Chattanooga area quilt shops and quilters welcome Ben Taphouse from Lewis and Irene fabrics: part 2

During the two-day whirlwind visit with Ben Taphouse, Director of Sales for Lewis and Irene fabrics, we visited four quilt shops in Tennessee and Georgia. After a presentation for the Choo Choo Quilters on Monday evening (see this blog post), we had a full day on Tuesday meeting with shop owners of Chattanooga Quilts, Chattanooga Sewing Machines and More, Sew 'n So Quilt Shop and Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More.

Here is Kim Thomas (center), owner of Chattanooga Quilts in Ooltewah, TN,
with Ben (right) and me.

Our first stop Tuesday morning was at Chattanooga Quilts in Ooltewah. Here we are with Kim Thomas, the owner. The Lewis and Irene fabrics were well received at Chattanooga Quilts, so be looking for several collections arriving in the upcoming months. You won't lack for project ideas and inspiration at Chattanooga Quilts because Kim has curated fabrics for several projects and kits will be available at her shop. The Lewis and Irene website also has loads of free patterns for downloading. Contact Kim to see what's coming in.

Traveling from Chattanooga Quilts in Ooltewah, Ben and I dropped by Chattanooga Sewing Machines and More. Because of our tight schedule and the flurry of activity that was happening at this store (it was hopping!), I didn't get a photo. But I can say that shop owners, Kyra Rhyne and Josh Flinn were smitten with the collections and have childrenswear and garment sewing projects planned for them. Be watching their class calendar and stop in the shop in the next months.

From Chattanooga Sewing Machines and More, we made a quick stop at 4 Corners Cafe near Collegedale, TN, for paninis. True to the typical antics of a traveling sales rep, Ben took to eating our lunch on-the-fly in the car. [Ben--next time we'll have to make time to enjoy the home made gelato at 4 Corners!]

Ben outside Sew 'n So Quilt Shop in Rocky Face, GA.

On to Sew 'n So Quilt Shop in Rocky Face, GA, where we were greeted by shop owner, Anna Quarles, and a group of her customers.

Ben shows customers at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop a photo of
the glow-in-the-dark inks in the Fairy Lights collection.

Ooohs and ahhhhs filled the shop during Ben's presentation of the upcoming Lewis and Irene fabric collections. Anna took copious notes based on the "Oooh/Aaah Barometer" and reactions to the lines from the attendees. As of the writing of this blog post, the full collection of Lewis and Irene's "Bee Kind" is at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop along with pre-cuts from the Spring/Summer Bumbleberries collection.

Meet and Greet with Ben Taphouse at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop.

Lucky winners of the door prizes were thrilled to be going home with Lewis and Irene fabric goodies.

Anna Quarles, owner of Sew 'n So Quilt Shop and Ben Taphouse.

The final appointment of the day was an evening Meet and Greet at Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More in Cleveland, TN, hosted by shop owner, Lana Masengill.

The Bumbleberries fashion blender was used
in this sample.

 While Ben presented the collections, attendees got to examine the fabric strike-offs ...

Examining the strike-offs.

 and pass around the samples.

There were lots of projects and samples on hand for people to see at the Meet and Greet.

The Lewis and Irene door prizes were very much appreciated. (Think she's having a good time?)

A lucky winner of Lewis and Irene charm squares.

Lana already had several bolts of the "So Darling" line in her shop and it was no surprise that these and the Bumbleberries  fashion blender, were leaving with customers in one and two-yard cuts. Fear not! Lana has more Bumbleberries and other upcoming Lewis and Irene collections on order!

Ben Taphouse with shop owner,Lana Masengill, at Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More.

The wrap-up
After hearing the stories behind the company and its fabric designs, I hope the Tennessee and north Georgia quilters and sewers won't be strangers to Lewis and Irene fabric collections that will be making their way to the area's quilt shops. Thank you so much to all the shop owners that allowed us to visit.

So, after:
    2 days,
    4 quilt shops,
    2 Meet and Greets,
    1 guild meeting, and
    168 miles...

... Ben and I did a brain dump and recap of the visits and conversations with shop owners and all the quilters. Believe it or not, Ben recommended Smokey Bones for a great late-evening dish of mac and cheese and deep-fried Oreo cookies (and he claims he does not have a sweet tooth!). One minute it was 9 pm, and the next it was midnight! Time flies when you're talking "fabric."

Thanks for a wonderful visit and hope you enjoyed your trip to Chattanooga, Ben! 

Lewis & Irene VIP is visiting Chattanooga!

Have you heard about Lewis & Irene, a fresh, new face in the quilting fabric arena? If not, let's make an acquaintance...

"Enchanted Forest" from Lewis & Irene fabrics.

Lewis & Irene is a family-run business that offers quality 100% cotton fabrics. Their unique designs have quickly become "fan favorites" with quilters and sewers in the UK and across Europe. In October 2017, the way was paved to bring these collections to US quilt shops and independent sewing centers so all of us American quiltmakers can get our hands on these lovelies.

Are you intrigued?
I hope so, because in about a week, Ben Taphouse, the Director of Sales in the UK for Lewis & Irene, is making a trip to the USA and will be traveling with me in Chattanooga for 2 days. 

Up and coming to USA quilt shops: Lewis and Irene fabrics

A few Chattanooga area quilt shop owners have graciously made time to meet with Ben and me. And happily, his visit coincides with my quilt guild's monthly meeting, so Ben will be our guest presenter at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Quilters guild meeting.

