On the Go Bags + Giveaway!

Hip, hip….hooray! On the Go Bags—15 Handmade Purses, Totes & Organizers releases this month! We have been eagerly awaiting this book, co-authored by Lindsay Conner and Janelle MacKay, which features more than a dozen original, multi-use bag and organizer patterns that will help you keep the essentials at an arm’s reach. So, whether you’re headed to work, running errands, on vacation, or just trying to keep it all together at home… there’s something perfect for you!

The contributing designers from the book include some names you’ll recognize from the Pellon Projects portion of our site. Read to learn a bit more about the projects and for your chance to win the book! First, let’s ask co-authors Janelle and Lindsay a few questions to get to know them better!

1) If you were on a desert island and could only take one Pellon product with you, what would it be and why?

JM: Pellon Thermolam Plus, because I will be able to use it to make beautiful, dense, interlining in all of my bag projects. It’s not too thick to sew through, but creates a very substantial feel to the project. I would take only fusible though, because it stays in place, and I’m sure Gilligan will have an iron there anyway.

LC: Definitely ShapeFlex. I’m in love with this stuff for making bag panels from quilting cottons. It gives just the right amount of weight, and is really great paired with Thermolam. Since I’m also a quilter, I even used it to back the panels for a T-shirt quilt, and it worked wonderfully!

Travel Toiletry Roll from “On the Go Bags”

2) What project from the book are you most looking forward to making (or sewing again)?

JM: I need all of the projects from the book, have made many, and plan on making them all. And first on the list is a Travel Toiletry Roll. I’ve got a trip planned to Quilt Market in the Spring, and this will be necessary!

LC: I’m on my fourth Sporty Strap Pack (one-shouldered backpack), and each time I make it, I am having fun personalizing it with extra little details and contrast pockets. I also really want to make a Shopping Cart Caddy to hold my phone, shopping list and keys while I’m out getting groceries!

Two-Bottle Tote from “On the Go Bags”

3) What’s your favorite guilty pleasure to enjoy while you’re sewing?

JM: I love to have a nice cold beer with me while I’m sewing. I find my sewing room gets so hot with that iron going, a cold beer to sip on is so refreshing.

LC: Salt & vinegar potato chips! Lately, I’ve enjoyed listening to an audiobook on my laptop, although I tend to miss a few paragraphs while the sewing machine really gets whirring.

—

Can you imagine using some of our new Flex Foam in this Padded Camera Bag Insert from the book? In addition to the projects, you’ll learn some great bag-making techniques to get a professional finish. We’ve also spotted lots of projects that are great with a lightweight interfacing such as ShapeFlex, a heaver stabilizer like Peltex or a fusible bag shaper like Thermolam Plus.

For a look at more projects in the book, here’s a little video trailer…

Don’t forget to follow the rest of the blog tour for more giveaways!

Tuesday, Dec 1: Shannon Fabrics / Sew Sweetness
Wednesday, Dec 2: Clover & Violet / Ann Kelle
Thursday, Dec 3: Radiant Home Studio / Melly Sews
Friday, Dec 4: Sew Caroline / Mia’s Creations
Saturday, Dec 5: ikat bag / imagine gnats
Monday, Dec 7: sewVery / The Girl Inspired
Tuesday, Dec 8: Stash Books / Fabric Mutt
Wednesday, Dec 9: Pellon
Thursday, Dec 10: Simple Simon and Co / Mrs. H
Friday, Dec 11: Emmaline Bags / Lindsay Sews
Monday, Dec 13: Sew, Mama, Sew

Giveaway!

Would you like to win a copy of On the Go Bags? Leave a comment on this post telling us what style of bag is most useful in your everyday life and why. Giveaway ends 12/15 at midnight EST, and we’ll choose one random winner. U.S. winner will receive a hard copy, and winner outside the U.S. will receive an e-Book.

Market Project Spotlight

It’s hard to believe that the last day of International Quilt Market is already upon us. There is always such anticipation leading up to the big event and then it always seems to go way too fast! We’ve been having a great time and will post a recap of some of our favorite parts later this week. Today, we wanted to throw a spotlight on a few of the projects currently on display in our booth. Sure, if you’ve at market, and you’ve been to our booth, you’ve seen these beauties already. But, if you’re following along from home, isn’t it nice to get a little recap — give the designers a little shout-out? We think so too:).

