Asian Fabric Magazine at Quilt Shops Now!

Issue 25 of Kona Bay Fabrics' Asian Fabric magazine is now at your local quilt shop and it is jammed packed with great patterns, pictures, features, recipes and all types of goodness!!

In this issue are featured patterns from quilting notables as Georgie Gerl, Susan Claire Mayfield, Susan Guzman and Gloria Stehley!!

The travel article for this issue is all about Matsumoto, Japan and its famous castle.

Please visit your local quilt shop to pick up your copy today or go to the Kona Bay website.

Kona Bay's Asian Fabric Magazine now available!

Kona Bay's Asian Fabric magazine is now in your favorite quilt shop and available online at your favorite internet quilt business.

This copy is full of patterns, pictures, stories, recipes and much, much more.

Look for this issue today!!

Asian Fabric Magazine Just Arrived!

Look what just arrived at the Kona Bay Fabrics offices!! Why...it's the latest copy of our ASIAN FABRIC MAGAZINE!!

Issue #24 will soon be distributed to our quilt shop customers all across the globe as well as to our subscribers in the next few days.

Look for your copy at your favorite quilt shop in about ten days!

Kona Bay features Georgie Gerl's quilts at Quilt Market

Kona Bay Fabrics proudly displayed two beautiful quilts by superstar quilter Georgie Gerl of Spokane, WA in our booth at the recently held Quilt Market in Houston, TX.

Georgie's two quilts will also be both showcased in the next issue of Kona Bay's Asian Fabric magazine which will be released around mid November.

The quilt on the left is entitled Kiero (Path) and shows a lovely way to use Kona Bay's tonal fabrics along with our highly prized cotton sateen prints from Japan.

The quilt measures 79" x 79" and the instructions for making this quilt will be in the next Asian Fabric magazine.

The quilt on the right is called Tiene and it measures 49.5" x 55".

This quilt offers an interesting way to incorporate applique into a beautiful design and will also have pattern in the next issue of Asian Fabric magazine.

Look for Asian Fabric magazine in your locval quilt shop in mid November or you can order online at the Kona Bay Fabrics website.

Kona Bay's Asian Fabric magazine released end OCT

Kona Bay Fabrics' latest issue of their Asian Fabric magazine will be released at the end of October and the cover features one of our newest fabric groups - Paradise Collection.

This beautiful fabric collection will be in quilt shops in December/January and it so pretty! This collection has a gorgeous master print with lovely coordinates but also there are twelve gold texture complimentary fabrics entitled Paradise Gold Dust.

You can get your copy of Asian Fabric magazine at your favorite quilt shop or it can easily be ordered online from Kona Bay.

ASIAN FABRIC MAGAZINE #23 NOW AVAILABLE !

Kona Bay's Asian Fabric Magazine Issue No. 23 is now available at your local quilt shop and is jam packed with many wonderful projects and stories!!

You can purchase this wonderful magazine at your favorite quilt shop or online at Kona Bay Fabrics.

International Quilt Market Fun—Spring 2010

Another great Quilt Market!

Just a week ago, the staff and I were in Minneapolis for the semi-annual International Quilt Market. We always look forward to the chance to see old friends and make new ones. The three days of Market leave us inspired and grateful to be part of the warm and creative quilting industry.

We had a wall of amazing projects on display (shown here). Four stunning quilts were created by our celebrated Quilt Designer, Georgie Gerl. Patterns for these projects were included in Issue #19 of Asian Fabric magazine. The magazine was handed out at Quilt Market along with the ever-popular, mouthwatering chocolate macadamia nuts from Hawaii Kona Bay has become known for having at our booth.

Some of the other contributors you see represented in the photos include Cheryl Kuczek, Sheryl Mycroft and Kari Nichols. The skirt and quilt patterns will be in the upcoming issue of Asian Fabric. Leesa Chandler, Helene Knott and Kristen Wright contributed the bag, the children’s wear and the quilt we had on display that was also in Issue #19.

The new collections and several new tone-on-tone groups were well received. The catalog featured in Issue #19 displayed the art for these so shops were anxious to see the new group and place their orders.


