Thursday, October 30, 2014

Fall Back

Yikes!
Summer extended itself very nicely into Fall this year, so
I can't really complain that the clocks are being turned
back this weekend, or that winter is encroaching.
Plus, it's the most exciting time of year here.
Everyone has returned from their summer reveries,
and are ready to return their projects.
  Classes that took summer hiatus have started again,
and this old mill is abuzz with creativity.
 yaaay!

Lots of new fabrics and yarns have been coming in.
It's hard to have a favorite, but I am absolutely in LOVE with
Robert Kaufman's new cotton flannel.  I don't know how they make it,
but it is sooo soft and yummy and drapey.
It feels like cashmere.  
Our co-worker Katie fell in love with it too and was inspired
to make this fabulous reverse applique throw:
It will be hanging in the store as soon as I find a good spot for it.
You HAVE to touch it!  There's no pattern, yet...
but I'll encourage Katie to write one up (hi Katie!).

More warm Fall thoughts...
Joan brought in a whole bunch of her gorgeous hand dyed wool.
 So many bee-u-ti-ful colors!!!
She'll be teaching Rug Hooking again this winter and
 Nancy Keyes has a few wool applique workshops up her sleeve as well.
For example...Isn't this bag fabo?! (YES!!)
It's Nancy's sample for an upcoming workshop.
I'll post the details soon.
With holiday gift making in mind,
we've been putting together some of our favorite simple projects in kit form. 
Jennifer made this apron using Carrie Bloomston's "Paint" collection
and the "Reversible Apron" pattern from Mary Mulari.
Lindell made this one using Michael Millers "Monster Mash"
and Valori Wells' Pillowcase Sewcard" pattern.
 
If you can sew just a bit, you can make these.

Want help?  Sign up for one of our classes.
We've got sewing classes for adults and children, beginners or advanced.
Check out our schedule here:

Speaking of classes, we are very excited to be welcoming
Taylor McVay to our teaching staff.

 Taylor is a sewist and pattern maker, who has worked
with both established designers and
fashion pioneers. She has collaborated on wearables for
internationally exhibiting artists and designed custom clothing for a
range of clientele. She believes that learning how to sew, especially
 
how to make ones own clothing, is both creatively satisfying and
empowering. Her recently launched sewing pattern company, Blueprints
For Sewing, features designs inspired by architecture and art.
You can read more about her on her website here:
 
Her first class will be in December and will be
posted soon on our site.

A few more of my faves that have recently arrived...

Frances Newcomes' "Utopia" from Art Gallery Fabrics
I am in lust with Art Gallery's voiles, which feel like silk
and are perfect for elegant blouses.
Another highly coveted item:
Robert Kaufman's Designer Palette Kona Cotton
 This group is from Elizabeth Hartman and are perfect
for making her Aviatrix Medallion Quilt.

Can you have enough yummy dots?
No!
 from Lecien... 















                   





Last, but not least...
Sarah, talented friend of FMS, came in several months ago to share her creation with us.  She's a fabulous quilter and this was her first time venturing into a more mutimedia/fiber art process AND she discovered her true creative element.















                        


Thanks Sarah! It's gorgeous.


Hope to see you all soon.


Happy Fall!
































            

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Springing

Energy has been welling up around here.  Over the past month, little bits and pieces
of projects have been appearing.  Some are co-workers, others "Friends of..."
Here are a few...


Sarah came by about a month ago with this quilt top she made for a friend. 
Some of the fabric is from Art Gallery's "Sweet as Honey" collection with a bit
ancient french script, wood grain and hedgehogs to balance the design.
All of it is enveloped with a new Kona color "Wasabi"
which perfects this modern design.
 Christine, who makes incredible custom window treatments for us, also
creates gorgeous heirloom clothing.  Here is one of her recent child
rompers with bonnet she made using a Kaffe Fassett fabric.
Wow!

 Speaking of Kaffe...
Nancy Keyes knit a Kaffe inspired wrap using bits and pieces from her stash (mostly).
She let me take a project only pic.  Gorgeous colors!  LOVE the clasp.
Keeping in mind the size restrictions this years Boston Marathon has on bags
carried during the event, Nancy made this marathon themed wrist pouch
to carry cash and phone to the race.
The penguin sweaters will be shipping off to Australia in a few days.
So now, with more time on their hands they've been busy "supervising"
 a few quilting projects...
 I love seeing works in progress.
This was the beginning of Jennifer's quilt, Pezzy Pizzazz from American Jane.
Yummy shapes and colors.  They're hand appliqued and each one looks
like a small art piece...to me anyway.