Divide & Conquer Quilt
by Elizabeth Dackson of Don’t Call Me Betsy

Uses 100% Bleached Cotton Batting

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee Sleeves 
by Bree Wernimont of My Crafty Crap

Butterflies: SF101 Shape-Flex® & Flex-Foam™ 1-Sided Fusible (fused to the lining)

Pink & yellow triangles: SF101 Shape-Flex®, Insul-Film™, & Natural Cotton Batting

Grey polka dots: SF101 Shape-Flex® & Natural Cotton Batting

 

 

Happy Home Floor Pillow
by Caroline Hulse of Sew Caroline

Uses Flex-Foam Sew-In & Basic Loft Fiber Fill

 

 

 

Coasters
by Nancy Spaulding of Baby Rozen Design

Uses Flex-Foam 2-Sided Fusible

 

 

 

Throw Pillow 
by Jackie White of Jackie’s Art Quilts

Uses Bamboo Blend Batting & Decorative 16×16 Pillow Insert

 

 

 

 

Thank you SO much to all of the talented designers who sent us projects to put out on display. You all make us look good!!

Lined Serving Tray

The word on the street is that Flex-Foam™ is the ‘belle of the ball’! We’ve been having so much fun with this product. It’s sturdy yet pliable and so easy to sew! There are so many things to make with Flex-Foam — from handbags to pet mats, lunch bags to changing pads, nap mats to baskets… the sky is really the limit. What would you make?

Available varieties & put-ups:
Flex-Foam Sew-in
20″ x 10yd board (FF77), 60″ x 10yd roll (FF77R10), 20″ x 60″ package (FF776020P)

Flex-Foam 1-Sided Fusible
20″ x 10yd board (FF78F1), 60″ x 10yd roll (FF78F1R), 20″ x 60″ package (FF78F16020P)

Flex-Foam 2-Sided Fusible
20″ x 10yd board (FF79F2), 60″ x 10yd roll (FF79F2R), 20″ x 60″ package (FF79F26020P)

We’ve got another quickie project for you today — a little something to spice up that plain old serving tray you’ve been holding on to. Use our Flex-Foam 2-Sided Fusible and Vinyl Fuse to give it some pizzazz… some personality!

lined serving tray

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
— 2 coordinating fat quarters for top and bottom
— ¼ yard coordinating fabric for binding (or pre-packaged binding)
— 1 yard Pellon® FF79F2 Flex-Foam™ 2-Sided Fusible Interfacing
— 1 pkg  Pellon® 100R Vinyl-Fuse™
— Rotary cutter, sewing machine & related supplies
— Iron & ironing surface

DIRECTIONS:
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application of all interfacing. All seams ¼” unless otherwise indicated. RS = Right Side; WS = Wrong Side.

Step 1 – Measure the interior of the serving tray. Add a ½” to each measurement.

Step 2 – Use measurement to cut one piece each of top and bottom fabrics and Flex-Foam 2-Sided Fusible and two pieces of Vinyl-Fuse.

Step 3 – Place one fabric rectangle RS down on an ironing surface followed by the Flex-Foam 2-Sided Fusible. Place remaining fabric rectangle RS up on top. Fuse.

Step 4 – Remove paper backing from one piece of Vinyl-Fuse. Carefully place it on the RS of top fabric. Smooth to remove any bubbles or wrinkles. Fuse, taking extra care not to touch the iron to the Vinyl-Fuse.

Step 5 – Repeat with the remaining piece of Vinyl-Fuse on opposite side.

Step 6 – Bind insert.

Step 7 – Place inside serving tray.

Happy Sewing!

——————-

pssssssst. Don’t forget about our Missing Market Giveaway! It runs through 3pmCST on Monday, October 26. Click here for more info.

 

Pellon® Batting for All!

Our big news for Market? Pellon Nature’s Touch® & Quilter’s Touch® Batting will now be available to all domestic distributors! It’s the same great Legacy by Pellon Batting you’re used to, but now under the Pellon name. Products will be available to ship on October 28! What does this mean for you? Quite simply, it means that you’ll now be able to grab Pellon batting at your local quilt shop, through your preferred distributor, or at your go-to online fabric shop. Pretty cool, right? 

