Make Your Mark
I apologize sincerely for the hiatus. I had to get through tax season, and fortunately, I eventually escaped unscathed. Whew!
With this madness behind me, it is time to focus on all the goods coming in 2013. There’s so much out there!
I must first apologize, as the Our Epoch webstore has been out of commission quite a bit lately. We’ve grown so much in the last year, so much faster than we expected. I’ve been searching for a solution that will meet our needs, and sampled a few other options. I’ve come back to our current platform and have committed to make a few tweaks to it, then I think we’ll be back on our feet again. The main area of improvement on the website is making it easier for local customers – you will be able to load your shopping cart as you would on any website, but you will have the option to pick it up in person (i.e. at the next AMQG meeting, or at my house, etc.) instead of paying shipping charges. Also, you will have the option of paying via PayPal at the end of your transaction, or delaying payment until you pick up your order (if you want to pay in cash, with a check, or receive an invoice).
These functions already exist on the website, but they seem to be hit or miss. I am working to make sure this option is available for you all the time on all items. This imperative as I usually offer sales and specials here that I don’t offer on Etsy, and I want to streamline it as much as possible. So thank you for your patience with the instability of the website. I hope it will be 100% within the next two weeks. In the meantime, please check out the Etsy Shop to see what’s in stock – this shop is kept up-to-date, as I try to do inventory every day. If you see something you like, you can email me and I’ll send you an invoice. This is especially good for local customers so that we don’t have to worry about shipping charges.
On to the good stuff!
This year is going to be another big year for us. We are expanding in a few different directions, starting with yardage. Print yardage, to be exact.
Our Epoch is already stocking Moda yardage, but we will be increasing the number of bolts we stock that coordinate with popular lines of precuts. I took a hiatus from Riley Blake last year for various reasons, but we’re bringing them back this year! We’ll be stocking select Fat Quarter Bundles and lots and lots of yardage – too much good stuff to pass up! If you haven’t already, take a look at the upcoming lines with Riley Blake. If there is something that catches your eye, please let me know and I’ll see about the availability.
As you know, Art Gallery bundles are available, but we will most certainly be picking up several of their luscious print yardage this year, no doubt! We are also looking at picking up Blend Fabrics, which offers a wide variety of unique prints by up-and-coming artists. Jessica Swift is a local favorite, and I have enjoyed her prints for years!
And perhaps our most exciting news, we are expanding to Freespirit/Westminster! Tula Pink, Anna Maria Horner, Denyse Schmidt, Heather Bailey, Joel Dewberry… need I say more? I am anxious to see what Spring Market brings for these amazing designers. We’ll also be looking at Michael Miller later this year to add to our yardage selection.
I wish I could name all of the big changes coming, but there’s so many. Hang on to your hats and make room in your stash closet!
Is there anything particular you’d like to see? Now’s the time to speak up!
Tomorrow kicks off Shop Hop in Atlanta, and I don’t really get to participate (except for the locals that hop on by!), so I figure it’s a good time to do a sale for all you good folks. There is so much in the shop right now, I’m out of room!
I know the weather is just starting to warm up down here in the South, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get a start on our holiday sewing projects, right? I have some BEAUTIFUL holiday Sample Spree items that just came in. The lines won’t be available for another 3 or 4 months, but I have them for you a little early! My holiday stuff sells so fast when the holidays actually roll around, so I can guarantee you when the next batch of these items come in, they won’t be near as low as this price, and they won’t last long.
So here’s what’s on sale in the shop, and these prices are exclusive to those of you who subscribe to my blog, Facebook, or Twitter. Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you?!
Locals who will collect items in person, please message, comment, email me, or whatever with what items you would like and I will send you an invoice. For those that aren’t local, you can do the same, but please include your mailing address so I can figure the exact shipping charges.
