Choose Happiness

Enchanted, Dodi Poulsen of Two Sisters at Squirrel Hollow‘s debut collection for Aurifil, released at Houston Quilt Market last year. The colors were hand-picked to coordinate with the magical prints in her collection with Riley Blake Designs.  A lovely showcase of navy, pink, mint, and teal with a little pop of yellow & green, the collection brings to mind fairytales of our youth.

While her collections boast an array of our 50wt thread, Dodi has been experimenting with our Aurifloss in her Enchanted colors.

She has thoroughly enjoyed working with the floss and was kind enough to put together this lovely pattern to share with all of you:

Choose Happiness is a delightfully sweet embroidery pattern featuring a tiny squirrel among the flowers. It’s completely darling and would look perfect as a finished hoop, as Dodi did here, or finished as a wall hanging, embellishment on a tote, or even on a throw pillow.

To grab your copy of this free pattern, simply click on the link below. Print the page at 100% and use your preferred method to transfer the pattern to your fabric for easy stitching. For some great tips, check out Dodi’s blog.

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Download CHOOSE HAPPINESS 
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We’d love to see your versions of Choose Happiness! Don’t forget to tag us (@aurifilthread & #aurifil) and Dodi (@sashgal) with your project photos so we can oooo and aaaah over your work;).

ENCHANTED FABRIC
Eighteen lovely prints available in yardage & precuts. Click on the link below, or check your local quilt shop for more info!

ENCHANTED THREAD
12 Large Spools, 50wt (1422yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
2784 – 5007 – 2425 – 1148 – 5002 – 5006
2423 – 1135 – 2882 – 2588 – 4093 – 2515

10 Small Spools, 50wt (220yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
2784 – 5007 – 2425 – 1148 – 5002
5006 – 1135 – 2882 – 2588 – 2515

To view this info on our website, please click on the images above. For purchasing, please contact your local Aurifil Dealer.

EMBROIDERY PATTERNS by DODI

Mama Said Sew by Dodi Poulsen — click here for pattern

Simple Goodness by Dodi Poulsen — click here for pattern

 

ABOUT DODI
Blog — Instagram — Pinterest

Dodi Lee Poulsen designs and creates wonderful patterns to be enjoyed by quilters of all skill levels. Her patterns and designs have been featured in numerous Quilting magazines. She currently designs fabric for Riley Blake Designs.  She has been a quilt instructor for over twenty five years and she teaches and lectures throughout the country. Together with her sister, Heidi Fisher, Dodi launched her pattern company, Two Sisters at Squirrel Hollow in 2006. Dodi added their children’s division, Little Londyn Patterns, with her daughter Megan Miles. Dodi is the author of 5 books. She and her husband live in the state of Washington and are the proud grandparents of 8 grandchildren.

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Stitch the 2012 DOM Reboot: July

Welcome to Month 7 of our Stitch the 2012 DOM Reboot! If you are just joining us, we’re presenting a brand new version of one of our 2012 blocks on the last Thursday of every month. We’ve been loving the opportunity to work on our hand-stitching, particularly because it’s a fabulous beach or picnic activity! This month, we are celebrating Summer! Where are you taking your hand-stitching? On the porch… at the pool… or still cozy on the couch with a great movie?

Stitch the 2012 DOM Reboot: June

Welcome to Month 6 of our Stitch the 2012 DOM Reboot! We are halfway there and guessing you have a nice little stack of fabulous hand-stitched blocks. If you are just joining us, we’re presenting a brand new version of one of our 2012 blocks on the last Thursday of every month. We’ve been loving the opportunity to work on our hand-stitching, particularly because it’s a fabulous beach or picnic activity! Where are you taking your hand-stitching this Summer?

Stitch the 2012 DOM Reboot: May

Welcome to Month 5 of our Stitch the 2012 DOM Reboot! On the last Thursday of every month, we’re presenting a brand new version of one of our 2012 blocks. We’ve been loving the opportunity to work on our hand-stitching, particularly as the weather shifts and we’re able to take it outside! Where have you taken your blocks? Do you have a favorite spot to do your hand-stitching?

Stitch the 2012 DOM Reboot: April

Welcome to Month 4 of our Stitch the 2012 DOM Reboot! On the last Thursday of every month, we’re presenting a brand new version of one of our 2012 blocks. What a great excuse to slow things down a bit and work on our hand-stitching. We love the portability of a hand-stitched project. Where have you taken your blocks? Do you have a favorite spot to do your hand-stitching?

