Spring Snow Storm Today

. . . and we're supposed to get an additional 8 inches through the night!

Upcoming Design: Mary Ellen's Basket

This afternoon, I began cutting Turnovers out of Layer Cakes, and this is what I have left to cut (there is a whole row of Layer Cakes under what you see).



Take it from me: It is better to simply buy the Turnovers than to cut them out of larger pieces of fabric.



However, the fabric I wanted to use for my sample for Mary Ellen's Basket did not come with Turnovers, thus I'm doing the cutting (you can see the stack I've cut so far in the background, which consists of the rectangular pieces you see spread out on the cutting mat).

It's been a lot of fun seeing the different fabrics that are in this line and I look forward to seeing how they all come together.

In the last photo, you'll see a printout from my EQ6 program where I printed off the yardage. With the yardage estimate comes a tiny picture of each individual fabric you use in your design. I keep these close by when designing, especially if I'm dealing with a lot of different fabrics. I like to mark on this page, the number of cut sizes I will need of each fabric. I love being organized and this has helped immensely!

In A Snap! Almost Ready For Finished Pattern . . .

I write my patterns as I make the samples up. So this quilt pattern is almost finished . . . Isn't the Snippets line darling?!

The quilt top is ready for Russ Adams of The Back Porch Quilters to machine quilt it. Please be sure to seek out his quilting services . . . he does excellent work for a great price! And even with shipping, he's still probably lower than your local quilter and such a great person to deal with. He will become your quilter for life . . . believe me!

(Hey Russ, this one will be in Monday's mail!)

Birds, birds everywhere . . .

Image taken from McCall's Quick Quilts website.

Have you noticed how popular birds have become lately? I see them in fabric design, used as embellishments, as well as images used on note cards and accessories for the home. They are everywhere and what a wonderful symbol for the new Spring season!

This month's McCall's Quick Quilts (April/May 2009 Issue - on newsstands now!) has a lovely display of items you can make using Susan Branch's In Love With Nature fabric line by RJR Fabrics. You can go to McCall's Quick Quilts' fabulous new website to download instructions on how to make my wall hanging/quilt design and the accessories (bird ornaments, a pillow, and tea towels - designed by other talented women). Simply click on the caption below the photo and it will take you directly to their site. Once there, click on the Web Bonus Get it Now button and you will receive a free PDF version on how to make my quilt design. The fabric is so cheerful, I designed two more wall hangings with some little bees that you can either machine or hand applique to the top before it is quilted. The wall hanging designs will be available soon through my website!

Wholesale Orders Now Through United Notions

United Notions is now carrying 5 SuzGuz Designs' quilt patterns and will also be carrying the two upcoming patterns I've spoken of recently. Shop owners who buy wholesale, you can order the patterns, here. Retail customers can always buy directly through our website and please ask for us at your local quilt shop or online quilt shop. We'd love to be a part of your quilt shopping experience in your neighborhood!

"In A Snap!"

Other projects were in line first, but today I was able to start on the sample of one of my newest, super-fast designs I previously told you about. Here is a sneak-peek, using Snippets by American Jane for Moda. This pattern will be available through United Notions and for those of you attending Spring Market, you'll be able to see the quilt in the United Notions booth. More updates soon . . .

Click on the picture for a close-up of the fabrics.

Two New Designs Coming Soon!

I have two new designs to talk about . . .

The first quilt pattern is called: In A Snap!

. . . and it is just that easy to make.  Made with (2) Turnover packs and (1) Honey Bun plus border, backing, and binding fabric.   You will love it!  My sample will be made using American Jane's Snippets for Moda.  Look for it under Moda's "Available In March" section.

The next quilt pattern is called: Mary Ellen's Basket

It is also an easy quilt to make and my mom (with whom it is named after) already gave it high marks.  I knew she'd love it because the fabrics used are florals and colors she loves.  Made with (3) Turnovers, (1) Jelly Roll plus enough fabric for 2 borders, backing, and binding fabric.  My sample will be made using Lila Tueller's Soiree for Moda.  Look for it under Moda's "Available In February" section.  Special Note:  Lila Tueller's Soiree line does not come with Turnovers.  Instructions will be noted on the pattern if you choose to use this fabric.

These patterns should be available within the next 7 to 10 days.  The quilts will be shown during Spring Market at the United Notions booth.