makingitfun

It's a girl thing color story giveaway

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

drum roll please....

Barbara
you're the winner!
of last week's
Retro comeback color story
please email your name (along with your blog name if different) and street address to:
info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

now for
today's color story:
It's a Girl Thing

For all you girly-girls out there;

the young and young at heart,

lovers of all things pink,

I know you're out there,

this one's for you...

sweets for the sweet

apron and chef hat tutorials on sidebar

by Joanna of stardust shoes

hmmmm.. is that a cocktail mommy apron?

CX5002 pink elephants

Apron pattern by: Vanilla House designs

to check out our latest inspiration/fascination obsession
and source credits for the lusciousness above:
visit us on:
pinterest.com/mmillerfabrics/

warning:do this when you've got time, guaranteed you'll be bookmarking all kinds of new blogs to keep up with!

so now's the time to leave a comment
and let me know your favorite inspiration sources.
one random winner will be chosen to win
a yard each of these party favorites:
CM4604 quaint cupcakes
CX4605 doily dance

and in a fit of whimsy
we'll throw in these:
CX5002 pink elephants/charcoal
CX3136 play dot/bloom

winner announced next Wednesday
CHEERS!

Designer Spotlight Sunday: Patty Sloniger

2012-01-22T02:16:00.000-08:00

The story behind Backyard Baby and Bella Butterfly

started last May when thousands voted
Patty Sloniger

the Project Selvage winner
( a Michael Miller Fabrics and Spoonflower collaboration)

Becoming our newest Licensed designer
meant non stop work from May till
her October debut in Houston at the
International Quilt Market .

It's a long process bringing fabric to fruition and inevitably the sample fabric arrives at the last minute. Trust me what you see packed into that small space represents a lot of late sewing nights.

Simplicity Pattern#4243

Pattern/ New Look 6067

free pattern & tutorial

Patty and her Mom
Patty passed along some tidbits about herself saying, "it's probably way more than I'd want to include." But I love to know as many details as possible and I figured you would too. It's amazing how much we find we have in common.
enjoy!

Basics: I grew up in Maryland, spent my high school and college years in both ends of Tennessee and ended up moving to Houston after graduating with a BFA in Graphic Design from ETSU. I met my husband here and we live in a cute little house with two cats, Puddy and Mama. I grew up in a creative family and really can't remember a time when I wasn't drawing. In high school I had this amazing art teacher, and although at the time it seemed like all we ever did was draw, draw, draw, looking back I can see it was an incredible foundation for where I am today.

Inspirations: I love to look through magazines, I have stacks and stacks of them. I tear out pages that inspire me and either file them for future use or add them to current inspiration boards for whatever I'm working on. I also take a ton of photos when I'm out and about, especially on vacation in a new place with new sights. When we get back and start going through the pictures, more than half of them are random things like close ups of peeling tree bark or 10 shots of the same flower.

Process: My designs usually start with sketches and drawings, which I scan in and move around in Photoshop to see how they fit together before creating the final illustration. Then, using my trusty light table, I draw and redraw, each draft on top of the previous, refining each step until I'm happy with the result. Then it's back to the computer to add color, texture and layering.

Other art-related jobs I've had: I worked in an antique store in college, painting custom artwork on furniture, and also as a one-man design room for a local screen-printing company. After graduating, my first job out of the gate was for a stationery and gifts manufacturer here in Houston where I quickly realized it actually was possible to make a living as an artist. I spent 5 years illustrating, designing and absorbing as much as I could, attending trade shows and markets in New York and and Dallas. After choosing to stay in Houston when the company relocated up north, I continued working towards my goal of becoming a licensed illustrator. Enter Spoonflower and Michael Miller... Spoonflower provided the creative environment to hone my surface design skills while interacting with and learning from other amazing artists and Michael Miller provided the incredible opportunity to go pro.

Most rewarding thing so far about becoming a licensed fabric designer: Two things actually, seeing my name on the selvage, and getting to sew stuff out of my own fabric. I'm also pretty darn excited to see what other people will make with them.

Random facts about myself: I like to sew in my slippers, I enjoy ironing freshly washed fabric (not to be confused with laundry), I like old movies and musicals especially anything with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn in them, I love a good game of ping pong, I took piano lessons for 10 years, french for 6 and played soccer in college. My favorite art medium is a pencil and paper, but I enjoy making things in general, whether it's a piece of art, a piece of furniture or a piece of clothing. If I could convert my garage into a workshop the first things I'd add would be a kiln and a potter's wheel.

Favorite Meal: Breakfast, at any time of the day or night

Favorite Season: Fall (it was summer until I moved to Houston)

Least Favorite Household Chore: Toss up between making the bed and unloading the dishwasher

Country I Most Want to Visit: Australia

3 things I wish I was better at: time management, talking about myself, knitting

What would I want to do if I wasn't doing this? Decorating cakes in my own bake shop!

Skill I'd most like to learn if I had more time: Calligraphy

Favorite Vacation: Christmas in Lyon, France

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Whataburger

Design Tools I Can't Live Without: Light Table and my TUL pens

Pudy

Retro comeback

2012-01-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

I don't think we'll ever tire of "retro" inspiration.

Show someone a toy, a book, anything from their childhood
and a smile spreads across their face.

That's why we couldn't resist these
vintage picnic fabrics

Of course retro is different to everyone
and everyone's got a favorite era;

40's? 50s? 60s? 70's? 80's?

please don't say 90's yet

and everything has a comeback.

Mom jeans are back

7 for all mankind/ citizens of humanity / photos courtesy of Goldsign

James Jeans/ Diesel/ photos courtesy of J Brand

But there's a saying when it comes to retro fashion:

If you wore it once, don't do it again.

the logic of the past was:

high waistband and bell bottom flare

Made your legs look

l-o-n-g-e-r
did I mention we wore them extra long covering those platform shoes?

but when we carried it over
from high school and college

to our child rearing years..

this happened

thanks to Saturday night Live

I think the lesson is :
don't get stuck in a trend

so have a cool one
and share your thoughts on Mom jeans

one lucky winner will receive a yard each of these

vintage picnic fabrics

winner to be announced next Wed.

(and don't pick on mom-to-be Jessica Simpson )

got a question?

2012-01-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

I kick started the new year over at

Sew Mama Sew's blog.

answering their thought provoking questions and you can too!
(you'll also have the chance to win a $20 gift certificate)

Sewing Industry Reflections and Predictions Series
doing all this reflecting got me thinking..

What Questions Do You Have?

Not only for me but for the

Designer Spotlight Series

we'll be starting soon

(every week we'll shine the spotlight on one of our designers)

Now's the time to ask ...

Holiday wishes

2011-12-22T16:56:00.000-08:00

To all of you from all of us
best wishes

Sweet Holiday Owlie Softie

2011-12-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

WHOOO, WHOOO'S
the most adorable little owl??
Why this guy of course!

compliments of
Patty Sloniger's
Sweet Owlie Softie - Tutorial
made up in HO HO Hoot CX4982

......stay tuned ...

as Patty starts our

Designer Spotlight Series

in January!

Tammis Keefe Christmas Projets

2011-12-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

We love Tammis Keefe's whimsical take on the holiday season.

There's still time to snag some of her wonderful prints for these

Quick and easy Projects

Twinkle Angels/ DN4938

Tammis Angels Banner

Download free patterns here

Tammis Angel stockings

Download free pattern here

Happy Hanukkah

2011-12-20T18:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Hanukkah

The eight day festival of lights

began at sundown tonight.