We’ll be updating our website just after market with all of the details, but for now, here is a quick list of the varieties available:

• Nature’s Touch 100% Natural Cotton, w/Scrim
• Nature’s Touch 100% Natural Cotton, no Scrim
• Wrap-N-Zap
• Nature’s Touch 100% Bleached Cotton, w/Scrim
• Nature’s Touch Eco-Cotton Reprocessed 70/30, w/Scrim
• Nature’s Touch Natural Blend 80/20, w/Scrim
• Nature’s Touch Natural Blend 80/20, no Scrim
• Nature’s Touch 60/40 Polyester Blend, w/Scrim
• Nature’s Touch 50/50 Bamboo/Cotton Blend, w/Scrim
• Quilter’s Touch 100% Polyester-Thermal Bonded Fine Denier Siliconized Blend
• Quilter’s Touch 100% Polyester-Thermal Bonded: Low, Medium, & High Loft
• Nature’s Touch Wool – Thermal bonded & Super Washed

To get you in the mood for creating, we’ve got a very simple, but super cute little Holiday Table Runner Tutorial. This one is so easy that it could be quilted up on Christmas morning and ready by dinner. Not that we’re suggesting you do that, but still! 😉 Enjoy!

Holiday Table Runner

SUPPLIES & TOOLS
— 1/4 yard each of six different coordinating holiday fabrics
— 1/2 yard fabric for backing
— 1/4 yard fabric for binding
— One Throw-Sized package Pellon® N-60 Nature’s Touch® 100% All Natural Cotton Batting
— Thread
— Sewing Machine & Related Supplies
— Rotary Cutter & Related Supplies

DIRECTIONS
This project uses ¼” seams throughout unless otherwise indicated.

Step 1 – Cutting instructions:
Cut 14” long strips of varying widths from all six coordinating fabrics. The number of strips depends on desired finished table runner length.

Cut one rectangle of batting that is 14” x (desired table runner length + 2”)

Cut one rectangle of backing fabric that is 14” x (desired table runner length + 2”)

Step 2 – Press all fabrics to remove any creases.

Step 3 – Arrange strips as desired.

Step 4 – Place batting rectangle on a work surface. Place first strip of fabric at one end so that it extends beyond the batting on both sides. Quilt as desired.

Step 5 – Place a second strip of fabric on top with right sides together so that interior raw edges align. Sew, fold over so that second strip is right side up and press. Topstitch and quilt as desired.

Step 6 – Repeat Step 5 until all strips are quilted to the batting rectangle.

Step 7 – Place the quilted rectangle on a work surface, right side down. Square up edges.

Step 8 – Place quilted rectangle wrong sides together with backing fabric and cut backing fabric to size. Pin.

Step 9 – To secure backing to table runner top, stich-in-the-ditch along every third fabric strip. Remove pins.

Step 9 – To create binding, cut 3” x WOF (width of fabric) strips from binding fabric. Place ends of two strips so that right sides are together and strips are perpendicular to each other. Pin. Draw a line in the overlapped square from the lower left hand corner to the upper right hand corner as shown below. Sew along the drawn line. Trim seam allowance to ¼”, fold so that strip is continuous and press seam open. Repeat process to create binding that is at least 10” longer than the perimeter of the table runner.

Step 10 – Bind quilt to finish.

Tada!!

Happy Quilting!

——————-

pssssssst. Don’t forget about our Missing Market Giveaway! It runs through 3pmCST on Monday, October 26. Click here for more info.

Packaged Flex-Foam™!!

We’ve almost been having too much fun with Flex-Foam™. Is that possible? From the release of the sew-in earlier this year to the release of the Fusibles (both 1-Sided and 2-Sided) last month, to the addition of 60″ rolls… and now? Packaged Flex-Foam!! That’s right, we’ve now got a little something for everyone. Need a full 60″ roll for a plethora of projects? We’ve got that. Need a quick 20″ x 60″ package for a few weekend crafts? No problem.

Flex-Foam Sew-in
20″ x 10yd board (FF77), 60″ x 10yd roll (FF77R10), 20″ x 60″ package (FF776020P)

Flex-Foam 1-Sided Fusible
20″ x 10yd board (FF78F1), 60″ x 10yd roll (FF78F1R), 20″ x 60″ package (FF78F16020P)

Flex-Foam 2-Sided Fusible
20″ x 10yd board (FF79F2), 60″ x 10yd roll (FF79F2R), 20″ x 60″ package (FF79F26020P)

If you’re at International Quilt Market this weekend in Houston, TX, make sure to stop by our booth to get a closer look. We’ll have some samples on hand and are there to answer any questions you might have.

