There’s new fabric in the shop from the talented Valori Wells! As soon as I saw Nest, I knew you guys would love it. If there’s one thing we like at Spool, it’s a sweet birdie print! Pair that with a soft, light palette and you have a fabric line that is totally worthy of your nest.

I could see this as pretty pillows and a Springy, cuddly, sofa quilt. It would be wonderful in a nursery; curtains, bumper, crib skirt- the works! Or, for when you need to carry part of the nest with you, make a pretty Birdie Sling with birdie fabric. What would you make?

New skirts! This style is in all the shops this season, and I think it’s adorable. Accentuating the waistline with wide belts and waistbands is a trend I can get behind – so flattering. We used Erin McMorris’ s Go by Bike print and Kaffe Fassett’s Bekah for our skirts. I can picture the first one being worn to an afternoon lunch, while the second can go out for a night on the town. Since this skirt is so quick to make, you can have one for whatever mood strikes you!

Using just 1.5 yards of fabric, 3″ wide elastic and Kwik Sew Pattern 3744, we made our own version of this popular look. Summer style should be all about ease, and this skirt’s elasticized waist can be worn high or low, cutely and comfortably. It even has a pocket for carrying small essentials. You can make this in an afternoon, and get a good understanding of gathering and sewing with elastic, and wear it out that night!

Join us in class to make your very own own skirt of the season. Please call the shop to reserve your space. See you soon!

High Waist Skirt
$45 plus materials

Saturday, June 19: 12-4PM- next week!
Saturday, July 10: 11-3PM
Tuesdays, August 10 & 17: 6-8PM

Materials: Pattern, thread, 1 yard of 3″ wide elastic, 1.5 yards of fabric, optional sew on snap for rosette. All materials are available for purchase at Spool. Use of our sewing machines, rotary cutters, scissors, mats, and rulers are included for class sessions.

Try on Amy Butler’s Mini Dress for Summer! Easy to follow, the pattern includes instructions for a top & tunic, but we went for the full dress. Nothing is better in warm weather than putting on ONE garment, adding flip flops and walking out the door!

We chose Robert Kaufman’s Chambray for our version. Like Shot Cotton, it has a different colored warp and weft, but it’s not as gauzy, allowing for details like the front pleat to really stand out. Isn’t that color gorgeous? One of my customers says that purple is the new black. I can see why!

Pleating details on the straps give the dress that little something extra, and ties in with the deep pleating on the front. Pretty!

Yes, this dress does have a back zipper. Don’t be afraid! I always recommend that sewers jump right in and try out zipper applications, even if you are a newbie. It’s the best way to avoid developing a zipper phobia, and the only way to finish and wear this dress!

Sunday is the first day of my weekend, and when I left the shop on Saturday I asked Olga & Elizabeth to cut and arrange a new Piano Keys Quilt using my fave Shot Cottons du jour. Look what was waiting for me on the design wall when I arrived at the shop this morning!

So lovely! All I wanted to do was sit down and start sewing it together right away. I decided to stay my course, however, and snapped a few photos to share instead! Check out that gradation of color in the border, creating an orderly frame for their favorite pairings at the center. Fantastic! The saturation and depth of the Shot Cotton colors get me very time- I think it would be impossible for me to NOT adore something made with these special fabrics. Great job, Olga & Elizabeth!

It’s amazing how completely different, but equally strong, it looks from my last Piano Keys quilt. This pattern lends itself so well to larger prints, but I’m glad we decided to see what it looked like in all solids. With the cutting and piecing so simple, it gives you a great opportunity to concentrate on playing with pattern and color to your heart’s content!

If you like the looks of this quilt, we are holding a workshop starting this weekend, taught by the pattern’s designer, Sujata Shah. There are only a few spots left, so be sure to call the shop to reserve your space. See you soon!

Piano Keys Quilt
$65 plus materials

Saturdays, May 15 & 22: 11AM-2PM

Materials: Pattern, 10 fat quarters or 1/4 yards, thread. 3 yards backing, 60″ x 60″ batting. Finished size: 44″ x 48″. Pattern includes instructions for a 72″ x 80″ version as well. All materials are available for purchase at Spool. Use of our sewing machines, rotary cutters, scissors, mats, and rulers are included for class sessions.

A new issue of Stitch Magazine is here! I always look forward to its arrival and this issue does not disappoint. The Spring theme is details, and there are skirts, handbags and housewares all beautifully adorned with applique, beading and ruffles. You can learn to work with vintage patterns and trims and try your hand at embellishing with lace.

My favorite projects are in the Modern Baby section. Take your pick from a girl’s wrap dress, child’s flight cap (designed by our pal Betz White), or baby alphabet quilt. There’s even an exclusive Oliver + S pattern for a sweet ruffled halter, and an interview with Liesl!

This issue will keep you busy for while, so you might want to clear your calendar! Have fun!

