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!
Com’on, you know you’ve been eyeballing the Amy Butler Weekender Bag pattern for ages now. It’s gentle curves and nod to mid-century modern elegance calls to you, and you want one.
I know, I know. We’ve heard it all:
“It has PIPING!”
“It’s too complicated!”
“It has a gazillion pieces!”
“Hold me, I’m scared!”
“Pass the Vodka!”
I truly think most of us have heard too many negative things about this lovely bag and we have let that stand in our way of HAVING it. So it’s time to put all that aside and seize the moment.
Rashida Coleman-Hale mentioned it on Twitter yesterday, and it sparked the interest in many of us to form a support group of sorts and just work our way through this bag. Teresa Coates was kind enough to start a Facebook Group called “I’m Scared of the Weekender, But I’ll Do It”, and it currently has 116 followers.
A few group members were kind enough to post pictures of bags they’ve completed, and the majority of them have said it is no where near as bad as the things they’ve heard. A challenge, yes, but nothing we can’t do.
Still trying to say no? Take a look at this Flickr search and see the bags others have already made. I drooled and drooled, because they are just beautiful!
So let’s do this! If you need a pattern, they are arriving in the shop next week (around Tuesday, September 14) for $9.00 (plus tax and shipping where applicable, and I’ll also be stocking the Peltex and Shape Flex that the pattern calls for, available by the yard. If you think you might want a pattern, please let me know so I can try to keep enough in stock.
Please note that this is an unofficial challenge – there are no deadlines, no prizes… unless you count a beautifully finished bag. If you decide to participate, please let me know if you mark your progress in your blog so I can share it! I’d also like to share any tips and advice I come across to help all of us.
Life is short. Let’s not go through it without our Amy Butler Weekender Bag!
Happy Friday! The Our Epoch shop is brimming with with new Kona (13 of the BRAND NEW colors are here, more coming!!), so it’s time we have a sale to celebrate!
Today through next Friday, August 17, all Kona, Bella and Riley Blake (what little bit is left) will be $4.90/yard! Or $2.45/half yard!
We are striving to offer the largest selection of Kona in the Atlanta area, and if we aren’t there already, we are darn close. Click here to see our selection of solids.
Also, how about a little Riley Blake sale? August, September and October are big months with lots of new stuff coming in, so let’s make room! All Riley Blake 5″ Stackers are a flat $5.00 each, all 10″ Stackers and Rolie Polies are a flat $16.00 each. For some of these items, that’s an 80% discount! The Fat Quarter Bundles are 25% off. The Riley Blake sale is while supplies last as they are limited. I am happy to hold things for you, but out of courtesy for others, please only reserve items you know you intend to purchase immediately.
You can find the Riley Blake precuts here.
Feel free to peruse the Our Epoch store, and you can either order through the site, or you can just email me or message me what you want and I’ll send you an invoice. This sale is NOT available on Etsy.
A few reminders:
-Kona bought on sale will not count toward the Kona Rewards program.
-Please keep your cuts to half yards or multiple yards (no fat quarters for this sale).
-If I run out of a specific color of Kona, I am happy to reorder and give you the discount on that particular color.
-I am happy to make pickup/drop-off arrangements, or you can come by and “shop”. If you are not local, I am happy to ship anything you need (postage not included).
-Riley Blake precuts are first come, first served! Supplies are limited!
I finally figured out Pinterest last year, and wow, did it open doors for me! Like most quilter folks, I did a lot of pinning of quilts other people had made, tutorials, patterns, projects and things of that nature. Just looking at so many beautiful quilts on one place was enough to make a girl want to go nuts buying fabric and start cranking out quilts.
But then one day I noticed someone pinned something that caught my eye. It wasn’t a quilt. It wasn’t fabric. It didn’t even have anything to do with sewing or quilting. If I remember correctly, the person had pinned in on a board where she was contemplating a palette for her master bedroom.
It was a Design Seeds palette.
I can’t remember the exact one, but I do remember that it was called “Mental Vacation” and had a picture of a beach, with rolling waves, miles of sand, tropical trees and flowers. Below the photo was a swatch of 5 different colors that someone had pulled from the photo to create a custom palette. Never before had I looked at a palette and immediately had it evoke a feeling… and that feeling matched the photo exactly! Seeing the shades of blue, sand, turquoise and beige absolutely gave me the feeling of an ocean scene.
