Published May 26th, 2009
in Marcus News.
When Vicki Bellino of Bloom Creek recently shared her latest obsession with us (quilt labels), we just had to pass them on! Have you ever been as excited about the design of your labels as you are about the quilt itself? Take a look at the beautiful detail on the labels she created for two of her recent quilt designs, featuring Aunt Grace Classics and Indigo, Pewter & Honey.
For “Diamond Delight” Vicki cleverly uses the Aunt Grace selveges to identify the quilt fabric, then in “Indigo Stars”, notice how her label appliques mirror motifs from the quilt, which makes labels a great way to use up a good practice block or other small remnants. Thanks for sharing, Vicki! Don’t great labels like these make you want to pare down that pile of UFO’s??
Published May 26th, 2009
in Marcus News.
We just returned from Pittsburgh, PA, the site of this year’s spring Quilt Market, where recurring design themes included neutrals & softer palettes, interest in quilts as historical reference, big, bold motifs, and anything in keeping with the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” mantra. Photos show off the Marcus booth, as well as the Bonnie Blue Quilts and Bloom Creek booths. Watch for these gorgeous collections and more to appear in your quilt shops this season!
.jpg "Marcus - QM SP09 Collage")
Published April 21st, 2009
in Marcus News.
It was fun to see how Jill Mead, editor of Quilts & More magazine, recently used the Rainbow Garden fabrics by Prints Charming, in a quilt for her grandson. We love her use of the big bold paisley (shown) as the backing, making the quilt reversible.
It’s also a great reminder of how to use those large design fabrics you might think are “too pretty (or too wild!) to cut”. Check out the front of Jill’s quilt and more details on her project at www.AllPeopleQuilt.com
Published April 7th, 2009
in Marcus News.
This month at MarcusFabrics.com, we introduce you to furoshiki, the ancient Japanese preactice of using pretty cloth to wrap and transport all kinds of items, from gifts to groceries! Read more about this creative, earth-friendly alternative to plastic bags and wasteful paper gift wraps! And put it into practice using your favorite Marcus fabrics, just in time for Earth Day (April 22), and all those great Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduation gifts to come!
Published March 12th, 2009
in Marcus News and Creative Ideas & Tips.
At the recent Road to California show, we were thrilled to come across the owners of the Calico Horse quilt shop in Redlands, California, and to see their stunning quilt featuring QUAKER QUILTS. Their design beautifully showcases the collection, which was designed by Judie Rothermel and The Heritage Center. Precise piecing and gorgeous quilting complete the look. Not surprisingly, their kits sold out at the show, but they are now available online through The Calico Horse. We loved the quilt, and thought you’d enjoy it, too!
Published March 12th, 2009
in Marcus News.
National Quilting Day is fast approaching, this year falling on Saturday, March 21. Our friends at the National Quilting Association are again providing the inspiration we need to celebrate our favorite pastime, with this year’s theme: “Welcome Home”. With the rising number of displaced families losing their homes, NQA suggests quilters use their free “Welcome Home” pattern and instructions to create quilts of comfort. Read more about the project and ways you and your quilting group might get involved in National Quilting Day ‘09! With Marcus Fabrics’ wide variety of from reproduction to contemporary, you’re sure to find a look that will bring comfort to any family in need.
Published March 3rd, 2009
in Marcus News.
We’re pleased to announce the debut collections of designer Teresa Kogut, for Spring 2009! Her first to collections for Marcus, HALLOWEEN DANCE and WINTER FRIENDSHIPS were just added to our online Fabric Gallery this week. Teresa is an accomplished artist whose whimsical, folk art designs can also be found on greeting cards, calendars, resin figurines and now, on Marcus fabrics. Learn more about Teresa, and ask for her fabrics in your favorite quilt shops, beginning May 2009.
Published March 3rd, 2009
in Marcus News and Creative Ideas & Tips.
Fabric panels, also known as “cheater quilts”, are back and better than ever! As our designers invent clever new layouts, we’ve been thinking up fun new ways to use them, and this month we’ve shered several crafty suggestions on the website, from pillows to mobile to sachets, even scrapbooks and gift wrapping!
Shown here is the boys’ panel from CLOTHESLINE KIDS FLANNEL by Michele D’Amore. You’ll also love the new panels in upcoming collections including Christmas, Halloween, winter, gingerbread and “pink ribbon” themes. ———– lisa s
Published February 4th, 2009
in Marcus News.
Check out the latest installment of our ongoing series, Creating with the Experts, where Anita Grossman Solomon shares with us her professional techniques for fabric preparation, which is key in the success of her beautiful quilt designs!
Here, Anita demonstrates with our AL FRESCO collection by Michele D’Amore.
Published February 4th, 2009
in Marcus News.
We’re pleased to have sponsored the prize again, for Best Large Quilt at the recent Road to California quilt show. This year’s masterpiece is by Sharon Schamber of Payson, AZ. Sharon started this original design in 2006, and completed it in 2009. It showcases over 90 stipple stitches and blanket stitch applique, and incorporates her own hand dyed fabrics. “It has hand corded binding and the colors are inspired by my trips to the Navajo Reservation,” she explains. Congratulations to Sharon on her awardwinning design! To see this year’s other Road to California winners, check them out online.
