New York Countdown

Thought you might like a peek into the pre-market frenzied world of the Michael Miller crew in New York. It goes this way twice a year as all the details come together before each Quilt Market. Dare I say like a "well oiled machine"?! Here's just some of the group that make it all happen: Alfredo, Lorenzo, Alla, Anushka, Allison, Erica and Christine. The rest were probably answering the phones, loading the elevator or flagging down the truck.










Wondering what that pile/mess is?? Stay tuned, all will be revealed at market :)

Sneak Peek!

Here it is! Our first Organic Cotton Collection. Our group has worked really hard to bring this to market. It won't be available in stores till January, but it's all so soft and pure we couldn't resist sharing the news.

Did you know that organic cotton has to been grown for at least three years without chemical pesticides, defoliants, or fertilizers? It costs more because organic farms are more labor and management intensive. They're also usually smaller and do not receive federal subsidies like conventional farming.
For more info visit these sites: The Organic Trade Association and Sustainable Cotton Project.

Here's some of the cute stuff we've come up with and there's more to come!

Houston, we have a problem

Houston, we have a problem. No, not really. We're just in lock-down mode getting ready for Quilt Market in 10 days!

I'll share a very special sneak peek tomorrow.

But for now, I thought I'd share some real life, behind the scenes shots of life here in the west coast studio. Inspired by J. Caroline's blog posting of real life in the studio. I'm ready to come clean (not to be confused with "cleaning"). It doesn't get more "real" than right before Quilt Market. Actually, this picture is pretty organized, being you can still see the floor. Trust me, that will disappear in the next few days, as things get down to the wire. Since I'm a "visual" person I like to have everything out where I can see it. "Out of sight, out of mind" Everything at my fingertips.

Here's my prized possession, the Featherweight 221 passed on to me from my Mom. She became a Home Ec. teacher with this and passed it on to me when I started sewing. I have a fancy schmancy machine (needs servicing) and an expandable sewing table (no room to open it up at the moment), but as you can see, this fits well on the only uncluttered space left.

Let it Rain

Today's adorable project was made by "MeMa" (aka our talented Northwest Sales Rep; Susan) for her little "Beanie". Using J for Jump in Cotton Laminate and trimmed with red Garden Pindot, a big red zipper and the perfect touch of red ric rac, (love that ric rac) this is just too cute!

Susan used a Butterick pattern as the starting point. Other than trimming the seems to cut the bulk and a few pins in the seam allowance, no special treatment was really necessary. (no special needles or thread either).

What a cutie!

Splat Mat

Got a kid? Got a mess? You need Splat Mat!

Heck, we all need this!

Not too long ago we introduced Laminated Cotton to our line. It's been a big success for totebags, rain coats and now ... splat mats!

Joanna of Stardust Shoes has done it again with a great idea and some really ingenious sewing tips.