a content life

Official Blog of Marmalade Fabrics

Marmalade Fabrics provides modern fabric to quilters & artists. Choose yards or fat quarters from a variety of diverse manufacturers including 150 shades of Kona Cotton Solids.

Stockholm has arrived!

used with permission from Robin Zingone's Blog

Stockholm by Robin Zingone is now in stock at Marmalade Fabrics. Come by the shop and check it out. If you like bright modern fabric, you'll love this collection.

Bye-bye Grey Cross Weave

I've known for a few days now that Moda Grey Cross Weave has been discontinued. I haven't posted because I just didn't want to talk about it. What was Moda thinking? I love Cross Weaves.

The bad news just keeps coming. Spearmint, Coral, Pomegranite, Storm, Wasabi, Lipstick, Apple, Scarlet and Sky have been cut from the Cross Weave collection as well. Maybe more but these are the ones I really love. I just don't know what to say. Really, what was Moda thinking?

I'm all out of Grey but I do have the other discontinued colors in stock. 

So, I better get all the bad news out on the table. Guess who increased their rates on January 23? If you said the US Post Office then you're right.

I took a close look at all my rates and I adjusted them somewhat. The US rates didn't change much but the International rates changed drastically. For what it's worth, I would pick up all the shipping costs if I could, but it's just not possible.

Now for some good news! The first batch of Stockholm arrived and you'll see it in the store soon. I'll send out a quick newsletter and a tweet when the fabric is ready for purchase.

Oh, one more thing. I'm very low on some of the prints from Malka Dubrawsky's a stitch in color but my next shipment arrives next week so no worries. It is going fast so get out there and select your favorites before it's all gone. 

It's these kind of days that make me want to buy a trailer to stash fabric. Okay, that's sounds extreme. Maybe I can move my two boys into one room and use the extra room to store my stash. That sounds more reasonable since I really don't have any place to park a trailer. 

Have you seen a stitch in color? It's here!

Have you heard all the hype about a stitch in color by Malka Dubrawsky? Well, let my tell you, the fabric is FABULOUS with a capital FAB! The colors are BRIGHT and RICH and oh-so-wonderful. What can I really say? If you love color, you'll adore this fabric. I know I'll be stashing some for a drab dreary day as medicine for my soul. (sounds dramatic but fabric is my cure-all)

I finally got all the fat quarters listed in the shop including a fat quarter bunch of the 39 prints available. There's no better way to have a sample of all the prints.

For those of you wondering where the Spectrum Panel is, I'm already sold out. There's a chance I may get more in so there's still hope. I'll keep you posted.

So if a stitch in color isn't exciting enough for you, here's some news you may like - Stockholm by Robin Zingone is on the way. Yes, it's on a truck headed to Kansas right now!

used with permission from Robin Zingone's Blog

I've been waiting for this fabric since the first moment I laid eyes on it. It's urban and geometric with an organic feel as well.


used with permission from Robin Zingone's Blog

Who can resist a great hexigon? Love them all!

There are even more photos on Robin's blog. While you're there find out what kind of girl you are based on which colors in her collection you like. (I'm sure you can guess which color-way I like best, although I'm not a morning person, I do like rummaging for antiques.)

No more time to chit-chat. Fabric is waiting!

ENJOY YOUR DAY!

a stitch in color is here!

I'm so excited to announce that a stitch in color, the debut fabric collection by Malka Dubrawsky is now available at Marmalade Fabrics.

Simple, graphic patterns and bold colors define these prints.

All the fabrics are inspired by the hand dyed and patterned batiks Malka's been making for years.

They are fun and functional for a bevy of sewing projects, perfect for piecing into quilts or crafting garments.

Come by Marmalade Fabrics and check out the 39 prints now available! You'll even find a 1/2 yard bundle so you can have them all in one easy click!

Tilly will be here Thursday!

The new year has begun and fresh fabric is on the way to Marmalade Fabrics!


Tilly Organic for Daisy Janie arrives Thursday, January 5th.

From the same designer who brought you Geo Grand and Shades of Grey, Jan DiCintio introduces her latest collection just blooming with brilliant color.

All of Daisy Janie's fabrics are 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton - from seed to fiber, fabric, printing & packaging. You can rest assured that you're reducing your carbon footprint when you buy organic. Read more about organic fabric at Daisy Janie's website.



