From start to finish, creating a fabric collection takes at least four months, though some collections can be in development for a year or more. The entire cycle occurs twice a year at a minimum, and often more, as fabric companies prepare for spring and fall markets where they introduce their new collections to shop owners. Design director Alice Kennedy of Timeless Treasures Fabrics shared the process of developing the Berkeley collection with American Patchwork & Quilting.

Read more at  -  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/magazines/americanpatchworkquilting/how-fabric-is-designed_ss1.html?sssdmh=dm17.454359&esrc=nwapq&email=1943517106

I know the flower pin is nothing new, but I'm loving these oversized flowers by Emersonmade. Each flower is handmade using hand-dyed linen. What a perfect way to add a little bit of garden inspiration to your wardrobe!

SOURCE _ http://thestir.cafemom.com/home_garden/102821/oversized_handmade_flower_pins_by

Leslie Peacock, a teacher of wearable art at Gila Community College in Payson, mentions that the colorful coat is from many different car shirts she had acquired and made into this standout jacket.Photo by Andy Towle

by Alexis Bechman

Everywhere you looked at the second Annual Wearable Art and Quilt Show, your eyes were met with a cacophonous of patterned coats, intricately pieced and embroidered to fit each wearer’s taste.

Course instructor Leslie Peacock donned a colorful frock of red, black and vibrant green fabrics with embroidered chili peppers to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Student Marque Jacobs’ “Asian Fusion” coat featured 30 red and black patterned fabrics sewn together using traditional quilting and embroidery techniques, including the flying geese pattern on a sleeve, pin tucks, fans on a back panel, barggelo stitches and flat biscuits. Inside, $22 yard fabric from Australia finished the coat off with a bang.

Student Donna Daly’s coat, “Magic of Madikwe,” was covered in rich earth tone fabrics and beading to celebrate a safari, she took to Africa in 2007.

Dozens of other colorful coats dotted the event with each coat holding a story unique to the wearer.....

Read more at  -  http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/2010/may/11/wearable-art-creation-all-about-fabric/

Handmade Printed Patchwork Handbag

PRESS RELEASE

Asraistyle.com an online retail store specializing in handmade bags and handbags made from ethnic and rich fabrics brings another new range of messenger bags for women. These bags are made from natural fabrics. AsraiStyle is one of the only handbags boutiques that have such a wide variety of these bags. The wide range of styles and designs allows people to choose a bag to suit any occasion.
Since only natural materials like cotton and silk is used in making of these bags, animal protection is ensured. AsraiStyle bags collection can be termed as beauty without cruelty. These bags are handcrafted in the land of India, known for its rich culture and arts. Most of these bags are made from vintage tapestries. These bags are available in variety of colors and textures. The sizes of the bags vary from small purses to large college bags. These types of bags are seen all over the Hollywood and are now available for under $40. You can have a look at these bags at http://asraistyle.com

Three fabric flowers worn as a corsage. (Erik M. Lunsford/P-D)

There's a scene in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" where the flowers spring to life in 3-D. It's magical and beautiful, and not unfamiliar. You'll find 3-D flowers on the runway and in the stores this spring.

But you can make those same flowers cheaper and more personal — and perfect for Mom on Mother's Day — with this handy craft from Julia Sandvoss, the craft mom from south St. Louis County.

These fabric flowers can be pinned anywhere, from a sweater to a purse to a skirt hem to a bracelet. (Word of warning: Don't wash them.).....

For materials and instructions go  to   -   http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/stories.nsf/homedecor/story/50948F21DB6DEF2286257714006951E7?OpenDocument

The city-based entrepreneur and veteran in textile industry, Rakesh Chaudhary of Jaishree Mills has pioneered in bringing technology for linen textile making to Surat. “Linen is the latest variety in Surat textile industry. We are the only ones to start operations in this segment here. Linen is made from the natural fiber derived from flax. It has been only a year now since this segment has started here. However not large number of players are entering into the fray as this is a high-end textile variety involving high cost,” said Chaudhary.

Linen, a textile variety that is made from the fibers taken from the stalk of the flax plant, is largely used by higher strata of the society as the fabric made from it is very costly. The luster is from the natural wax content. Creamy white to light tan, this fiber can be easily dyed and the color does not fade when washed. Linen does wrinkle easily but also presses easily. Linen, like cotton, can also be boiled without damaging the fiber......

Read more at  -  http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Linen-%E2%80%93-A-fabric-statement-evolved-from-flax-27685-3-1.html

Fremont, Nebr. - April 25, 2010 -- AccuQuilt, a leader in fabric cutting solutions for quilting and fabric crafts, announces the kickoff of the Barn Quilt Design Contest. Quilters, artists and creative types everywhere are invited to submit their ideas for display on the AccuQuilt home office in Fremont, Nebr.

