makelifesweet

Big News...

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!

Such A Long Time

It sees like it has been such a long time since we have blogged.  It has been, really.  But we have a lot of excuses:

• First of all, we are still getting orders out from our 12 Days of Christmas.  If you haven't gotten something yet, please hold tight.  We are sending everything as quickly as we can.  And if there is something you want, but haven't ordered, we still have most everything in stock (or will have it back in stock).  I'm thankful we started this in early November- it gives everybody more time to get things done before Christmas!
• There was, of course, Thanksgiving.  We didn't do one ounce of work on Thanksgiving.  Not one. It was a nice break.
• The day after Thanksgiving we did a whole lot of work.  Work I never, ever want to do again.  We moved our office/ studio to a new location.  OH. MY. GOSH.  How we could possibly have that much stuff is beyond me.  I would have taken a picture but it was too embarrassing.  We are still not done moving/cleaning up, but at least we can do a majority of our work in the new place.  Except for a couple of computer problems- we're doing good.  
• We are on a deadline for submitting patterns for a new fabric collection.  Yep, new.  I haven't even mentioned this one.  We actually got sample yardage yesterday.  We will get around to photographing it soon.  I will tell you the whole collection (the theme, colors, etc,) could be a surprise to you.  The whole thing is even kind of a surprise to me.  Don't worry- we do LOVE it- just different for us.  I will tell you all about it later.
• We didn't forget about the Label Crew.  We are just late in telling you about it.  It will still go out on time, but we just got the sample done.  The December Label Crew project is a cute little bag:

Just a note on the Label Crew.  You know how I mentioned that we are experiencing a few computer problems since the move?   Well, it just so happens the biggest problem deals with the computer that has all our information for the Label Club.  For instance, we can't easily add new subscribers and make account changes.  Don't worry- the information is all secure.  We can't even connect this certain computer to the internet- so trust me, it is secure.  We are trying to get everything fixed- it is just taking longer than we thought.  So please bear with us!  

For more information on the Label Crew, please click here.

So that is what we have been doing.  But I have a couple of other things to tell you.

First, we did an interview (well, I did an interview) with Pat Sloan from American Patchwork and Quilting Radio at Quilt Market in Houston last month.  You can listen to the interview here.

Last thing for today, we wan't to have a contest since it has been so long.  Just tell us what was your favorite project from the 12 Days of Christmas, and you may be the winner of that project.  Here are a few of the choices:

Good Luck.  We will pick a winner in a few days!

The Patterns...

for Mama Said Sew are finished.  Almost.  At least the covers are finished.  Here they are.

Mama's China

The fun thing about this pattern is that you can make all 3 quilts (one red, one black and one grey) using one Jelly Roll.

Mama's Garden

Mama's Strawberry Pie

Mama's Spools

Mama's Stuff (Sewing Kit)

We are giving away a complete set of these patterns.  If you would like to enter, simply leave us a comment and let us know which of the Mama Said Sew patterns is your favorite.  I know which is my favorite, but it is fun to find out yours.

As we said before, the fabric for these won't arrive until August.  However, we are taking pre-orders for the quilt kits now.  BUT- if you want a kit, you only have until Tuesday, May 15th to reserve one.  We need to place our order for this collection next week, and we want to make sure we have enough for everyone who wants a kit.

A few months ago, we did the same thing with our Reunion patterns and it seemed to work well. Except one small thing. Which really wasn't a small thing.   We were expecting the fabric weeks earlier than when we actually received it, so those that purchased the kit had to wait longer than what we intended.   The kits were completely pre-paid and we hated the fact that they were late.  So this time, we are going to do it a little different.  Instead of purchasing the entire kit now, you will only have to pay for half of it now, and the other half when the kit is shipped.   We think that is more fair to those of you who want a kit.  

We are also offering backing for each of the kits, and they can be purchased separately from the quilt tops.  

They are available in our shop now.  Please remember you only have a few days to reserve one.  The patterns will be ready to ship as soon as we get home from Quilt Market (which is next week), so we will list the patterns then.  

We will choose the winner of the pattern set in a few days.  Good Luck!

83 degrees and ready for....

Summer!  Yep, as I write this, the temperature reads 83 degrees.  In April. In Colorado   And no wind.  Something must be wrong.  But I hear it's snowing in Pennsylvania.  So sorry.  But  our new Label Crew project may get you ready for my favorite season of the year.

This table runner will be perfect for summer.  On May 1st, we will offer the fabric kit in both Lucy's Crab Shack and Reunion.

For more information on our Label Crew, click here.

We have been very busy creating new things with Lucy.  Look for our new ideas here this week- they should give you great ideas for Mother's Day gifts- which is quickly approaching.

Our first project is an adorable Heart Favor Bag.  

There are so many possibilities for these- favors at a Mother's Day brunch, baby shower or birthday party.  You could also tuck in special treats and use it as a gift bag.

The labels on the bags can be customized with any word or name.