Literary by Heather Givans

Books and their readers are celebrated in Literary, Heather Givans of Crimson Tate’s newest collection for Windham Fabrics. From the beautifully ornate papers found on the insides of classic novels like Moby Dick or The Boxcar Children, to the printed text of Anne of Green Gables, Heather has created a collection that will enthrall bookworms, bibliophiles, and sewers alike. Whether you’re someone who stacks books neatly or more of the shoveling books into every crevice of your home type, the joy of reading and sewing is found in Literary. To view the lookbook, click here or on the cover image below.

Heather’s debut Aurifil thread collection features a large box of 50wt threads in coordinating colors and a small box of our Aurifloss for perfectly accented details.

THE LOOKBOOK

THREAD COLLECTION DETAILS
Literary
12 Large Spools, 50wt (1422yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
1125 – 6730 – 6734 – 2785 – 2545 – 6724
6726 – 4140 – 2588 – 2606 – 1320 – 5004

10 Small Spools, Aurifloss (18yds/spool), 6-Strand, 100% Aurifil Cotton
1200 – 2220 – 1147 – 2735 – 4020
2535 – 4093 – 5005 – 2600 – 5011

THE INTERVIEW
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got started in the world of sewing and quilting?
I was teaching high school art (for nearly 10 years) when my mom revealed to me that she wanted to learn to quilt.   I took her to a quilt camp for adults where I was a summer camp counselor.  I loved the process and she has never finished a quilt!

Do you remember your first quilt and how you felt once it was complete?
I do remember my first quilt.  It had nine blocks and each of the blocks had 40+ pieces in it.  I was at that first quilt camp I’d ever been to and I stayed up all night to try to get to the finish.  I still have it in alllll its wonky glory and I consider it quite an achievement.

Kasbah Paw Quilt by Sarah Sharp, Quilted by Dan Clayton

Who or what has been your greatest creative inspiration?
Whoa.  That’s a deep question.  It’s hard to pinpoint one person.  Having a degree in art, many of my college professors were great motivators and characters who inspired me and pushed me to develop my aesthetic.  I would definitely say I’m influenced by fine art.  Paintings by Marc Rothko, John Singer Sargent, and mixed media and social artists like Barbara Krueger have a warm place in my heart.  I have a lot of heroes in the quilting industry, too. Denyse Schmidt and Amy Butler being in top ten.

Toddler Backpacks by Rae Hoekstra made by Connie Combs

MJ’s Messenger Bag by Annie Unrein, Quilted by Cheryl Styler

How did you first connect with Windham Fabrics and what do you love most about working with them?
Seriously.  The crew at Windham Fabrics couldn’t be more stellar.  I feel incredibly supported and inspired by the whole gang.  I knew them through my professional connections first as the proprietor of Crimson Tate :: Modern Quilter fabric store.  I love that they give me freedom to do what I want but also lend a critical eye and ear to my process.  I love them so much.

Succulent Garden by Heather Givans, Sewn by Jenny Leisure, Quilted by Dan Clayton

Tell us about your latest collection, Literary. What inspired the collection?
BOOOOOOOKSSSSS!!! This is my third collection and each one has been inspired by things I love.  I love Succulents.  I love Paper.  I love Reading.  Anne of Green Gables, The Boxcar Children, Moby Dick? All are some of my favorite books.  I love discussing what I’m reading and I love to hear what other people are reading, too.  The collection comes out of my book wormy-ness.

Do you have a favorite project made with the collection? 
YES!  I super love my Personal Library Quilt.  When I was designing the collection, I knew I wanted to make a bookshelf quilt so some of the pieces were selfish so that I could use them in that project!

Personal Library Quilt by Heather Givans, Machine Embroidery by David Barnhouse, Quilting by Joan Hunn

When did you first discover Aurifil threads and what do you love most about them? 
One of my customers recommended that I try Aurifil thread.  We bought a few boxes of basics and haven’t looked back since.  At Crimson Tate we carry 50wt in oodles of colors as well as Aurifloss threads.  I love the grandness of it and the specific weight.  1400+ yards on a spool?  I’ll take it.

Do you have a favorite color/weight and why?
I’m a major 50wt fan and Moonshine is my favorite color right now.  I chose it specifically for collection box because it is so universal!  It’s so pretty and silvery without being too silver, you know?

