We've been keeping a secret. And with most secrets, it has been kind of hard to keep. But we are finally able to tell. For some of you, this may be big news, if you are a quilter, probably not. But it is big news to us. Here goes.
We started Sweetwater about 12 years ago. Back then, Sweetwater wasn't a fabric/pattern company (although my mom had her own company where she designed fabric and patterns). Some of you will remember Sweetwater as a scrapbook company. That's what we did- we designed and produced products for the scrapbooking industry. Which is really different than the quilting industry. I won't get into all the differences, but a major difference is that scrapbookers are always demanding new products. New, new, new. If it has been out for 2 weeks, it is now old. Which, in turn, put a whole lot of pressure on us- and we came out with a new line every single month. Yikes. Those were some good days, but some crazy days. Not that designing fabric doesn't come with crazy days, but it is whole different kind of pressure.
Anyway, in 2008, we were invited by Moda to submit a fabric line. That line was called Authentic. We were over the top thrilled when it was actually produced.
But we also knew we had a decision to make. We knew we couldn't have a fabric and pattern company and a scrapbook company without one of them suffering. That was a hard choice. But it was Moda. We have always wanted to design for Moda. So that is what we chose, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
But I was sad. We had put everything we had into Sweetwater, the scrapbook company. I was emotionally attached. I remember when our very last line of paper was printed, I had tears. I knew we would never design another paper collection.
But I got over it. The first time I saw and touched the Authentic fabric, I was over it. Mostly. I still remembered the scrapbooking days with fondness. And we still got the same question from scrapbook stores and customers- "Are you ever going to have another paper line". No, no and no. Not going back to that craziness.
But then about a year ago we had an idea. Wouldn't it be great if we could turn all these fabric collections we have into paper collections, without having the job of manufacturing, advertising, selling, etc., etc., etc. Ya, that would be great. It would be great to design for a company that would take care of all that. But it couldn't just be any company. And I know what company I wanted to ask. But I had to ask. And believe me, it was pretty intimidating to ask. After all, this company is huge in the scrapbooking industry, very respected and already had amazing products. But it doesn't hurt to ask, right?
So about 9 months ago, I finally got the guts to ask one of our favorite scrapbooking companies, Bazzill, if they might be interested in us designing a paper collection for them. And guess what? 9 months later we have 2 collections coming out! Just in time for CHA (the huge craft and hobby tradeshow). We will show the products on our blog next week, but tomorrow (Saturday) Bazzill is having a huge product release party on their blog, where you can check out the collections.
You will have a chance to win prizes every hour. But if you aren't the winner, come to our blog next week and we will have a contest of our own.
So that is our big news. We are over the moon excited. And we want to thank Bazzill for giving us the opportunity to do this. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Now, on to more big news. News you quilters might want to know about. My most favorite ever, ever, ever fabric collection ( I know that I say that a lot, but this time I'm serious) is now just hitting stores. If your local quilt store ordered Noteworthy, it should be there now (or any day now). We actually have some pre-cuts and a limited amount of yardage in our store.
You may want to check out fatquartershop.com, as they were so kind to feature us and Noteworthy in their blog.
If you forgot what Noteworthy looked like, here is a reminder:
I'm posting those pictures not only as a reminder but because they make me happy. It is snowing and cold here, so I need a reminder of summer. Noteworthy reminds me of warmth. And sun. And everything I love. Well, not quite everything I love. I have one more thing to say about something I love in this marathon blog post.
GO BRONCOS!
By the way, my sweet husband somehow managed to get us tickets to the game. I'm so excited I already have butterflies in my stomach. If you watch the game on TV (because I'm quite sure every quilter is a Bronco fan), you will notice that it is very cold. Very, very cold. Like around 10 degrees cold. Doesn't matter. I'll be loving every moment of it. Unless, of course, they lose. In which case I won't be able to blog next week because my heart will be broken. I'm counting on blogging. See you next week!
How do I get notice of NEW fabrics?
Like what you do but can't always find them before they sell out.
I am looking to purchase 2 yds of numbers, Authentic to finish my 2nd quilt in this line.
Help! alderson@udel.edu
Posted by: Ethel Alderson | Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 06:16 AM
Authentic - my favourite line of yours. Almost missed getting it, as it sold out so quick!
Posted by: Susan Briscoe | Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 02:15 AM
Authentic was one of my FAVORITE lines ever! Why must you toy with me by showing it!!?? ;)
Posted by: mary | Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 08:14 PM
Going states side in a couple weeks, love your line of fabric and paper, shopping is definitely on my agenda! Your stuff is so hard to find out here.
Posted by: Janet | Monday, January 21, 2013 at 06:54 PM
I love your papers that I have from several years ago. I was in the monthly club and have a whole section in my scrapbook storage area titled 'Sweetwater'. It's my favorite paper! Can't wait.
Posted by: Teresa | Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 10:52 PM
I love this idea! Makes it easier to match paper to our clothes when we scrapbook!
Glad that your idea worked out with Bazzill!
Posted by: Barbara MacAskill | Monday, January 14, 2013 at 04:06 PM
You have our beloved Peyton! How sad we were to see him go! It seems so strange to me to see him in orange... always thought he'd be a Colt!
Happy to see him doing well though. And, Andrew Luck is looking very promising for us. Hopefully, we'll get back on the map.
Love your fabric lines!
Angee
IN
Posted by: Angee | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 05:13 PM
Was very happy to see this post. I saved (Hoard) all of your papers to this day. I so miss the calendar papers. This made my weekend. Can't wait to see them in real life.