As always, these items are in limited number and they are first come, first served. I put in parenthesis how many of each item I have in stock, and I will try my hardest to keep it updated. Please feel free to ask if I have any left if there’s an item you are interested in. These prices do not apply to previous orders or items already on hold. I added a link to the Moda swatch sheet which shows you all of the prints in the line.
Thank you again, kind folks. It is such a pleasure sending beautiful fabric to you!
Andi
MINI-Charm Packs (normally $3-4)
All mini-charm packs from all lines are $2.00 each
Comma by Zen Chic (10)
Noteworthy (8)
Jubilee (10)
Glamping (10)
Avalon (10)
Simple Marks (10)
PB&J (10)
Boo Crew (10)
Charm Packs (normally $8.50 – $9):
Simple Marks by Malka Dubrawsky (11) – $7.50
Summersville Spring by Lucie Summers (11) – $7.50
Mind Your Ps & Qs by Keiki (11) – $7.50
Keep it Sassy by Olive Sandwiches (10) – $7.50
Aspen Frost by basicgrey(10) - $7.00
In From The Cold by Kate Spain(10) – $7.00
Winter’s Lane by Kate & Birdie Paper Co.(10) – $7.00
Boo Crew by Sweetwater (9) – $7.00
Happy Go Lucky by Bonnie & Camille. (10) – $7.00
PB&J by basicgrey (12) – $7.00
Oink-A-Doodle by Jenn Ski (8) – $7.00
Jubiliee by Bunny Hill (10) – $7.00
Boho by Urban Chicks (4) – $7.50
Glamping by Mary Jane (12) – $7.00
2wenty-Thr3e by Eric & Julie Comstock (12) – $7.00
Avalon by Fig Tree & Co. (12) – $7.00
Spring House by Stephanie Ryan (12) – $6.50
Noteworthy by Sweetwater (4) – $8.00
Comma by Zen Chic (4) – $8.00
Jelly Rolls (normally $28.90 – $30):
Winter’s Lane by Kate & Birdie Paper Co. (2) – $24.90
2wenty-Thr3e by Eric & Julie Comstock (4) – $24.90
Comma by Zen Chic (2) – $24.90
Architextures by Carolyn Friedlander (Robert Kaufman) (6) – $32.90
Boo Crew Dessert Rolls (3) – $24.90
Layer Cakes (normally $28.90 to $30):
Aspen Frost by basicgrey (1) – $24.90
PB&J by basicgrey (2) – $24.90
Glamping by Mary Jane (2) – $24.90
Noteworthy by Sweetwater (1) – $24.90
Get A Clue Nancy Drew (1) – $24.90
Fabric Bundles:
Spot On! by Robert Kaufman FQ Bundle – Beach Ball colorstory (1) – $24.90
Spot On! by Robert Kaufman FQ Bundle- Bubble Gum colorstory (1) – $24.90
Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater FQ Bundle (1) – $85.00
2wenty-Thr3e by Eric & Julie Comstock FQ Bundle (25 pcs.) (2) – $59.90
Oh the Places You’ll Go (Dr. Seuss) by Robert Kaufman FQ Bundle(3) – $26.90
Juggling Summer by Zen Chick Fat Eighth Bundle (1) – $45.00
I’m excited to announce that Our Epoch is expanding to begin offering Art Gallery Fabrics!
There are many reasons why I choose Art Gallery. For one, just look at their fabrics. They speak for themselves! Two, none of my local shops sell their fabric, which is a shame. I have seen numerous advertisements for Art Gallery in magazines, but it wasn’t until I visited a quilt shop up north, well out of driving range, that I actually felt their fabric. Art Gallery uses an exceptional thread count and finish, which makes this a luxurious-feeling cotton experience.
From their website, “Art Gallery’s designs are printed on 100% Premium PIMA cotton that is mercerized to ensure the absolute brilliancy of all colors. They are printed on a narrow width of 44/45″ and have an exceptional thread count and very fine weave.”
