Kristl Pelz: December 2011 Archives

We have a variety of new products to share with you today. Let's get started with a couple of Cotton Print/Quilting collections. We were so excited when the Good Night Moon collection from Quilting Treasures hit the dock. We practically ran it through the building to be photographed and added to the website. Based on the popular children's rhyme, the colors are bold and the graphics are sophisticated, but still child-like. We have also recently added an organic cotton collection from Clothworks called Safari Sweet. Vickie, our Quilting Merchant, loves a good animal print. She likes the colors - not too bright, not too pastel. And, she likes the fact that it could work for boys or girls. That's always a plus!

It is difficult for me to say ''beautiful'' and ''fleece'' in the same sentence, but this collection of Micro Fleece in Nicey Jane prints from Heather Bailey is beautiful fleece fabric. Even those who are not ''fleece fans'' might be persuaded to have a vest or a throw made from these modern prints in contemporary colors. Since it is micro fleece, the weight is really nice for climates like the Beautiful South, too.

I love wearing luxurious fabrics in the colder months. I am the type that wears sequins to the office. Not full on Miss-America-1975-evening-gown sequins, but I do like a little sparkle and shine even for an every day office look. I think that's why I have always loved the look of  Chinese Brocade . I have a little collection of silk ones that I've had for years. I use bits and piece from them in special projects. The rayon/poly ones we have are worthy of a fabulous project for day or night!  I'd suggest a small handbag or a great vest. Of course, a jacket would be superb, and perfect to wear with jeans anytime anywhere!

The year is winding down to a festive close, and yet we are still adding some of the most fabulous fabrics we have received all year. Let's take a look at some of the highlights from the last couple of weeks.

Speaking of the year winding down, the cold weather is winding up! Even down here in the Beautiful South, we are finally feeling the chill. Don't get me wrong, the chill in the air means all good things to me like hot chocolate, holiday parties and great clothes! We have a terrific collection of Quilted Ripstop Nylon to line your winter coat. The colors are so great you could wear it on the outside as a quilted vest lined in something soft and warm like flannel.

I like to spruce up my home this time of year, and also create a few gifts made by hand. We have a fantasic fabric line from Kokka called Ruby Star Rising that is imported from Japan. The prints are fabulous especially if you like a quirky or retro vibe. I'm not into all the time, but I like a little kitch now and then. These fabrics are printed on a cotton/linen blend. They are medium weight so they are great for anything from pillows to tote bags to jackets. My favorite prints are the View Master Slides. I see something in my sister's stocking made from those prints.

My other print obsession these days has to do with anything Paris, France, French or Parisian. My husband and I were lucky enough to spend our honeymoon in Paris ten years ago. I was in love with the art, the style, the food, the music and the fashion before. This trip sealed the deal. Our newest desinger, Stella Dot, has brought us a collection called J'adore Stella. I j'adore this collection all the way down to the stripes. Since I am not a quilter, these fabrics represent things like napkins, aprons, pajamas and the like. Do you dream in French, too?