Your Aurifil collections for Literary feature a large box of 50wt and a small box of floss. Why was it important to you to have both weights included?
I did a fair amount of embroidery both machine and hand for the quilt projects using Literary.  I knew that I needed both.  I love hand embroidery and quilting with thicker strands.  I’m more of a 3-4 strand kind of girl.

Perfect Pouches by Sam Hunter + Literary Threads

Perfect Pouches by Sam Hunter + Literary Threads

What is your favorite type of hand-stitching project?
I’ve recently completed an EPP project called Reading Circle that I designed specifically for Literary.  And while I did like the EPP part of it, I am much enjoying the hand quilting of the block.  I have taken a few lessons with a friend of mine who is in her 90s.  She has been teaching me to hand quilt.  According to her, I’ve got a long way to go.  😉 I would agree.

Reading Circle EPP — in progress by Heather Givans

How many strands of floss do you typically use in your embroidery projects?
If I’m feeling gluttonous, I go for all six.  But typically, I use three strands.

Bookmark by Amanda Castor, Quilted by Dan Clayton

What top thread tip would you want to share with our readers? 
You can’t be afraid of failing.  If you’ve got an idea, work through it.  I have found so many times that my initial sketch or calculation is way off but I learn something in the process.  If I worried about getting it right, having never done it before, I’d never begin.  And be sure to give yourself room for imperfection while striving for precision (if precision is important to you).  It’ll all come out in the wash.

Baby Hummingbird Dress by Rabbi Rabbit Creation, Made by Jenny Leisure

Literary Dress by Karen LePage

Where can we find you this year? 
I’m excited to share my official ‘where to find me’ calendar below (thank you Mary Whitaker!) Otherwise, you will always find me downtown Indianapolis hanging out with my buddies at Crimson Tate.

April 20: Carmel High School
April 26 – 29: AQS Spring Paducah Quilt Show – Paducah, KY
May 3: Columbus Star Quilters – Columbus, IN
May 5 – 6: Thimbles Quilt Shop – Chicago, IL
May 12 – 13: Happy Apple Quilts – Tampa, FL
May 19 – 21: Quilt Market – St Louis, MO
June 17 – 18:   Detroit guild with Lish – Detroit, MI
July 27 – 29: One Stop Shop Hop – Kokomo, IN
Aug 11 – 12:  Sew Yeah Quilting – Las Vegas, NV
Sept 14 – 16:  Quilter’s Choice – Jupiter, FL
Sept 20 – Oct 1:  OH Craft Sew-IN
Oct 28 – 30:  International Quilt Market – Houston, TX
Nov 1:  Pocket Square Event

Library Sign Quilt by Heather Givans

THE GIVEAWAY

To enter-to-win 1 Large Literary Thread Collection and one FQ Bundle of Literary by Heather Givans for Windham Fabrics, click here to head to the Rafflecopter entry page, or simply click on the image above. You do not have to complete all the options to be entered but the more options you choose, the more entries you have!  Entries will be accepted from now through 11:59pm Eastern Time on Saturday, April 8! Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Sunday, April 9. Good luck!

UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Janice McLaren!

*Please note that FQ bundle may be a variety of Literary fabrics, not neccesarily all of the ones shown in the image.

FIND HEATHER ONLINE
Website — Blog — Facebook — Instagram — Twitter — Pinterest

[All images courtesy of Heather Givans]

Stitch the 2012 DOM Reboot: March

We’ve made it to Month 3 of our Stitch the 2012 DOM Reboot! On the last Thursday of every month, we’re presenting a brand new version of one of our 2012 blocks. What a great excuse to slow things down a bit and work on our hand-stitching. We love the portability of a hand-stitched project. It’s just as easy to stitch on your couch as it would be at a friend’s house, on a trip, or even by the pool! (Can you telling we’re dreaming of Summer days?)

Aurifil offers 270 stunning colors of both our 100% Cotton 12wt thread and Aurifloss, our 100% Cotton 6-strand floss. This year long stitch-along is a wonderful excuse to give some of those colors a try. 😉

Original 2012 Designer of the Month Quilt Setting

These blocks were originally made with Aurifil 12wt. Would you believe that our floss hadn’t yet been introduced in 2012? We love that this reboot gives us the opportunity to try the blocks out with a new thread, share blocks in a new colorway (hello B&W!) and reconnect with some of our beloved Designers of the Month! So without further pause, let’s check out February’s block!

Victoria Findlay Wolfe created her Spring if We’re Lucky block in March of 2012. She selected the image for this block because…

“I had to go with the shamrocks and flowers designing “Spring if We’re Lucky.” March used to mean “Spring”, so I added flowers to the shamrock. Although these days… it might be wise to start adding in some snowflakes.”