Pat Bravo is brilliant. What I like most about Art Gallery fabrics is that they feel a bit more … the words escape me… grown-up? Refined? I love that they are playful, but they retain their elegance to create a totally different quilt. Pat Bravo, Angela Walters, Bari J, Sarah Watson, and Jeni Baker are all designers for Art Gallery Fabrics.
So what is Our Epoch going to carry? We’ll start of small, and move into yardage. I will be carrying the Color Story Bundles in my shop to start with. While I wish Art Gallery would offer pre-cut bundles of their lines of fabric, much like Moda, I am pleased that they offer varying bundles based on color instead of just lines. The Color Story Bundles pull fabrics from several lines and designers, and even throw in pieces from thier “Elements” lines, which are blenders or basics. This helps us to stretch our creative juices and use a variety of prints instead of the ease of one line.
Very soon, I will also begin stocking yardage from the “Elements” lines, specifically the Oval Elements and the Lace Elements, but eventually all of their “Elements” lines. And of course, the goal is to carry a wide selection of yardage from all of Art Gallery’s lines.
Now, about this special offer… in order to bring Art Gallery Fabrics into the shop, I am offering a killer PRE-ORDER deal on Color Story Bundles. To check out the variety of Color Story bundles available, please click here.
This will be a limited-time offer, and you must pre-pay for your bundles (including tax and shipping where applicable) in order to take advantage of the special offer. I have posted the regular prices of these bundles at the end of this post to help avoid confusion.
With that in mind, here are the prices for this special Pre-Order offer (click to enlarge):
*Bundles can be mixed & matched. If you buy three bundles of any size, you will get the maximum discount for all three bundles. If you buy two bundles, regardless of size, you will get both bundles for the second price.
Yes, I get that the pricing can be confusing, so if you have ANY questions, please let me know and I will help with anything you need. What it comes down to is, if you commit to buying three bundles of ANY size of fabric, whether 10 or 12 piece bundles, you will be saving 50% off of EACH bundle. That’s incredible!
So how do we make this happen? Here’s what you need to do:
1. Decide what Color Story bundles you are interested in from this link, and decide what size and how many bundles you want. Remember, 3 OR MORE bundles of ANY variety of size will get you the maximum discount price on each bundle.
2. Comment, message, or email me with what you want. If you are not local, I will also need your complete shipping information so that I can calculate your shipping charges (and tax if necessary). I will also need the email address where you will want your invoice sent.
3. I will email you an invoice with the items you requested, complete with applicable tax and shipping charges.
4. You will need to pay via PayPal, mail a check, or pay me if you are local and will see me soon in-person.
5. I am planning on putting the order in no later than March 14, but hopefully sooner. Once the order is delivered, your order will go out immediately.
This offer is NOT available on my website or in my Etsy shop; it is open only to you, my most loyal customers. If you would like to contact me, you can email me at asbarney@gmail.com
Sometimes it helps to see what the regular price is before deciding how much you’re saving, so here is the chart showing you the regular price of these bundles (click to enlarge):
I hope you are as excited as I am!
What a great weekend, getting to finish this quilt! I’d had the Quick Curve Ruler in my shop, along with a few of Jenny Pedigo’s patterns, since last year sometime, I just hadn’t had the right project (or time!) to do something with it.
And then Michael Miller offered the Madrona Road challenge to the Modern Quilt Guilds. We signed up, and they sent us a bunch of fabric, which we cut down into packets for members that wanted to participate. I love this line so much, I decided to purchase a bundle of the other colorway (well played, Michael Miller). I am so glad I did, because making this quilt was so much fun.
I knew I wanted to use the QCR with this challenge, and I stumbled across this blurb in Fat Quarterly. The pattern was PERFECT for this line, in my opinion. The overview sounded easy enough, but I ran into huge snags, trying to figure out how to make it work (namely that first curve and the trimming). I consulted my BFF, and finally I was on the right road.
