Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Let's Get Quilting Giveaway - Away in the Manger by Leanne Anderson and The Whole Country Caboodle


Summertime is coming, which means it is time to begin those winter projects, so you will be ready for Christmas! This adorable collection by Leanne Anderson of The Whole Country Caboodle has a fabric storybook, lots of characters and a wonderful palette. All ready for you to start preparing for the holiday season. This collection shipped into your favorite quilt shop in May, so if you don't win this bundle, go get your own from your favorite place!




Let's Get Quilting - Away in the Manger by Leanne Anderson and The Whole Country Caboodle

Desire to Inspire is looking for a Challenger for June! Sweater Weather 2-Ply Flannel by Shelly Comiskey of Simply Shelly Designs



This is how our Desire to Inspire Challenge works...
If you are interested in using this ADORABLE collection of flannel fabrics to sew something (or many somethings) in the month of June, just send an email to vanessa@jaftex.com along with a picture or two of something you have sewn recently. We will pick a winner on FRIDAY, and send you this fabric right away so you can start to work on your projects! 

At the end of the month, we just need your pictures of the project(s) and a bio about yourself to share. 

Ready? Go! 

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Desire to Inspire - Farmstead Harvest collection from Kim Diehl with Leigh Ann Thomas

Meet Desire to Inspire Challenger Leigh Ann Thomas


The rug is also made from a Kim Diehl quilt pattern 
My husband and I live in Roanoke, Virginia where we have retired and spend as much time as possible with our daughter, her husband and four grandsons.  The grandsons are super busy with their activities(mostly sports) but each has learned basic sewing skills and how to use a sewing machine. 

Sewing and fiber arts have always been a part of my life.  My grandmother taught us how to sew and for many years I made clothing.  The first quilt was a gift for my mother to go in her primitive/country style home.  That was approximately 25 years ago and from then on I have only made quilts.  During this time I have taken many classes, attended lectures and attended large and small shows learning something from each.

Not only does the creativity and process of quilting give me great joy but has also provided a common interest for myself and my cousin.  We lived too far apart for many years to spend much time together.  After our children were grown and we both retired, quilting gave us something to share.  Now we take classes together, share our stashes, make quilts together and several years ago went to the Houston Quilt Festival.   Additionally we get together for a week twice a year, along with my sister who hooks rugs, for a “cousins” retreat.  An added benefit is that she is a great cook.  So much fun!

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to work with fabric designed by Kim Diehl.  Her style and color palette are my favorites and twice I have had the opportunity to take classes from her.  She was a pleasure to meet and learn from and provided a machine appliqué method that gave the result I wanted. 

This has been an exciting challenge.  Thanks again for the opportunity.







Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Let's Get Quilting - Home for Christmas by Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched Studios


Annie Downs is the owner and creative director behind Australia's lovely studio, "Hatched and Patched" in Bathurst, Australia. This Christmas collecton is called Home for Christmas, and has a soft vintage country feel with a touch of whimsy.

The Home for Christmas collection is shipping into quilt shops now. By all means, try your luck here though to win the 20 pcs of this collection. 



Let's Get Quilting - Home for Christmas

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Celebrating Kim Diehl's New Book! "Simple Whatnots, A Batch of Satisfying Scrappy Little Quilts"



For the last 7 seasons many of you have sewn along with the Simple Whatnots Clubs at quilt shops around the country and enjoyed the fellowship of making projects that Kim Diehl has so wonderously and carefully designed.(And in July, Collection 8 will be introduced). Did you miss out on any?

Here is a chance to see some new projects as well as relive the glory of some of the Simple Whatnots Club favorites. Be sure to enter to win our celebration giveaway, or visit Martingale to buy your own copy of her new book "Simple Whatnots, A Batch of Satisfying Scrappy Little Quilts."

We are celebrating the book release along with Kim and having a giveaway contest for a copy of her new book AND a fat-quarter bundle of "Helping Hands" the collection that was featured in Simple Whatnots Club 7.

This contest is for the fans of the Henry Glass blog, to celebrate you too! This particular contest will not be posted on Facebook or Instagram so your chances of winning just got better. You can comment to win, and for an extra point, sign up for our newsletter.

Here is a picture of the 29-pc. fat quarter bundle that will be in the giveaway.
Helping Hands 29 pc, Fat Quarter bundle





Monday, May 7, 2018

Let's Get Quilting - Jan Shade Beach's New Collection is shipping NOW! Frosty Friends 2-ply flannel


Jan Shade Beach loves winter, and snow, and snowmen! This is another offering for her favorite season featuring her favorite characters, snowmen, Santas, reindeer and to top it all off candy canes and ornaments! There are snowflakes, tossed tags for presents and the ever popular hill side swirl stripe with themes for the holiday. 2-ply flannel for cozy warm quilts. 

This collection is SHIPPING NOW! Or sign up below to win your very own 12 pc bundle of soft and fun flannels of Frosty Friends. 







Friday, May 4, 2018

Designer to Inspire Challenger has been selected: Meet lucky winner Leigh Ann Thomas

May Desire to Inspire Challenger Loves Kim Diehl fabrics!


Meet Leigh Ann Thomas: 


My husband of 44 years and I live in Roanoke, Virginia.  We retired here to be near our daughter and her family which includes 4 grandsons.  The quilt behind me is a Kim Diehl pattern and is one of many that I have made.  Thanks again for this opportunity. 


We will check back in at the end of May and see what she has created with the Farmstead Harvest collection!