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.

Birch Mod Basics are here

Birch Fabrics are produced from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and printed with low impact dyes.      What I love about Birch Fabrics is the mix of retro style with modern elements that creates fun & unique prints. Look at the new abacus prints and who doesn't love dots!            Now, a little surprise . . . You may have noticed that I haven't had the spectrum panel from a stitch in color in the shop, until now! I just received more of this amazing print so here's your chance (maybe your last) to grab some.  If that's not a big enough surprise then stick around because Flea Market Fancy will be here SOON! I expect a whole load of it to arrive the second week of March.

a stitch in color GIVEAWAY!

I'm sponsoring a giveaway for Malka at a stitch in dye so zip over and check it out!

Modern Minimal arrived in the mail

I pre-ordered Alissa Haight Carlton's book from Amazon sometime before Christmas. It arrived in the mail and wow, was it ever worth the wait!

All I want to do is curl up with this book and admire and dream and plan! The quilts are stunning and the directions for "20 Bold & Graphic Quilts" are clear and consice.

Alissa is one of the founders of the Modern Quilt Guild and blogs about her quilting at handmadebyalissa.com. You must check out the Modern Quilt Guild's site for 100 days of modern quilting as well as Alissa's blog. Both are must-reads!

Go now! Read. Browse. Enjoy. You'll thank me later.

Curious Nature is here!

David Butler, the designer behind studio Art of the Midwest, introduces his latest brand directive "Parson Gray." The new brand guise will focus on print & design for fashion and home with a modern, natural, fine art approach. Richly muted palettes and organic, geometric prints with a loose, hand-drawn sophistication are anchored in modernist simplicity reminiscent of mid-century studio design.

Being the husband of fabric designer Amy Butler, David has many years behind the scenes of print & fabric design.

"I am profoundly inspired by watching Amy's artistic process, and being so tied to this creative industry through her for many years, with so many friends, I finally couldn't help myself. I only had to wait for the ideas and inspiration for what I felt I could offer the textile industry that I couldn't already find. That's how Amy started - by creating print collections that she wanted to see in the world. So I've taken my fine art approach to design, my own voice, and applied it to pattern."

Curious Nature is a folk modern interpretation of natural elements. It weaves together a balance of hand-drawn patterns inspired by Japanese indigo and mid-century fine art. The palette is grounded in richly muted nature tones evoking deep forest and dark ocean balanced by bone ivory and oyster grays.

- Information obtained from Free Spirit

Did you get my hint on Friday? I felt pretty sneaky!

I'll have my own beauty shots of this fabric very soon. The more I study it, the more I like it and I think you'll like it too!

Check out the prints available at Marmalade Fabrics and stay tuned for some fun custom bundles with Curious Nature coming soon.

And by the way, you can find a free pattern for David's quilt (shown above) on Free Spirit's website.

Happy Monday!

So excited to sponsor FITF & giveaway!

I've been a big fan of Ashley of Film in the Fridge (FITF) for a very long time, so it's really exciting to announce that Marmalade Fabrics is now sponsoring FITF!

If you love a stitch in color, hop over and mention your current favorite fabric line, or a fabric line you’re most looking forward to this spring.

Happy Friday! Please visit again on Monday for a big announcement regarding the arrival of a much anticipated fabric line. How's that for building suspense? Are you curious?

Sponsoring The Basic Charity Challenge

For the second year in a row, Cara Wilson from Cara Quilts has issued a challenge to the quilting community. Cara is asking us to help those less fortunate in our communities and, in return, she’s offering up some fantastic prizes. Here’s more from Cara’s post on the 2012 challenge:

In our daily lives we have a lot of things we think of as basics.

This morning you brushed your teeth with a toothbrush and tooth paste.

You used toilet paper.

Had soap to wash your hands.

Put on some deodorant.

Ran a brush through your hair.

Maybe took a shower with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a razor.

Put some make-up on.

You were able to put on clean underwear and socks, that no one else has ever worn.

In the kitchen did you grab some paper towels to clean up a little spill?

At some point during the day you probably grabbed a coffee or tea.

Used some tissue to blow your nose. Maybe sanitized your hands after.

I could go on but you probably have the point by now. We have a LOT of things that we consider basics.

In each of our communities there are places that people don’t have the very basic things we all take for granted. Shelters — for abused women/children, homeless, men’s missions — exist in virtual every community. They are a necessary safety net for people in our communities who for an array of reasons need help. But these shelters are almost always in need of the basic items. Many of the people have had to leave everything behind, or don’t have anything to begin with.

So here’s Cara’s challenge: identify a local shelter or charitable organization in your local community. Contact them and find out what they need, then drop it off and upload a picture of your donation to the Flickr group.  That’s all there is to it!  By donating basic supplies, you’ll be eligible to win some great prizes from Cara’s sponsors - yes, Marmalade is sponsoring this challenge.

It's so easy to forget how simple basic supplies like shampoo, toothpaste or a pair of new PJs can make a difference.

For those of you here in the Kansas City area, I've listed a few women's shelters in the area.
Safehome-ks.org, RoseBrooks.org, NewHouseShelter.org, HopeHouse.net

Let's all join Cara's Basic Charity Challenge!

 

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!