October - Pumpkin Days!

This country is having a Pumpkin Invasion!  Everything seems to be pumpkin flavored or scented these days.  I do love it!

I've always loved everything pumpkin because it is ORANGE...my favorite color!


So it was high time I published my pumpkin pattern...this pattern has been in my head for many years - and I've literally made hundreds and hundreds of them to sell at bazaars.

The 'Patchwork Pumpkin' is a super easy pattern that you can make into any size pumpkin you want.  It's also smelly!...a good kind of smelly, with cloves inside.  I am selling the pattern in my Etsy shop and on my website at janaeking.com 

In August I was a vendor at Quilt, Knit, Stitch at the Portland Convention Center and it was a success on many levels.  I met wonderful people and even a few that I follow on Instagram.  My most exciting news is that my patterns are now being sold at Fabric Depot in Portland!

Just a reminder that I sell wholesale to quilt shops and Checker Distributors carries my patterns too!

Happy 'Pumpkin Days'!

Cut Loose Press Bag Pattern

This is a fun bag pattern that I designed last year right before Quilt Market called the Merry Berry Vinyl Tote.  I published it through Cut Loose Press, printed and distributed through Checker Distributors.  Which basically means, I submit the pattern, and they print and distribute...who, hoo! no printing and stuffing in to zippy bags for me. :)

It's really cool how Cut Loose Press prints the patterns.  All the patterns are printed on 8.5" x 11" cardstock and are 3 hole punched for a binder.  It's super easy to collect a lot of the patterns because they fit into a small space, and won't take up precious 'fabric' hoarding space ;)

Anyway,  Checker Distributors offers the patterns at wholesale, but through my shop you can buy one or as many as you want.

The bag is Simple Dimple to make, easy enough for a beginner.  The tote measures 15" tall, 12" wide at the base, and 5" deep.  I made the outside with laminated cotton, but it can be made with fabric of your choice. The inside has a pocket and I've added Annie's Soft and Stable to the inside.  Soft and Stable is a thin foam to give the bag shape and form.  I've only found this product at Quilt Shops and online.  I'm not aware that it is sold at chain fabric stores, but it could be.  I love the product in bags and find it very easy to sew with, although it can be thick for some sewing machines.  The tote closure is elastic with a button and I added ribbon to the handle for some added pizzaz.

In a nutshell, it's a simple to make, fun to carrry bag.  It makes for a wonderful bag to teach if you are looking for something to add to your class schedule.

Happy Thursday and happy stitching!

Tips for Sewing on Buttons

One of my Patterns in called the Merry Berry Vinyl Tote...well, hindsight is a beautiful thing...I probably shouldn't have called it the Merry Berry Tote because...well, the fabric is SOLD OUT!

So unless you have the strawberry vinyl in your stash or you find it on Ebay...you won't be able to make the Merry Berry Tote with Strawberries.  BUT the good news is there are lots of other fun vinyls out there and I found one at Greenbaum's Quilted Forest as shown on the Merry Berry Tote in the photo to the left.

The Tote calls for a large button and Pearle Cotton thread to attach the button.  The best needle in ALL the world for attaching a button is a doll makers needle!  It has a big eye and it's very long...about 6". So no matter what you are putting the needle through...it's easy, because it's long.

See in the photo below how easy it is to go right through the layers of fabric and Soft and Stable.  I use the Pearle Cotton doubled so the button is more secure - I love using the Pearle Cotton because it's a heavy thread and with a big button the thread looks nicer.

Don't knot the thread.  Just thread your needle, start on the backside of the fabric, bring to the front side through the button, through the other hole and to the backside, repeat again, and when thread is to the back take ends of thread and tie in a surgeon's knot (basically a square knot), dab some glue on the knot if desired.

This pattern is super easy and is published for Checker Distributors through Cut Loose Press...to order contact Greenbaum's Quilted Forest...ps. they also sell the vinyl shown on this bag too, and they have FREE SHIPPING!  Give them a call 503-363-7973.

International Quilt Market Portland 2013

I know you have been anxious and I'm finally prepared to share....Photos of Quilt Market! - International Quilt Market is a Trade Show for all things Quilting/Sewing/Fabric.  It happens twice a year and this year it was close to home for me so I jumped at the chance to go.

Wow, what an adventure from the first day of set-up to the very last day.  I've been reading a lot of other blogger's experience at Quilt Market and I have to say I feel I missed out on some of the action because there is just no way to fit it all in. 

In fact, I will link up with Diary of a Quilter and you can see some of the other fun stuff that went on at this wonderful show.  Honestly, it was hard to do everything there was to do there.  I took in what I could, but after setting up my booth and driving to Portland each day, I was so tired.  I just can't imagine how people felt who were travelling from all over the US and beyond...they must have been exhausted.

My husband and I had fun setting up my booth.  We even had time for a selfy portrait.

Here's my booth when we arrived...pretty bare.

Now it's looking a bit better...notice how I match so well with my booth...not planned!  I was the 'where's Waldo' of Quilt Market...LOL.

 

Just about all set-up and ready for the mob.

 Close-up of my bags.  The totes you see on the shelf have chalkboard vinyl on the fronts so you can write the name of the contents...sew fun.

 Last day of Market...

 

I am so thrilled to have had this opportunity to go to Market...I met so many wonderful people and made lots of connections with people I had been emailing...now I can put a face to the email.

 

Thank you, Timeless Treasures, who sponsored me and had my bags on their end booth display at Market (which I will post photos of soon).

 

Thank you, Alyssa, from Checker Distributors...you are the best.

 

Random thought...I know a lot of you follow Anna Maria Horner and she was due to have her baby soon, but there has been no postings on her blog for a month.  My prayers go out to her and her family in hopes that everything is okay.





International Quilt Market Portland, Oregon

Have I told you that I'm super duper excited about having a booth at Market? 

I'm a first timer and I'm nervous...but, after getting my booth half way set-up yesterday...I'm getting so excited for tomorrow!  Last night I was able to meet Hayden and Emily from Timeless Treasures...so fun to put a face to the emails we have exchanged.  I also met Alyssa from Checker Distributors...what a sweet gal.  I am now Distributing thru both companies, which is so exciting too!

I took a photo just for you so you can have a little sneak peek at what my booth looks like and you get to see my wonderful husband who was helping me. 

As we were leaving we pinned up the blue tule so no one would be tempted to 'shop' while we were away. 

As soon as I can I will post photos of my finished space.

what a good sport he is...I think he was having fun playing with the fabric and seeing all the other booth displays...