The kit includes the fabric, pattern and labels to create 6 favor bags.  They are available in our shop now.  Now for the best news:

Because we will have several new projects and items in our Etsy shop this week, we thought it would be a great time to do another Random Acts of Kindness  week.  You may remember us doing this several months ago- and we thought we would do it again.  If you don't remember- every order that is placed in the next week will receive something fun for free!  It could be a pattern, sheet of labels, maybe a canvas print or book.  You will be surprised with what you get- hopefully you will love it!

One more thing.  We have a winner!  Congratulations to:

Allison, who wrote:

This is my new favorite line!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the colors yall chose! Oh how I hope I win some!!!

Congratulations, Allison.  Just e-mail us at info@sweetwaterscrapbook.com with your mailing address and a pre-cut of Lucy's Crab Shack will be on it's way!

Thank you so much to all of you who entered.  We love reading your comments.  Have a great Monday!  

I Missed It...

You may remember that last year in March the fun people at fatquarterly.com came up with what I thought was a brilliant idea:  March Madness for fabric.  Mostly because I love, love, love sports (if you have been reading this blog for a while, you get that).  And what could be better than combining fabric with sports?  So I was all over it.  Last year I blogged about it- even my most favorite fabric collection, Sunkissed made it to the final four (I think, anyway).

Which brings me to this year.  A few weeks ago, when the real basketball March Madness began, I sort of thought about that fatquarterly contest from last year.  A while ago, I had heard just a few bits and pieces about problems that arose from the contest, and for some reason I assumed they weren't doing it again, expecially since I hadn't heard anything about it.

Bad assumption.  Maybe I should have checked the blog.  Yep, they had it alright.  And I missed the whole thing.  Well, not the whole thing. The finals are going on now- check it out here and vote for either Bonnie and Camille's Ruby or Echo by Lotta Jansdotter.  Love both of those.  I'm just an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bit upset that I didn't know about it.  Which is totally all my fault.   Not because we didn't win- but just because I didn't even keep up with it and check things out.   They start out with 64 fabric collections.  Sixty-four.  That's a lot.  My cluttered brain couldn't even come up with four.  But I love looking at all of them.  And reading the names of the collections.  I think that is super interesting.   There are so many different,  wonderful collections out there- one to suit every style.  Because we all have a different style- we may have different likes, dislikes and tastes, but I sure appreciate the variety of fabric that is offered in our industry.   

And that is why I so enjoy fatqurterly.com's March Madness.  And because I'm a super-duper, ultra competitive, don't like to lose anything kind of person.  So, truth be told, when I found out they actually did hold the contest, I rushed right over there to see if we were even in the contest.  And we were. Well, actually, Reunion and Hometown were in the contest.  And I was proud of our Hometown.  It made the "elite eight", which is totally cool.  So, for everyone who voted for us when I didn't even ask, beg or promise you my next child, thank you.  You would be surprised how much joy I get out of doing well at games.  Just ask my brother.  I clobber him at "Words With Friends" daily.   

Ok. I'm done.  But next year, I'm definitely looking at the blog.  

On to something else.  We are so excited about next week.  My mom and I will be going to the Hollyhill Quilt Shoppe in Portland!  They are holding a very exciting event on April 14 called SPRUNG.  If you are anywhere near Portland, please, please, please come see us.  For more information on the event, click here.

We will be teaching a couple of classes- we aren't supposed to let you know exactly what we are doing, but we can give you a couple of peeks:

We will show you the full projects when we get home.  

One last thing.  Our Label Crew kits went out earlier this week- the fabric kits are now available on our Etsy site!  

Have a great Tuesday!

A Whole Bunch Of Things

We have lots to share with you today- but before the new stuff, let's pick a winner of our Mama Said Sew contest.  

Our random winner is:  Terra who wrote:

My first thought was ric rac. I absolutely LOVE the grey with the large white circular pattern. SOOOO pretty. You gals did it again!

Congratulations, Terra- just email us at info@sweetwaterscrapbook.com so we can get the fabric to you.

The winner was totally random- she didn't even get the answer right.  Lots and lots of you picked ric rac for the name of the zig zag fabric.  Good guess. But not quite right.  Lots and lots of you did get it right, though!  Pinking Shears is the name of that print.

And just in case you are curious to what the names for all of them are, here is the list:

The gingham is called "The Bias"

The circle/medallion print is called "Hoops"

The pinwheels are easy- they are just "Pinwheels"

The subway art with the quilt block names is called "The Block"

The large dots are named "Snaps"

The newsprint is "Sewing Guide"

The flower is "Lazy Daisy" and my favorite name:

The "Sew" print is called "Tangled Threads".

Ok, now for some new things.  We always design accessories that go with each collection- usually canvas prints and charms.  This time we have a plate:

There are also a lot of black and white plates that coordinate with this line.  We have already showed them, but if you haven't seen them, you can check them out here.

We do have 3 new prints.  Sewing Defined:

Mama Said Sew:

And if you missed our recent handpainted number sign, we have it in canvas form (so much easier for us!)

All three of the new prints come in 2 sizes: 8" x 10" and 16" x 20".  We decided to add the large size to this group because we think the larger size would be stunning in a sewing room.  We also think all three hung together would be adorable.