Seriously, the QCR is so easy to use. I love that you actually make the block slightly larger than needed so that you can trim down to an exact size, with even shape. I am so in love with this template. It’s not flimsy acrylic, either. It’s very sturdy!
For the back, I kept it simple. Before I was a quilter, I seriously hated pink. I guess that’s changed a little, huh?
I finished with a simple meander, and a Corn Yellow Kona binding. I am keeping this one for myself!
The Quick Curve Ruler and four of Jenny Pedigo’s patterns are available in my shop. Check out Jenny’s blog – there are links to GREAT YouTube videos showing how to use this template. You can’t go wrong. There are also numerous free templates and quilt-a-longs on her website.
I finished this quilt back in October for my best friend from high school and his family. Their little boy, Jacob, only stayed on earth with us for 7 days. I cried a lot making this quilt. You can read more about that on the Making Modern Memories blog.
This is a baby quilt turned into a family quilt. For the back, or one of the fronts, I made a heart using the Lil Twister tool (for 5″ charm squares) and the Ten Little Things charm pack from Moda. The best thing about any of the Twister tools is that they are SO easy to use, but make any quilt look complex and complicated. It’s easily one of my Top Ten recommendations. (click images to enlarge)
I did a log cabin-style border around the quilt several times to give it good size.
I especially love using this tool on prints that seem kind of loud or chaotic. They add to the feel of the design. It spices up quieter prints, and tones down the louder ones.
So I was left to figure out what to do with the other side. I decided to use the Twister Tool (for 10″ layer cake squares). Because I’m looking to expand my selection in the shop, I purchased a line from AdornIt to try, and I think it turned out lovely. This side has a bit more of a “grown-up” feel to it.
When Jacob passed, a good community of folks released red balloons in the air in memory of him, so I included this and a passage on the personalized label.
It was such an honor to make this quilt for my friend and his family. I only hope they know how much they mean to me.
*The Twister and Lil Twister tools are both available in my Etsy shop. I also have the Itty Bitty Twister tool for 2.5″ squares.
I just posted about this quilt over on the Making Modern Memories blog, but I wanted to post here to give more detail about the construction of the quilt, because sometimes quilters like those details : )
I knew immediately that I would want this to be the quilt I submit to the Thoroughly Modern Quilts exhibit that is being sponsored by our guild, the Atlanta Modern Quilt Guild, and the East Cobb Quilt Guild, one of the largest guilds in Georgia. We are so honored that they asked to partner with us to promote our cause. The exhibit is going on now at the Mable house in Mableton, Georgia.
I am a modern quilter. But admittedly, there is a huge side of me that is vintage. I love classic designs. I love classic designs-turned-modern even more. That’s what Emily Cier of Carolina Patchworks did with this pattern. She took a classic zig zag design and roughed it up a bit. I LOVE it. It is graphically bold and striking. I felt the need to add some late 60s coloring to it, so I used Sable, Bone, Olive, Peapod, and Tangerine.
The Front (click images to enlarge):
Other than the Kona Challenge Quilt that I made for the AMQG last year, this is the first chance I’ve had to make an all-solids quilt. I LOVE working with solids.
My goal in 2012 is to get myself beyond the basics of freemotion quilting. I have FMQ’ed several client quilts and quilts of my own, but I stayed in my comfort zone, doing only a simple meander, maybe a loopy design. I am to the point that I want something more complex and challenging in my quilts. So my goal in 2013 is to really work on my FMQ’ing skills in terms of new designs and not limiting myself to one repeating pattern on a quilt.
I decided this was the quilt to break that barrier. Ha! Why do I always do that on a really important quilt with a strict deadline? I dunno, I work better when I know there is a deadline to meet. I had already submitted a picture of the completed top of this quilt and been accepted into the Thoroughly Modern Quilts exhibit, so really, there was no turning back.