AccuQuilt is active in the quilting community, providing fabric crafters everywhere with fast, accurate solutions for cutting beautiful quilts. Now they're displaying their quilting pride by placing a painting of the winner's colorful quilt square on the AccuQuilt office. The AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Design Contest is looking for anyone with an eye for design to submit their barn quilt creations to barnquilt@accuquilt.com.

First, second and third place prizes will be awarded to the most vibrant blocks. The first place winner will receive a $1,000 AccuQuilt shopping spree along with an all expenses paid trip for two to AccuQuilt to see the unveiling of their creation. Second and third place winners will receive $500 and $150 gift certificates respectively.

"We are honored to join the National Barn Quilt Trail and demonstrate our support for the rich tradition of quilting," said Steve Nabity, AccuQuilt's CEO. "This contest is a thrilling opportunity to show the world that AccuQuilt is deeply committed to the quilters who make us such a success. We think big, and displaying a 20' x 20' barn quilt shows our passion to all who see our office."

Barn quilts have adorned farms across the nation for over 200 years. However, the modern American barn quilt movement took off in 2001 when Donna Sue Groves of Adams County, Ohio, painted a colorful quilt block on her barn as a way to honor her mother's love of quilting.

Rather than stopping with just one block, Donna encouraged others in the community to paint their own blocks to create an original driving attraction for tourists. Her idea quickly grew into the National Barn Quilt Trail, which now crosses over 25 states and British Columbia. Travelers from around the world plan driving tours of the barn quilts, making them a popular attraction as people visit each barn quilt location.

The contest begins immediately and runs through Friday, May 14th. Winners will be announced at the Spring Int'l Quilt Market in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 21st. Full contest details can be found at http://www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt.

About Accuquilt
Headquartered in Fremont, Nebr., AccuQuilt offers quilters, fabric crafters and retailers a premiere line of fabric cutters, dies, quilting patterns and other quilt and fabric cutting solutions that help quilters quickly and accurately cut shapes for quilting and fabric crafts. Cutting with AccuQuilt cutters is a natural evolution of fabric cutting methods. "First scissors…then rotary…finally…AccuQuilt™" for fast, easy, accurate fabric cutting.

Image Credits: © designboom

by Ariel Schwartz
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic piece of car design, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be repurposed to look even better. Bokja Design took a classic Beetle and decorated it in car stickers, tapestries, and handmade vintage fabrics from the Middle East as part of an exhibition at Milan Design Week. The result: an ultra-colorful car that is sure to attract inquisitive stares from passers-by.

The car was sold last week in an eBay auction for 1,004 euros, all of which will go to Fondazione Francesca Rava to help Haiti’s children. What do you think–would you drive around in this fabric-covered Beetle?

+ Bokja Design

Sharon Johnson and Wanda McCarter are co-owners of Dizzy Diva’s Fabric Shop.Photo by Beth Drinnen

Don't let the name fool you. Dizzy Divas is more than just a fabric shop, it's a hidden treasure.

"Why did we choose the name?" Wanda McCarter asked with a laugh. "I don't have a clue! We came up with the word 'divas,' and I said, 'Let's put something catchy with it!' " McCarter co-owns the store with Sharon Johnson. Their friendship began more than a decade ago in, ironically enough, a sewing store.

"We both happened to be at the same store buying a machine at the same time, and we started talking," said McCarter.

"We exchanged telephone numbers, and it just started from there," McCarter laughed at the memory. "I have a sewing room at my house, and we used to congregate there and sew and dream. We would drive down the road and say, 'If we see a house, we're going to open up a fabric store.' "....

Read more at  -  http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/feb/10/dizzy-divas-fabric-shop-fills-niche/

We are inviting you and your friends to the 13th Annual Haberman Fabrics Sewing Retreat. Enjoy 3 new terrific sewing demonstrations and an all day sewing clinic. Bring your sewing or start something new. Use our sewing machines or bring your own. Enjoy light refreshments too! Not a football fan? You'll be set for a creative evening with your new projects.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS PREFERRED. Haberman Fabrics will give 100% of your admission donations to support the important work of Shades of Pink Foundation.Pre-registration is $20.00 in advance or $30.00 at the door.

Shades of Pink Foundation - strives to financially help women with breast cancer. Many women face extra financial burdens during treatment and recovery. Common issues are insurance payments, food, transportation, childcare, and other essentials of daily life. Shades of Pink offers temporary financial assistance during their time of need. You'll have the opportunity to meet Dr. Paula Benitez, a specialist in the area of breast cancer treatment.

For more information go to  - http://www.habermanfabrics.com/classes/Show_All_Classes.htm