The prints and plates are available in our shop.  We do have charms planned, but haven't gotten that far yet.  We will show you in the coming weeks.

The final thing we need to show you is our Label Crew project for this month.   We call it a "Grab Bag".  Lots of things will fit into this- magazines, books, your ipad.  

I think the cutest part is the braided handle.

These kits will ship in less than a week!  For more info on the Label Crew, click here.

Thanks to all of you who participated in our contest, we so appreciate your nice comments.  Have a great day!

One More Thing For Easter...

We have one more kit in time for Easter.  We've had this Patchwork Egg pattern for a while (it has been really popular), but we updated it with Reunion fabric:

The kits include the fabric and pattern to create 9 eggs.  They are available in our shop now.  

Thanks to everyone who participated in our plate giveaway.  The lucky winner is:  Sarah who wrote:

Oh! I love, love, love the animal plates. I'd pick the monkey for sure!

Congratulations, Sarah.  Just e-mail us with your info and we will get your monkey plate to you.

Have a great Monday!

A Couple Of Things...

We have just a couple of things for you today.  First, our Label Crew fabric kits for March are on our Etsy site now:

We also added another color combination:

We didn't have time to make the apron in the bunting fabric, but I'm sure it will be just as cute.

Next, just a reminder that today is the last day to order this:

And by last day, I mean the very last day!  I'm 99.9% sure we won't be offering it again.  

Finally, if you entered our contest yesterday for Fat Quarter Shop's Mystery Block of the Month Blog Hop, make sure to check their blog to see if you are a winner!

Have a great day!

They're Back....

We are finished with our 2012 edition of "Coundown to Kisses"...but we have a couple of products that we did in previous years that we've been getting requests for.  So we decided to bring these 2 back.  First, our Heart Pocket Kit:

And our Valentine Postcard Kit:

You can use a black pigma pen to address the postcards. Then put a stamp on them (you may want to put a couple of stitches in that stamp) and just drop them in the mail.  

We have a limited number of both of these kits in our Etsy shop now.

Since we are finished with "Coundown to Kisses" (and it is Friday), we thought we would give something away.  Simply leave us a response letting us know what product was your favorite these last 2 weeks.  Here is a reminider of what they look like:

The Heart Towel:

The Valentine Name Label:

The Valentine Canvas Prints:

The Valentine Charms:

The Valentine Pouch:

The 14 Kisses Pillow:

The Heart Tag Wreath:

We will pick a winner next week.  See you then.  Have a great weekend!

A Little Late...

On a lot of things, really.  First, my mom spent a weekend at Hollyhill Quilt Shoppe in Portland over a month ago, and we are just now getting to it on our blog.  She was totally blown away.  And she made me really sad that I decided to stay home.  It was the week after Quilt Market and I have a three year old.  So staying home was really necessary.  My sister stayed home, too.  But she was fine.  She always wants to stay home.  

Anyway, the great people at Hollyhill invited us to participate in their annual "Homespun and Holly" event.  My mom was there with fellow Moda designer Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill.  I think she could have stayed there forever.  She was in definite quilt shop heaven.  She really had never seen a quilt shop like that.  The amount of fabric, the way the store was organized, the marketing, the displays.  Incredible.  Sweetwater even had their own section in the store.  Unfortunately, all our cameras stayed home.  Fortunately, Anne took some photos and is so nice that she is letting us use them.  

There were 8 Christmas Trees in the store.  Each was decorated in a different theme.  Here is just one of them:

Here is a photo from the Hollyhill website.  I wanted to see what the store looks like on the outside.  Just like a postcard!

Just that picture makes me want to go.  So hopefully someday.  Thanks to all at the shop that made my mom's experience so wonderful.  If you are ever in Portland- this shop is a must see!  

The other thing we are late at is choosing our winners for our Moda Blog Hop contest.  If you remember, there were 3 prizes, and you entered with a comment telling us what your favorite one was.  I may rethink that next time.  Because we always choose randomly, I had a few problems.  Every time I came up with a number, that person wanted a different prize than what I was picking for.  So I had to keep choosing to match the winner with the correct prize.  Hopefully that all made sense.  Anyway, here are the winners:

For the Reunion Layer Cake, the winner is:

Carrie Anne who wrote:  I would LOVE to win the Reunion Layer Cake... I already have a project in mind for it! Thanks for the great giveaway.

For the custom printed recipe, the winner is:

Kate R who wrote:  That cookie recipe looks great! Definitely on the list for this Christmas. I do love Reunion, but the printed recipe would be such a unique kitchen decoration so I think I'd choose that!

For the custom name label, the winner is:

Janet who wrote: 

Love your blog, but enjoy your generosity. Thanks for sharing your recipes and the sweet tea block pattern. Love the simplicity of it a lot! Each one of your giveaways would be wonderful; however, I believe I would cherish the name label. Happy Holidays and enjoy the season!

Congratulations to the winners.  Please e-mail us at info@sweetwaterscrapbook.com with your mailing address.  If you won the recipe, please include that, and if you won the name label, please let us know what name you would like printed on it.

Have a great day!