Hi!
It was only a few months ago when Fabric of Vision first opened, but what a fun
time I’ve had in those months. I’ve met so many new friends and rekindled old
friendships as well. The positive comments and the look in people’s eyes, when
they see all the beautiful colors, say it all. The Fiber Art on the wall has caused
more than one mouth to wordlessly drop open. What amazing work!
In May, I attended Quilt Market in Minneapolis where I ordered books, patterns,
trims and fabric from the most exciting companies. Now it’s time for Fall Quilt
Market, in Houston. I know that by attending “Market,” I’m able see the newest
designs and make choices that are current and inspiring for you (and me). Some
of those include:
Kaffe Fasset –– I quickly realized that it is difficult for quilters and sewers to
find fabrics by the Rowan designers. Not any more!
Amy Butler –– Seeing Amy at Spring Market was a delight! She was
on cloud nine, explaining that not only had she designed two new fabric lines,
added a new bag and wonderfully wearable halter pattern to make using those
fabrics, but she has written a book! Fabric of Vision carries all Amy’s patterns,
her book, and and both new fabric lines: Belle, the quilting and fashion weight
fabric and Forest, home and life decor weight. These fabrics translate beautifully
into clothing and home dec.
Valori Wells –– Her Fleurish fabric really spoke to me. We have a few
remaining kits for Val’s Callie Quilt that she released at Market. It,also, works
perfectly in any of Kenmar Design’s table cloth patterns.
Beautiful Asian Fabric –– Fabric of Vision has an extensive selection of Kona
Bay fabric. There are also many books, magazines and patterns that are perfect
to use with these prints.
Trims –– We all need a little embellishment in our lives! Trims include silk
ribbon, pompoms(!), beaded fringe, rick rack, feathered fluff and more. And if
you don’t have time to sew, this is the perfect way to personalize a bag or a
readymade garment.
Polka Dots are big! Actually, polka dots are also little ...and medium!
Perfect for skirts, dresses, bags, quilts, napkins, table clothes, and bedding. As
I said “Polka Dots are big!” You must see the new Swing Jacket made out of
dots!
Alexander Henry –– Now here is a designer that does fabric on a grand
scale! These prints don’t last long, so be sure to buy them when you see them.
In addition to quilting, it’s been a surprise to discover how many of you are
sewers and makers. Most of the fabrics in the store, easily jump from quilt to
garment in the blink of any eye. Probably the most versatile is Kaffe Fasset’s
Shot Cotton. What’s a “shot cotton” you ask? These fabrics are woven using
cotton thread which is dyed in small batches. Tonal warp and weft create soft
and subtle color effects. Variations in color, a natural part of the process, are
cherished. Because of the extended use of these fabrics, I have chosen to keep
all the colors of Shot Cottons in stock at all times. These have become a Fabric
of Vision “Basic.”
Another fabric that interestingly makes the leap from one project to the
next, is the Dupioni Silk. Nothing seems to take to color like silk and these are
spectacular. The Ashland Art Quilt Group has chosen to use these silks in their
next Quilt Challenge which will be unveiled at Fabric of Vision in February. I also
know that many holiday party attendees will be wearing garments made of
Dupioni.
There is so much more, you’ll just have to visit to see the hand dyed
wool, silk dupioni, batiks, locally hand dyed fabric, American Folk and Fabric and
fabrics from April Cornell and Denise Schmidt. And, of course, Charm Squares
from Moda. Charm Packs from Starr Designs.
Some of you have asked if we will mail fabric. The answer is YES! In fact we
are now known as the “fabric personal shopper!”
It started with a phone call from Eureka. “Can you send me some fabric?”
the voice on the other end asked. “I’ve made a quilt top and I need a back.”
The quilter described the quilt she had just finished and asked that I “pick
something fabulous” and mail it to her. As soon as she received her fabric, the
phone rang again. “I just love what you picked! Now I want to make a new
quilt. I saw one in a magazine, but I don’t want it in those colors. Pick
something brighter!”
The next call came from a man living in the Bay Area. He and his
daughter had been in the shop the previous week. They bought fabric for table
cloths and napkins. Upon returning home, he was convinced to make more for
the Hospice Auction. Not a problem, the Post Office is just around the corner and
fabric is easy to mail.
A call from Trinidad, “I feel like shopping today. Will you send me
fabric?” This woman owned the same magazine as quilter number one, but
wanted to make it more like the picture.
Once again, quilter number one phoned. “You MUST write in your
newsletter that you are a personal shopper! This is a wonderful service.”
In my home, I enjoy displaying a variety of Fiber Art pieces made by many
artists. Because of this enjoyment, one of my goals for Fabric of Vision has been
to be able to offer Fiber Art for purchase. Fabric of Vision has recently been
accepted into the Ashland Gallery Association.
This has been a reaffirmation of the fact that others, too appreciate these pieces for their aesthetic value.
It’s been an interesting few months discussing the different techniques and
mediums that the artists use with the many people who pass through the door. I
explain to them that each piece is an original work of art, some begin with fabric
or wool roving prepared for dyeing and buckets of dye, some are made entirely
of commercial fabric while others are a combination of both. In each case, the
artist has a vision that has been translated into fiber. And in each case, that
vision is emotional for the artist and viewer. As time goes on, the pieces will
change, some finding new homes and others being replaced by new pieces. I’m
sure you, too, will enjoy the display and may give in to the temptation to pad
your walls!
This month we will be changing the Fiber Art to “Margaret Miller -- Her
Work and Inspirations” We are lucky enough to have three original pieces from
Margaret’s book “AnglePlay Quilts” in addition to quilts inspired by Margaret’s
techniques and color vision. Join us on opening night, Friday, October 6 to view
these works of art. This show will continue through November.
As you can tell, I’m loving the fact that Fabric of Vision is able to bring in such an
exciting collection of fabric, books, patterns and trims. Sharing all this with you is
even more wonderful. I have one story that I’d like to share. The other day,
two young girls came into the shop. They were no older than 12 or 13. They
wandered around for a few minutes, oohing and aahing over the fabric and then
brought two fat quarters up to the cutting table. One of them said, “We are
feeling creative, today. What can we make with these?” I just wanted to hug
them! It’s so exciting to see the creative spark begin!
I wish you well on your fiber art journey.
Sandi
PS Did you know that you can reserve Fabric of Vision for a party? I just love
parties! Have you ever fantasized about having an entire quilt shop to yourself
and a handful of your closest friends? When I recently read an article in Real
Simple Magazine about stores that offer to open after hours for small private
parties, I was excited. What a perfect idea.
Fabric of Vision will be available for
Private Parties!!! You provide a group of 4 to 8 friends and we’ll provide the
snacks (and maybe even the party hats). It’s suggested that you allow two
hours, starting between 6 and 7 PM. (You may, also want to make dinner
reservations at one of the nearby restaurants.) Cost will be $10 per person, but
each guest will receive a $10 gift certificate redeemable that evening.
Call Fabric of Vision (541) 482- 4009 to save your date.