Oh — and just in case you needed a little extra inspiration, we’ve got a perfect weekend project all ready to go! The Succulent Wall Planter is quick, easy and a super cute way to put some of those mini-succulents on display. Scroll down for the full tutorial and drop us a line if you have any questions!

Succulent Wall PlanterS

SUPPLIES & TOOLS (makes three planters)
— Six 4-1/2” x 4” fabric rectangles for exterior
— Six 4-1/2” x 4” rectangle for interior
— Two 2” x 2-1/2” rectangle for hanging sleeve.
— Six 4” x 3-1/2” rectangle Pellon® FF78F1 Flex-Foam™ 1-Sided Fusible Interfacing
— Six 4-1/2” x 4” rectangles Pellon® 100 Vinyl-Fuse™
— Two 2” x 2-1/2” rectangle Pellon® SF101 Shape-Flex®
— 1 pkg Pellon® EZ2-40T EZ-Steam® II Tape (Optional)
— One stick or dowel
— Twine or Ribbon
— Rotary cutter, sewing machine & related supplies
— Iron & ironing surface

DIRECTIONS:
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application of all interfacing. All seams ¼” unless otherwise indicated. RS = Right Side; WS = Wrong Side.

Step 1 – Center one Flex-Foam 1-Sided Fusible rectangle on the WS of one exterior fabric rectangle and fuse. Repeat for remaining exterior fabric rectangle.

Step 2 – Remove the paper backing from one Vinyl-Fuse rectangle and carefully finger press the sticky side to the RS of the interior fabric rectangle. Fuse. Repeat for remaining interior fabric rectangle.

Step 3 – Place the Shape-Flex rectangle against the WS of the 2” x 2-1/2” fabric rectangle and fuse.

Step 4 – Place exterior rectangles RS together and pin. Place interior rectangles RS together and pin. Trace and cut a 1” notch in the lower left and right hand corners of both the exterior and interior units.

Step 5 – Sew along the sides and bottom of the units, locking stitches at each end, leaving one long end open.

Step 6 – Open the notched corners on each unit, pinch in to align raw edges and match seams. Pin and sew.

Step 7 – Turn exterior RS out, push out corners and straighten. Fold top edge in by ¼” and press.

Step 8 – Fold top edge of interior down to the outside by ¼” and finger press.

Step 9 – Place interior inside exterior and match top folded edges. Set aside.

Step 10 – Fold the long sides of the 2” x 2-1/2” rectangle in by ¼” and press to create a 1-1/2” x 2-1/2” rectangle. Topstitch along the folded edges.

Step 11 – Fold in half to create a 1-1/4” x 1-1/2” piece. Press fold.

Step 12 – Insert raw edges in between top long side of the exterior and interior pieces so that only ¾” is exposed. Pin.

Step 13 – Topstitch around entire top. Straighten and press. (Alternate method: Handstitch to finish or use EZ-Steam II Tape to secure pieces.)

Step 14 – Repeat full process to create remaining planters.

Step 15 – Insert stick or dowel through the hanging sleeves and arrange as desired.

Step 16 – Tie twine or ribbon to both ends of the stick or dowel to finish.

Happy Sewing!

——————-

pssssssst. Don’t forget about our Missing Market Giveaway! It runs through 3pmCST on Monday, October 26. Click here for more info.

Pellon® in Houston!

Woo hoo!! It’s Quilt Market time!! The doors opened on the trade floor at 9:30am this morning and we’ve been reeling ever since. Two times a year, we get to come here to one of the industry’s biggest events… where we get to meet with distributors, retailers, other manufacturers, designers, educators and authors. We get to gush about all of the wonderful new things that have developed. New fabric lines, handy gadgets, innovative patterns, and new product launches — it can be pretty exciting. This time, our booth is jam-packed with greatness and we’re just as excited as always! For those of you not attending this weekend, we thought it only fair to give a little sneak peek into what’s happening, the products to watch out for and the projects that give them life.

Our booth — chock full of goodness!

[Pictured at right, Divide & Conquer Quilt by Elizabeth Dackson of Don’t Call Me Betsy, Quilt Local by Heather Jones, Machine Quilting with Style by Christa Watson, Sew Adorkable by Samarra Khaja & The Recycled T-Shirt by Jenelle Monotilone!]

[Coffee Sleeves by Bree Wernimont of My Crafty Crap, Coasters by Nancy Spaulding of Baby Rozen Design, Throw Pillow by Jackie White of Jackie’s Art Quilts.]