A Stitch in Color arrives in a few short weeks. Simple, graphic patterns and bold colors define this debut collection by Malka Dubrawsky.



If you're a fan of hand-dyed fabric then you'll love Malka's new line. Read more about her fabric on her blog - a stitch in dye.

This is a huge collection of 34 prints and 6 solids. You'll find them all, including bundles and single cut fat quarters at Marmalade Fabrics in late January.




Flea Market Fancy is making a come-back! (I can hear screams-of-delight from here!)

Possibly the most popular modern print to date (just my own personal guess) is due to arrive at Marmalade Fabrics in March. Check out my sneak peek of some prints (above). Aren't they just yummy?

I don't know about you, but I'm really anxious to get my hands on all of these new collections!

I'll be sure to send a newsletter when new fabrics are available. If you don't currently recieve Marmalade newsletters, you can sign-up here at the shop.

You may also follow me on Twitter for short and quick updates on fabric arrivals.

As a reminder, you receive free shipping on all orders of $50 or more within the US. International shipping is available at reasonable rates.

Thank you again for making my first full-year in business a success. I look forward to providing modern fabric for all your quilting and crafting needs for many years to come!

Happy New Year!

New years make me think of lanters and since I don't have any hanging right now, I went out to my never-used Pinterest account and started browsing. Wow! I spent way too much time out there. I would hate to think I wasted my time so here's a link to my one-and-only board. If you check it out you can re-pin any of the images above and find out more about the sources as well. 

There's just something wonderfully refreshing about starting anew. A new day, a new quilt, a new recipe, a new book, a new year! I like the idea of starting over. In fact, I start things all the time. It's the finishing that's hard for me!

I suppose with anything new there's a little anxiety over the unknown, but isn't that part of the fun and surprise of something new? The new year is a mystery that will unfold day by day.

2012 is sure to bring fresh starts for me and my family - surprises and maybe even a few disasters (the spilled milk kind, not the lava is coming toward my house kind).

What I really want for 2012 is to be able to look back next December 31st and feel satisfied and proud of accomplishments but even more importantly the relationships built and sustained throughout the year. I'm not sure if that counts as a resolution but it seems like a reasonable goal.

Happy New Year to you! May your year be filled with more good things than you can count and your heart be filled with peace and contentment beyond your wildest imagination!

One Little Dumpling

A few posts ago I mentioned I was making dumplings using Keyka Lou's tutorial found here.

I only got around to making two. Here's my first finished bag that went to my son's kindergarten teacher for Christmas.

I'm quite embarressed to say that I only completed two during the Christmas holiday. I really do enjoy making them but there's never enough time. I've been keeping them handy to work on during rare spare moments. It's nice to have a little project that you can pick-up anytime without a big fuss. In fact, my second one stores two others in progress.

In case you missed my previous posts, the zippers and zipper pulls are from a great little Etsy shop - Zipit!

I just have to admit that I turned Christmas-green with envy admiration when I read Carla's post. Check it out here to see her dumplings! Many wonderful dumplings! Go Carla! 

More Yoshiko Jinzenji Fabric has arrived!

Yes! A few of the popular prints are back in stock and a few new ones have arrived as well. The photos can't possibly do justice to this fabric.

The canary yellow is a mid-weight linen blend with bold random dots. I can't wait to use it!

The next bolt shown above is a light taupe mid-wieght cotton - the weight is between quilting and home decor. You could use it for quilting or bags with equal sucess.

If you've been thinking of purchasing some of these prints, don't wait long. It's so sad but many of Yoshiko Jinzenji's designs are already out of print and unavailable in Japan or the US.

Here's a link to all the Yoshiko Jinzenji fabrics in stock at Marmalade Fabrics.

Check back later in the week to see the new line from Daisy-Janie - Tilly! You're going to love the fresh new patterns.

Echo back in stock!

Echo by Lotta Jansdotter is back in stock! I wasn't expecting a shipment until January so it was such a nice surprise when it arrived early. 

This fabric is HOT HOT HOT, so if you've been thinking about getting some, now's your chance to get every single print! Click here for all the prints including bundles of yards, half-yards and fat quarters.

Stay tuned because I have new prints from Yoshiko Jinzenji. I'll post them in the shop soon. All I need now is a camera!