This is one of the prettiest Menorahs I've ever seen

from West Elm.

for more wonderfully curated inspiration check out the very tasteful blog Don't Sew Angry.

CM4895 Shalom/ blue

CM4475 Dreidels & Stars/ nite

from Thoughts to Print

Quick and Easy Wreath

2011-12-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

Another great Quick and Easy project;

DIY wreath

made using styrofoam balls and torn strips of our fabrics!

(idea: include the kids, just snip the width you want along the selvage and let the kids do the ripping)

by Trenna Travis

ultra talented photographer, interior designer and artist.

pssst... if you haven't been to her facebook page- go now.

Quick and Easy Gift bottle wrap

2011-12-15T15:55:00.000-08:00

Tis the season

for hostess gifts!

a festive drink to share, a bottle of bubbly or a favorite wine.

Rather than yet another paper wine bag,

try this Japanese style fabric wrap (called furoshiki).

Not only does it have a nifty carrying handle,
they'll have the fabric square to re-use.

furoshiki bottle wrap

we used about a 36" square piece of fabric,

which worked nicely for a typical size wine bottle.

CHEERS!!!!!

Quick & Easy Holiday projects

2011-12-13T23:53:00.000-08:00

It's that time again,

The season is upon us.

give that special someone / something special

made by you just for them.

We'll be featuring projects so simple
you can whip'em up
and
spread the love and good cheer around:

hostess gifts, teachers, you name it the list goes on and on....

for your own table and theirs:

festive place mats and napkins

prints: CX4924 Mod Holiday and CX4925 Mod Flourish

place mat tutorial

How special is that?!

2011 Houston Quilt Market Set-Up

2011-11-12T19:44:00.000-08:00

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Set-Up Fall Quilt Market 2011 from shawn wallace on Vimeo.

Video by our fab Shawn Wallace

Do we have fun or what?!

more to follow.....

Next stop Quilt Market

2011-10-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

next stop Houston

Quilt market here we come!

Secret Garden Laminates (aka Sandi crashes the blog)

2011-10-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Michael Miller fans! It's Sandi here, gate-crashing the Making it Fun blog!

I'm so happy to share with you my newest venture with Michael Miller Fabrics - laminated cottons. I have wanted to do a group of these fabulous fabrics for awhile, and with Secret Garden - I was given the green light to pick out some of my favorite prints to be laminated.

When we started looking over the Secret Garden prints, the first obvious choice to me was the Garden Gate design in all of its mossy, rainy colored splendor. When I designed this print, I wanted it to look like an ornate Garden Gate, with the remnants of past grown flowers still clinging to the iron. What a perfect print for a drizzly day, don't you think? I have a raincoat in the works.. in three different prints.

To accompany Garden Gate, my Lock & Key and Vintage Ironwork prints in those lovely tones of gray joined the lineup, and were soon followed with the Midnight Party Dress and accompanying Vintage Ironwork in Berry:

When I received my sample yardage to play with, I started thinking about the obvious uses for water-resistant fabrics. Raincoats, lunch bags.. but I wanted to really push creativity with this unique fabric.

My first project was to recover an old, outdated sewing caddy that had great bones and construction. Look at the before:

Please try not to be overly jealous of my gorgeous turquoise carpet. We can't all be so lucky..

But do be jealous of what I found on the inside: (and with a price tag of $9.99, I would have snapped it up even if it wasn't full of lovely vintage sewing goodies!)

So I got to work and stripped away the covering and gold foil trim and covered the lid with my Garden Gate laminate and covered the body with some mod podge and Garden Damask. Working with the soft laminate was a dream. It moves and drapes like a regular cotton, but obviously is laminated to make it water resistant. The coating prevents cut edges from fraying, which makes projects like this particularly easy-peasy.

I think it is a definite improvement, and now I can put my feet up on it and just wipe it clean. And now I want to sew everything in a laminate, just to be able to "wipe it clean.." It's a really great feeling - if you will be attending Quilt Market in a few weeks, please stop by our booth to see fresh ideas using this new fabric!

I will be back after Quilt Market with some more tips and tricks to sewing with this fabric, a free quilt pattern for the laminates (yes!) and some care tips.

But in the meantime, enjoy!

genius interrupted

2011-10-06T06:17:00.000-07:00

Iconic Visionary
creative genius

and the best Commencement speech/ life lesson
EVER!

life at Michael Miller

2011-10-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!
Sarah
you're the winner in last week's

Spa Collection Giveaway!
please email your name (along with your blog name)
and street address to:
info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

We're in the throes of quilt market prep and thought I'd share a few behind the scenes pictures while I'm here in our New York headquarters.
(For those of you that don't know, I split my time between our New York office and northern California studio)

meet my latest attraction/distraction

Chester the office dog

Bernese mountain dog, gentle giant

(105 lbs and growing)

and the biggest fan of our bean bag chair

tutorial by Joanna of stardust shoes

yes that's Laura Gunn's gorgeous prints he's lovin'

can you tell he's the apple of their eyes?

not everyone's as distracted as me

after all there's work to be done
and
it's all arriving at the last minute
of course....

Next week California........

Spa collection giveaway

2011-09-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!

Mrs. Pringle. Chip.

you're the winner in last week's

Cocoa Berry Color story giveaway!

please email your name (along with your blog name)

and street address to:
info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

now for today's special treat:

who doesn't feel like they're ready for a spa day?

our in house artist, videographer and now model Shawn sure does!

Relax, Rejuvinate, Recharge

......Ahhhhhhhh....

are we there yet???

okay- okay,

snap out of it!

considering we're all in

pre-Quilt - Mkt.- lock -down - mode here,

we're most definitely NOT there yet.

But seriously don't these colors put you in that

"Spa state of mind"?

Breathe in, breathe out and imagine you're at the Spa and a yard each of the Spa collection prints pictured above have just been delivered to you on a tray as you lounge by the pool sipping the drink of your choice.....

now, go ahead leave a comment (what are you sipping??)

and you could win a yard each of the spa prints pictured above.

winner announced next Wednesday.

Namaste

Cocoa Berry color story Giveaway

2011-09-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!

Sally

you're the winner of last week's

Petal flower fairy giveaway!

please email your name and street address to:
info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

Now for today's color story:

Cocoa Berry

The anchor color for this story is a deep rich chocolate brown. This warmer version of black makes all colors next to it sparkle and pop.

It's considered a basic today but around 2005 it was considered the radical new "black". Also, in case you're wondering, it's a trend that started on the streets of Paris - specifically with brown and pink. It sounds so silly now but it caused quite a stir, suddenly the new trend was causing a rise in handbag and shoe sales (after all you couldn't be caught wearing black shoes with brown pants!) It also meant one more thing to think about when packing a suitcase- black pants? brown pants? 2 pairs of shoes? decisions, decisions....

(that's one reason my purse is black and brown)

Now that brown is the accepted norm we're starting to see "white" as the "new" color to throw in the mix.

All the colors on this bed accentuate the others.

duvet cover designed by Marinda Stewart

instructions coming soon on our website

love polka dots!

especially this quarter dot CX3744 in fuchsia

Clear bright colors

contrast, contrast, contrast!

so, do you have a favorite anchor color for your wardrobe? quilting? home decor?

leave a comment, share your thoughts and you could win a yard of each of the Cocoa berry fabrics pictured above.