But also? While the shades worked absolutely beautifully together, they are not shades I personally would have EVER picked to put together.
At first, I only saw a few of these beautiful graphics. I pinned all three our four that I saw. Over the next few weeks, I had hoped to see a few more surface (it never really occurred to me to investigate further to find the source of the palettes, as I was new to Pinterest). They did here and there. I saw a few other versions that were similar in concept, but the palettes didn’t seem to be as cohesive and complete as the Design Seeds palettes.
At some point, I got smart. I did a search on Design Seeds (this is where you see the clouds part, a ray of light shine down, and hear angels sing…). This is an entire website full – and I mean FULL – of these beautiful palettes.
And thus, I found the brilliance behind the palettes: Jessica Colaluca.
Jessica’s story is fascinating and so very genuine. Our Epoch is going to feature a blog post on Jessica in the near future, but in the meantime, you can find more information about her and Design Seeds here.
I suppose when most people look at the Design Seeds palettes, they see interior design. Ideas for rooms in their home. Maybe for wardrobe or clothing.
When I browse through them, I see Kona. Lots and lots of Kona. The color palettes alone are very inspiring, but pairing them with an inspiring photo is a double-whammy.
I’ll be honest, I’ve long thought about making a sushi-inspired quilt. Why? Well, for one, I love sushi. Probably one of my most favorite foods on earth. But also, Sushi has such a beautiful, colorful and rich texture. And it comes in many shapes and sizes. Sushi also feels like a niche thing. Kind of like how bacon is trending right now.
I have collected a few sushi-esque fabrics over time, waiting for the right idea to strike. Most of my attempts have been with novelty fabric. Don’t get me wrong – there are cute sushi novelty fabrics out there. But, I’m not really a novelty person. Most novelty prints are too cutesy. And they look like they belong on an apron. Not on a quilt.
As I was perusing her site for the first time, devouring palette after palette, this one struck me:
And the palette! Oh, the palette! It hit me with my color combination weaknesses. Charcoal is one of my absolute most favorite colors. Put it with a bright and very contrasting orange and green, too? Then mellow it out with a pale peach? Yes. Oh, yes.
That palette above? Became this in my head:
I apologize in advance for the quality of the photo. That is, indeed, the true Kona. My lighting is terrible and these were taken in a hurry in an effort to get this announcement posted. I have a real photographer coming to take better pictures!
I thought about this for a long time, which I was also thinking hard about going all-in with Robert Kaufman to offer a large selection of Kona colors. It was the perfect storm!
I contacted Jennifer to clear any legalities and to kindly ask permission to offer bundles of Kona based on her Design Seeds palettes. And she said yes!
So Our Epoch will soon offer these bundles in fat quarters, half yards, and full yards! Yes, we will select several palettes to bundle, but the possibilities are endless. You can build your solids on any palette you wish. Or use one of ours to start, and go from there!
As I was laying out the different combinations based on palettes, I literally got goosebumps. I have always struggled, as a quilter, to really grasp color and the way it works and doesn’t work. I find that I usually stick the basics. Grays are my go-to for background and blender fabrics. But playing with the palettes, I find myself wanting to be very daring and bold.
How can you not?!
So here are a few other quick (and I mean quick!) examples of palettes I put together:
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I’m really sad that the photos of the fabrics really do not do them any justice. But at least you get an idea of what we’re doing here. What I love is that all of these palettes of Kona fully stand on their own. I see a quilt already in all of those. But what happens when you add in prints that coordinate with these solids? My head will explode!
We would love your feedback and your thoughts on using Design Seeds to inspire your quilts. Do you already have a palette in mind? Let us know! We’ll be doing some palette giveaways soon!
So here’s another big announcement for our store. We recently stocked the store with 50 beautiful colors of Kona, with more arriving all the time. I know there’s a lot to choose from! I’m having trouble adoring the colors in my sewing room every night, and deciding which direction to go first!
I introduce to you, the Epoch Kona Program! For those that order from my website or locals that order directly from me, you will automatically be enrolled in the Epoch Kona Program. There are different tiers of rewards as you purchase Kona (at regular price).
After you have purchased 10 yards of Kona, you will earn a free fat quarter of Kona*
After you have purchased 20 yards of Kona, you will earn a free half-yard of Kona*
After hitting 30 yards, you will earn a FREE YARD* for every 10 yards of Kona your purchase with no limit of rewards earned!