Amazing that her statement still rings true 5 years later. Depending on where you live, you may still have some snow kicking around in your own yard! Victoria used our 12wt in a range of 4 colors for this original block:

• 2140 – Golden Yellow
• 2865 – Dark Green
• 2888 – Light Green
• 4660 – Variegated pink

Learn more about Victoria and her block in the original post, right here.

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DOWNLOAD the Spring if We’re Lucky Pattern
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We were thrilled that Victoria stitched up this lovely new version of her block! Don’t you just love how the colors pop against the black and white? Victoria loves stitching with our 12wt thread and used 5 colors from her Fresh Modern & Timeless Collection to bring this beauty to life: 2975, 2520, 5017, 4020, 2430. The fabrics used are the Black Chevron and White Chevron prints from her Meadow Storm Collection. Perfection!

To keep things exciting, we’ve got a special giveaway. Stitch up the block and upload it via the linky party below. Each month, we’ll randomly select a winner to win one small Designer Aurifloss Collection. Who doesn’t love free thread (especially when partnered with such delightful free block patterns?)

So, in the words of our DOM Queen, Pat Sloan… Let’s Go Sew!!

LINKY PARTY

Stitch up your very own version of Spring if We’re Lucky and upload a photo of your block to our linky party. We’ll randomly select one winner per month to receive a small box of our 100% Cotton 6-strand Aurifloss. Simply click on the button below to head to our link party page to add your block image. Entries will be accepted until 11:55pm on April 26. Winner will be chosen and announced here on April 27, the date of our next block!

HANDY LINKS
— Original March 2012 DOM Post
— Spring if We’re Lucky Pattern
— Aurifil Patterns Page

STITCH the 2012 DOM REBOOT SCHEDULE
January — Roseann Kermes/Rosebud’s Cottage
February — Sherri Falls/This and That Patterns
March — Victoria Findlay Wolfe
April — Gail Pan
May — Thimbleanna
June — Pam Kitty Morning
July — Sarah Fielke
August — Bari J.
September — Amy Ellis
October — Amanda Woodward-Jennings/The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery
November — Emily Cier/Caroline Patchworks
December — Lizzie B Cre8ive

ABOUT THE AURIFIL DOM PROGRAM
Run by industry darling, Pat Sloan, the Aurifil Designer of the Month Program has been a mainstay of the Auribuzz blog since 2011. Each year, Pat brings together a new team of top-notch Designers, featuring one per month throughout the year. Posts generally share an interview, some fabulous images of projects made, studio spaces and more, a FREE block + a chance to win Aurifil thread. At the end of every year, Pat shares a suggested quilt setting. It is a great way to get to know new designers, to try new techniques, to share in a quilt along experience, and to do some collaborative quilting!

To find all of our DOM patterns, please visit: http://www.aurifil.com/patterns

Enchanted by Dodi Poulsen

We are thrilled to be a stop on the Enchanted Blog Tour with Dodi Poulsen of Two Sisters at Squirrel Hollow & Riley Blake! The last few weeks have been a gorgeous showcase of Dodi’s latest line, including some adorable girls dresses, bags, quilts, and more! We’ve loved following along and hope you have too!

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Dodi’s debut thread collection for Aurifil, hand-picked to coordinate with the magical prints found in Enchanted.  A lovely showcase of navy, pink, mint, and teal with a little pop of yellow & green, the collection brings to mind the delightful fairytales of our youth. It is available in both LG and SM boxes featuring our highly versatile 50wt thread.

THREAD COLLECTION DETAILS
Enchanted
12 Large Spools, 50wt (1422yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
2784 – 5007 – 2425 – 1148 – 5002 – 5006
2423 – 1135 – 2882 – 2588 – 4093 – 2515

10 Small Spools, 50wt (220yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
2784 – 5007 – 2425 – 1148 – 5002
5006 – 1135 – 2882 – 2588 – 2515

To view this info on our website, click the images above. For purchasing, please contact your local Aurifil Dealer.

THE INTERVIEW
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got started in the world of sewing and quilting?
I grew up in Northern California with a close-knit family. My love of fabric and the art of the needle came quite honestly and naturally to me. One of my favorite memories was sitting on my Grandmother’s lap as a child while I helped Nana push fabric through her treadle sewing machine. At the age of ten, with my mother’s gentle guidance, I created my first sewn garment.  It didn’t take me long to realize the sewing machine and I were destined to become lifelong partners.