[Happy Home Floor Pillow by Caroline Hulse of Sew Caroline]

[Vacant only during set-up, of course!!]

The NItty Gritty

Pellon® interfacings have been around for over 50 years. They are the industry go-to and have become so well-known that many people use ‘Pellon’ to refer to interfacing in general, just as we may sometimes call a tissue a ‘Kleenex’. Over the years, our product line has expanded and we now offer a wide range of interfacings and stabilizers in the areas of Apparel, Crafts & Home Décor, Quilting, Fusible Webs & Adhesives and Embroidery. If you have a sewing project planned, we’ve got what you need to get that desired professional finish! Just look at the Mabel Vintage Handbag by Alicia Wietholter of Swoon Sewing Patterns. She used Peltex® to create that fantastic structure. The bag sample shown was sewn by Laurette Chandler.

Whether you’re looking for a basic polyester fill, a latex fill or the softest, most luxurious fill you’ve ever worked with… we’ve got you covered;). Seriously – Perfect Loft® is a personal favorite. It was once described as feeling like a pile of sleeping kittens… no joke! The Reading Corner Pouf project above was created by us for Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores using our Basic Fill. It is a quick project that will add a little personality to a child’s room or even a classroom.

Our packaged interfacings make everything more convenient. In a rush and need some SF101 to finish up a project? No problem! Run to your local Fabric & Craft store, hit the packaged notions aisle, grab what you need and head to the check-out. No more waiting in the cutting line! The Reversible Placements by Karin Jordan of Leigh Laurel Studios (pictured above) are a quick and easy project that can be made with a package of 987F!

 

 

If you’re in Houston, we’d love to see you! Swing on by Booth #1248, check everything out in person, ask us anything! We are here for you!

The ‘I’m Missing Market Giveaway’ — Houston!!

Market starts today and thousands of industry creatives will descend upon the George R. Brown Convention Center for Houston International Quilt Market. But the rest of us? We’re at work, at home, running errands… scrolling longingly through the endless Instagram posts showcasing carefully constructed booths, brand new fabric collections, hot new products and more. Don’t get too green with envy! We’ve teamed up with Aurifil, Robert Kaufman, & EZ-Quilting to bring you a fab giveaway that will help chase away those ‘Missing Market’ blues!

 The prize includes:

• One Large Aurifil Thread Collection: The Darlene Zimmerman collection is box of beautifully colored threads from Aurifil to match all your 1930s-style sewing projects and quilts. The clear, clean colors are perfect for any modern or shabby chic fabric collection. Generous size spools last forever, and all threads are 100% cotton just like your fabric. This thread is excellent for sewing by hand or machine, for appliqué and also for machine quilting. The box contains 12 large spools! 
• One Darlene Zimmerman Fat Quarter Bundle from her Naptime collection with Robert Kaufman Fabrics. 
• A Prize Pack of Darlene Zimmerman Rulers & tools from EZ Quilting Tools including 1 Draft N Cut 18”, 1 East Dresden Quilt Set, 1 Big Stitch Marking Wheel Kit, 1 No-Melt Mylar Template Plastic, 1 Crazy Quilt Ruler, 1 Hexagon, 1 Companion Angle, 1 Leftie Rightie Square 6.5
• A Pellon® Prize Pack including 1 pkg SF101 Shape-Flex®, 1 pkg 987F Fusible Fleece, 1 pkg EZ-Steam® II Sheets, 1 pkg FF78F1 Flex-Foam 1-Sided Fusible, 1 Queen-Sized pkg Nature’s Touch® Bamboo Blend Batting w/Scrim, and 1 Crib-Sized pkg Nature’s Touch® 100% All Natural Cotton Batting, no scrim. 

To enter-to-win, simply click here to head to the Rafflecopter entry page or click on the image above. Entries will be accepted from now through 3pm Central time on Opctober 26th! Good luck, have fun, and happy creating!!

Here We Come Houston!!

Countdown to Houston: 2 days!! We’re all packed and ready to go and are realizing how much we LOVE Market! We simply cannot wait to see what’s in store for us this time around — new tools, stunning new fabric lines, meetings with friends, old and new. It’s like a giant and glorious reunion for our industry;). As for what we’ve got in store — a few new products, some cozy displays, some new tutorials and of course, the Missing Market giveaway! We’ll be doing our best to bring the excitement of Market to all of you following along at home. We’ll have details on everything soon, so follow along with us this week and weekend for the scoop. It’ll be a blast!

