Hello!
It seems like only a few weeks ago, it was snowing. Well, it was! Now, the sun is shining and
the birds are singing. It’s perfect weather to stroll down Main Street Ashland and stop into
Fabric of Vision. It only takes a few beautiful days and those creative juices start.
What does Spring Fever do to you? Is it time to redecorate? .....maybe make a new quilt for
the guest room? Just imagine, the windows are open, warm breezes are blowing and there
is the smell of orange blossoms in the air (don’t forget, I grew up in Florida). The new quilt is
thrown over the guest bed . “Freshcut” fabric by Heather Bailey is a perfect choice for that
quilt. To Quote Heather, “With Freshcut, I wanted to capture a bit of the charm and energy
found in a treasured fabric stash, by offering an unexpected assortment of prints and colors
that somehow ‘work’ with each other. Several of the designs have a romantic and vintage
flavor, while others lend a quirky and modern touch.” One would never know that Heather is
a new designer, these fabrics really work!
OK, so your guest room is finished, now it’s on to the living room. Just a few big pillows to
throw on the sofa and a new table runner on the table. We’ve been having so much fun with
decorative ribbons and dupioni silk. “Table Art” is a simple runner that uses ribbons and fat
quarters. We’ve made ours in silk, but you may choose to use shot cottons -- either way, this
runner will look delightful with a big vase of spring flowers.
Do you love to cook? Then you need an apron!! Do you hate to cook? Then you need an
apron! “Take Out” food doesn’t mean that you can’t “Take it Out” of the container and wear
a fun apron while you serve it on a pretty plate with a cloth napkin.
I love the outdoor restaurants of Ashland. If “Take me Out” to dinner is the only “Take Out”
for you, then you need a new frock! (Don’t you love that word?) Alexander Henry fabrics
have so many large scaled florals and prints just perfect for that skirt or sun dress. These are
the same fabrics that are being shown in all the Spring Fashion magazines. It’s so much fun
when clothing can look handmade, not homemade. These exciting new fabrics are now at
FOV and just the perfect inspiration for those garments. How can you not be excited when
you see them!
I’ve saved the new Amy Butler Lotus fabrics for my last bit of Spring renewal. It’s all about
me! First, I’m making myself a new pair of pajama pants using one of the softer prints. I’m
dragging the furniture back out on the deck and can just imagine wearing them while sitting
outside with my morning coffee. These fashion and quilting weight fabrics are perfect for a
new duvet cover and pillows, too. Jean and Valori Wells’ book “Duvet Covers & Curtains”
makes this an easy task. The difficult part will be deciding which of the prints to use!
Well, that was my Spring fantasy, what will yours be? There are so many more fabrics from
which to choose. Fabric of Vision continues to carry an amazing selection of Asian fabric.
We are one of a limited number of stores who carry the Emperors Collection from Kona Bay.
Contemporary Asian fabrics have become very popular, some bolts lasting only days. We
have towers, charm packs and jelly rolls -- all from Moda. The new “Peas and Carrots” is too
cute! Quilt Kits are very popular. In fact, there was a little tension over the last Olivia fabric
and one woman bought the sample quilt before it was finished!
Are you really interested in garments? I’m thrilled to tell you that I will be attending the fashion
fabric show in Las Vegas at the end of March. This will be a reconnaissance mission for me, a
chance to find some knits, challis and hopefully make contact with independent pattern
designers. Be assured, you will continue to say “I’ve never seen this before,” when you enter
the door.
I really hope that you can visit soon, but if you need that Fabric of Vision fix and a trip to
Ashland isn’t can’t be scheduled, you have other alternatives. First of all, there is our
“Personal Shopper” service. Just call us up and describe what you want. ....or just ask for a
surprise. I promise you’ll be delighted.
I’ll also be vending at special events this Spring where you shop at Fabric of Vision away from
home: Sally Frey’s Kenmar Quilt Inn , Linda Ballard’s Weaverville Retreat and the Mountain
Star Quilt Show. Check the Events for date and location.
Finally, I want to mention two of my favorite places to visit while in Ashland. The first is Out
of the Blue located on the same block as Fabric of Vision. If you’re into beads and buttons
this is the place to go -- not your normal bead store! The other is Fourth Corner Fine Quilt
Gallery, 552 A Street. This recently opened quilt gallery defies
description. Molly carries antique quilts ca 1840 - 1940 -- all there for the touching. If you
enjoy fabric, just a little bit, you will love fcfquilts!
My sewing machine is calling me-- I’m working on samples of my new pattern: Snow White
and the Seven Fat Quarters. The next time you’re in the store, ask for a free copy.
Happy Spring,
Sandi