I started quilting over 40 years ago, while in college, when I needed a textile project. I taught myself to quilt and it has become my passion. In 2006, I launched my pattern company, Two Sisters at Squirrel Hollow and later added a children’s division, Little Londyn, which I ran with my daughter, Megan Miles.

Enchanted project by Little Londyn

Did you have another career prior to this one? 
I received a BFA degree in Interior Design and freelanced for many years in my own company, In the Beginning Creations. Right out of college worked for an Aerospace company as a drafting engineer. I drew large templates for nuclear weapons to sit in and then sent them to Seattle for manufacturing. Once they even let me attend the nuclear testing site in Las Vegas and I watched these weapons blow up. I was 24 and I thought that was pretty fascinating and very “cool”. Later I traded jobs within the company and was brought on board to help design the Bangor Base offices in Washington. I was also a planning analyst for an Airline company and I have been a substitute teacher for K-12.

My best and forever favorite job is and will forever be a mother to 2 fabulous children, a son and a daughter, and grandmother to 8 little munchkins.

Dress by Izzy & Ivy

Dress by Striped Swallow Designs

Do you remember the process of making your first quilt and how you felt once it was complete?
Ahh—you really want to know about the biggest quilting blunder in my life? I needed a textile project for a fiber arts class in college. I went a bought all types of fabric; Jean, poly cotton, cotton, rayon, linen etc. having no idea that they really shouldn’t be mixed. Imagine trying to sew these all together in a quilt…not a pretty sight!  I still have this beauty in my hope chest out in the garage. It’s a reminder that I came from humble beginnings in the quilting world, much like all of us. It reminds me not to take anything for granted and that life is a gift. It’s up to you to find your way on your own life journey. Finding a passion was never my intention at that point. I just needed a good grade!

Actually, the quilt isn’t all that bad, but it uses thick batting and yarn ties, and the piecing is pretty wonky. This was way before the time of rotary cutters and wonderful tools– We’ve come a long way baby, and who knew that this experiment in the quilting world would later become my passion in life.

Bag by Pretty by Hand

Photo by Pretty by Hand

Who or what has been your greatest creative inspiration?
Nature always inspires me. Nature makes no mistakes and I like to take my cues for color from the world around me. I live in the Northwest, just a ferry ride from Seattle, and the beauty here is unheralded. Out my studio windows each day I am inspired by this grand world and its amazing colors. It’s an incredible backdrop for creating.

Preppy Plaid Tote Bag by Jedi Craft Girl

What inspired the creation of Enchanted and what did you love most about putting the collection together?
I would be lying if I did not suggest that Enchanted was inspired by my six adorable granddaughters. I often design fabric around them. I like to envision them wearing the fabrics and what that would look like in apparel. This blog tour has had an abundance of girly appeal. I can just see my littles running around in Enchanted fabrics and that gives me great joy.

I do a great deal of quilting for them and others as well so I design my fabrics for the quilter and the sewist alike.

Projects by Tie Dye Diva

Do you have a favorite project made with the new fabrics & threads?
I would have to say the 2 quilts that I made for Fons and Porter magazines. They will appear in Love of Quilting and Easy Cut issues this Spring and Fall.  It will have to be a secret until then!!

I also have loved using the new Aurifloss that was sent to match my threads. They are amazing to work with and my Mama Said project, on the tour today, was really fun to create. I can’t wait to hang it in my studio.

Mama Said Sew — a new pattern available via Sash Gals!

When did you first discover Aurifil threads and what do you love most about them? 
I discovered Aurifil about 6 or 7 years ago; my sister and I like to compare notes on products and she suggested I try them. After that I was hooked. They sew like butter and the feel of them is incredible.

The threads give a soft luster to each project and I love the way the threads enhance a project. Whether it’s applique, embroidery or quilting, there is an Aurifil thread for you.

Do you have a favorite color/weight and why?
My favorite is Aurifil 50-weight. It’s my go-to thread for piecing. Some say that it’s too thin, but I disagree. I love the way my pieced blocks lie flatter with thinner thread and it will be just as durable as a 40 -weight thread.  My favorite color? Well that’s like asking which is your favorite grandchild…I love them ALL.

Enchanted colors in Aurifloss!

How did you go about selecting threads for your latest Aurifil collection? 
I am all about saturated color and many of the colors in my collection reflect that. When I open my box of threads I can’t help but SMILE each time! They are just simply beautiful. I choose them to go with the Enchanted fabric colors and their values are working out fantastically.

