Renowned Australian Pattern Designer Joins the Kona Bay Fabrics Family

I have exciting news! Leesa Chandler is well known throughout Australia and beyond as a premier pattern designer. Kona Bay Fabrics is now the exclusive US distributor of several of her most popular patterns. With over 50 exquisite designs and patterns to her name, she is a sought after teacher throughout Australia. We're looking forward to bringing her expertise to our customers.

When not on the road, Leesa is busy at her studio in Melbourne creating patterns for quilts, wall hangings and her exquisite designer handbags. She started her first handcraft business at the enthusiatic age of 14 and made her first quilt at 18.

She sources her inspiration from different cultures and their landscapes, flora, customs and architecture. Leesa loves teaching and sharing her obsession with rich Oriental design influences. Her patterns are well written and easy to follow.

One of the patterns Kona Bay will release first is shown here. The Eastern Tote teaches a three dimensional technique that you’ll love. You’ll find many uses for this technique in your future projects. This stylish bag would make the perfect gift for that special someone on your holiday gift list.

Summer Palace 98” x 74” (right) offers the same dramatic influence of the windows in a Beijing Palace that provided the inspiration. The remaining two, Emperors Stonework 83” x 83” and Imperial Windows 72” x 72”, are equally delightful.

The four patterns by Leesa offer proven success. We are proud to be the distributor of these unique patterns whose artful use of Asian fabrics is renowned in Australia. Inquire at your favorite local quilt shop. Tell ‘em Doug at Kona Bay Fabrics sent you!

As a special bonus, we’ll be featuring a new bag design by Leesa in the upcoming issue of Asian Fabric due out the first of the year. There is still time to subscribe! Visit www.konabay.com to subscribe today. Check out our latest fabric releases while you’re there. We have some gorgeous new designs rolling in over the next couple months so stop by often!

Kona Bay Appearing Daily On Etsy

Every day, I spend time on the internet—posting tweets to our fast growing league of Twitter followers and reviewing the many amazing products people have created with fabrics from Kona Bay. Along with enjoying photos of projects I’m emailed, Etsy has become one of my favorite places to linger.

Since 100% cotton fabrics are the norm for quilts, it’s often the first use people think of when they think of Kona Bay. Although there are, no doubt, thousands of quilts created every year by quilters around the globe, perhaps just as many other creative projects are made. I have found hundreds of examples on Etsy.

Of course, you recently saw our nations’ first lady wearing a stylish designer dress made completely with Kona Bay Fabric. Did I mention how excited we were to see that photo pop up in national papers? The thought still makes me smile!

In case you have never heard of Etsy—it’s an online marketplace where you can buy and sell handmade items. There may be no other place online that exhibits such a phenomenal display of talent all at one site. Launched in 2005 and not even five years old, Etsy is a runaway success story.

The Etsy community boasts nearly 2 million members and growth doesn’t seem to be slowing. Each seller has their own shop where you can buy their products and learn more about them. It’s boutique shopper’s paradise! I’ve also heard that it’s a source of inspiration for many.
I wanted to share a few fun products I found today.

KOALACaddie has developed a unique craft apron for knitters and chrocheters. I think these clever aprons could be appreciated by handywomen (and men!) of all kinds.

Pink Sweetie offers pendants, magnets and hair adornments using fabric covered buttons. These delightful little gems are the perfect option the next time you need an affordable gift (it’s ok to give yourself a gift).

Sandra's Creations’ stylish bags will take you from the beach to the office and grocery shopping in between.

These are just a few examples of the creative ways folks are using Kona Bay. Visit Kona Bay to see what’s new and Etsy for inspiring ideas on how to use your stash so you can make room for new designs.