What a feast for the eyes! Spring Quilt Market is in the books but the sights and sounds will be coming to your local quilt shop any day. What was cool, new and memorable? Where to begin?!
Brights are back! Of course they never really left but they are back in force in vibrant batiks, bold prints, and shimmering textures. You will be delighted at the sheer breadth of designs available this summer.
Neutrals and grays were still in attendance, and some delightful modern looks were looking resplendent in muted yellows and edgy greens, but they were less prevalent than at Fall Market.
I think the long cold winter had everyone battling back to life with vibrant, fun, and furry new trends.
Speaking of furry-- owls and foxes were there in abundance this spring, from whimsical to menacing these woodland cuties were donning every color and texture from dots to stripes. Look for great patterns and fabrics featuring these and more woodland beasties this summer and fall. Add bunnies, deer and bears to the mix as well. Critter lovers will have a great selection. And check out this lion!!!
Solid fabrics were a significant presence at Market with most of the big manufacturers showing off a line of saturated colors and coordinating pastels. Lots of gray on the side, but not the main dish. Other neutral players were stepping up to snag the spotlight, including pale peach, muted teal and lots of purples. Other trends I spotted? You couldn't miss Nancy and the Ditsy Quilters showing off artwork from Nancy's new fabric line in the booth.
Lots of embroidery—both hand and machine, but especially machine embroidery and applique. Many traditional designs and fabrics—lush florals in subtle colors and soft palates Primitives and wool still have a strong showing, with wool applique making a very strong appearance. Primitives are making a resurgence along with darker colored fabric lines and 19th century reproductions. Several very nice 1930's lines were back in the line-up as well. Check out Robert Kauffman, Maywood Studios, Moda and Lecian Fabrics. Hand dyes never go out of style and were shown in many booths and applications. And organic cotton was featured in a number of booths.
Gizmos and Gadgets—so many I will only mention a few but will give a much more in-depth discussion of new tools in my next post. Gotta haves include our own Easy Binding Winder, demonstrated by inventor Rex Moreland and quilter and shop owner Peggy Benjamin. This was a huge hit at market and the first really useful new tool (that is not electric) in this shade of pink to come along since the lawn flamingo.
And check out the new Add-A-Quarter ruler. It is going to be a big hit. Yup, its new and you won’t need an index card any more to fold your fabric and paper. Watch for a tutorial in a future post. Wait. . . There’s more! Ok, it can wait till next time. Till then, keep stitchin’! Reeze Hanson at Morning Glory Designs