Samples of the Enchanted fabrics

What’s in store for 2017? Where can we find you this year?
Whew… I think the question is: Where won’t you find me this year?

2016 was my craziest and busiest year ever as I taught classes around the world and in the states. I leave for the Caribbean at the end of the month to teach on my final Quilt Camp at Sea cruise after 9 years of teaching with them.  After this, I am going to come home and take a breath.  It’s been a terrific experience, but this little woman is tired.

You will find me happily creating in my studio at home and visiting family; Taking time to smell the roses and refilling my cup so I can create more lovely things ahead.

Notting Hill House Mini Quilt by Ellis & Higgs

Love You Deerly by Meags and Me

GIVEAWAY

To enter-to-win 1 Large Enchanted Thread Collection and one bundle of assorted Enchated fabrics, click here to head to the Rafflecopter entry page, or simply click on the image above. You do not have to complete all the options to be entered but the more options you choose, the more entries you have!  Entries will be accepted from now through 11:59pm Eastern Time on Sunday, February 12. Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Monday, February 13. Giveaway is open to our international friends! Good luck!

*Please note that Enchanted fabrics received may be different than those shown.

UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Kelly Thibeault!

In addition to our giveaway, you could also win a bundle of Enchanted fabric by visiting Dodi’s blog, Loose Threads (www.sashgals.com) and leaving a comment. One entry per blog post, per day of the Blog Tour, right there on Loose Threads! Enter every day to increase your chance of winning!!!

BLOG HOP SCHEDULE
Love the projects showcased above? Don’t miss a single post! Check out the posts, both past and upcoming via the schedule below:)

Monday, Jan 23rd – Little Londyn
Tuesday, Jan 24th – Jedi Craft Girl
Wednesday, Jan 25th –  Loose Threads
Thursday, Jan 26th – Meags and Me
Friday, Jan 27th – Pretty by Hand
Monday, Jan 30th – Tie Dye Diva
Tuesday, Jan 31st – Two Sisters as Squirrel Hallow
Wednesday, Feb 1st – Striped Swallow Designs
Thursday, Feb 2nd – Izzy and Ivy
Friday, Feb 3rd – Ellis and Higgs
Monday, Feb 6th – Aurifil (YOU ARE HERE!)
Tuesday, Feb 7th – The Crafty Quilter
Wednesday, Feb 8th – Two Sisters at Squirrel Hallow
Thursday, Feb 9th – Jina Barney Designz
Friday, Feb 10th – Riley Blake

ABOUT DODI
Blog — Instagram — Pinterest

Dodi Lee Poulsen designs and creates wonderful patterns to be enjoyed by quilters of all skill levels. Her patterns and designs have been featured in numerous Quilting magazines. She currently designs fabric for Riley Blake Designs.  She has been a quilt instructor for over twenty five years and she teaches and lectures throughout the country. Together with her sister, Heidi Fisher, Dodi launched her pattern company, Two Sisters at Squirrel Hollow in 2006. Dodi added their children’s division, Little Londyn Patterns, with her daughter Megan Miles. Dodi is the author of 5 books. She and her husband live in the state of Washington and are the proud grandparents of 8 grandchildren.

Coastal Mist Blog Hop

Welcome to the final day for the Coastal Mist Blog Hop! We are so thrilled that Tammy Silvers of Tamarinis asked us to join in on the fun. We’ve loved seeing all of the gorgeous projects by a truly lovely lineup of designers!  Today, we’re pleased to share a fun project & a fabulous little giveaway!

Coastal Mist was designed by Kathy Engle for Tamarinis with Island Batik. Tammy has been doing some beautiful work with the gorgeous purple, green and magenta hues. She selected threads to coordinate perfectly with the fabrics. The large collection features both 50wt and 12wt threads, perfect for piecing and big stitch quilting. The small collection features 10 stunning colors of our Aurifloss for adding perfect little stitched details. We did a collection announcement for Tammy as a part of Island Batik week back in January. To take a peek, check out some beautiful quilts and learn a bit more about Tammy, click here.

When Tammy asked us to do a small project for this blog hop, she mentioned that she would love something small, perhaps something embroidered. I instantly thought of the sweet style of Minki Kim‘s patterns. The combination of applique with stitched details felt perfect and I knew that it would create a lovely little showcase for the colors in the Coastal Mist collection. In looking through Minki’s patterns, I spotted a little girl holding a basket of flowers. The girl reminded me of my 3-year old daughter, so I knew right away that I’d found my project!

