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!

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!