So what's the worst time to have your camera quit? Anytime is bad but Christmas? Really?

A new one arrives today so hopefully I'll have photos for you soon! 

Dumplings anyone?

I'm working on putting together some dumplings using Keyka Lou's tutorial found here.

Hopefully, I'll have more photos of finished dumplings soon. By the way, if you need zippers, Zipit is the place to go - huge variety, great prices and timely shipping!

Check back later this week for new fabric that you won't be able to resist - just in time for last minute Christmas presents!

The day after

All I can say is . . .

You guys love a good sale as much as I do! Thank you!

Now back to the fabric for me. With some help, I'm going to try very hard to get all the Cyber Monday orders out today!

 

Serious Cyber Monday Sale

After a weekend like this past one, I like to take a moment Monday morning to sit down with a hot cup of joe in front of my computer and relentlessly hunt down the gifts that eluded me on Friday!

Cyber Monday is one of my favorite days of the holiday season, because although I have nothing against staying up all night, driving around in traffic, searching for parking spaces at no less than 12 stores, drinking way too much coffee and waiting in line for 40 minutes at a time just to find out I missed out on the early-bird specials, I enjoy sitting on my cumfy chair in my PJs clicking "PURCHASE" much more! Oh, so much more!

Secondly, Cyber Monday is my chance to find those things that I know I won't see under the tree. Let's face it, there are just some things we have to buy for ourselves. Well, there's no better time to buy fabric than today!

Cyber Monday Sale at Marmalade Fabrics

First, let me answer one important question you may have. "Can I earn reward points from sale items purchased?"

Yes, you earn Marmalade Rewards on sale items purchased.

This means you can essentially knock another 10% off the sale price! (click here for more details)

15% off Metro Living - yes, all 28 prints!
 

15% off Pure Organic Solids 
  

15% off Geo Grand


15% off Happy Camper


But wait, there's more!

30% off Juicy Blossoms 


30% off all Saffron Craig collections 


These sales are in addition to the fabrics currently marked down 15% to 40% at Marmalade Fabrics including Imressions by Ty Pennington and Ruby Star Rising by Melody Miller. To browse all sale fabrics, click here.

Don't forget, you receive free shipping on all orders of $50 or more within the US. Shipping around the world is available at resonable rates.

So, sit back and take advantage of these sale prices. You'll want to get 'em while you can.

Warm wishes to you all!

The fine print:  Sale prices are effective beginning November 27 and ending Tuesday, November 29 at 9:00 am CST. Fat Quarters and/or Bundles may or may not be included in the sale.

Original turkey recipe from my 5-year old

My oldest son brought this home from school yesterday. It's an original recipe he gave his teacher. She typed it up for the front of his turkey art. It makes me laugh every time I read it. It's a KEEPER!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Here's hoping your day is filled with family, friends, grateful hearts, peace, hope and all things wonderful and sweet!

More Kona options in stock!

         Sour Apple                   Primrose                         Pear

I've just added three more shades to the growing collection of Kona Cotton Solids at Marmalade Fabrics. With a grand total of 147 colors in stock, it's easy to find just the right shade for your project.

Just in case you don't see the exact color you're looking for, send me a note and I'll put your request on my wish list. That's just how I chose the colors above - by special request.

Your suggestions are always welcome at Marmalade Fabrics so please let me know if there's anything you would like to see added to the store.

Here's hoping this week has a bright and beautiful start!

Designer Solids and Kaffe Classic Bundles

Marmalade Fabrics now carries Kaffe Classics fat quarter bundles in red, green and blue. Each bundle consists of 15 fat quarters of classic Kaffe Fassett prints.

           
For all of those who love Free Spirit solids, Marmalade Fabrics now stocks Designer Solids fat quarter bundles. Each bundle consists of 15 fat quarters in either bold or subtle shades.

That's all I've got for now. Happy Day!

New Chevrons to "Stitch"

Stitch is Betz White's new line of organic cotton for Robert Kaufman.

I just couldn't resist these colorful chevrons. Who doesn't love a nice zigzag? And even better, they're 100% organic cotton and priced very reasonably.

Check them out here at Marmalade Fabrics.