*Your choice of color that is in stock
There is fine print, but not very much. And certainly not very fine : )
*This offer applies only to orders received from www.our-epoch.com/store or purchased directly from Andi Barney. This offer does not apply to Etsy orders at this time.
*This offer only applies to regular price Kona, and will not apply to clearance, sale or otherwise discounted Kona sales.
*This offer applies only to accumulated yardage, not fat quarters or fat quarter bundles (purchase of half-yard or full-yard bundles will apply).
*Our Epoch will keep track of your yardage purchases and accumulation and do our very best to alert you when you have earned a reward, but ultimately, it is the customer’s responsibility to also alert us when they believe they have earned a reward.
*The customer will be responsible for the additional postage if necessary.
*Accumulated yardage means any combination of quarter-yard (not fat quarters), half-yard, or full-yard purchases.
*Earned rewards will be rewarded from one color of the customer’s choice. For instance, if the customer has earned a one-yard reward, the one-yard can only come from one cut of fabric. However, if the customer has earned multiple one-yard rewards, each one-yard reward can be cut from a different color.
*This reward program only applies to Kona purchases, not any other yardage purchases at this time.
*This offer is not retroactive to Kona already purchased from Our Epoch or Making Modern Memories.
Our Epoch has been really busy behind the scenes, working some major projects and inventory. And happily, we’re finally ready for a two-part reveal. Today I’ll reveal one of the biggest areas of growth at Our Epoch this year, and later I will reveal the second part of what’s to come.
I’m excited to report that 85 lbs. of fabric is arriving at my doorstep this Friday – 43 bolts of new Kona colors! Yes, we have partnered with Robert Kaufman to offer you an ever-growing selection of Kona choices at a great price. Also, we already have an order in for 15 of the new colors once they are released in June/July. I cannot tell you how excited we are to add these colors. Have you seen them yet?
Those living in the Atlanta area will be invited to come to an Open House in a few weeks, in which all Kona will be discounted for the day. We’ll also have a special deal going for those that aren’t local, don’t worry! To celebrate all the beautiful new colors coming to Our Epoch, we’ll be doing a few giveaways and and contests for fun prizes.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter so you’ll find out first what’s coming!
Here’s a list of the first round of Kona colors arriving this week. Please let us know what colors you are looking for in our second round!
Pink
Candy Pink
Melon
Medium Pink
Red
Tomato
Coral
Pacific
Copen
Robin Egg
Lake
Evening
Lagoon
Ice Frappe
Wine
Pomegranite
Corn Yellow
Buttercup
Banana
Mango
Tangerine
Paprika
Berry
Eggplant
Cerise
Mulberry
Pansy
Thistle
Amethyst
Azure
Kiwi
Chartreuse
Peridot
Seafoam
Jade Green
Basil
Lime
Raffia
Espresso
Sable
Charcoal
Bone
Champagne
Already in Stock:
Ash
Medium Gray
Coal
Sand
Snow
White
Black
New Colors coming in June/July:
Kumquat
Citrus
Peapod
Sprout
Leprechaun
Camellia
Tulip
Iron
Steel
Parchment
Mushroom
Biscuit
Yes, that’s right! Our Epoch is adding Riley Blake precuts to the store, and they’ll begin arriving next week! We are so excited about this. Riley Blake offers a cute, but not too cute, breath of fresh air to new quilting and sewing projects. We have several lines planned for the next few months, and we’re excited to see what comes out for Fall. Here’s what’s on order (click the names to see the fabrics in each collection):
Coming next week:
Coming in March:
Coming in April:
Coming in May:
Coming in June:
It’s finally time for the big reveal on our new online store!
All the basics (Moda precuts, Bella & Kona yardage, Aurifil thread, pearl cotton, etc.) are already listed and ready to go, and the store is fully functional. Over the next week, we’ll be adding all of the Sublime Stitching embroidery patterns, which will be on sale, and all of our notions and other goodies.
Once the new store is settled and moving right along, we’ll be adding Riley Blake precuts – I am so excited about this! The lines that they will be putting out over the next year just blow me away, and making decisions on which lines to carry will be excruciating. Are there any you are excited about?
We have a bunch of new templates and projects rolling out, and a slew of new tutorials coming, too. So much is happening here that I’m inspired beyond belief!
Thank you to everyone who has continually supported me in this endeavor, and never let me forget that I can be successful! It is our pleasure to serve you, and we are honored to be a part of your creativity!
Andi Settlemoir Barney
