Thursday Night Jazz...

Doesn't that sound smooth? It is! It's the name of another cool, new pattern from Poorhouse Quilt Designs, the Daily Specials Collection. These bags can take you out for a special night on the town!

We are featuring tips for sewing and quilting with silk taffeta in this pattern. Silk can be so much fun to quilt, it's very forgiving and best of all, it shows off even the simplest of quilting stitches beautifully! Each bag is on the small side -just enough to give you a taste of using silk.

Can't you picture these bags as gifts for bridesmaids? Prom season? The tote is 8" tall, the pouch is 7" tall x 6" wide and the clutch is 4" x 7".

I bought my silk through the Della Q website - check it out! You may be able to buy it locally - I hope you'lll give my pattern and silk a try!

Keep quilting - Kris

Happy Tuesday!

This morning, I thought I’d share another new pattern with you! The Tuesday Traveler is another pattern in the “Daily Specials” collection (available May 24th). This versatile pattern features our easy zipper application, pockets to organize your essentials, and a long strap for comfort!

There is a small front pocket, for your cell phone or music player, a zippered outside pocket (I keep credit cards and license in here), and a zippered top pocket for the main part of the bag.

The fabrics used are the from Blank Quilting's Murano Collection.

Of course, this will be a perfect bag for your next shop hop! Travel on, quilters! -Kris

Daily Specials - Sunday Best!

Good morning all!

It’s that time of year again – when pattern designers release new collections that will debut at Spring Quilt Market. I’d like to give you a preview of Poorhouse Quilt Designs’ new line, as well as a little background on the inspiration for the project.

Inspired by the Friday Bag, we decided to design a bag for every day of the week! After all, who wouldn’t want to change bags every day? We have dubbed this collection “Daily Specials”. I hope these patterns will appear on your sewing menu!

Today, we are previewing our “Sunday Best”! This bag features 3 rows of ruffles – an element designed to show off your fabric! The ruffles were inspired by clothing designer offerings for Resort and Spring 2010. These ruffles appear on blouses and dresses; they are big and loose, an easy but elegant statement.

My friend and pattern tester Jenn Dawley made her version of the bag, shown here: Her color choice is perfect for this bag, don’t you agree? In case you can't see it in the picture, her sewing is impeccable! Thanks Jenn!

Stay tuned for more Daily Specials!
-Kris

Backpacking in New Zealand

No, I'm not going on vacation! I just received a picture of a quilted backpack that Alison of NZ made for her vacation! She used the pattern for the floral stripe backpack in Sew and Go Totes. I wanted to share this pic because it shows another way to use your fabrics! Alison did a beautiful job selecting the fabrics for her pack, which gives her a totally put-together look!

Thanks Alison! It's so much fun to see your interpretation of the bag.

Check out Sew and Go Totes and let your imagination tell you what to do.

Happy Sewing! -Kris

Go Gamecocks!

I love to see what other sewers do with my patterns! Judith B just sent me a nice email with pictures of Sampler Totes that she has made. I particularly love the University of South Carolina’s Gamecock’s version! Instead of using quilt squares, she let the fabric do the work for her. She also made a version with beautiful autumn colors, for a friend. Judith – beautiful job!

Keep quilting! -Kris