Winner to be announced next Wednesday!

Petal flower fairies Giveaway

2011-09-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!

Lulu et Gigi

you're the winner of last week's
Urban Grit Color Story
giveaway
please email your name and street address to:
info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

we've got a special treat today:
our latest Petal flower fairy collection by
Cicely Mary Barker

Pure fantasy land,

dreams are made of this.

quilt by Marinda Stewart
instructions coming soon on our website

more flower fairy fun here

So, when you were young, did you believe in fairies?
Every little girls' fantasy?
Leave a comment and you could win a yard of each of the fabrics used in the quilt pictured above.
Winner to be announced next Wednesday!

Urban Grit colorstory giveaway

2011-09-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!

sewing_lil_roses

you're the winner of last week's

Lagoon color story

giveaway

please email your name and street address to:
info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

Now for today's color story:

Urban Grit

You could call this color story neutrals but I think there's so much more to it. This is the one story that really speaks to the time we're living in. In rocky times it says stability. It's solid but not stodgy. It's the wise investment in pieces that will never go out of style. It's the palette that can be cutting edge new or just plain edgy.

as we speak these just landed in my mailbox

personally I think to make this palette work, it's all about the contrast between the shades. If I want a combination to "pop" and not look drab it's my preferred tweaking technique. But then again that's personal.

note the cream "almost white" in these. Trust me it's intentional.

What's your thoughts on this timely yet timeless color story?

leave a comment and you could win a yard of all the

Urban Grit prints pictured above!

Winner to be announced next Wednesday!

Lagoon Color Story Giveaway

2011-08-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!

Mercedes F.

you're the winner for last week's

Orchid gray color story

giveaway

please email your name and street address to:

info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

Now for today's color story:

Lagoon

This has been one of the most popular color stories ever. It used to be known as "the money color " in New York's garment center/ dress business. Whatever the latest color trends were, this winner would always be added to the lineup because it always sells.

The whole range of blues, teals, emerald and turquoise with touches of lime. The depth and intensity of the colors may change from year to year but it's attraction stays constant. I think it's our connection to nature that draws us to it. The blues of the sky, the turquoise of water and the green shades of nature.

Is this your go-to color story? Does it resonate with you?

leave a comment, let me know and you could win a yard of each of the Lagoon color story prints pictured above.

The random winner will be announced next wednesday.

And I'd like to say to all you east coast folks

dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene;

this week's water theme color story is purely coincidental.

Here's to calmer times and the soothing effects of

natures' favorite

blue and green palette.

Orchid Gray

2011-08-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

The winner for last week's

Retro color story

giveaway is:
Nanann
please email your name and street address to: info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

..........................

Now for today's color story:

Orchid Gray

To sum it up in one word:
Luscious
sophisticated femininity, elegant, sweet but not saccharin.

or try

EXOTIC

as in our newest print

cx4502 Road to Marrakesh

color gray

as in this gorgeous

Road to Marrakesh Quilt

by Marinda Stewart

Overall the importance of gray and all it's variations as a neutral base

to go with ALL COLORS

has been seeping into our consciousness for the past few years.

That along with the evolution of "orchid" as a sophisticated purple/pink

makes this a

WINNER!

and speaking of winners;

Leave a comment and share your thoughts if this color story "is you"

and you could win a yard each of the prints pictured above.

the lucky winner announced next Wednesday!

Retro color story and giveaway

2011-08-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

...........

and the winner for last weeks'

Rouge et Noir giveaway

is:
viktoriakreations

pls. email your name and street address to: info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

Now for today's color story:

Retro

This color story is

ALL ABOUT HAPPY MEMORIES

you remember, we've all got'em;

that outfit you adored

that apron grandma wore

that TV show

that toy, that bike, that car

We stash those colors in our memory like boxes in the attic.

That's why we did this group of happy Super Heroes,

by our own Super Hero:

Shawn Wallace.

the colors and characters bring out the kid in all of us.

What's your happy retro color memory?

leave a comment and you'll be entered to win a yard of all the super hero prints pictured above.

one random winner will be announced next Wednesday!

Happy trails to you!

Rouget et Noir color story and giveaway

2011-08-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

The winner for last week's

It's a Boy thing

color story giveaway is.....

Sleepless Stitch

pls. email your name and street address to: info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

Now for today's color story:

Rouge et Noir

Rouge et noir (french translation; Red and Black) not to be confused with the heavenly

Rouge et Noir triple cream brie form the Marin Ca. company of the same name.

We're talking about combining

two color combinations

with the most graphic appeal on the planet.

Red & White

and

Black & White

then combine it all with a few French accents

and it's instant

LOVE!

if you love these too

It's A Boy Thing

2011-08-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

It's ladies first

for last weeks'

It's a Girl Thing color story giveaway.....
Bonnie Colleen

you're our winner!

pls. email your name and street address to: info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

Now for today's color story:

It's A Boy Thing

The number one complaint I get is :

"There's not enough "boy" prints out there!"

No matter how many we do, it's never enough!

What they're really talking about is a very specific color range.

Here's the no-nos in that palette:

pink, magenta, lavender - anything that suggests "girl"
when it comes down to what to make in whatever pallet for the
"little guy in your life"
we've got
OPTIONS!
Sarah Jane's sweet and sophisticated boy's groups from her collection:
Children at Play
After School
and
Over the fence

or
Emily Herrick's primary colors with accents of gray and orange
Going Coastal

or
for a modern twist on
"blue for boys"
we tried Aqua and gray.

With Aqua's soothing universal appeal and the softness of gray
it's a winner

and speaking of winners
it's that time again
leave your comment and share your thoughts.
A random winner will be announced next wed.
and
receive 1 yd of each of the "it's a boy" prints shown above.

Next Wed. will be Rouge et Noir!

It's A Girl Thing color story giveaway

2011-07-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!
TheaM

You're the winner for last week's

Aqua/ Red

color story giveaway

Please email your name and street address to: info@micahelmillerfabrics.com

Now for today's color story:

It's A Girl Thing

Here at Michael Miller we try our best to please you all.

( that's not just schmoozing, I really do mean it)

That means listening to what you ask for and what you buy.

The majority of you have made it very clear:

When it comes to the colors you want for your children,

It's Pink for girls, Blue for boys.

This is soooo traditional it's embarrassing.

But combining ballet pink with coral and gray puts a bit of a twist (and somewhat retro) on this
traditional girly-girl favorite.

Don't get me wrong -

I'm not saying we need or want to pigeon-hole our kids into certain color traditions.

I'm also not so sure that so many little girls would be drawn to all things pink, lavender and girlie
if they weren't bombarded by endless aisles of pink and lavender in the "girl" toy aisles and the media.

What they need is OPTIONS and this is only one of MANY.

so now it's time to share your thoughts.
Leave a comment

and next wed. one random winner

will receive 1 yard of each of the "its a girl" prints shown above.

Next wed. will be all about BOYS!

Aqua/ Red Color Story giveaway

2011-07-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

and the winner is:

Gail

yep, that's right

you've been randomly chosen

to receive last weeks'

Citron Gray

Color Story

Please email your name and street address to: Info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

Now for today's color story:

Aqua /Red

If I had to choose

one word

to describe the pairing of

Aqua and Red

it would be:

HAPPY!

