Celebrities of the Quilting World

Did you ever wish you could be a rockstar? I know it might be hard to picture but I occasionally spent time in my youth conjuring up images of me rocking out with the sound of my guitar vibrating against my chest while the adoring fans buzzed in my ear. I know what you’re thinking…snap out of it, boy!

Well, today, I received copies of the promotional pieces for the premier issue of Quiltposium “Living and Traveling with a Quilter’s Eye”, a new quarterly online travel magazine for quilters. On the front page, it read—For the first time ever a groundbreaking online magazine with your favorite celebrities! Coming September 1, 2009!

Guess who’s photo was right there among industry hard hitters like Eleanor Burns, Kaye England, Alex Anderson and Jinny Beyer to name a few? Yes indeed, it was yours truly! So, it would appear I have finally arrived at rockstar status. The vibration might be a result of fabric folding machines in the warehouse and the buzz might be from fans sewing machines hard at work—but I have been officially deemed a celebrity.

Earlier this year Jim West, of Sew Many Places, introduced me to this exciting new venue and invited me to be a regular contributor. My answer, of course, was yes.

Each issue of Quiltposium will include over 100 pages of articles, photographs and video clips from 24 well-loved folks in the quilting industry plus detailed itineraries of up to 45 expeditions, cruises, tours and quiltposiums by Sew Many Places. You’ll enjoy free patterns, trip giveaways, discount coupons and way more information than you’ll be able to absorb in a single sitting. And, here’s the kicker—it’s FREE!

Here’s a fun note and reason enough, all by itself, to register for the premier copy—Kaye England (my quilting mom and someone I admire immensely!) will be the first centerfold and rumor is, it’s not to be missed.

My first column talks about using large scale fabric in your projects. It’s a common dilemma that is more easily addressed than you might think. You can register for this fun premier issue of Quiltposium at www.quiltposium.com. Remember, it’s free, so a few quick clicks mean you own it!

Kona Bay Customer Has Fabric Tours to Japan

Susan Faeder of Quilters Express to Japan will be having another one of her great tours to Japan and the dates have been announced -- January 17 - 28, 2010.  Susan has been giving tours for quilters to Japan for over twenty years!

I have been to Japan many times for business and have found many contacts and great fabric places but Susan Faeder gives a fabric tour that is unsurpassed.  Her working knowledge of Japan and fabric sources are what makes her tour the ultimate textile trip and comes highly recommended.  Add to that great mix the fact that she is very fluent in Japanese and you have all the major ingredients for a great tour.

If you are interested in her tour, you can go to her special web page at http://www.qejapan.com/QETours.html

Four New Tone on Tone Groups Add Pop to Your Project!

Ok, I know what you’re saying, “Tone on tones aren’t the pop in the project, you silly boy”! But you know I’ve been paying attention and, even more than that, admiring, quilts of all types pretty intently for nearly twenty years now.

On top of that, I’ve been pumping out those striking Asian designs that, I’m told, have made your toes tingle for just as long. Plus, several years back, we added the Seattle Bay division with its artistic, nature-inspired designs. I’m not wearing my “Ask the Expert” button today but here’s what I’ve concluded.

Tone on tone designs are like the foundation of a house or the bun on a hot dog (Is it lunchtime yet!?)—without them, everything falls apart. Over the years, our tone on tone designs have gained popularity with quilters using designs of every kind for their focus fabric. Seattle Bay, in particular, has worked to build a strong and ample selection of tonals.

The ideal tone on tone will read almost like a solid if you stand back yet offer a subtle texture and interest close up. It’s important that a tone on tone use various values of the same color to maintain only a slight contrast.

Tone on tones play a supporting role in your fabric theater. The right tone on tone is what makes the focus fabric pop.

This brings us back to the four new Kona Bay and Seattle Bay tone on tone collections. Starring on the Kona Bay side are the Gingko Tonals. Due out in stores come August, the Gingko Tonal design takes advantage of the unique shape of the gingko leaf which will pair well with both Asian and non-Asian designs. The addition of metallic gold along the rim of the leaves offers a dramatic twist.

Seattle Bay has built a name and reputation for its user-friendly tone on tone groups. Quilters can count on finding just the right print and color. Look for the three new Seattle Bay groups in local quilt shops starting in September—Falling Leaves, Vine Tonals and Tulip Tonals.
Each of the Seattle Bay groups feature eighteen different colors each while the Gingko Tonals offer eleven. Visit our website to see all the new tone and tone collections and more!

All I Could Say Was Wow!

In each issue of Asian Fabric, our magazine, we include a fun and inspiring section titled, “What I Did With My Kona Bay”. I never cease to be astounded by the photos of truly phenomenal projects our readers submit.

Last month, our editor forwarded an email submission from Magdalena Urbankova (pictured above) of Madison, New Jersey. She had lovingly transformed the Mount Fuji print from the Emperor Collection into a stunning shirt for her husband. It was fun to see our fabric used in a new way.

The seemingly endless vault of creativity we see stitched into artistic creations is heartwarming to say the least. Many quilts—large and small—along with bags, home dec items and an occasional wearable, are submitted. I never get tired of seeing ways our fabric can be used.

Last week, upon my return to the office from Hawaii, I was presented with a package. As I opened it, I saw our fabric. After unfolding the contents, I found a shirt—a shirt for me! Wow! Yes, I'm wearing it in the photo here. If I had a toothy grin, you'd be seeing it.

In staff correspondence with Magdalena, it was mentioned how neat it would be if I had a shirt like the one she had sewn and submitted for our What I Did With My Kona Bay section. Bless her heart, if Magdalena didn’t offer to make me one. I am touched and grateful for this very special gift. The craftsmanship and imaginative use of the scenic design is incredible. This will be special occasion wear.

You still have time to submit projects for the next issue. Send in a photo and a little information about you and your project. Email PublishingPeople@mac.com or submit via mail to: Eagle Publishing, KB Project, 328 E. Indiana Ave, Spokane, WA 99207.

Thank you again, Magdalena and thank you to all of you who support Kona Bay Fabrics and churn out the magnificent, inspired projects we see and the many we don’t. I admire you!

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!