Order the #HealingHeartsQuilt Pattern for Houston Relief

Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the recent natural disasters around the country, and the world.  And because so many of us turn to our quilting to help and heal in times like this, we want to share the news that our friends at Fat Quarter Shop will be releasing a new, exclusive PDF pattern called Healing Hearts, and will be donating 100% of the proceeds to the JJ Watt Foundation Houston Flood Relief Fund.

This PDF pattern retails for just $9.00, and every cent of the proceeds will go to the Foundation.  It will be available here until October 31.  Fat Quarter Shop will also be auctioning a sample quilt made from this pattern, and those proceeds will go to the Rebuild Texas Fund.

In addition, Quarter Shop prepared the same beautiful quilt design above in an alternate colorway, using prints from Pam Buda’s PRAIRIE BASICS collection.  Whichever you choose, be sure to share your healing with #healingheartsquilt. Thanks for everything you do!

BELIEVE!

BelieveAs will happen daily when you work in NYC, you can come across life-altering inspirations just crossing the street!  Stephanie snapped this pic while passing Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street, which set into motion a discussion of what we “believe” in, holiday inspired or otherwise:

  • Indra: “I believe in World Peace”
  • Mechelle:  “I believe in the power of forgiveness…and red velvet cupcakes  ; )”
  • Laura: I believe I may finally learn how to quilt now that my youngest daughter is off to college next year”
  • Lisa: “I believe in yoga, green tea, and a sewing machine in every home”
  • Stephanie: “After a girls’ high school reunion trip I believe in the power of friendship “
  • Beverly (not pictured): “I Believe that Jesus Christ is the reason for this Christmas season”
  • Pati (not pictured): “I believe in focusing on the positive since the negative will only bring you down”
  • Faye (not pictured): “I believe in GOD”
  • Brandy (not pictured): “I believe the sky is blue, and it rains in May”
  • Regina (not pictured): “I believe the most important thing in life is family and friends and fortunately I have the best of both!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”

Group

Feeling inspired?  Share with us…  Whatever you Believe in, all of us at Marcus wish you the very best this holiday season, and in the New Year!

#macysbelieve

#MarcusMarketMania – Designers at Work

…No, they’re not contemplating colors and patterns right now; they’re setting up various booths in preparation for Quilt Market!  Here’s the evidence, from Sarah Maxwell, Victoria Findlay Wolfe, and Paula Barnes and Mary Ellen Robison. So far, so good, ladies  ; )

#marcusmarketmania Quilt Market 2015

Marcus Fabrics – Booth 1022

The Tributes and Treasures GIVEAWAY Begins NOW!

Since our last post about the new book by the ladies of Red Crinoline Quilts, an office copy has arrived, and it just as fabulous as we knew it would be!  As promised, we’ve partnered up with Martingale for a fabric-and-book double giveaway, both here and on the Martingale blog.  

Red Crinoline Quilts fabric and book giveaway

Are you already a fan of Paula Barnes fabrics, or just now discovering them?  Maybe you’ve already been collecting the patterns from this design duo.  Either way, you’ll love these designs, and the lucky winner will receive a great fabric bundle of assorted prints by Paula to get started!  Just leave a comment below, and be sure you’re subscribed to the Marcus Mentions blog (scroll down to the sign-up box on the right).  Subscriber comments received by next Wednesday, October 14 will be eligible for the Marcus drawing.

REMINDER: If you’re a quilt shop owner attending Quilt Market in a couple of weeks, Paula and Mary Ellen will sign a limited number of free copies at our book signing on Sunday, October 25 at 12:00 noon (Marcus booth # 1022).  Join us, and be sure to arrive early!

#MarcusMarketMania  #makeitwithmarcusfabrics

Quilts Beyond Borders

Photo: Quilts Beyond Borders

Photo: Quilts Beyond Borders

We’re pleased to be a part of the ongoing charitable efforts of Quilts Beyond Borders, an organization that reaches out to provide handmade quilts and spread love and hope to under-served children, mainly orphans, across the world.

Organizer Tina Freudenberger explains that the not-for-profit group completely relies upon the generosity of our volunteers and corporate gifts, and recently acknowledged its supporters online.  We certainly appreciate the work of QBB and its volunteers, another fine example of quilters coming together to share their time and talents.