Just before Fall Market 2009 in Houston, I set up our Kona Bay Facebook page. Now, just a few short months later, we enjoy over 4600 friends and counting. Every day, I spend time visiting with fabric fans from around the world. It was so much fun to meet and visit with many of my Facebook friends in person. If you haven’t hooked up with us yet, I’d love to have you join us! You can find us here on Facebook.

The last week we’ve been busy filling orders and as always—planning for the future. The fun never stops at Kona Bay Fabrics!

Back to Blogging and Asian Fabric Magazine

Have been negligent in posting on the Kona Bay Fabrics blog as I have been Facebooking and Twittering as I try to be multi-talented with the different social networks. Just not sure how so many of you successfully manage all of your social networks and still have time to do all the things you do in life. My hat is off to you!!!

The upcoming issue of our Asian Fabric Magazine is coming along nicely and it is scheduled to be released in time for the upcoming Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis, MN.

This next issue is going to have a FREE BONUS included!!

Our next issue will have the Kona Bay Fabrics Catalog showcasing many of our newest fabrics -- both Asian designs and non-Asian cotton fabrics. It is going to be one thick issue and I hope the post office people won't be angry with us.

You can purchase Asian Fabric Magazine at your local quilt shop or you may also subscribe on the Kona Bay Fabrics web site at http://www.konabay.com

The next issue will also have its super assortment of projects (at least 14), recipes, travel article and other features.

If you want to join the fun on our Kona Bay Facebook Fan Page, then toodle over and join us at http://tinyurl.com/konabayfabrics

Hope everyone having a super Spring with lots of great quilting and sewing!!

Mahalo and Aloha!!!

Asian Fabric Magazine Available Now!

Come February 14, millions around the world will welcome in the 2010 Chinese Year of the Tiger. Tigers are known for their multi-faceted characteristics and remarkable beauty.
Asian Fabric magazine, the latest issue number 18 just out and on the stands of your local quilt shop, shares many qualities of the Tiger. Over five years ago now, it leapt out of nowhere, surprising Asian fabric enthusiasts with its beauty and strength of purpose.

The cover of this latest issue pays honor to the Tiger, showcasing Kona Bay’s Year of the Tiger fabric from the Asa Collection. Inside, is where the real fun begins, though. Georgie Gerl, nationally acclaimed award winning quilter and Asian Fabric’s Quilt Designer and Editor, has once again created a stunning array of unique projects and thoughtful patterns that will carry you into Spring.

In addition, we have four guest contributors whose patterns you will love. Lidia Froehler, of Canada, offers a lovely table runner you can make up quickly for that last minute gift. Cary FlaniCome February 14, millions around the world will welcome in the 2010 Chinese Year of the Tiger. Tigers are known for their multi-faceted characteristics and remarkable beauty.
Asian Fabric magazine, the latest issue number 18 just out and on the stands of your local quilt shop, shares many qualities of the Tiger. Over five years ago now, it leapt out of nowhere, surprising Asian fabric enthusiasts with its beauty and strength of purpose.

The cover of this latest issue pays honor to the Tiger, showcasing Kona Bay’s Year of the Tiger fabric from the Asa Collection. Inside, is where the real fun begins, though. Georgie Gerl, nationally acclaimed award winning quilter and Asian Fabric’s Quilt Designer and Editor, has once again created a stunning array of unique projects and thoughtful patterns that will carry you into Spring.

In addition, we have four guest contributors whose patterns you will love. Lidia Froehler, of Canada, offers a lovely table runner you can make up quickly for that last minute gift. Cary Flanigan showcases the artful Japanese technique of asymmetry to produce a striking wall quilt with regal gold accents.

Delightful little handbags by Elayne West show you a fun way to recycle those old ties hanging in the closet. Make up one to cover every occasion! And last but not least, Lacey Hill is back with another visual wonder using a large scale appliquéd Japanese Heraldry Wisteria Crest.