(maybe that's why I love seeing polka dots in these groupings. Nothing says happy like polka dots.)

lighthearted, fun loving, modern, retro, hip.

Graphically eye catching

(used on many magazine covers, a Martha Stewart "go to combination")

once you start noticing it;
you'll see it EVERYWHERE.

Here's what I had within arms reach in 2 minutes here in the studio

now it's your turn.

I'd love to know if you've used these colors

to celebrate a happy occasion

to make something

and made someone

HAPPY!

we'll be announcing a random winner next Wed.

along with a new Color Story

and

GIVEAWAY!

Citron/ Gray color story giveaway

2011-07-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!

Megan N

you're the randomly chosen winner

for last weeks Sorbet Color story giveaway

Please email your name and street address to: Info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

Now onto today's color story:

CITRON/ GRAY

The color citron (and all it's variations) is a great example of how color trends evolve.

Color trends usually start on the fringes. That's why I like to say, "pay attention to what you don't like". Your negative reaction may stem from the fact that it's "new" and your eye hasn't become adjusted to it. For example this ad was from around 2006. When I've shown this the reaction is usually negative. Comments like, "I could never wear that color next to my skin". But it's amazing how the more we see a color over time, the more we start to accept it and before you know it we're buying it. Probably not in this super saturated undiluted Dior couture creation but it'll start sifting into the mix of everything you buy from your clothes right down the line to the plastic storage bins you stash them in for the next season.

just for fun check out this scene from the movie:

The Devil Wears Prada

So once again I've shared my thoughts, now share yours.

Leave a comment and a yard of each of the

Citron Gray Collection

prints pictured above

could be yours.

The randomly chosen winner will be announced next Wed. along with a new color story

and another

GIVEAWAY!

Sorbet Color Story

2011-07-06T01:42:00.000-07:00

As promised, I'll be sharing a new color story

every Wednesday

along with the thought process behind it.

and

giveaway!

Let's get started with one of my personal favorites Sorbet.

It's feminine and flattering to many (especially blondes).

Since I mentioned Blondes I'm going to share something with you:

Before starting Michael Miller one of my many jobs was working as a "customer stylist" for different fabric companies. When a manufacturing company (apparel, handbags, uniforms; medical scrubs, home accessories, etc etc) needed custom designed fabric I'd come up with the print and color combinations to their liking. It was a terrific education.

I developed a little game with myself;

Most of the clothing designers I worked with were women and seemed to have predictable color preferences based on;

hair color

skin color

the state she lived in

Keep in mind I wanted to present artwork that got approved.

People pleasing 101. Give'm what they want.

Obviously I wasn't always right, like I said it was a game I played in my head.

This is a girly girl color story. It's one of those trends that cycles in and out of fashion but never really goes away.

Loved by blondes/ some redheads/light brunettes/a sunshine state fav.

(the lighter the color the lighter the hair)

(the more intense the color the darker the hair)

So there you go, I've shared some of my thoughts,

now share yours.

If "Sorbet" is "YOU" leave a comment and let me know if you fit the profile.

A yard of each of the sorbet collection prints

pictured above could be yours.

The randomly chosen winner will be announced next Wed. along with a new color story

and

another

GIVEAWAY!

color story inspiration

2011-06-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

Color Story inspiration boards at Salt Lake Quilt mkt.

nothing says it better than a picture,

A REALLY BIG PICTURE

4' by 8' panels

The fascinating thing about these were listening to the emotional responses:

"oooh! This is soooo me"

"these were my wedding colors"

"I did the nursery in these"

In January we started grouping our prints by color stories. By the time we got to Spring market the little brochure we'd planned had morphed in this hefty piece of work:

table of contents:

The concept of grouping print collections based on color trends is something I've been doing for quite awhile. But this was the first time I'd presented it in a way that gave it a focus and a framework for others to understand. Each collection has it's inspiration page followed by the prints - some stories have been evolving for years, some are in their infancy.

It takes time for trends to evolve and our eyes to become accustomed to them.

Identifying, tracking and making sense of it all I find endlessly fascinating.

The research starts here and just about anywhere my eyes land. I travel, read voraciously and keep a catch-all file that gets sorted later.

and yes I've discovered Pinterest (the nights just got longer)

keeping track of what goes with what

follow me as I share the process and

a new color story

every Wednesday

with a

giveaway!

Friday's inspiration

2011-06-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

I agree with the whole process
except
the way I work (and bake)
there's not much sitting involved.

good food

good music

good company

good view

ahhh..yes..

it's all good

have a great weekend!

Salt Lake Quilt market

2011-05-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

Our team of Super heroes

 flew to Salt Lake

and had

 waaaaay tooooo much fun!

countdown to Quilt Market

2011-05-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

just a little taste of what goes on

more to come...

Introducing Sarah Jane/Children at Play

2011-05-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Introducing

Sarah Jane

Excuse me as I state the obvious:

ADORABLE!

Sarah Jane's collection is exactly that.

Sophisticated, sweet and yes; ADORABLE!

Coordinating her print collections with her embroidery patterns

has me picking up a hoop and needle for the first time in ages.

What fun!

Boy prints you're gonna love....

hint: the coral dot and gingham in the girl's meadow group also goes with this group

Embroidery:

go ahead... let your imagination wander...oh the projects we can make!

Going Coastal preview

2011-05-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Introducing

Emily Herrick's

debut line:

Going Coastal

no matter where you live,

just the mention of the words:

sun, sea, sand and surf

takes you to a better place

ahhhhhh...

Are we there yet??

Love these colors - so may ways to mix them

Botanika preview

2011-05-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

Introducing

Botanika

a beautiful new collection

by
Paula Prass

and for something equally stunning there's

Pastille

Project Selvage Winner

2011-05-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

To view Patty's collection click here

Grand Bazaar preview

2011-05-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Patty Young's

latest collection

GRAND BAZAAR

previewing

TODAY!!

Time to Vote!

2011-04-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Voting for
THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER
starts today!

TO VIEW EACH CONTESTANT'S COLLECTION AND VOTE

CLICK HERE

The chance of a lifetime for one designer!

75 Finalists Revealed!!!

2011-03-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

View and vote now for our next licensed designer!

75 finalists from 968 entries

VOTE NOW!

Three centuries of Red & White Quilts

2011-03-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

Is this a stunning display or what?

651 quilts on display at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City

The private collection of Joanna S. Rose.
The exhibition's title:Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts
was inspired by by a line from Shakespeares' Antony and Cleopatra:
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety...
Staged by The American Folk Art Museum.

For more images, a wonderful slideshow and article click here.

we're all excited about this in the quilt world and it's great to see "quilting" getting it's due respect in the art world.

another perspective and slide show here.

2011-02-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Are you our next fabric designer?

This could be your big chance!!

We're joining forces with Spoonflower to bring you Project Selvage. A competition to find our next licensed designer.

Design a BABY BOY PRINT and

enter it before March 24th!

What are you waiting for?

You have one month from today!

Check it out

here.

Gypsy Bandana tutorials

2011-02-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

 Pillow and Maxfield 
has just released a series of 
free downloadable tutorials 

featuring  their latest collection 

Gypsy Bandana 

now in stores.

Sew bright, sew fun

Sew Pillow and Maxfield!

Laura Gunn's Magnolia Lane

2011-01-29T01:10:00.000-08:00

Winter doldrums? 

Not if you wake up to this!