I started with the Peapod green color, doing a bit of an arrow/bird tracks/snow tires design. That was fun, actually, and helped to build up my confidence a little. My next “brilliant” idea was to do pebbling in the orange sections. Um, yeah. about an hour into with with a 4″ x 4″ section completed and I realized pebbling in solid zig zags could be… well, a disaster. Not only would it take forever (hey, I’m willing to put in the time and work for a design I think is fabulous), but also, it would made those sections so very dense. So I decided to improvise a la Angela Walters and break it up a little. As you can see, I did smaller sections of pebbling outlined a few times with a echo pattern. The end result? I love it.
The Sable section ended up being my favorite, though it was the most intimidating. I found a rhythm that just worked, and actually I was kind of sad when I finished those sections. In the interest of time, the Olive green ended up with a straight-line stitch.
And finally, in the Bone section, I did a swirl pattern, also quite intimidating. So much to think about, such as making them somewhat uniform and keeping the size of each circle consistent. It was fun, though. I wish I’d had a better plan for finishing at the end of each row, though.
The back (click images to enlarge):
Obviously having such varied quilting on the front makes for it’s own design aesthetic on the back. I love it!
I love, love, love this quilt. I have already decided this one is for me, and it will hang in our living room. Now that we have a house with walls suitable for hanging quilts, we’re starting with this one! I am even painting the living room a deep, olive green, which will coordinate nicely with this quilt.
If you’re local, I hope you will go see the exhibit. I have seen pictures of some of the 45 modern quilts hanging, and to say they are stunning is an understatement.
With this quilt, I hope to look back in a year and feel that it’s a bit amateur-ish because my freemotion quilting has excelled : )
Yes, it’s that time! I am starting to receive Sample Spree items, those lovely lines not releasing for awhile. You get a chance to own them before anyone else!
I have charm packs of the following Moda lines in stock. Most of these lines release in March and they are limited, so if you see anything you like, you better get them now! Each charm pack is $8.50 plus tax and shipping where applicable. Let me know if something catches your eye, or you can order in the Etsy shop if you prefer. My online store (other than Etsy) is still down for updating at this time. Either way, I will get you what you need!
2wenty-Thr3e by Eric & Julie Comstock
Boho by Urban Chicks
Glamping by Mary Jane
Avalon by Fig Tree & Co.
Spring House by Stephanie Ryan
PB&J and a few other lines should be on their way shortly!
I cannot thank you all enough for visiting my blog, liking my Facebook page, and supporting Kristy in getting the word out about her new pattern, INDEX. What a fun week this has been, and I’m excited to have new friends to stalk on social media.
And now, for the winner… I used the Random.org number generator to pick a winner, and it picked number 37, so the winner is…
Mary, I’ll be emailing you for your email address to send you the jelly roll, and I’ll pass your email address to Kristy so that she can get the INDEX pattern to you.
You should still go on over to Kristy’s Etsy Shop to get your own copy of the INDEX pattern – she offers both PDF and paper copies. I’ll offer the pattern in the Our Epoch Store shortly, too.
Thank you all again!
Andi
I could not be more pleased to be a party of Kristy Daum’s release party for her second quilt pattern, INDEX.
Kristy asked me to sample her pattern and join her blog hop a few weeks ago, and I had so much fun sampling the pattern. I absolutely LOVE patterns that are fun and easy while making the quilt look tricky and complicated.
I am also a HUGE fan of patterns that are precut-friendly, and INDEX is a perfect pattern for the jelly rolls in my stash that I have been hoarding, waiting for the right pattern (click images it enlarge).
You can find INDEX for sale in Kristy’s Etsy shop, either in hardcopy or PDF.
Now, how about a fun giveaway to celebrate? We will choose ONE winner to receive a copy of the INDEX pattern (your choice of PDF or Paper), AND one Jelly Roll of Moda’s Simply Color by V. & Co. The jelly roll will be perfect for this pattern, and leave a few extra strips for a decorative border or to include in pieced backing.