Tammy sent me 4 Fat Quarters from the Coastal Mist collection, absolutely perfect for creating this tiny little work of art. I knew I’d be hand-stitching the details, rather than machine illustrating as with Minki’s preferred technique. Luckily, I had a box of Tammy’s floss on hand!

I followed Minki’s fabulous tutorial for all of the appliqué — check it out if you’re new to this technique.

tracing the pattern

getting ready to cut out the pieces

After prep, I worked on putting all of those tiny little pieces in place and suddenly, my little gal came to life!

Now, all it needed was the addition of some sweet embroidery! I picked out a range of colors, which of course changed as I went along, but still… don’t all of those spools look just scrumptious together?

I set to work with the hand-stitching. I may not be the most skilled at embroidery, but I always enjoy it. There is something about the simple act of stitching something by hand that can be incredibly calming… especially as a mom of two toddlers! It’s like a glorious break at the end of the day. Plus, I’m a huge advocate of stepping outside of your comfort zone, trying new things and of course… practice, practice, practice!

I do love how this little gal turned out and have decided that she will be a gift for my daughter! I’m so grateful to Tammy for including Aurifil in this blog hop! If you’re just learning about the hop with this post, be sure to check out the schedule below and check in with the other participants!

GIVEAWAY

To enter-to-win your very own Coastal Mist floss collection, click here or on the image above to head to the Rafflecopter entry page. You do not have to complete all the options to be entered but the more options you choose, the more entries you have!  Entries will be accepted from now through 11:59pm Eastern Time on Friday, February 10! Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Saturday, February 11. This giveaway is open to our international friends! Good luck!

UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Djoekie Witteveen!

SCHEDULE
January 24 – Jessica Stewart, Izzy & Ivy Designs
January 25 – Susan Emory, Swirly Girls Design
January 26 – Connie Campbell, Freemotion by the River
January 27 – Katie Laughridge, Live Originally
January 28 – Julie Stocker, Pink Doxies
January 29 – Linda Pearl, One Quilting Circle
January 30 – Laura Conowitch, LC’s Cottage
January 31 – Cheryl Schenck, Unspooled
February 1 – Marian Pena, Seams to Be Sew
February 2 – Vanessa Fromm, Fabric Confetti
February 3 – Ebony Love, Love Bug Studio
February 4 – Erin Sampson, Aurifil (YOU ARE HERE!)

THREAD COLLECTION DETAILS
Coastal Mist
12 Large Spools – 50wt (1422yds/spool) & 12wt (356yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
1148 – 2562 – 2568 – 2600 – 2455 – 2845 (50wt)
4225 – 2405 – 2420 – 4026 – 4030 – 4093 (12wt)

10 Small Spools – Floss (18yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
2540 – 1135 – 2311 – 2562 – 4182 – 2455 – 2845 – 4026 – 4030 – 5003

To view this info on our website, click the images above. For purchasing, please contact your local Aurifil Dealer.

Island Batik Week: Coastal Mist by Tammy Silvers

Welcome to our Fall/Winter edition of Island Batik Week!! We’re so excited to partner with this wonderful company once again to present a variety of new fabric lines along with the coordinating Aurifil thread collections. We’ll be featuring one designer every day and each post will offer a fabric + thread giveaway, so make sure to come back daily to learn more about our talented designers and to enter-to-win some gorgeous prizes!

To learn about Island Batik and the batik process, please visit their website. For a peek at the full range of Fall/Winter 2016 releases, in-stores now, click here or on the image below to browse the catalog.

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Deep Purples, greens and magentas are beautifully represented in Kathy Engle’s  Coastal Mist collection for Tamarinis (Tammy Silvers) with Island Batik. Tammy selected  threads to coordinate perfectly with the fabrics. The large collection features both 50wt and 12wt threads, perfect for piecing and big stitch quilting. The small collection features 10 stunning colors of our Aurifloss for adding perfect little stitched details.

THREAD COLLECTION DETAILS
Coastal Mist
12 Large Spools – 50wt (1422yds/spool) & 12wt (356yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
1148 – 2562 – 2568 – 2600 – 2455 – 2845 (50wt)
4225 – 2405 – 2420 – 4026 – 4030 – 4093 (12wt)

10 Small Spools – Floss (18yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
2540 – 1135 – 2311 – 2562 – 4182 – 2455 – 2845 – 4026 – 4030 – 5003

To view this info on our website, click the images above. For purchasing, please contact your local Aurifil Dealer.