Lovin' Loulouthi Hugs & Kisses Pillow Bundles

For the past week or so, I've had the pleasure of collaberating with Amy at During Quiet Time on her new tutorial, Lovin' Loulouthi Hugs & Kisses Pillows. Aren't they beautiful? I'm lovin' them!

My part was very small but oh, so much fun! Amy sent me an advance copy of her tutorial to create no-hassle fabric bundles to go along with it. 

Lovin' Loulouthi Kisses Pillow Bundle

Lovin' Loulouthi Hugs Pillow Bundle

Each bundle consists of just enough fabric to make each pillow. So, head over to During Quiet Time for Amy's tutorial and then check out the bundles at Marmalade Fabrics. Somewhere along the way, you just might find a giveaway!

Echo Pillow . . . pillow . . . pillow . . . pillow

Ta da! Here's my finished Echo pillow. I chose two of my favorite prints (among many in the Echo collection) and had a finished pillow in no time. If I can do it, you can too!

Speaking of making pillows, I have a special treat for you in store. Check back tomorrow for the reveal!

Hello Blissmas!

One great benefit of starting a new shop is meeting so many creative people. Case in point, earlier this year I met Michele, the creative mind behind Squeaks and Beeps. She called looking for some solid fabric. Solids? Oh, I have solids! We've been fast friends ever since.

I've been looking forward to the debut of Hello Blissmas for quite some time. Don't you just love the name? The whole collection is yummy!

As you know, I don't have little girls of my own but if I did, I certainly wouldn't be able to resist these adorable outfits. So instead, I just smile knowing that I helped contribute just a teeny tiny bit to this blissful collection.

 

Echo pillow peek

I'm working on a couple of pillows made from the sleek, urban, modern and wonderful Echo collection. (Can you tell I really like this fabric?) I still have some work to do, but here's a little peek.

Exhibiting a little creativity

As promised, I have a couple little projects to show you.

I've been working on some hot pads and trivits lately. I'm enjoying experimenting with piecing and quilting techniques.

I just love circular quilting! I found that it's much harder than it looks. I think with so many things, practice is the key.

I love the back of this one. It matches my vintage pyrex quite nicely don't you think?

I'm calling this one a trivit because it's approximatley 13"x10". I normally square up my hot pads but I left the wonky shape on this just for fun.

This one was quite a challenge for me. I didn't want to quilt over all of it, so there are many starts and stops. I loved the effect but didn't enjoy the process of tying off all the threads.

So there it is! I won't tell you how long these two took me to complete, but it really doesn't matter because I so enjoy the process!

Happy Monday!

Echo is ready for you!

I had planned to show you a little project today but instead I have something much better!

Echo is now available for purchase at Marmalade Fabrics!

The fabric is scheduled for delivery on Monday or Tuesday so I thought you might like to get a jump start on your purchase. I have made a note that orders will not ship until Wednesday or Thursday of next week, but with a little luck you'll have your fabric for the weekend.

I've listed FAT, 1/2 Yard and Yard bundles for those of who have to have them all. I can't imagine choosing from this set. They're all F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!

Take a look in the shop for size references as Windham sent me images with measurements included. That is so helpful to see.

I'll save my little project for next week and I'll have some lovely photos of Echo to show as well.

Happy dreaming girls, this collection will inspire them!

 

Quick update on Yoshiko Jinzenji fabric

My initial stock of Yoshiko Jinzenji fabric sold out in record time. I have just a few yards left but there's good news. More prints are arriving in a few short weeks including new patterns and colors. I'll let you know as soon as they arrive.

Additional Juicy Blossoms by Simon+Kabuki have arrived.


 

If you love poka-dots, then these are for you!

Several new prints from Lizzy House's Outfoxed have arrived.


Who doesn't like Pearl Bracelets? These new colors are rich and bright!

Watch for Echo by Lotta Jansdotter to arrive next week! REALLY!

I'm hoping to have a little project to show tomorrow so stay tuned.

Lark has arrived!

The entire Lark collection by Amy Butler is now in stock at Marmalade Fabrics! They're so lovely! Come by and check them out.

Lovely Lark arriving this week!

Amy Butler's new collection, Lark is arriving at Marmalade Fabrics later in the week. Oh yes, it's bright, bold and beautiful!

I'm going to busy as a bee putting together custom batches as well as 1/2 yard and fat quarter bundles. Just imagine, by this time next week you could be opening up a package of Lark with your name on it!