All you have to do is leave one comment below by Friday, November 2nd – 4pm EST, and the Random Number Generator will choose ONE winner at random. The winner will receive both the pattern AND the jelly roll!
Now, if you would like an extra chance to win this giveaway on my blog, please go to my Facebook page, and like my page (you won’t regret it – I always offer Sample Spree items, sales, and offers here before I offer them to the general public), and then come back here and leave ONE additional comment saying you liked my Facebook page. If you already like my page, please leave a comment saying so.
Your comment will appear throughout the day, so don’t worry if it doesn’t show up right away.
You will also have other chances to win by following the BlogHop schedule:
Sunday 10/28 – Kristy Daum
Monday 10/29 – Annie, Andi (you are here)
Wednesday 10/31 – Halloween
Thank you for participating, and I would love your feedback on the pattern! Our Epoch will be carrying both of Kristy’s patterns soon!
I’m pretty sure that ripping out stitches (or, “unsewing” as I call it) is our least favorite part of quilting and sewing. But it is a necessary evil and something we must all do once in awhile.
My amazing, talented husband started making custom seam rippers earlier this year, and I have to say, it makes ‘unsewing’ a little more bearable. They are so much more comfortable than your average seam ripper, the tip and blade are of high quality, and, let’s face it, they’re beautiful!
Paul made one for me as a test piece about 9 months ago, and I’ve been using it since as my only seam ripper. I really wanted to make sure the components are of high-quality, as I don’t want to offer anything that doesn’t do it’s job well. I can assure you, my seam ripper has had quite a workout.
These seam rippers make wonderful gifts for any occasion. He is taking Christmas orders right now, and we only have a small window of opportunity left, so if you would like to purchase a seam ripper, please contact me immediately. Because of the holiday rush (he makes pens, styli, wine bottle stoppers, razor brushes and handles also), he does not have a large ready-made selection, so your seam ripper will be semi-custom made, in that you will get to choose the primary color of your handle.
This is a double-sided seam ripper that was recently made for a client.
This single-sided acrylic seam ripper, in green and yellow, is already made and available for purchase (first come, first served) for $22 plus shipping where applicable.
This white with black acrylic, single-sided seam ripper is already made and available for purchase (first come, first served) for $22 plus shipping where applicable.
Seam rippers can be made from various woods, or acrylic. Acrylic is by far the more popular choice, as customers like choosing a color and a style that suits them or the recipient. You will need to let us know what color or colors you would like, and Paul will choose the most appropriate blank from his inventory to create your seam ripper. There are other custom options available, such as picking a specific acrylic blank to order or other materials (TrueStone, etc.), but those will come with various additional cost.
The tips of the seam ripper come out and turn inward to prevent injury or tearing by hiding the sharp tips. This is great if you have kids or young, curious people! Below is a double-sided seam ripper with both ends ‘closed’ to protect the points:
All seam rippers come in a clear plastic tube to protect the item, and is perfect for shipping.
Please note that if you are not local (we are just outside of Atlanta), shipping charges will need to be added to your order. If this is a gift, we are happy to ship directly to the recipient, or we can ship to you.
The cost for a standard single-sided seam ripper is $23 (wood or acrylic chosen from available inventory based on your preferred color)
The cost for a standard double-sided seam ripper is $25, and will come with a small seam ripper on one side, and a large on the other (wood or acrylic chosen from available inventory based on your preferred color)
The cost for a standard seam ripper and stiletto combo (not shown yet, pictures coming soon) is $28, and will come with a regular-sized seam ripper on one side, and a stiletto on the other (wood or acrylic choosen from available inventory based on your preferred color)
We are in the process of building a website to make Paul’s work more available, but we are also in the midst of moving our family and both of our businesses to a new (more sufficient!) location, so look for a full inventory and selection after the first of the year. In the meantime, please contact me at asbarney@gmail.com if you are looking for a seam ripper or other specific item. We are happy to help you any way we can!