For the second time, Kona Bay Fabrics has included a special bonus section to give you an up close and personal showing of our latest and greatest new fabric releases. You’ll be awed and inspired by twenty pages of gorgeous fabric swatch images. Use them to plan your next quilt and show your favorite quilt shop just what you need.

Issue 17, which included the first bonus catalog, sold out quickly—don’t delay in getting a copy of Issue 18. There should be one waiting for you at your local quilt shop or visit www.konabay.com to subscribe today!

Asian Fabric Issue #17—The Surprise Inside!

One of my favorite things about flying to and fro Hawaii is having time to enjoy my pile of current magazines. Our recent poll tells me it’s at the top of your list, too. It has been both exciting and satisfying to publish the only quilting magazine specializing in working with Asian prints.

Last week we released Issue #17 of Asian Fabric magazine. If you haven’t picked up one at your local quilt shop yet, reports are—they’re going fast! In addition to the usual great array of patterns, this special edition includes the current catalog showcasing the latest and greatest fabric designs from Kona Bay Fabrics.

This sneak preview has previously been reserved only for our customers—the local independent quilt shops that bring you fabric, fun and fellowship. As the list of enthusiastic fans of Asian Fabric has grown, we decided to say thank you by sharing our catalog with our readers as well.

In addition to just having the scoop on new designs, a few readers have mentioned that the catalog images are a helpful planning tool. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this special edition and how it might have inspired you.

The power of the printed page has long fascinated me. Having been in the quilting industry for nearly twenty years, starting and building Asian Fabric magazine has been akin to the documentation of a long, enjoyable adventure that some days feels like it’s only just begun!

Now, if only walls could talk—the staff and I are busy getting ready for the semi-annual quilt industry trade show in October. We’ll be headed to Houston for 2009 International Quilt Market on the 8th of October. I’ll be tweeting updates and posting photos on the Kona Bay Fan Page. It’s a good time to get on board—click here to follow me on Twitter or join in and become a Facebook fan of Kona Bay Fabrics here so you don’t miss a thing!

Nobu Fujiyama Art Collection Grows

Oh my! How time flies when you’re having fun. We’ve been operating out of the consolidated office/warehouse in Redmond for two months now and I’ve been to and fro to my home base in Honolulu several times. Hmmm, am I having fun yet?

The answer is a resounding—yes! Although some days have their challenges—for instance, the artwork that was once neatly organized in art drawers is now starring as the stack in the corner. Oh, and all those file folders, that used to live in the many file cabinets we sold in Honolulu, they were temporarily homeless. It’s not like moving down the street or even the next zip code. We’re talking nearly 3,000 miles of land and water!

But, just like the sunshine in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the light of a well organized, place for everything office is breaking through. The staff, transplanted and native, are humming and making me proud. We've been busy doing what we do.

You’ll be excited to hear we’ve got a new 12 design program that’ll start rolling into your local stores before you know it. The Textile Pearls of Japan (you’re seeing a preview here!) will be available come November. Stores are putting their orders in now.

Two designs will be released once a month for six consecutive months and each design will be available in two rich Kona Bay colorways. Do I have you oohing and aahing yet? Well, let me point out that these stunning designs are additions to the Nobu Fujiyama art collection. Ah, yes, I’m hearing it now! In unison on three this time—1, 2, 3…

You’ll find your favorite Asian motifs incorporated into breathtaking designs that will add a dramatic focal point for your next project. The intricate, story rich art in previous Nobu designs is back once again.

I also wanted to mention the survey we have in the current issue (#16) of Asian Fabric magazine. They keep coming in every day. Have we received yours? Not only do you have a chance to be entered into a drawing for free fabric (I know those two words make your heart go pitter patter) but you help me know what you’d like to see in the future.

I’ve missed you! I have more news but I’ve taken up enough of your time today so I’ll visit with you next week. I’m back in the Redmond office and looking forward to exploring more of the Pacific Northwest this weekend.

The Insider Scoop On International Quilt Market in Pittsburgh

The Kona Bay troops and I spent the past weekend at the semi-annual International Quilt Market. Held in Pittsburgh this time, it was a fun time to be had by all! If you’ve never attended, Quilt Market is the big daddy trade show of the quilting industry.