First things first… let’s go over some basic info:

Fall International Quilt Market, 2015 — Houston, TX

October 23
Schoolhouses, Room 352C
Pellon® has partnered with Brewer to offer two fabulous Schoolhouse sessions catered to crafting for your pet and featuring some new and trusted Pellon® products and Benartex Fabrics. Both sessions led by Pellon’s own Darlene Christopherson.

Crafting for Your Pet with Pellon: Cozy Kennel Mat, 4:05pm – 4:35pm
Create a Kennel Mat/Pad for your pet using Pellon Flex-Foam, Insul-Fleece and more! Excellent for keeping your pet cozy in his crate or keeping unwanted pet hair off of furniture. Lecture/Demo. Samples provided!

Crafting for Your Pet with Pellon: Multipurpose Pet Basket/Bowl, 4:40pm – 5:10pm
Create a multipurpose basket/bowl for your pet using Flex-Foam, Décor-Bond, Lamifix and more! Great to store toys or use as an on-the-go water bowl.
Lecture/Demo. Samples Provided!

Sample Spree
7-9pm (NEW TIME)

October 24
Take-N-Teach
8 – 9:30am
Pellon®’s new Flex-Foam™ in a Sara Lawson Bag
Learn all about Flex-Foam and how Sara of Sew Sweetness uses it within her Ansel Camera Bag. Class comes with a full kit including all necessary interfacing, bag pattern & hardware. See demonstrations and chat with Sara about her bag-making process.

October 24-26
Trade Show, Pellon Booth 1248

Handy Links: Overview, Floor Plan, Class Catalogue, Exhibitor List, Schedule

Will you be in attendance? We hope you’ll stop by to say hello!!

 

Quilt Local with Heather Jones

It’s been nearly two years since Heather Jones first contacted us about getting some batting for a new book she was working on. It’s always amazing to witness a book in progress — to see all of the pieces involved, the inspiration, the craftsmanship, the art. In Heather’s case, we knew we’d be wowed, but upon seeing the final publication, the wow-factor was even greater than anticipated.

Quilt Local: Finding Inspiration in the Everyday is filled with Heather’s genius, guiding us through her process, how to turn everyday scenes into works of art, how to pair colors for maximum impact, and her thoughts behind quilt design.  The artwork is stunning, the insight inspiring and all that before even getting to the 40 (!) projects she includes.

I personally adore the stories that Heather shares about each quilt. She describes what inspired the design, the history behind the location and truly makes you feel as though you’ve become a part of the story. She empowers readers to take the designs and make them their own, as well as to find inspiration in their own surroundings. It’s not just a book about quilting, it’s a book about finding your voice and your art. We love it! Heather used Pellon Batting throughout and we couldn’t be more honored to be even a small part of such a beautiful collection.

While it’s tough to pick a favorite amongst so many works of art, my eye was immediately drawn to Indian Hill (pg. 146).

Heather describes a wooden dock at a family friend’s pond which made my think of my own childhood, growing up on a lake in a small country town. I’m more than familiar with the interlocking boards that make up a dock, weathered and full of stories of their own.

The story then led me to think about another favorite childhood spot — Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, ME. I spent many an adventurous Saturday there when I was little, jumping from rock to rock with my dad, exploring the pools, examining barnacles and other small sea life. The rocky coast partnered with the classic lighthouse embodies the spirit of coastal Maine, something that will forever be a part of who I am. I’m hopeful that Heather’s book will help me to someday create a small piece of quilted art using this stunning spot as inspiration!

I would strongly encourage you to take a closer look at Quilt Local: Finding Inspiration in the Everyday. Whether and experienced quilter, or a beginner, I guarantee you’ll be inspired!

THE GIVEAWAY
And just because we can’t help ourselves, a little batting giveaway to perk up your weekend a bit. We’ll be giving away a throw-sized package each of our Pellon Nature’s Touch Bamboo Blend Batting and Pellon Nature’s Touch 100% Natural Cotton Batting w/scrim. To enter-to-win, leave a comment telling us about a location near you that you find inspiring. Giveaway is open until 11:59pm on Thursday, October 22. We’ll draw a random winner (thank you random.org) on Friday, October 23. We’ll announce here and on Facebook! Due to shipping restrictions, this giveaway is open to US/Canada residents only. Good Luck!

