post the winner on Wednesday morning.                                                                                                                                                              

          

Thursday Trivia

                        

When was quilting first established?

        Approximately 3000 BC

What is the quilt capital of the world?

        Paducah, KY

When did the Modern Quilting movement begin?

        In 2009

Where is the oldest quilt made located?

Victoria and Albert Museum

Do you want more quilting trivia?

Check back next Thursday

Whats Up Wednesday?

New fabric!  'That's whats up! So we want to have a sale

so you can take advantage of the new fabrics that are here. 

For the remainder of the week, which will be until June 13th,

we will be offering a 20% off coupon.  Use the code  913FB13

at checkout and you will get the discount.  If you need more of an item,

please ask - we may have additional fabric.

LOOK Whats new from Moda today!

                                                                         

                NEW FROM MODA   

                   From Primitive Gatherings

                   Snowman Gatherings II

                   This is a really sweet holiday design from Moda. 

                   The really cute snowmen are so fun and will work

                    great for any holiday project.  We have the 5" charms

                    in and price is $9.49.  The reglular price is $9.98

                                                                                                                                         

    

A close up of one of the fabrics

                                                                 

What Does the Fox Say? Freida Fox by Laura Heine

I visited our local quilt store and came across this fun pattern.  I have seen it several times but kept passing it by thinking that I did not have time to try something new BUT this quilt was displayed in the store and it was just beautiful and I decided to take the plunge and purchase the pattern.  

This pattern is by Laura Heine.  It is what is called a collage quilt.    You can also purchase the kit with all fabric included but I just got the pattern.    I have purchased some of the supplies and will be showing you progress along the way. i am going to take my time to complete it since it takes some time to decide placement of the fabric and I want to do this pattern justice- I am so excited to get this process started but......I need to order or purchase a few supplies needed before I begin.  Check back with me along the way and see what the fox is shaping up to be.

                                                                           

One thing I forgot to say is that Laura Heine is just one of many different patterns that Laura Heine created  for you.  This is a fun new way to create a quilt in a different way- collage it- sound fun?     (this is not an endorsement nor am I getting paid to preview this pattern)

As Easy as ............Bloc Loc Ruler

Product Review

This little ruler does not look like much but you will be surprised at how much easier it will be to square up your Half Triangles.  I purchased this unassuming little tool this past week because I wanted to have accurate squares for a project I am doing with smaller HST.   I waited patiently until my mail carrier delivered my new Bloc Loc- it seemed like it took forever- well not really it only took a few days but my project was waiting so it seemed like forever.

First I checked out the video on You Tube to see how it works- I thought well it can not be all that easy to use so wanted to be sure I got all the necessary information.  What is funny it is so easy to use and it saves so much time and each and every time you get perfect squares.  I purchased the 4 1/2" ruler thinking it would be the most versatile size for me to work with.  One of the great things with the rulers is that you can use this ruler for more than a 4 1/2" HST.  I needed to trim my squares to 2 1/2" so all you need to do is line it up on the ruler and it is ready to cut your square.

Initially I thought that it was sooooooo expensive for sure a little thing but let me tell you that it is worth every cent that it is- you will end up with less waste and more time since you will not be correcting all the mis sized squares you might have had without it.

Its magic !  I love this new ruler- Thank you Bloc Loc for saving me a bit of sanity- we all need to preserve as much as we can- never never know just when you need an extra bit, Right?   

Thank you for letting me share with you today!

Patti from buttons-n-things LLC.

Whats New this week

This week we are excited that  the new  Kaffe Fassett fabric came in.  The colors are vibrant and full of color.  We have several prints and  they are now listed in our store.   One of our favorite fabric from Kaffe is the lotus flower- this has been a popular style for Kaffe and has been printed in several color tones over the years.

We have several options for blenders that matches Kaffe's fabric- Check out our new Grunge fabric- we think that would be a great color coordinate.