We always look forward to seeing customers, colleagues and old friends. In addition to our US customers and Representatives, our distributors from around the globe make the trek to see what’s new. Thank you mates for making the trip and for your business.

Once again, the Kona Bay tradition continued. We distributed the famous and sought after chocolate covered macadamia nuts hand carried by yours truly from the tropical paradise known as Hawaii. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think people flocked to the booth for the chocolates instead of me! Hmmm, chocolates or Doug…I won’t ask.

Issue #16 of Asian Fabric Magazine had come out just before Market. We had a beautiful display of quilts by Georgie Gerl, our quilt designer, on display in the booth. Customers were snapping up the fabric used in her stunning designs. Be sure to pick up a copy at your local quilt store. Be sure, also, to fill out the questionnaire and send it in for a chance to win fabric from Kona Bay!

My heart was going pitter patter seeing all the Kona Bay fabric used in projects and new books as I cruised the aisles. We’ll introduce you to two of new books from Quiltwoman.com and FW Media in upcoming posts (make sure you subscribe—in the column to the right, so you don’t miss ‘em—it's free!)

Our group stayed at the Omni William Penn Hotel just a few blocks from the Convention Center and Market. Wow! The ultimate in luxury since 1916, the William Penn has been restored to its original grandeur and continues to live up to it’s long-standing reputation. It’s like stepping back in time to the gilded era.

I can hear all the foodies (and yes, I’m a member) singing in unison—Ah, yes, but what about the eats? First of all, we all took a vote and the room service pizza at the Omni was top rate. We also visited a Pittsburgh institution that had been featured on several TV shows we foodies dine vicariously on a regular basis. The Primanti Brothers serve up a whopping sandwich complete with French fries and coleslaw tucked between the bread walls. We visited the “original” restaurant. It was fun to indulge in more Pittsburgh history.

The Quilts, Inc folks always put on great show. They also orchestrate two very popular consumer shows—Chicago in the spring and Long Beach in the summer. They’re a must do for quilting enthusiasts and you can order tickets online for the Long Beach show, July 24-26.

Houston Quilt Market is early this year—October 10-12. That’s just around the corner in the fabric world. We’ll see you there!

The Story of Butterfly Symbolism in Asia

Issue #16 of Asian Fabric magazine is at the printer. As I promised in a previous post, I wanted to give you some information on the symbolic meanings of the butterfly in Asia.

You’ll find instructions for the Chocho Quilt (pictured here) beginning on page 24 of Issue #16. It's always more fun if you have a story to tell with your quilt.

In Japanese culture, butterflies carry a great number of meanings. Their most apparent symbolism is that of metamorphosis or transformation; they are specifically representative of those who have died as they are thought to carry the recently departed spirits.

Butterflies also symbolize spring, and both the Chinese and Japanese generally view them as symbols of happiness and joy. They are a very popular motif in Japan, and a great number of traditional family crests (Kamon) utilize the butterfly in their designs. They’re also one of the most popular motifs in Kona Bay fabric designs.

Often associated with traditional Shinto weddings, butterflies are seen adorning the sake flasks and containers that play such a prominent role in the ceremony and are thought to symbolize happiness within marriage as well as womanhood. There is even an old Japanese custom of sending two large paper butterflies as a wedding gift.

One Japanese superstition says that if a butterfly enters your guestroom and perches behind a bamboo screen, the person whom you most love is coming to see you. Butterflies are also often seen as messengers, and in following them one will be lead to a mystery’s end.

Watch for issue #16 of Asian Fabric at your local quilt shop. Be sure to fill out the survey on page 11 and 12, too! Send in your completed survey and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win several prizes of Kona Bay fabrics. And, remember, I love seeing photos when our readers have made projects out of the magazine, even when you prepare the recipes! It's a fun issue—don't miss it!

Asian Fabric Magazine—A Peek Inside

As the next issue of Asian Fabric magazine comes together, I thought I’d give you an insider glimpse of the great things to come. Your feedback on the magazine has always been very positive and inspirational.