QUILT MARKET BOOK SIGNINGS:
October 23; 7:00 PM:  Quilt Works, 9431 Jones Road, Houston
October 24; 1:00 PM:  Signing in the Checker Distributors Booth #1122, George R Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX
October 24; 5:00 PM:  Signing in the Brewer Sewing Booth #2842 & #2843, George R Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX

THE BLOG TOUR
Don’t forget to take a peek at all of the other stops along the tour! Read about other inspiring locations, check out reader versions of the projects and more!

10/5: Creative Bug
10/6: STC Craft Blog
10/8: Robert Kaufman
10/9: Melanie Falick
10/10: Sew Mama Sew
10/12: Plaid Portico
10/14: Modern Sewciety
10/16: Pellon
10/19: The Tattooed Quilter
10/21: Amy’s Creative Side
10/23: Diary of a Quilter
10/26: Film in the Fridge
10/28: Tall Grass Prairie Studio
10/29: Okan Arts
10/30: Kara Sews
11/2: Crimson Tate
11/4: Dainty Time
11/6: Nap Time Quilter
11/9: Spoonflower
11/11: Aurifil
11/13: A Gathering of Stitches

ABOUT HEATHER JONES
Heather Jones is a quilt designer and teacher and is the founder and former president of the Cincinnati Modern Quilt Guild. She has a BA and MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati. Her quilts have appeared in numerous books from Martingale and Stash and in magazines such as Martha Stewart Living and Modern Patchwork. She teaches online classes for CreativeBug.com, on Quilting Arts TV, and around the country with workshops. You can see her work at HeatherJonesStudio.com. 

Samarra Khaja is Sew Adorkable

Welcome Sew Adorkable Blog Hop Book Tour readers!! We are so thrilled to be a part of this fab tour and I (Erin at Pellon) am personally super excited about this book! Sew Adorkable is the quirky brainchild of artist/designer/author/maker Samarra Khaja, who just happens to also be a Pellon Project Designer.

Samarra never fails to charm with her style and her wit and this book is a prime example. She has created an irresistible line-up of completely fabulous projects. From the TRAWRzers! (check Lindsay’s rendition here) to the Teacher Tool Belt, the Typewriter Tissue Box Cover to the Odd Socks Quilt, this one has a little something that will speak to the inner geek in all of us.

TRAWRers!

Teacher Tool Belt

Typewriter Tissue Box Cover

Odd Socks Quilt

To get a bit more background and learn about Samarra’s thought process behind bringing this one to life, we went straight to the source.

THE INTERVIEW
Pellon: Samarra! Welcome:). Any chance you’d like to tell our readers a little more about yourself and how you came into this whole fabulous world of sewing? 
Samarra: I went to the Talented & Gifted Magnet High School, a geek-tastic college prep school, solidifying my position in life as a card-carrying nerd and goofball. I’ve also been a lifelong creative person and maker of things. My fine arts degree in printmaking, drawing and photography (along with a minor in Medieval Studies, cuz nerd’s gonna nerd) morphed into working as a graphic designer for many years and that subsequently evolved into including surface and textile design and voila, here we are with my new sewing book!

P: You had me at Adorkable;). Seriously though… how did you come to the book title and how does it represent you and your crafty persona?
S: Hahaha, how does it not represent me, is more like it! My publisher’s Creative Director, Gailen, used the term ‘adorkable’ first to describe my point of view (maybe even me, hahaha) and the universal theme behind my projects and the word stuck all the way to the end! YAY!

Prehistoric Portrait Painting by Samarra Khaja, Sew Adorkable

P: Each project in the book features a quirky mash-up of finished project photography and your awesome illustrations. How did that all come to be? Did you always know that the Octopus was destined to wear the Teacher Tool Belt and that the hedgehog would peek out of the shower, or did the illustrations take inspiration from the final project images? 
S: My idea to overlay photography with my illustrations was a solid concept from the beginning. The specifics didn’t come about until I saw the final photographs and played around with them. I had a two-part goal for the final look: to keep the images open and universally welcoming to a wide range of folks (by not depicting any specific people/models in them) and to also add an additional layer of other-worldliness to the book to help push people into feeling as creatively inspired as possible.