If you’re attending Quilt Festival in Houston this year, you’ll find QBB in the 300 aisle, near the Quilts of Valor and American Sewing Guild area.

It’s National Sewing Month!

National Sewing Month 2015It seems like we just posted about National Sewing Month a short time ago, and now September has rolled around again quickly. Since its inception in 1982, each NSM has revolved around a particular theme. This year’s focus is charity, and we know first-hand just how much quilters and sewers use their creative powers for good, helping others with the ir time and talents. The official site for National Sewing Month has lots of tips and projects for individuals, groups and guilds – visit today!

Need a few quick ideas?  Consider these:

  • Buy a new sewing machine, donating an older one to a school or civic group
  • Organize the pattern stash
  • Tackle one UFO per month
  • Make your plan for holiday gift sewing by Sept 30, and stick to it!
  • Commit to a new BOM project for the new year
  • Share your passion with a newbie

giveaway msyteryboxHow do YOU plan to celebrate National Sewing Month?   Tell us your National Sewing Month plans for a chance to win a “mixed goodie box” of Marcus fabrics! All comments by blog subscribers received by Tuesday, September 8 are eligible. So, be sure to subscribe to our blog (at rght) if you haven’t already, then post your comment below.

Fourth of July “Subscribers-Only” Giveaway

Fourth of July "subscribers only" giveawayOur next giveaway has just two requirements:  (1) subscribe to the Marcus Mentions blog, and (2) leave a comment below on what creative projects you’re working on this summer (patriotic or not!) for a chance to win this PRIMO PLAID FLANNELS Country Squire fat quarter bundle!  Sorry, the vintage tin sewing machine is NOT a part of the prize – Pati would kill me if I gave it away…it’s really cute!!)  But you’ll still love the fabrics.

Remember, only blog subscribers as of July Friday, July 10 are eligible to win!  The signup box is to the right.  Already subscribed? Just leave your comment below.   And enjoy some creative leisure time, whether you’re celebrating the 4th of July, or Canada Day or no holiday at all ; )

When RIT Dye Meets Marcus Wools…

DyedWool-textCOMP…cool things can happen!  I should start by reminding you that we now offer 44 fabulous colors in our woven 100% WOOL COLLECTION, including gorgeous new brights, classic heathers, darks, and midtones. But in the event you choose to further customize your colors, it’s easy to do with RIT Dye.  You can dye the wool yardage overall, or experiment with custom ombres and shaded effects inspired by nature.

Just for fun, I took a cut of our Cream wool and transformed it using RIT liquid dye in “Camel”.  BONUS:  I loved the fact that I could felt and re-color the wool in one process!!  The 100% wool content accepted the dye easily and evenly.

Not up to dyeing it yourself? Here’s a peek at just a few of the 44 colors available in your favorite quilts shops now, plus free wool projects —WoolsScreenSHot

 

 

 

 

 

#MarcusAtMarcus – Schoolhouse Highlights II

Thanks also to Sarah J Maxwell for sharing her expertise in building successful BOMs and special programs in our second Schoolhouse session.

Retailers: If you missed this informative Schoolhouse session, log into your Marcus account to download the accompanying handout (available June 1, 2015)

#marcusatmarket

 

#quiltmarket #quiltmarket2015 #marcusatmarket #marcusfabrics #homesteadhearth #designsbysarahj

The Winner of the “Innovative Applique” Prize is…

As most of you know, we’re longtime sponsors of Road to CA’s quilt competition, a major component of the weekend’s festivities.  this year, we’re happy to announce the winner of of the Innovative Applique award, Donna Viitanen of Sierra Vista, AZ. We love her color sense, and of course, the applique and quilting are outstanding!  Read more about the quilt

below.  Congratulations, Donna!

"Strawberry Thieves" by Donna Viitanen of Sierra Vista, AZ

“Strawberry Thieves” by Donna Viitanen of Sierra Vista, AZ

Detail 2

“Strawberry Thieves” by Donna Viitanen of Sierra Vista, AZ

"Strawberry Thieves" by Donna Viitanen of Sierra Vista, AZ

“Strawberry Thieves” by Donna Viitanen of Sierra Vista, AZ

WinnerSign