 A ray of sunshine and warmth

 to melt the snow away.

Spring is on the way!

Laura Gunn's latest collection Magnolia Lane is a real stunner.

Her dogwood stripe in olive (above)

from her earlier Poppy collection
ties in beautifully and illustrates
how I think

we all have

 an internalized color palette

 that comes through

 in all that we do

 if we listen

 to the colors that we love.

I once read, that when decorating,

 if you buy what you love, 

it will all go together 

in the end. 

(sorry I don't know who to 

credit this quote to)    

and yes, 

expect to see more 

of her painted canvas solids!

Simply Beautiful winner

2011-01-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

To all my fellow fabric-holics out there;

thanks for the creative enthusiasm you poured into your comments!

It's been such a rich experience I'll be doing it again soon.

the winners are:

Michael-innkeeper

Stephanie

Mamadevlin

Tammis Keefe giveaway

2011-01-26T22:15:00.000-08:00

Heads up everybody!

a very cool Tammis Keefe challenge and giveaway going on over at Sara vs. Sara.
-check it out-

we wanna know

2011-01-24T23:54:00.000-08:00

Patty writes great patterns and she's asking:
What do you want?

yes you..

pick 3 categories
you'd like to see in the next MODKID sewing pattern release.

now's your chance,...

so go - get to it

NOW!

Simply Beautiful

2011-01-22T01:58:00.000-08:00

I've got a soft spot for great artwork. Especially vintage original textile paintings.

This piece was from the early 60's (not the colors, they're my own twist).

Simply Beautiful CX4276

A lot of times I get the question when showing unusual layouts

(the stems are at one selvage reaching across the full width of the fabric to the other selvage) :

That's cool but what'll I do with it?

I've usually got a few ideas ideas but what I really love is collaborating with others and the creative surprises that brings.
These are from the very talented Trenna Lange.
Simply Divine!

A simple skirt

simply stretched and stapled over a canvas frame

beading and a basic trapunto technique make for a

simply elegant statement pillow.

So what would you make?

leave a comment

and 3 of you will win 2 yds. ea.

drawing on Fri. 1/28

(and I'd love to see what you do with it)

New Color Stories

2011-01-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

.....and like any good story

it may have one lead character

but more than likely it's a cast of characters. 

They like to hang together as

their friendships grow, evolving over time.

Our color stories do that too,

evolving over time from one release to another.

Updating and building momentum as color trends evolve,

taking on a life of their own.

Just like a good story.

for these and more click here for

our new release!

The Darling of the latest up-to-the-minute color trends.

Expect to see the influence of these colors
EVERYWHERE.

Through our mind's eye,

our collective consciousness adjusts over time
and
sees the world through this cooler side of the color wheel.

Colors of the earth and city:

rustic, earthy, weathered and worn.

Seriously hip.

Casually chic.

Happy bright vivid colors

contrasted against the deepest brown:

Jet Brown

(a warmer alternative to black)

what's not to like?!

A Tribute to Tammis Keefe

2010-11-24T13:02:00.000-08:00

After months and months of research, Ebay searches and purchases, we yearn to learn more of this interesting artist's too short life. It's with great pleasure we bring to you the wonderful designs of Tammis Keefe. In her her honor, all royalties will be donated to help fund cancer research.

To view our first Tammis Keefe Tribute line click here.

Born Margaret Thomas Keefe on December 27, 1913 in Los Angeles, her father, Thomas Keefe, had passed away the week before she was born. Her family called her Peg, a common nickname for Margaret. Tammis (gaelic for Thomas) grew up in Los Angeles where she lived with her mother, aunts and grandparents.

Handkerchiefs, linen kitchen towels and scarves are what Tammis Keefe is known for today because of their availability. However, she designed for home furnishing fabrics (Goodall Industries and Golding Decorative Fabrics), wallpaper, all manner of kitchen linens in addition to towels including tablecloths, placemats with matching napkin sets and cocktail napkins (Fallani & Cohn, Falfax All Linen and Goodall). She also designed sportswear shirts for men and women (Marlboro Shirt Company), Christmas cards (Irene Dash Greeting Card Co.), playing cards (Random Thoughts Publications Co.), glassware, dishware and product advertising and packaging.

The blonde and blue-eyed Keefe (this gleaned from a couple of articles describing her, but hard to tell from black & white photographs) initially studied higher mathematics at Los Angeles Community College, but decided to change her career focus after visiting Chicago’s Art Institute while on a trip to see the 1933-34 World’s Fair. She attended the Chouinard Art School in Los Angeles (now the California Institute of the Arts) to study painting.

DN4938 Tammis Angels (Twinkle)

DS4725 Unruly Reindeer (Green)

During WWII, Keefe worked creating advertising design and packaging and as Art Director of Arts & Architecture magazine. Dorothy Wright Liebes offered her a position as a colorist and print designer in her San Francisco, and later in 1948, New York studios. Liebes is well known in the textile world for her unique weaving and color sense. Through Liebes, Keefe supplied printed textile designs to Goodall Industries, a major furnishings firm. Keefe attracted attention from the beginning with her graphic style and sense of color, and her name was promoted.

DS4793 Later Alligator (Multi)

Having lived and worked in California,

she brought a carefree attitude to design

and her travels around the world gave her inspiration.

DN4932 Out To Lunch (Natural)

Keefe’s first design “Persian Horseman” for Goodall was featured in advertisements and trade articles representing a trend in modern textiles. She designed home decorative lines for Golding Decorative Fabrics, Cyrus Clarke and Jud Williams Inc., and wallpaper for James Kemble Mills and Katzenbach & Warren. One of her designs originally created for Golding Decorative Fabrics, “Lemons” (chartreuse and orange color palette), was shown at the MoMA Good Design Exhibition of 1950 which also traveled to Europe.

Keefe began to design handkerchiefs in the late 40’s after giving a friend a silk scarf she had designed as a birthday gift. It had “Happy Birthday” in large circus letters and candelabras in purple, turquoise, sapphire and chartreuse. The friend showed it to Lord & Taylor’s handkerchief buyer, who then showed it to J.H. Kimball, who commissioned six designs. Keefe designed the first order to appeal to different personalities including the sportswoman, antique collector and musician. They were bought up quickly and a very happy Lord & Taylor promoted her work and never stopped placing orders. The perfection of silk-screen printing on mass-produced fabric and the availability of colorfast dyes in many colors after World War II helped make this possible. During a time when many handkerchief designs were created anonymously, J.H. Kimball produced stylish silk-screened handkerchiefs with a signature at the corner. Of these, the most prolific was Tammis Keefe who created hundreds of handkerchief designs during her brief career, from 1944 to 1960.

"Color is the most important factor

in design generally,

and in handkerchief design, specifically,

color prepares the emotions for the design itself,

as music sets the mood of the Play."

~ Tammis Keefe, 1952 Craft Horizons

DS4714 Night Owl (Blue)

DN4933 Contented Cats (Mustard)

DS4714 Night Owl (Red)

Name a theme or thing, and she most likely created a design for it.

Her signed handkerchiefs printed on fine linen or cotton were a collector’s item even then during a time when the handkerchief was on the way out and Kleenex tissues were rapidly taking over. Her new handkerchief designs were eagerly awaited for by a public that could buy one for fifty cents to one dollar. Many people framed them to display on the wall. Other high-end stores around the country also sold her handkerchiefs. Each design was usually printed in up to six different colorways. Keefe also produced a second line of handkerchiefs for Kimball she signed Peg Thomas (the name her family called her at home plus her middle name) for retailers that wanted her look, but for marketing reasons couldn’t sell her Tammis Keefe signature line.

