The Attic Window Quilt Shoppe Blog

Day 4 International Quilt Market in Portland, Oregon.  This afternoon we are tired, but excited.  Yesterday, we were inspired by our classes but didn't find nearly as many new things on the vendor floor as we'd hoped for.  This morning was an entirely different day.  We each started with a great class (more about that later), and then found idea after idea as we went up and down the lanes.  By the end of the day, we had enough new and interesting projects to fuel our demonstration days through the end of the year, several new classes that we're excited about teaching, and at least two new Moda pattern lines that we can't wait to get our hands (and yours) on!


Martha's morning class was with Gloria Loughman . . . she was absolutely amazed at how easy Gloria made it for students to develop a gorgeous landscape quilt.  The class was only 1-1/2 hours long and by the end, Martha's creation was ready to quilt and finish.  The result -- watch for a class taught by Martha on this great technique coming in the next couple of months.  It is amazing!!! Start with a simple photo you like, she'll help you do the rest. 

Mohave Yuccas by Gloria Loughman

Jan took a class from Kathy Brown, designer of the Take Five series, using the relatively new Creative Grids Fat Quarter ruler.  Jan got lots of new ideas about how to use the ruler, so watch for a demonstration and maybe a class.  Kathy is printing a series of small patterns, called "chubbies", designed to use fat quarters and the ruler.  They are very cute!

Bread and Butter -- one of the new "chubbies" patterns, using, you guessed it, 5 fat quarters.

Diane took a class on back basting applique and loved it.  She received an advance copy of Barbara Eikmeier's book, and is already thinking about how to build a class around it.  

The book won't be out until June, we're happy to take pre-orders.  Stop by the shop and look at our signed copy!

And that was all before 9:30 this morning!  Over the course of the day we found lots of new patterns and gadgets.  During the next few months, just some of what you'll see (demos, new patterns, new classes):  

• Embellished (or not) clam shells that may be used as sewing kits, small elegant purses, holiday ornaments, tooth fairy containers and much more.
• Woven baskets (really easy!) that can be made with your leftover fabrics.
• Painting fabric to embellish it (or make your own) using Shiva paint sticks (it's fun and addictive and you need NO artistic talent!)
• The great picnic tote pictured below -- perfect for yourself or to give as a gift.
• Your own carriers for sewing essentials from a needle caddy to a sewing machine carrier!
•  Great purses and bags -- we know you've seen a lot, but we found some at Market that are just too wonderful not to bring in!  
• A small tote with pin cushion just perfect for carrying your hand sewing or keeping it handy next to your chair.
• and much more!

The designer promises us this is easy to construct -- we'll find out soon, as we bought the pattern to make a store sample as soon as we return.  We hope it's as easy as she says, because we just love the design and think it would make a great gift item.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here we are, hard at work!

We ended the evening with a two hour seminar presented by a well known shop owner, sharing her thoughts and ideas about customer service, events, promotions and more.  Tomorrow morning we go back to revisit a few vendors that we're still thinking about . . . then we'll head for home, tired but exhilarated!