P: I’m sure there will be a handful of readers who feel the same way that I do… these projects seem almost like they were made just for me. I mean The Bee’s Knees Patch and TRAWRzers!? Did the projects or the titles come first? I’d love to hear a little more about your process.
S: I’m fairly concept driven with all my work, so the projects typically come first in a seed of an idea and then shortly thereafter the punny landslide begins and I start sorting through all the possible clever layering I can crowbar into a single idea. It’s really fun when it all falls into place!

Braille Alphabet Quilt by Samarra Khaja, Sew Adorkable

P: I adore the layout of the book — each project gives the same layout: Fun Facts, What You’ll Need, Go Time!, All Together Now, Almost Done! & Ta-Dah! It sets readers up for a perfect sense of satisfaction with each project. Did you stumble upon this snazzy sequence for one project and decide it should be followed for all, or did you have the idea before even getting started?
S: After taking a first pass at a few of the projects, I recognized the rhythm I wanted and because I’m a freak for consistency, made it the standard structure for the whole book.

P: What was your favorite part about putting this book together? 
S: Hands down, drawing over the photos. Deciding what characters got to live on each page was incredibly enjoyable and I had fun picking a wide range of creatures, real and otherwise and housing them all together in one happy place.

Toothy, the Tooth Fairy by Samarra Khaja, Sew Adorkable

P: What would you like our readers to know about how this book will change their lives?
S: I’m not an especially frilly girly-girl and am always looking for clever things that make a statement beyond just being pretty. With that in mind, this book fills a need I see in the sewing market, specifically catering to people like me, who want projects that are quirky, offbeat, humorous and downright fun and dorky. With added ridiculous humor and a lighthearted approach, my aim is to also disarm any hesitant people who may feel like crafting outsiders and let them know they’re welcome to join in and make, make, make!

P: Other than being a super fabulous designer, maker and author, you’re also a graphic designer, fabric designer and illustrator. First of all — WOW, you’re kind of awesome! Second, how do you feel they are all connected? Are you drawn to one particular area over another? 
S: It’s that whole concept-driven mindset I mentioned before; I love puzzle-solving like it’s nobody’s business, making things I haven’t seen before and putting a whole new spin and twist on things. So under that umbrella, and regardless of specific medium, I’m always trying to create the unexpected from the expected. I think that’s what connects everything I do. I love any chance to share my creative perspective on things, so if it’s through my illustration, fabric designs, or craft concepts, I’m as happy as a lark. And humor, if it can be done with humor, all the better!

Candy Dots by Samarra Khaja, Sew Adorkable

THE VIDEO

THE BOOK

Looking to grab a copy of your own? Head on over to C&T Publishing to snag your hard copy or your ebook.

THE GIVEAWAY
Just because we love giveaways so much, we’re doing another one!! One lucky winner will win:

1 pkg of Pellon® 805 Wonder-Under
1 throw-sized pkg of Pellon® Nature’s Touch® 100% Natural Cotton Batting
1 yard of Pellon® FF78F1 Flex-Foam™ 1-Sided Fusible 
AND 1 copy of Sew Adorkable by Samarra Khaja!

To enter-to-win, simply leave a comment below telling us which fabulous project pictured is the first must-make project on our list. 1 bonus entry (please leave a separate comment) for a fun, adorkable, sewing story that you’d like to share!! 🙂 (2 total entries per person!!)

One book per winner. Open to US & Canada residents only. US residents will receive a hard copy of the book. Canada residents will receive a promo code to purchase the ebook version free of charge. Giveaway is open until 11:59pm on Monday, October 26 (the last day of the blog tour!). Good luck:)

THE SCHEDULE
We’re still in the beginning stages of this fabulous tour! Make sure to click through to check out already published posts and keep an eye out for all the fabulous posts coming up! So much Adorkable goodness;).

09/14/15: C&T/Stash Books
09/16/15: Generation Q Magazine
09/18/15: Sew Timeless
09/21/15: The Fire Science Blog
09/23/15: Art School DropOut
09/25/15: Craft Buds
09/28/15: Pellon
09/30/15: Crafty Planner
10/02/15: Modern Handcraft
10/05/15: Imagine Gnats
10/07/15: May Chappell
10/09/15: Nancy Zieman
10/12/15: Dritz
10/14/15: Spoonflower
10/16/15: Sew Sweetness
10/19/15: Aurifil
10/21/15: Accuquilt
10/23/15: Schmancy Toys
10/26/15: Samarra Khaja

Thanks so much for stopping by to hang with us today!! Enjoy the rest of the tour!