At the recent Road to California show, we were thrilled to come across the owners of the Calico Horse quilt shop in Redlands, California, and to see their stunning quilt featuring QUAKER QUILTS.  Their design beautifully showcases the collection, which was designed by Judie Rothermel and The Heritage Center.  Precise piecing and gorgeous quilting complete the look.  Not surprisingly, their kits sold out at the show, but they are now available online through The Calico Horse.  We loved the quilt, and thought you’d enjoy it, too!

National Quilting Association are again providing the inspiration we need to celebrate our favorite pastime, with this year’s theme: “Welcome Home”.  With the rising number of displaced families losing their homes, NQA suggests quilters use their free “Welcome Home” pattern and instructions to create quilts of comfort.  Read more about the project and ways you and your quilting group might get involved in National Quilting Day ’09!  With Marcus Fabrics’ wide variety of  from reproduction to contemporary, you’re sure to find a look that will bring comfort to any family in need.

We’re pleased to announce the debut collections of designer Teresa Kogut, for Spring 2009!  Her first to collections for Marcus, HALLOWEEN DANCE and WINTER FRIENDSHIPS were just added to our online Fabric Gallery this week.  Teresa is an accomplished artist whose whimsical, folk art designs can also be found on greeting cards, calendars, resin figurines and now, on Marcus fabrics.  Learn more about Teresa, and ask for her fabrics in your favorite quilt shops, beginning May 2009.

Fabric panels, also known as “cheater quilts”, are back and better than ever! As our designers invent clever new layouts, we’ve been thinking up fun new ways to use them, and this month we’ve shared several crafty suggestions on the website, from pillows to mobile to sachets, even scrapbooks and gift wrapping!

Shown here is the boys’ panel from CLOTHESLINE KIDS FLANNEL by Michele D’Amore. You’ll also love the new panels in upcoming collections including Christmas, Halloween, winter, gingerbread and “pink ribbon” themes. —- lisa s