 If you are reading this post during the week of April 19, 2015 we will offer a 15% discount on our Kaffe Fassett fabric

Mothers Day is coming up soon and this would be a perfect fabric to make something for Mom.

Moda Fabrics

MODA Fabrics

A little bit of information about Moda Fabrics

Mark Dunn started United Notions back in 1975.

Moda is 3 companies all wrapped up into one. Through these companies we offer a wide range of fabrics, notions, patterns, books, quilting supplies and finished products.

United Notions, Moda Fabrics & Moda Home.

United Notions has all the notions and tools needed to make putting your quilt together They carry everything from cutting mats, rotary cutters, pins and marking tools to the storage bins to keep it all organized. They stock over 30,000 items including Clover, Aurifil, AccuQuilt, C&T Publishing, Olfa, Fiskars, Martingale, Warm Products and Sewline,

Moda Fabrics indulges the fabric lover in all of us! From traditional to modern, we have something for everyone.

Moda Home caters to the domestic goddess in us all providing an adorable line of pre-made home goods to jazz up your home or event for any occasion. Vintage style hankies, table clothes, & aprons galore!

25% off total purchase on buttons-n-things.com

Today through the end of Wednesday when you shop our store you can get 25% off your purchase- remember to use your discount code.

Valenties Day Winner

We are happy to announce the winner of our giveaway- the valentines tossed pillow .

Gaye - you are it- please message us with your address information and we will send it right out to you!

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Have a Happy Valentines Day, Everyone!

Quilters Numbered Pins- a must have

      We are so excited that we are finally getting our shipment in of Marilee's Numbered Quilt pins.  We will be posting them on Friday  so be on the look out for them- I am sure they will sell fast.                                  
                                                                                     


                Marilee's Numbered Q-pins.
 
Numbered Pins is the perfect solution for organizing quilt blocks, rows and columns when order is important to the design of the quilt. Use these high quality, stainless steel, flat head pins as a simple tool to keep your project organized without disturbing your layout. Simply pin a Numbered Pin in the upper left hand corner of a block, row or column to keep track of specific pieces as you rotate or shift your fabrics. A quantity of pins for each number (1-20) is provided for easy organization for any sized project. Numbered Pins are a great alternative to masking tape, especially when residue can damage the fabric, and they replace those annoying, one-time-use sticky notes. Need to add more numbers, letters or color codes? Simply customize the back of each pinhead with a permanent marker. Our reusable product will not damage fabric and remains stationary while assembling your quilt. Marilee developed the idea for these functional pins and everyone’s saying, “Let’s get pinning!”.

-130 numbered pins are provided in a convenient, compartmentalized, two sided case for easy organization.

-Numbered Pins keep the design in order during assembly of rows or columns.

-Numbered Pins can be customized with a permanent marker to add more numbers or letters if desired.

Moda Fabric Collections are available now

Modas Wrens and Friends and S'More Love Collections are here-  this is just a small sample of the collection which is Wrens and Things-you can find them on our website buttons-n-things.com and our ebay site buttons-n-things

We will be offering them in half yard and full yards. 

If you would like to see the S'more love collection it is pictured on buttons-n-things.com

In April we will be getting a large amount of new fabrics from Moda, Studio E,  Kaffe Facett, Kate Spain and so much more-

Keep watching- we will continue to do giveaways and offer new products.

Please consider signing up for our newsletter to be the first to receive the most current news.

We are "Sew" happy you stopped by for a visit- come back often!

buttons-n-things LLC

Winner, winner, who is the winner?

                                                

 Congrats goes to Ragantt @ _____.com  for subscribing to our website. The drawing was done and you are the winner of the Happi fabric panel. Please email us your address and we will send it to you.

There is still time to enter our next drawing which will be on Valentines Day. If you have subscribed already, you can recommend us to a friend and have them sign up and mention you. That way you can also be in the drawing. Or, like us on Facebook.

We are still adding merchandise almost daily. If there is anything that you want but do not see, please drop us a line and we will try to get it for you.