Speaking of being busy . . . you guys have been keeping me hopping cutting and shipping the Yoshiko Jinzenji fabric. I'm nearly sold out, so contact me asap if you haven't gotten yours!

Okay, I'm off to the races (aka working at Marmalade). Here's wishing a wonderful day for you!

Yummy Heath

Guess what came in this week! More Heath - pink, tomato and chartreuse - and everyone's favorite - grey! Lots of grey!

This week, I've been busy marking down fabric to make room for the new lines on their way - like Amy Butler's Lark Collection.

If you would like to build up a nice stash for winter, check out the Specials at Marmalade Fabrics. You'll find discounts up to 40% on selected prints from collections such as Impressions, Theory, Bryant Park and 1001 Peeps. Supplies are limited so don't delay.

The best part - sale items count in the Marmalade Reward Program. It's simple. Earn $10 free fabric for every $100 you spend in twelve month's time. It's like getting an additional 10% off every order. Log in each time you order and the system will track your purchases for you.

Hope you find a little something to top off your stash!

Featured on The Name Game!

Cindy was so nice to feature Marmalade Fabrics & a content life in her feature. Check out Live a Colorful Life today!

I love reading your comments and feel free to post any questions you may have regarding this blog or Marmalade Fabrics. HAPPY MONDAY!

Yoshiko Jinzenji Fabrics are here!

I'm so excited to announce that Yoshiko Jinzenji's fabrics have arrived at Marmalade Fabrics!

The above print is Yoshiko's signature print on white and below is the same print on a perfect medium grey. Both are 100% cotton.

This next print has to be my favorite - small splashes of color on white. The print is minimal and yet very interesting.

Next is the same print on her beautiful medium grey.

Wait! I think this is my favorite. Can I have two favorites?

Or Three? I love this print, too! All the above prints are 100% cotton.

 

Last, but not least is this beautiful cotton/linen blend (45% cotton/55% linen). The color is not grey, but a dark taupe or warm brown.

Please let me know if you have any questions about these fabulous new prints.

More Kona Cotton Solids

I just added 3 new colors in the shop this morning.

          Regatta                          Coffee                          Surf

If you're keeping count, that's 143 Kona colors in stock!

Now for the really fun news . . . I'm guest blogging today at Stitched in Color. Check out my post as I preview 3 new lines coming to Marmalade Fabrics very soon!

Iron Quilter in Kansas City!

Or "How We Made Four Quilts in Five Hours"

This post has been copied with permission from the KCMQG bog written by Shea Henderson, current President of KCMQG.

One of the best things about The Modern Quilt Guild is the fact that there are so many chapters around the globe. Reading about the events online through their guild blogs is great not only for their members, but also for guilds in other areas looking for new ideas. Chicago's MQG hosted an "Iron Quilter" event this past March and once Jacquie told us about it in May, we were hooked.

It was an absolute blast! We made four quilts from start to finish... in five short hours! Here is how ours worked:

• The event was held on a Sunday from 12-5 at a local Bernina store, where one of our officers works.
• Members signed up to take part.
• They were instructed to only bring a rotary cutter, a one gallon bag of scraps (any color), some scissors and a killer quilting attitude.
• The guild supplied batting scraps (really, I should say that member Angela Walters provided batting scraps!), thread, scrap buckets from Jacquie's stash, and a Secret Ingredient fabric (a 3/4 yard cut of one of three Anna Maria Horner Innocent Crush prints).

We randomly divided the 12 participants up into four teams of three. They had no idea about the team assignments or secret ingredient colors ahead of time. You know... to make them full of even more anxiety!

The finished quilts had to be at least 18" x 24", the top had to incorporate the secret ingredient and the quilt they created should reflect the MQG (in their eyes).

It didn't take long before the room was full of women working and planning and tossing fabric around!

Tammy made the official first cut of fabric!

Sewing without snacks? No way!

There was fast and furious piecing on the two sewing machines per team.

Some very clever members used the batting scraps to craft their own design wall.

And somewhere along the line, Jaime broke out a bottle of wine...that we quickly polished off.

And ever so carefully (though quickly!), the blocks started coming together.

With about an hour left until the deadline, most of the groups were assembling tops and backings.

