Wool Embroidery Thread

I saw this beautiful Genziana Wool (12wt) embroidery thread at the Quilt Market.

I just had to share with you all. Traditionally this was used in Crewel Embroidery, but I think you could use it just on about any type of stitching. It is so beautiful and has such a great texture. If you have never worked with it before, give it a try, I think you will like it!

And of course if you want to break into the Crewel stitchery world...there is no better place to start :)

You can purchase any one of the yummy colors on Sue Spargo's website here. They retail for $7.50 each or you can get a whole variety of them at a little discount.
Don't forget you can upload your embroidery projects on our flickr page--hope to see some Crewel work there soon!

Happy Stitching & Happy Friday!!
Brooke

Quilt Show details

Montana Tigers by Karlyn bue Lohrenz
Quilt is 49.5" x 61" finished

There were so many beautiful quilts at the market last week. Here are a few of the details from the quilts I saw. They are just breathtaking!

Can you see all this detail...it was just so intricate and detailed. Very very well done!

The details on this quilt were AMAZING! Such beautiful hand embroidery on each panel. 

Brown Bird's Lullaby 
by SALLY MAGEE
of HEATH, TEXAS

Mission: Impeccable 
by KUMIKO FRYDL
of HOUSTON, TEXAS

detail of Mission: Impeccable

Monk in the Doorway
by JULIE DUSCHACK
of DENMARK, WISCONSIN

This was my favorite quilt of the whole show. She used metallic threads throughout the quilt and it was just breathtaking. The two detail shots I took are below.

     

 Congratulations to all these winners. These quilts are true works of art and I cannot wait to see what will be at the show next year. These artists labor for years on these quilts--something that requires true discipline. Well done everyone! Thanks for all the inspiration and beauty!

Cheers!
Brooke

Retro Clean!

While at the Quilt Market in Salt Lake City I stumbled upon this AWESOME product!

You soak your old quilts, tea towels, dresser scarves or hankies in this stuff and it brings them back to life!

The quilt below was soaked on the right side and the left side was left alone--you can see the difference.

And then there is this gem. Isn't it a BEAUTIFUL quilt?
So glad they could restore it! Go to their website to see the before and after!

I have a few older quilts I purchased at flea markets and I can't wait to use this stuff. I will let you all know how it comes out when I do! Until then you can check out their website and get some for yourself!

Happy Stitching (and restoring) All!
-Brooke

Quilts of Valor

The Quilt Market in Salt Lake had an special exhibit this year...Quilts of Valor. These were all made for a service man or woman. They are just so beautiful. Such a wonderful way to honor someone.

Close up from the Quilt above

This one might be my favorite. I just love the subtle zig zag in the red and the stars. Very beautiful. 

Since 2003, the Quilts of  Valor Foundation has distributed over 40,000 quilts to service men and women made by QOV volunteers. Check out their website and find out how you can help honor these men and women who keep our country safe. Tell us about who you have in your life that serves our country-We would like to say thank you to all those who sacrifice so we can be free Americans.

-Brooke

Back from Quilt Market!!

Well the trip to Florida ended with 10 of the 15 of us getting the stomach flu...so the first few days were wonderful, but the last two were not so much fun :(
By the time I got well it was time to leave again for Salt lake City and the Quilt Market.

Majestic Bugs 
by IRENA BLUHM
of ANTLERS, OKLAHOMA

We had a 10ft booth and displayed all the new items we brought with us. It was a great weekend, and I have SO much stuff to share with you. Here are a few sneak peaks from the weekend...more to come this week!

Now, thats a lot of creative genius in one place! The inspiration was OVERWHELMING!!

Such beautiful colors and quilting!

 More this week..back to answering calls and emails!

Happy Stitching all!

Brooke

Off to soak up some sun!

Well crafty peps, I am off for a few days to get some sunshine and relaxation.

Headed to Florida for a few days. All the ladies on my Mom's side get together once a year for a Sister's Weekend. It is my favorite weekend of the year. I will report back with some pictures next week.
Until then, keep on stitching!
-Brooke