Keefe planned a handkerchief design in pencil on tracing paper, then used a light box or graphite paper to transfer the sketch onto illustration board (designs were full size, usually 14¾ inches) and with four or five colors, painted designs in watercolors. This original design was then used as the master for the printer who transferred it onto finely woven linen with hand rolled hems. It would be a treasure indeed to find one of her croquis (original hand painted designs).

In a 1949 San Francisco Chronicle article, while Keefe was in town promoting her new line of Christmas handkerchiefs which were being sold by the high end department store Joseph Magnin (Joseph was a son of I. Magnin and started his own store), she said, “Handkerchiefs are fun to do, and I try to make them fun to give.”

"Whenever possible

I like to introduce the three dimensional in prints.

I like depth in a fabric.

I also like the introduction of current objects

treated artistically.

Warm colors are my favorites: beige, tan, brown

with the addition of some cool color for relief."

~Tammis Keefe

1948 American Fabrics

Keefe worked without a staff, but sometimes engaged an assistant. She employed publicist, Rea Lubar, a renowned fashion industry publicist, which helped boost Keefe’s career and keep her witty personality and designs in the limelight.

Not much is known of Keefe’s life, so any insights are to be relished. Following is a description of her studio apartment in Greenwich Village, New York (perhaps somewhere on East 10th Street) from a February 28, 1951 Christian Science Monitor article: “Being from California, I like things to be spacious, serene and simple, as well as colorful,” she (Keefe) says. So white, gray, green, black and vermilion red pleasingly companion one another in her living room. One long white wall is broken by a simple, low fireplace of black slate, framed by big leafy plants.

Opposite the white wall is a blue-green one, against which she has placed a six-foot, white marble-topped table (used for her informal buffet suppers), and a platinum gray couch with Kelly green cushions. Casement windows which line another blue-green wall are curtained with fabric of her own design in chartreuse, Kelly, and navy blue, which can be pulled straight across on a traverse rod to make a solid wall of drapery.

A black 3 by 5 foot coffee table sits before her sofa, which is covered in a black nubby texture shot with gold thread. Pictures in the room are framed with white. The rug is gray, and the pillows placed here and there about the room are vermilion red. Though she indicates the tendency away from ‘sunshine colors,’ she has used them freely and effectively in the pleasant studio which adjoins her living room. The walls and ceiling are all white, but curtains are a lemon yellow and the couch is covered in orange, subtracting quickly any lurking ‘laboratory’ look.”

DS4721 Tammis Cats (Red)

DS4720 Tammis Dogs (Red)

DS4721 Tammis Cats (Gray)

DS4721 Tammis Dogs (Gray)

Keefe also stated in this same article, “Cloth is one of the most beautiful and vibrant things in the world.” And further said that, “Anything is possible in textile design, if it is done correctly. A designer merely starts with something, anything, and then develops it. To an imaginative person, practically anything suggests a starting point. From then on, it is merely stating what you have to say in design.”

Tammis Keefe surely did this during her brief, but very creative and fruitful life.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The above exhaustive background info researched by Marlene Radigue (thanks Marlene!)

• We wish to thank Ms. Karen Liebert for all the information she had researched already to create a genealogy of Ms. Keefe, which we used extensively in our own research.

• We also wish to thank Ruth Stone Berg, direct cousin of Tammis Keefe, who, along with information, supplied the beautiful photograph of Tammis.

Houston Quilt Market video

2010-11-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

part 2

opening day

Houston Quilt market

the Scene in front and behind at

Michael Miller Fabrics

(you'll want the audio on for this)

video by Shawn Wallace

Quilt market set up

2010-11-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

The day before set up,
picking up props ironing out last minute details

first stop

Moderne Mannequin

in business 64 years

Mother & daughter

amazing artistry,

her mother asked for a Makita sander for her birthday

next stop

LUNCH

checked out this place

dog friendly, pool table , wi-fi

but closed

so we went next door

no dogs allowed

but an awesome Texas size BLT

Finally!

Set Up

a day and a half

to make it all happen
here's part one:

video by Shawn

Quilt Market booth

2010-10-16T23:50:00.000-07:00

Before market I usually get asked:

"what's the booth theme gonna be?"

here's a hint:

(also a sneak peek at Shawn's latest print)

more hints?

think: "Mad Men" style, early 60's vintage,

think: Carol Burnett's "Went with the Wind" classic,

what??. .. you say?

.....hmmmm....

stay tuned

...

Pre - Quilt Market

2010-10-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

Don't get the wrong idea - this isn't a vacation picture............

The studio's in lock-down mode getting ready for market. All hands-on-deck, crank up the music, get it done - ship it out. But as most artists will tell you food (the kind you crave) is what you need to fuel the mind and body- lucky for us this place is right down the road.

Did I mention fresh- local - Bohemian fish tacos!!!!

I'll post more diversions before market

but just remember: when you see me at market looking a little rounder:

just smile

The Creative Connection

2010-09-25T01:49:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile it's good to get away. Listen more, learn more, get outside your normal realm. And sometimes it's good to go when YOU REALLY DON'T HAVE TIME. With Quilt Market around the corner it wasn't a convenient time to attend The Creative Connection Event but it was the RIGHT time. Event co-founders Jo Packham of Where Women Create magazine and Nancy Soriano former editor and chief of Country Living magazine pulled off an outstanding debut event. There were hands-on craft classes, panel discussions galore: editorial panels, blogging panels, women entreprenuer panels, fabulous breakfast, lunch, cocktail and dinner events with inspiring keynote speakers. Whew! and if that wasn't enough there was The Handmade Market and the Junk Bonanza!

Me and Ree

Ree Drummond AKA The Pioneer Woman

This is after I went up to her and blabbered on about our common bond, Oklahoma and how I'd told my daughter about her website and how perfect it was for her- laptop on the kitchen counter kinda thing - yada-yada gush-gush. As I was walking away The New Yorker magazine writer that was there doing a story on her stopped me to repeat what I'd said - at which time I stopped mid sentence and requested she snap this picture since I'd forgotten in the midst of my star struckness.

MaryJane Butters

Organic farmer extaordinaire; MaryJane shared her amazing story

as well as the "breaking news" of her upcoming license line for Michael Miller fabrics!

for more Creative Connection details and great pix check out; I see the moon blog.

win Sew Retro & 5 yds

2010-08-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I had the pleasure of doing a Q&A with Author Judi Ketteler for her book Sew Retro. I recently received a copy of it and am sooo pleased to have been a part of it! This is no fluff stuff, I love the historical background details and her thoughts contrasting the women's Lib movement, high school Home Ec. and where we're at today. We've come a long way baby! (and by the way, great projects in it too!)

She's giving a sneak peek of the of the book's interview ALONG WITH THE GIVEAWAY.........

here's the deal:

Go to Judi's Sew Retro Blog and mention your favorite Michael Miller print

for the chance to win a

signed copy of

Sew Retro

by Judi Ketteler

AND

5 yards of the print of your choice

(or pick assorted prints totaling 5 yds).

The deadline is Monday August 30th

so get a move on and good luck!

Michael Miller Clubhouse

2010-08-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

The News is out!