And quilting! Jessica did some insanely fast quilting. We're talking 12 minutes, folks!

With the clock inching toward the 5pm deadline, teams were working feverishly to finish their bindings. Four different methods were used! The team above utilized every member: Robin sewing the binding to the back, Tammy supplying the pins and Claudia folding the binding to the front and pinning it down so that Robin could keep right on sewing and tack the binding in place on the front. Phew!

Jaime, our Bernina hostess, was fresh off a Denyse Schmidt workshop and used some of her free time to piece the tiniest of scraps together.

At 4:57 and 4:59, the first two teams finished!

The other two teams weren't too far behind!

It was a great way to spend a rainy day and we overheard people saying how much fun they'd had. We are so glad Chicago tried it and blogged about it and can't wait to see which MQG group will try their own Iron Quilter!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All of us had so much fun at this event. It's good to have a challenge once in a while that really pushes what you think you can do. I never knew I could run a machine so fast. In fact, if I did everything as fast as I did Sunday, I would no doubt have 1 or 2 quilts done each week!

I may not be that fast every day, but I do enjoy the process of quilting at my own pace - even if that pace is extremely slow.

Here's hoping you're enjoying whatever it is your're doing today!

My shelves runneth over!

I nearly forgot to announce the arrival of new Michael Miller prints (although some of these are part of my new DUOS) at Marmalade Fabrics.

 

   
From the new Citron & Grey Collection by Michael Miller Fabrics

  

  
From Patty Miller's new Grand Bazaar collection by Michael Miller Fabrics

  
From the Botanika Collection by Paula Prass for Michael Miller Fabrics

      
New dots from Michael Miller's Ta Dot Collection

Five more Kona Cotton Solids

   
New Moda Crossweave shades too!

I'm working on new Kona bundles that you're going to love. More details coming soon.

Have a wonderful day!

Google confirms no malware - Marmalade is back!

I just got the news regarding the malware warnings at Marmalade Fabrics "Google has not detected any malware on this site." The review is complete and the store has passed. I'm now approved by Google and I hope things can get back to normal. 

Click here to get to Marmalade Fabrics!  (http://www.marmaladefabrics.com/index.php)

Thanks for all the encouragement you sent my way! You guys are the best!

I cut off my Pollyanna pigtails

I really try hard to be a positive person. No one likes a complainer, but really how much can one girl take? 

Yep, I cut off my Pollyanna pigtails. Today, things are not so great. Here's the scoop regarding Marmalade Fabrics.

Google doesn't know me anymore. I've been put on their naughty list. It's just like they never knew me and are suddenly very suspicious of the site.

It's like the electricity was turned off and when it flips back on, none of the appliances work!

I hope you'll bare with me on this little detour - bumpy, rocky, uphill detour!

Can I blame menopause?

I checked out the symptoms but I didn't see anything in any of the lists that indicated stupid behavior as a symptom. At least the good news is that I haven't started that season of life quite yet.

That means I'll have to use the blond excuse. Here's what caused Marmalade Fabrics to completely disappear for nearly 6 hours . . .

Have you ever gotten any of those pesky renewal emails from unused recipe clubs or unread magazine subscriptions? Well, I got a notice a few weeks back and I decided I could cancel the subscription and never miss the service. I'm quite embarrassed, actually extremely embarrassed to say the renewal notice was from the company that hosts my store's website. (I hear the laughter from here)

I just assumed that my website developers took care of those sort of things. Oh was that a dumb move! I totally forgot I set up the hosting on my own long before I hired the firm.

So, around 10:00 am this morning, Marmalade Fabrics disappeared into thin air. You can only imagine my horror when I couldn't find it anywhere! The shock took over completley when my website developers asked me if I had renewed the hosting agreement. What? I needed that?

Thankfully, several gracious and knowledgeable and patient and wonderful people (only one laughed that I could hear on the conference call) took pity on me and restored my sweet shop back to the internet . . . via a host site (yes, I do need that). If it's not up when you read this, it should be very soon.

Here's the lesson. If you don't know what a renewal notice is for, just ask. One simple question could save you a great deal of time, effort and grief.

I'm taking the evening off. I'm beat!

MarmaladeFabrics down a bit longer

It seems it's going to take a little bit longer to fix my "blonde moment" that caused this mess!

I'll explain when everything settles.