Posted by: Suzzi | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 03:29 PM
Yay Yay Yay! I am so so so happy about the paper lines!!! You know how much Amy and I have missed them. ;) And our poor Broncos :( Seriously a hard way to end this season!
xo, Jen
Posted by: Jen Allred | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 08:11 AM
*sigh* My heart is broken.
Posted by: Beth | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 06:50 AM
Congratulations! I quilt and scrap/make cards! fabulous news! too bad about the Broncos :(
Posted by: Lee | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 06:27 AM
Congratulations!
I'm watching the game right now, I'm sure you're not noticing the cold so much, it's a pretty exciting game!
Do you think there will ever be a reprint of Authentic? I wasn't quilting when it came out so I missed it, and I absolutely love it!
Posted by: Kim Dow | Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 04:49 PM
I'm watching the Broncos game even as we speak, and cheering loudly for the Broncos! But I expect you to return the favor tomorrow and cheer loudly for the Patriots! (I live in New England.) Meanwhile, at halftime I plan to do some online shopping for some Noteworthy fabric. LOVE IT!!!
Posted by: Kay | Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 03:34 PM
How exciting for you! I originally knew sweetwater as a scrapbook line and I have some sweetwater products. But I was thrilled when you started doing fabrics. Glad to hear your fans will have the best of both worlds now.
Posted by: gale | Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 02:33 PM
Congrats, congrats!!! I love to make cards too, and nothing makes me happier than having a great fabric and then having it in paper too!!! You are going to make me poorer! :-P I got a layer cake of Noteworthy for Christmas: still deciding what I'm going to use it for, but I love it!!! I noticed that one of your bucket list items was to visit the wine country: I live there!! Keep my email, cause if you or your family visit I'd love to share some of the hidden treasures with you all (and no, I don't mean go there with you like a stalker,) but just give you the places that are great to see and you can visit them yourselves: but I might ask to take you out to lunch if you have time. :-) Hugs from Helen in Healdsburg
Posted by: Helen LeBrett | Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 02:26 PM
You've been missed in the scrapbooking world. Can't wait to get my hands on some of the new paper.
Posted by: Nancy Thomas | Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 12:31 PM
YAY BRONCOS!
Posted by: Katie Mangan | Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 09:19 AM
I preordered a fat eighth bundle of Noteworthy and I love it! Your designs are so fresh and pretty. I made a quilt in the fall with Reunion and am now hoarding as much of it as I can, reunion and noteworthy are my favorites!
Come to think of it, I just got my Lucy's quilt back from the quilter, just needs binding. Please keep up the great work!
Posted by: Sharon | Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 08:17 AM
That has made my day. My absolute paper designer of all time is back. Can't wait to see.
Posted by: Kerry | Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 06:13 AM
What wonderful news! Congratulations!! Now, if only we could attend a scrapbook or quilting weekend in that beautiful, refurbished house again.
By the way, I too still have some authentic fabric tucked away. :)
Posted by: Claudia | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 11:29 PM
I sure like that fabric!!!!
Posted by: CathyK | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 08:45 PM
I'm so excited! I've already used your fabrics on a few of my scrapbook layouts! Now I've got the best of both crafting worlds!
Posted by: Whitney | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 08:11 PM
Wow - so very exciting! I will be watching for your scrapbooking line for sure, and Noteworthy is also my very very very very favorite!! I already ordered *more* :) I have a feeling I'll be hoarding this one. Congrats on tickets to the game - stay warm :) and GO BRONCOS! I'll be watching for sure!!
Posted by: manybooks (Linda) | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 07:41 PM
Congratulations on the paper stuff, and Noteworthy is lovely. I love all your lines but I love Authentic the best. Any chance you have some around or would release it again?
Posted by: Leanne | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 07:40 PM
Congrats on your paper. That's great. I've often thought your designs would be great in paper, too. I am so excited for Noteworthy. Congrats!
Posted by: Stephanie in MI | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 07:22 PM
What's not to love about Peyton Manning? Oh, and congrats on the collaboration with Bazzil1!
Posted by: Pat V. | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 06:16 PM
I just ordered some Noteworthy, but I will just have to say Authentic is still my very favorite of all your lines. I still have some I'm hoarding!
Posted by: DianeY | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 04:17 PM
Yeah!!! Bazzill, what a super company to distribute your creative, arty scrapbook designs. Can't wait!!! Hope you have a double a celebration in Denver after the Broncos win. :-)
PS Love the heart mug rug pattern from the Label Crew!!
Posted by: BLT | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 03:49 PM
Congrats! Sometimes following that fork is really wrenching; now you guys get a second little chance! BIG Chance! Hooray! By the way, I love your latest Noteworthy, but I also love your very first line, Authentic!
Posted by: Lizzie | Swedish Scrapper | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 03:27 PM
So exciting!
And I LOVE the new line! I just placed an order with Pink Chalk...if they receive yardage soon, I may have to order again!
Posted by: Nikki | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 03:17 PM
SO jealous you have tickets to the game! But, we will be warm at home! :) Loving your new line, and I have a stash of Authentic just waiting for the right project to come along for it!
G0 BRONCOS!
Posted by: Amy | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 03:10 PM
On a "Noteworthy" note, we'll be watching the Broncos here.
Congrats on your endeavors.
Posted by: Cindy | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 02:07 PM
congrats on everything!! I can honestly tell you that I love every fabric that you have come up with and have bought in some type of pre-cut every line!! congrats on the bazzill opportunity also!! good things come to those that wait!!
Posted by: Michelle Balletti (#1 fan) | Friday, January 11, 2013 at 02:03 PM