We've partnered with Swirly Girls Design to form a contemporary quilt club....

TA DAH!!

The news was posted a little earlier than expected but here it is on FabShop News blog.

The Club and the Bonne Amies collection will debut at October Quilt Market (wholesale only).
more photos and info to come.......

Bonne Amies
Collection

Ruff ruffles

2010-07-15T23:49:00.000-07:00

Raw edge ruffles - gathered and ready:

endless possibilities 

flower tutorial

sew easy - sew quick

check em' out here

Pillow and Maxfield on Sew 4 Home

2010-07-03T00:24:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already found the Sew 4 Home blog - chock full of great projects - check it out - amazing!

Baby gifts featuring Pillow and Maxfields' latest Pretty Bird Collection.

burp cloth

baby blanket

changing pad

Binky leash & carry bag

applying snaps

whew! - amazing!

A Snowy Booth in May

2010-06-23T01:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to great pictures taken by others, (along with some really nice write ups)

I'm able to give you an idea what our booth was like at market:

Here's a great shot of the entrance taken by Kelly of Ever Kelly. A fun blog

journaling her artistic journey and giving some photography tips I need to practice.

these photos courtesy of Patty Young - thanks Patty!!!

we featured our new
Antiquity collection
kind of Dr. Zhivago meets Anthropologie.....

this photo and nice write up thanks to Kim at True Up

Everything's white and cream,
with accents of aqua and plum and lots of sparkle and bling.....

........lots and lots of white......
to pull it all together

Beautiful quilts all designed by Marinda Stewart
free downloads here

that's Becky at the appointment desk (maitre d' extraordinaire)

trust me- she's earned the tiarra she's wearing-
she's a pro juggling appointments, accommodating everyone in the nicest way.

we didn't get everyone in the picture but here's just some of the happy faces that.....

Made this happen!!!

more to come......

Ruffle guys

2010-06-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

This has been bouncing around our office email:

Round trip ticket to Spring Quilt Market: $279.00
Hotel for 3 nights: $547.00
Grande Café Latte right before the 1st day of show: $9.00

scroll down

:
:
:
:

Seeing your supervisor in a white ruffled shirt, pink tie, and a pearl neck tag

(and knowing you’re going to keep this pic forever):
Yeah…you better believe it!!!!!!

priceless!!!!

now the back story:

The joke (we've got a history of 'em at MMF) was on Ben Rubin (left) our international sales manager. I wish I had a picture of his face when Michael Steiner (right) the Michael of Michael Miller, knocked on his door, handed him the shirt and said "see ya downstairs for breakfast."

I hear the response was total silence.

Then, "This has gone too far! My customers will never take me seriously!"

well.. serious or not they pulled it off...

and they weren't the only ones;

check out that ruffle skirt Christine's wearing.

left to right: Michael Steiner,Debi Porreca,Christine Osmers, Ben Rubin

and then there was the bean bag chair

Ruffles, ruffles everywhere!

check 'em out

here

Minneapolis quilt mkt.

2010-05-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Mary Tyler Moore welcoming us!

We came, had fun, worked like crazy
and it all went sooo f-a-s-t! Just like the toss of Mary's famous hat!

It's always so rewarding to see the booths come together. And they all did!
It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood at Michael Miller Fabrics!

Anne Maxfield and Valerie Pillow, aka Pillow and Maxfield had a booth as bright and cheery as they are, featuring their new collection Pretty Bird. Check out their new website!

Laura Gunn was there with her wonderful Poppy collection and her new patterns.
She had us all in stitches.
Couldn't resist sharing this photo, her laughter's contagious-

if you haven't been to one of her schoolhouse presentations - go -
here's a wee bit

Sandi Henderson featured Meadowsweet 2
the colors are soooo soothing
makes you feel like you just came from the spa.... ahhhhh...

and - maybe while you were at the spa- you took along a signed copy of her new book to peruse!
lucky you!
(sorry my photos are pretty spotty this show- no photo of Sandy OR her ever helpful hubby Dustin!
big oops!)

Patty Young featured her new collection "Play Date" along with her debut knit collection
AND
patterns to help even the most timid sewer feel confident sewing knits.
Here she is with husband Jon
AND
Their 2nd place/ double booth award!

(next we'll cross the aisle to the other side of the neighborhood!)

Off to Market

2010-05-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

packed and ready for Spring Quilt Market see you soon with lots to share.....

Patty Young/ Play date

2010-05-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Patty Young has been crazy busy these days!

Special sneak peak today

her newest release:

Play date

sun n' surf tote pattern

bed set

love the knit pillow case trimmed with woven cotton/grommets and ribbon, great idea
(be sure to pre wash the knits for shrinkage)

ta da!
available for wholesale pre-orders
contact your salesman or info@michaelmillerfabrics.com
estimated delivery mid July

Punch Needle

2010-05-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

Marinda Stewart is a multi talented artist and designer in many mediums. She's designed most of the Michael Miller quilts over the years and has now authored

Punchneedle

The Complete Guide

To paraphrase her: it's as close to painting with a needle and thread as I've ever found. At it's best it's reminiscent of pointillism.

She and designer Mark Hordyszinski recently visited me here in wine country. Sharing local wine and cheese and with fellow foodies was a real treat. Amongst all the fun I managed to take these shots to share with you:

here's the part that blows my mind:

the front:

the back!

at one time this was done with re-purposed hypodermic needles

all neat in their little box

and the exquisite top

here's the quilt top

hedgehog

bunny

squirrel

and then this tiny jeweled flower!

exquisite!

Patty Young & The Creative Connection

2010-05-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

wow! things are hopping here-
The Creative connection Blog has featured Patty today

she offers tips for sewing with knits

and we're offering

a really cool give away!
 

enter now!

Sandi Henderson

2010-05-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

My oh My!
check this out:
Sandi's Previewing Meadow Sweet Two on her blog today!
for wholesale orders: contact your salesman or info@michaelmillerfabrics.com
delivery starting July
(click on the image to enlarge)

Also her book!!

AND as if that wasn't enough
her ruffle pants pattern!!!

KNITS!!!

2010-04-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

check out Patty Young's blog! She's previewing the knits along with her sewing patterns.

They'll be debuting at Quilt Market in Minneapolis but here's the group for you to preview.

for wholesale orders contact: info@michaelmillerfabrics.com

Exciting News!

Adult bean bag chair

2010-03-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my Asia trip and thrilled to share our

new grown up size bean bag tutorial by Joanna of Stardust Shoes

we've gotten tons of requests following the most popular tut ever:

Joanna's child sized bean bag chair.

adding to all this fun they're made up in Laura Gunn's Poppy Collection

here's Laura and her kiddos

Great pics by Trenna Travis Design Studio

looks like the 3 bears scenario in bean bags instead of beds

love it!!

Osaka shopping part 2

2010-03-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

The Handmade Indie Movement is alive and thriving in Osaka's Horie neighborhood.

Above and below at Swap Meet Market

My little wandering gnome companion had a grand time at Prickle below

Girl time in Osaka

2010-03-06T02:12:00.000-08:00

Wandering around Osaka-

shopping-walking

eating- walking

shopping- walking

eating-walking
it's my favorite thing to do here

Japan's a great place for trend research.
They love to shop and have a great eye for fashion, quality and detail-
but seriously, I don't know how they do it in these shoes

call this New Vintage

feminine touches

lots of lace, small floral prints, sheers

this purse was in EVERY STORE

metallic, sequins, shimmer, sheen everywhere!