Almost done!

Lindell is working on the Jaybird Quilt design "Giggles"
using their Hex n More ruler and Kona cotton colors.
 These colors should banish our winter cobwebs!

We have some beautiful new silks and linens in the store.

Here are a few of my favorites...
This silk/cotton eyelet would be
gorgeous layered over our solid silk cottons.

Fresh, light linens!
Super sharp striped linen.
Perfect for slacks, jackets or home decorating projects.

Red, blue and white geometric pattern in silk.

So pretty.
Soft grey silk with roses.
(I would love a dress, please)

Got a young sewist in your home?
Summer Sewing Camp is a great way
to learn new skills and have fun.
Check out camp info on our website: 

Come in and share what you've been creating!

See you soon!


Thursday, February 13, 2014

Month O' Love (or "OMG would February please, please go away")

Hooray for Valentine's Day!
One of my happiest memories is making Valentine cards
for my teachers and classmates, the old fashioned type with red
construction paper and lace doilies. It's a great idea, having a day
in which we show appreciation for the important people in our lives...
sending heart-shaped cards, chocolates and flowers,
while ignoring the cold, dark, snowy days of February

OK NOW!
Here's the February news from FMS

We've got lot's of great new fabrics...
 
 "Sweet as Honey"
by Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery Fabrics
 
All of Art Gallery fabrics are made with the
absolutely yummiest cloth.
It's tightly woven and smooth to the touch. 
Great for clothing as well as quilts and bags etc.  

Also from Art Gallery, this fun scratchy dot blender
"Chromatics Pointelle" 

Robert Kaufman's new Asian inspired collection: Satsuki 2
Beautiful, sophisticated colors with metallic gold accents. 

Another popular new colection:
Carolyn Friedlander Botanics and Architextures
A bit parched from the cold wind?
"Shaken or Stirred" from Benartex

My favorite yarn of the moment:
Berroco Voyage
 Super soft, bulky weight yarn made from super fine alpaca.
Gorgeous heathered colors.  Soft and warm!

Love it?  Here's the perfect quick project...
This Frances Cowl is fast, easy
and snazzy!

Knitting and sewing classes have been busy, busy, busy!

Katie made her first quilt in Mrs Vacca's class.
Pretty amazing, hmmm?

Gayle Johnson has added a Wednesday night knitting class.

Both Joan McAnulty and Jennifer Ziehl Vacca 
have added adult sewing classes and Nancy Keyes has a  
Spring Floral Wool Penny Rug workshop coming up in March.


You can check out the class and workshop schedules here:


Hope to see you soon!
Happy Valentine's Day!

Friday, January 10, 2014

GiveAway Winner(s)!

Thank you to all who shared their snowy day
activities day with us. What a busy bunch you are!!
In fact, we were so impressed by your productivity
we decided to give away TWO gift certificates!
And the winners are....
 
The Zarse Family!
Stephanie and her daughter (above) spent the day making
American Girl Doll Costumes.
AND
Marianne McCauley
Who was working on a "Snow Sparkle" quilt.
Congratulations!

I got great pics from some of you.
L-O-V-E this one of the pups lounging in front
of the fire.  I'm sure they did a lot of shoveling : ) 
There was a lot of knitting, quilting and, of course,
shoveling going on.  Chicken soup and biscotti making,
Peek-A-Boo playing, journal writing, tea drinking...
puppet shows and cross stitching...
    Bronwyn's snow day plans to "yarn bomb" her mailbox
    were foiled when "said" mailbox was knocked down by a plow.
    You can read about her adventures on her blog:

    By the way...
    she is a fabulous knitter!
     Check out her MUSTWAX sweater.
    It's her own design and you can purchase the pattern
    on her Etsy shop or her Ravelry page.
    (check blog)
    Wow!


    What did I do?
    I swam.
    I know, a bit perverse, but my pool
    was open for the first time in 2 weeks
    and I needed it!

    More stay-at-home snow days!!

    bye for now!

    m