To celebrate the rebirth of spring and new additions to families around the globe, we’ll be featuring a beautiful grouping for the nursery. Two quilts, the Akachan and Sakana, one suitable for a girl and one for a boy, will add fascinating color and depth to your child’s room.

The creative quilts are suitable for lap quilts, as the child grows older. They’re also guaranteed to be the stand out gift at the next baby shower on your calendar. An accompanying baby bag and accessories will round out the package and have everyone cooing over your creations.

Butterflies are an ever popular Motif so Georgie Gerl, our favorite quilt designer, has also designed the stunning Chocho (butterfly) Quilt. This appliqué project will delight you and brighten your room as colorful butterflies do your blooming garden. Plus, find out about what the butterfly symbolizes in Asia and give your quilt a special story.

Travel with me as we take our first magazine visit to the fascinating country of Thailand and its capital city Bangkok. Carrying on the theme, we’ll feast on easy and delicious Thai recipes you can make and enjoy through a summer of fun.

Look for Asian Fabric Issue #16, filled with these great patterns and more, in your local quilt shops at the end of May. You can also subscribe now so you don’t miss a single issue. And, as always, I invite you to visit and find our what’s new at Kona Bay Fabrics.

Looking for Fame, Fortune and Free Fabric?

You’ve come to the right place! As you know (and if you don’t, you should!) Kona Bay Fabrics publishes a terrific magazine call Asian Fabric. The magazine is available at your local quilt store or by subscription. Now moving into our fourth year, Asian Fabric continues to be met with enthusiasm around the globe. It’s filled with creative and stunning ways to transform your Asian fabric into projects large and small complete with thoughtfully written patterns.

Now, here’s the “did you know”—We have a very special, perhaps the most dear to my heart, department in the magazine called, “What I did with my Kona Bay”. Here, we invite quilters just like you to submit a photo of yourself and one (or more!) of your projects that took of advantage of your Kona Bay stash. We also ask you to send a brief descriptive paragraph and where you’re from.

Every issue, we review the projects submitted and then we select the ones that will be in  the magazine.  When we feature your project, you can know readers around the world will enjoy and be inspired by you. Instant fame. As our way of saying thank you, we’ll send you three yards of beautiful Kona Bay fabric. Free fabric and money in your pocket because of it equals fortune.

Who knew it could be so easy. You can email your photo and information to our editor at: PublishingPeople@mac.com. Mail your submission to: Eagle Publishing, What I did with my Kona Bay, 328 E. Indiana Ave, Spokane, WA 99207.

The exquisite quilt shown here and included in Issue #15 is by Sandra Ellis of Edmonton, Alberta. Thank you Sandra and all of you who have submitted projects over the years. I can’t wait to see the next round!

The Life of Fabric at Kona Bay Fabrics

Have you ever wondered how that beautiful Asian fabric from Kona Bay you see in your favorite quilt shop got there?

The first step involves transforming idea into art. Several times a year, I board a flight to Japan to meet with our artists. The visits are two-fold—to review art created as a result of previous visits and to discuss ideas for future designs. I’ve devoted thousands of hours over the years to researching Japanese culture, traditions and art with a goal creating traditional fabric designs for your quilting projects.

The process for printing fabric is similar to printing on paper. Two methods are used—roller and screen printing. The majority of the Kona Bay fabrics you’ve come to love use the screen printing process. This allows us to produce the intricate designs and moiré shading that accent your quilting projects so well. A separate printing screen is created for each individual color and the popular gold metallic accents.

The printed fabric is shipped to the Kona Bay warehouse on 120 yard rolls. At the Kona Bay warehouse, the fabric masters use special folding machines to turn the rolls into the 15 yard bolds that are shipped to your local quilt shop.

The last part of the process is my favorite—seeing Kona Bay fabric transformed into projects just like yours! We love seeing your projects and sharing them with the readers of our magazine, Asian Fabric. Send an email to PublishingPeople@mac.com for instructions on submitting your project. If your project is included in the What I Did With My Kona Bay section, we’ll send you three yards of fabric for free!