At the moment, the main thread I see connecting all of us is a shiny metallic one finding it's way into all our closets! Maybe it's a way of bringing a little sparkle and shine into our lackluster global economy.

wandering gnome in Japan

2010-02-21T07:01:00.000-08:00

Gnome spotting in Osaka Japan!

gettin' goofy

hanging with the girls

hanging with old friends...

Tina you're the winner!!!!!!!!

Gnomesome Traveler

2010-02-18T15:56:00.000-08:00

Hey, guess what? I'm traveling again and here's the deal; If you can guess where in the world I'll be based on the images below (from our print Gnome-some Traveler) we'll choose one winner to receive a yard of it along with....

a bonus yard of our gnome panel

my travel size companion - super quick to make- ready to go

(note to self: would be good to hatch these ideas before you're walking out the door.

Next time I'll make more and bring along as travel gifts)

here's the choices:

Australia

Japan

Egypt

Paris

India

London

New York City

Italy

Russia

Somewhere in the Tropics

and the winners are....

2010-02-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

Wow! thank you all for the wonderful response and kind words.

and now for the good part: the winners are:

Dotty jane

Theresa B

Barbara G

(to all the rest of you: there's more to come)

Surfacing

2010-02-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

I'm Back!!! yes it's me! What better way to resurface than to come back the same way I started when I took the plunge on my first posting in 07 !
Yes, yes, I know people have started to question and speculate about my absence, so here's an abbreviated account of my whereabouts since the end of October:

"LIFE"

My daughter and I took a "trip of a lifetime" to India. It wasn't going to be a "work trip" but how could it not be? It's true when you see the ads for "Incredible India" and I've got a 1000 pictures to prove it! (look for this in future collections and postings)

My Dad passed away - what can I say? My Mom and Dad will always be my source of strength and inspiration. I was blessed to be their daughter.

Took some time to be with loved ones and welcome new family members throughout the holidays.

and now I'm back
recharged, reconnected, reinvigorated and ready to do a bit of re-inventing!

so....... to kick things off and since it's
VALENTINES DAY!
here's a gift from me to you: I'll pick three names to receive this bundle of fabrics from my stash here in the studio:

Designer Row: Before & After

2009-10-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

As promised:
here we are on the classy side of the street across from Camp Michael Miller
(for a better look- check out their blogs- waaay better photos)

Patty Young
before:

after:
bright happy fun colors and great sewing patterns
on top of all that she's a great photographer too!
Pillow and Maxfield
before
after:
Valerie Pillow & Anne Maxfield
wow! 1st time booth- born pros- gorgeous

Sandi Henderson
before:

after:
warm, yummy inviting - it all just works together so well-
well deserved ribbon there: merchandising award!

Paula Prass (and husband Tim alias McGuyver)
before:

after:
modern,sophisticated always "just right"
"once an interior designer always an interior designer"

Houston Quilt Market

2009-10-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Creativity Booth Award
this is how it ended
But this is where it started:
with a theme and a challenge: pull together gnomes - vintage trailers- and a classy group of independent designers together in one cohesive group of booths.
first the trailer:

Before

During
(held together with starch)
After
Ta Da!!
doesn't that look like we twitched our noses and voila! booth done?

but of course - here's the real story
(someday I'm gonna do this time-lapse photography style)
If they bring it WE will build it
Trees to be assembled limb by limb

and here's the talent behind the talent.
Tom builder of dreams
Becky
invent and sew
Jean
aka
"THE GNOME"

Deb
head down stitching fast

note the corner sign post:
Paula Prass, Sandi Henderson, Pillow & Maxfield and Patty Young on the classy side of the street.

next post we'll cross the road for a visit

The Luck of the Gnome

2009-10-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Click on image to view larger

It's Michael Miller Fabrics' 10th anniversary and we're celebrating at Quilt Market
with some-all-out-fun-times in the booth!!

In addition we'll be hosting 4 schoolhouses
(15 - 30 min. free seminars previewing new items, trends and techniques-held the day before market starts )
all on Fri. Oct. 9th - room #372D

10:40 - 11:10am Kathy Miller (me)- 10 years of making it fun!

11:15-11:45am Rob Appell- going wild with Michael Miller Fabrics

11:50-12:20pm Sandi Henderson & Paula Prass- creating fresh shop displays

12:25-12:55pm Swirly Girls : subject-risk free Block of the Month

as Sandi said in her blog: settle in and get comfy- these'll be jam packed with all the new designs we've been knocking ourselves out to share, not to mention the goody bags and door prizes!

Northwest Fabric and Notions Show

2009-09-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you wholesale buyers in the northwest please stop by and visit us. For directions and other frequently asked questions click here.
And once again another cute skirt above in our beautifully rendered Charlotte trimmed with Ta Dot. Made using once again Serendipity Studio's upcoming pattern Emaline!

L.A. Int'l Textile Show

2009-09-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

It's showtime folks! We're in a fabric flurry here at Michael Miller as we plan, prep and hit the road all over the country for the many different wholesale shows this fall. For those wholesale customers in the L.A. area c'mon by! The cute skirt above (on my cute niece) is from Serendipity Studio using our latest Plain Jane prints - due in stores end Sept/early Oct. (To any of you retailers selling this group: feel free to post your info in the comment section of this post)

International Textile Expo in Vegas

2009-09-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy summer behind the scenes here at Michael Miller. Lot's to share and preview in the days and weeks ahead! For those of you that are wholesale customers : we'll be at the upcoming Las Vegas International Textile Expo Sept. 15 - 17th.
You're getting a SNEAK PEEK of a fabulous new sewing pattern: Emaline from Serendipity Studio made up in our newest girly floral Savannah and trimmed in Patty Young's clover dot along with Paula Prass's garden trellis. floralicious!

Dress up in the forest

2009-07-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

Seems like I've been here, there and everywhere this summer, but my favorite was the blissful time spent with my grandchildren at the family cabin in the forest near Yosemite.

and yes, I used that time for some shameless fabric promoting photos!

I talked Samantha into a little dress up time with these adorable skirts from one of
Cindy Taylor Oates' Patterns
don't ya love the touch of tulle!

But now onto the fun stuff: collecting the pine cone babies

that go to bed in their bark beds with moss tufts for pillows.

what looks like a twig to the untrained eye is really a "toy" to help them fall asleep.

.........these are the good times........

Paula Prass giveaway!

2009-07-02T01:05:00.000-07:00

Still submerged but hoping to surface soon- till then, get on over to Paula Prass's oh-so-fun summer soire giveaway!! Really , I can't wait to read the winner's story - Paula's too!

Patty Young giveaway!

2009-06-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

I've been submerged here - we've all been hyper busy planning lots of exciting things to come - but I wanted to surface and make sure you're aware of the giveway happening on Patty Young's blog. check it out!

Laura Gunn debut at Quilt Market

2009-05-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

It took a year and a half to bring Laura's paintings to life on fabric and boy was it worth it!
We're thrilled with the results and the response !
Her booth was chalk full of artful Lantern Bloom goodies

a good luck doll from her Mom, Elinor Peace Bailey

Here we are at school house showing the paintings that started it all

Laura sharing the quilt designed by Marinda Stewart

for the free down loadable pattern click here

Laura's adorable patterns

a great line - in the bag!