Trendspotting

For those of you who are interested in trends . . . here's a slide show from recent trade shows.

Tradeshow Trendspotting Early 2011

View more presentations from Sphere Trending

HOW TREND COLORS ARE SELECTED - Are you risking irrelevance?

It doesn't look like you'll be wearing salad green soon . . . Listen on NPR  - Here's the link.

Color Trends

Are you interested in color trends? If so, have a look at this slide show from Sphere Trending.

Color Caffeine 2010

Color Trend Forecasts Video

Ever wonder how colors are forcasted? Here's video from Pantone that will give you some insight!

Ikat Trend!

I was excited to find an article in Threads Magazine, Taunton Press (May 2008) issue titled Spectacular ikat. The article said, "Look to the runways". So I googled 'ikat runway', 'ikat fashion', 'ikat bags, purses etc.

Below is just the tip of the iceberg . . .

Ikat is definately a trend for this spring!

But, here is why I was so excited. Last Quilt Market I had the good fortune to meet Priscilla Bianchi. I remembered seeing Priscilla on Simply Quilts and was probably a bit starry eyed. Priscilla, by the way, is one of the most delightful people I have ever met. Sweet, down to earth, funny and kind!

I was wearing this ikat shirt at the time and she took notice.

She asked if I'd be interested in incorporating her fabrics from Guatamala in some of my Scrap-bags™. Of course I said "Absolutely!" (The results are next to the trend board above) or
scroll down for more info on the bags, and a larger view.

Knotty But Nice pattern with Ikat, Kaffe Fassett and Nancy Davis Murty.

This bag features our Knotty but Nice Pattern. The stripe is the ikat fabric from Guatamala, the folded fan fabric is from Kaffe Fassett, and the purple is from Andover Fabrics by Nancy Davis Murty.

Scrap-bags™ Double Envelope Pattern with matching checkbook cover. Ikat & Modascapes by Moda

This is the Double Envelope Scrap-bag Pattern featuring Priscilla Bianchi's Ikat and Modascapes by Moda Classic #15635. Checkbook Cover uses left over scraps and a decorative stitch around the logo label.

Scrap-bags™ Triple Squares pattern with Ikat and Nancy Davis Murty, plus checkbook cover.

This bag features the Scrap-bags™ Triple Squares Pattern. I reduced the overall size from 14 inches to 10 inches, and only used the 8 inch pocket on the outside. I had some left over ikat fabric from the pocket and used it for a coordinating checkbook cover.The orange fabric used is Nancy Davis Murty's Harvest Home (Bee Creative Studios) by Andover Fabrics #3170.

These are two of the easiest projects. Great for beginners or first time sewers!

Trend Alert - Peace Sign Trend - Free Applique Download

Peace Sign Trend

We've noticed the return of the peace sign! Being a child of the 60's it takes me back in time and puts a smile on my face. It's retro . . . yes. But if we think about it, it might remind us to allow peace in our personal lives, which could spread to our families, communities . . . and who knows?

If you'd like to incorporate the peace sign into your next project please visit our Free Stuff page and download a pdf file free with instructions for this fusible applique version.

We think our Triple Squares Scrap-bag™ (shown) is great place to feature the applique.

Color Inspiration for Fall 2007!

I'm so excited about the color palette for our fall booth at International Quilt Market in October. (Booth#335) I've taken color inspiration for our palette from a Vincent van Gogh painting.