THE INTERVIEW
What was the inspiration behind Coastal Mist, your new collection in partner with Kathy Engle? What does the collection mean to you?
The genius behind the Coastal Mist collection is all Kathy Engle.  But for me, it captures the softer beauty of the coast, evoking soft, misty mornings, gently lapping waves, and those magical, if all too brief, sunsets.

Tartary by Tamarinis

Do you have a favorite project made using the fabric and threads from Coastal Mist? 
I’m particularly pleased with Boho Bliss – while not at all coastal themed, the colors worked so well to give a softer bohemian feel to the project.  And of course, the Aurifil 12wts were a huge part of that as well – the edge stitching in the coordinating and contrasting colors were the finishing touch!

Boho Bliss by Tamarinis

You’ve put together a pretty amazing blog tour to introduce this stunning collection, launching later this month. What was it like to work with so many wonderful designers and to see the projects they created with Coastal Mist?
Working with other designers is tremendously exciting!  It is awesome to see different takes on a collection, and different ways of combining fabrics from the collection and interpreting it.  Their inspiration is extremely motivating!

Coastal Mist by Tammy Silvers

Coastal Mist by Tammy Silvers

How did you go about selecting colors for your coordinating thread collections? 
I wanted the quilting weight threads to continue that “misty” feel and offer a whisper of color across the fabrics.  And then of course the 12wts were chosen to highlight the fused applique that was a major focus of Boho Bliss.  Together, the two weights offer a complete package for any quilter!

Monkey Bread by Tamarinis

In addition to the large collection of 50wt threads, you have a small, 10-spool box of Aurifloss. What do you love most about working with our embroidery floss? 
The floss is a dream to work with!  I love the rich, saturated colors, the smooth thread, and the fact that I don’t have to separate it to work with it.  I love the heavier, yet smooth look when stitching with the floss.

Coastal Mist by Tammy Silvers

Coastal Mist by Tammy Silvers

To learn more about Tammy, check out our feature for Seashore, her Spring/Summer Island Batik Week release.

THE GIVEAWAY

To enter-to-win 1 Large Coastal Mist Thread Collection and one Fat Quarter Bundle of Coastal Mist fabrics from Island Batik,  click here to head to the Rafflecopter entry page, or simply click on the image above. You do not have to complete all the options to be entered but the more options you choose, the more entries you have!  Entries will be accepted from now through 11:59pm Eastern Time on Sunday, January 15! Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Monday, January 16. Good luck!

UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Lesley Moore!

ISLAND BATIK WEEK SCHEDULE 
1/10 – Coastal Mist by Tammy Silvers (YOU ARE HERE!)
1/11 – Glowing Embers by Cheri Good Designs
1/12 – Dotalicious by Claudia Pfeil
1/13 – Surf and Sand by Fourth and Sixth Designs
1/14 – Fresh Catch by Jackie Kunkel

ABOUT TAMMY
Blog — Facebook — Pinterest — Twitter — Instagram
Tammy Silvers is the designer behind the brand Tamarinis. She’s been designing quilts for 10 years, and prides herself on offering bold, fresh new patterns for quilters of all levels. She enjoys working with almost any fabric, but her favorites (the one that makes her drool and blow a carefully constructed budget) are batiks, bold prints, and chicken prints. Having a background in art and literature, another of her guilty quilty pleasures is finding ways to use “words” in her work, be it in the fabric itself or by adding them to the piece.

Tammy is a Georgia native and currently lives in Acworth with her husband, children (when they come to visit!), dog, and her favorite fat cats.

Under the label Tamarinis, her designs are regularly published in a variety of quilt magazines, including Quilt, McCall’s Quilting, American Patchwork and Quilting, Stitch, Fons and Porter’s Love of Quilting, Quilty, Quilt It…Today, Sew It…Today, Stitch and Create and Decorate. She also works with some of the major fabric manufacturers designing projects to showcase and promote their fabric lines, including Island Batik (of course!), Northcott Fabrics, Blend, Camelot and Fabri-Quilt.

ABOUT ISLAND BATIK
Website — Blog — Facebook — Pinterest — Twitter — Instagram
Island Batik is a manufacturer, importer and distributor of cotton batik, rayon batik and hand-printed cotton from Indonesia. Originally established in 1997, Island Batik’s mission is to share the ancient cultural art of batik and hand-dyed fabric with our many valued customers around the world.