If the rainy weather we’re having this week is any indication, Spring IS coming! With that in mind, we sewed a new version of one of our favorite Oliver + S patterns, the Birthday Party Dress. We used Art Gallery Fabrics Living Elements for the main fabric, and a peachy Shot Cotton for the accent. This pattern is feminine and full of movement, and the cotton quality is soft and fine. A wonderful combination!

Shot Cotton is the best-especially in this lovely placket detail! This shade really complements the delicate print, without being overwhelming. Elizabeth chose the sweetest button, and I think it pulls everything together quite nicely!

Oliver + S clothing is all about the details. One of my favorites is their signature hem facing. This style of finishing the hem allows you to avoid the turn and press method of hemming that can cause burnt fingertips and cursing! Plus you get to use another fabric to contrast with your main print. Win, win!

As always, Oliver + S directions are clear and simple to follow. Making this dress is well within your reach if you have sewn a few garments previously. Even if you think this might be a bit out of your range, new challenges are good! They give you an opportunity to expand your sewing skills. The extra effort will be worth it when you see your girl out for a Springtime stroll in your latest creation!

This has been a fantastic fabric delivery week for Spool! Laura Gunn’s new line, Poppy, has arrived and I am swooning! I fell in love with Laura’s first collection, Lantern Bloom, last Summer, and her sophomore effort does not disappoint. These colors are glorious!

Giant poppy and dogwood flowers mingle with painterly stripes and polka dots- my favorite! The visible brushstrokes from Laura’s original paintings lend a lively and personal feel to the designs. You can just tell she had a wonderful time creating these. A light and airy palette is perfect for Spring projects. These cheerful prints would be amazing as home decor. Just walking into a room with these flowers would make you smile! We’ve already started making a swoopy circle skirt in the larger than life orange poppies. What would you make?

I know that there is still 2 feet of snow on the ground outside the shop, but I am looking forward to Spring in a big way! The recent completion of these Simple Tanks are a big part of the reason! I made a one using Kwik Sew 2498 last summer, and it quickly became a wardrobe staple. I am not a big fan of stretchy, clingy tanks in the warm weather, and I love that with one yard of cool cotton you can make a breezy top in different styles.

Elizabeth sewed up these versions in a rosy pink Shot Cotton, and one in Kaffe Fassett’s Serape Stripe. I thought the rosy one needed a little something extra, and since we recently got some gorgeous embroidery floss in at the shop, I decided to embellish! I carefully stitched a row of little french knots along the neckline. They were easier to make than I thought, and I love the shine of the mercerized thread. Sparkly!

If you’d like to get a little dose of Spring this weekend, we will be having a Simple Tank class. Here’s the details:

Saturday, February 20: 10AM -2PM
$45 plus materials

Materials: Pattern, thread, .75- 1.5 yards of fabric depending on size. All materials are available for purchase at Spool. Use of our sewing machines, rotary cutters, scissors, mats, and rulers are included for class sessions.

Please call the shop to reserve your space. See you soon!

The groundhog has predicted 6 more weeks of winter, and the weather forecasts a TON of snow in Philly this weekend! Despite this news, a temperate Spring breeze has wafted through Spool in the form of Dolce. This delicate, art deco inspired collection is the latest from Freespirit designer, Tanya Whelen. It has me thinking of warmer days, open windows and, of course, pretty new projects!

I would love to see these fabrics as a new dress, a set of curtains for a french door, or a simple throw for a porch glider. The soft colors would even make a sweet, but sophisticated, choice for a baby girl’s nursery. What would you make?

The Eavesdropper (aka Patient 14) dvdrip

The story of Quilt Market continues with the designers of Freespirit. Right after I chatted with Ms. Butler, I got the pleasure of meeting Erin McMorris, designer of our favorite Park Slope and Wildwood collections. This girl has got it going on! She’s sweet, bright and so talented. I didn’t remember to snap a photo with her, but check out this amazing hexagon quilt with her Wildwood fabrics. You’ll be seeing lots more projects from us with her fabrics.

Valori Wells and her new collection are so inspiring! We currently have a swath of her Del Hi fabric hanging in our front window at the shop, and seeing her quilts made us excited for the arrival of more fabrics from this line. She also has these adorable project cards that will soon be making an appearance at Spool.

Joel Dewberry’s new Deer Valley fabrics are stunning. This is quite possibly one my favorite things we bought at Market. Spool customers will be familiar with Joel’s woodgrain print, which I know is one of your favorites (by the way, a new shipment of quilting & home dec weight woodgrain just arrived at the shop- so many colors!). Joel stopped by as Craig and I were selecting his fabrics. He is so tall and so charming, it sold us on it even more! Look for this line at the end of June. To see more swatches, check out Joel’s website here.

Up next: Michael Miller. Stay tuned!Valkyrie on dvd