Interested in hearing the Lewis & Irene story?
If you are interested in hearing the story of the Lewis & Irene fabric company, and what inspires the designs of their fabric collections come to the guild meeting or a Meet and Greet. Here's our travel agenda:

Monday, March 19: Choo Choo Quilters guild meeting, Hixson, TN, 6:30 pm

Tuesday, March 20:
Visiting Chattanooga Quilts and Chattanooga Sewing Machines and More early in the day.
3:00 pm: Meet and Greet at Sew N So Quilt Shop, Rocky Face, GA.
6:30 pm: Meet and Greet at Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More, Cleveland, TN

If you live in the Chattanooga area, be on the lookout for Lewis & Irene fabric collections. Please support your local quilt shop and ask them to carry these fabrics. You can also email me or let me know if your local quilt shop is interested in this fabric line—I'm happy to contact them.

Oh, yeah... and there might be some fabric goodies available for event attendees.

100+ quilts displayed at first-time quilt show in Ringgold, Georgia

2017 Ringgold Quilt Expo at The Depot, Ringgold, GA.

Two guild friends and I were able to attend a local quilt show last weekend in Ringgold, Georgia, a town just south of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The end-of-August weather was pleasantly cooperative and the event was well attended by quilters and visitors who were treated to over 100 lovely quilts made by area quiltmakers.

The show offered a menu of concurrent events— vendors, Quilts of Valor presentations, a bed turning, demos and my friend, Holly Anderson, a certified quilt appraiser, was available on Thursday for quilt appraisals and consultations.

With the quilt show's theme of Civil War and Underground Railroad (the exhibit was held at the Historic Ringgold Depot), many of the quilts were traditional in design, pattern and fabric choice. But the show was open to other categories and styles and a few modern style quilts, quilts made from fabric panels and vintage quilts were sprinkled throughout the exhibit. An exquisite Baltimore album quilt made by a local quilter and long-arm machine quilted by my friend and fellow CMQG member, Carolyn Rippee, was awarded Best of Show.

Baltimore album quilt awarded Best of Show.

Many of our area quilt shops had tables at the vendor mall. These wonderful local quilt shop owners are fabulous supporters of the quilting community!

Lana Masengill (left) of Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More, Cleveland, TN.

Anna Quarles (right) of Sew 'n So Quilt Shop, Rocky Face, GA
with  helpers Peggy (left) and Katie.

Jacki Cory teaches classes at Old Woolen Mill studio in Cleveland, TN.

Susan Hyder (left) of Hyderhangour Quilt Fabric and More, Cleveland, TN
and BJ Wright, the quilt show's Volunteer Coordinator.

Here are a few of the quilts of which I was able to get a picture. (If anyone knows their makers, please leave a comment and I'll fill in the captions.) The fabric colors and values in this scrappy one were wonderful.

Scrappy Star string quilt.

This one spoke to me. I love the juxtaposition of the classic hatchet block patchwork with a fusible applique border. Contemporary Broderie perse!

Patchwork with an applique border.

House quilt and a holiday quilt.

This contemporary quilt incorporates a panel. 

Underground Railroad (left) and a row quilt.

Variation on a Bethlehem or Lone Star pattern.

This one reminded me of Mary Kerr and her vintage-with-a-twist method of patchwork.

Vintage quilt.

Another Baltimore Album quilt.

Applique map of the United States by Anna McDonald (age 12) or Ringgold, GA.

Redwork quilt.

There was also the opportunity for anyone to take a seat at the frame and hand quilt this quilt-in-progress. These vintage blocks were found and pieced into a top specifically for this hands-on experience.

Hand quilting a vintage quilt top at a quilting frame.

Whomever participated in this hand quilting activity had their name submitted into a jar for a chance to win the quilt. What a wonderful prize that would be.

For a first-time quilting event, the hard work of the volunteers, participants and sponsors paid off and it was a lovely showing of work by area quiltmakers. Any suggestions or ideas for making this show bigger/better/bolder for next year, let me know and I'll pass along the feedback.

Presentation: "From Field to Fabric" at Quilters Etc. guild

Recently, two quilt shop owners (from Sew 'n So Quilt Shop and Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More) asked if I could give a talk on the difference between "quilt shop quality fabrics" and the "fabric" [term used loosely here] one can get at big box stores.

"From Field to Fabric" presentation

The shop owners, in conjunction with the Quilters Etc. quilt guild, put out a great spread and hosted a delightful—as well as educational—evening for shop customers, guild members and their quilting friends at Lana's quilt shop. Here are some highlights from the evening.

In preparation for my talk, I did a little pre-presentation investigation at non-quilt shop locations where I purchased several fabric samples. The unmarked samples were presented to the attendees for inspection. 

Can you tell the difference between quilt shop fabric and others?

Attendees were asked to look at the fabrics . . . feel 'em . . .

Checking the fidelity of the designs and the softness and hand of the fabrics.

shake 'em . . .

Determining the differences in fabric.

light 'em up . . .

Holding fabrics up to the light provides insight
into opacity and weave structure.

and vote for the ones they thought were the better quality.

Unwashed vs. washed: how much shrinkage? does it ravel excessively?
surface qualities? any bleeding? fading?

The better quality batiks have a good hand, a smooth, soft finish and
crisp, detailed designs. After washing both brands, a noticeable distortion
and shrinkage was revealed with the lower quality batiks. 

The difference in the depth, detail, color palette, and richness of the prints
was very evident when comparing fabrics from different sources.

All in all, the quilters could identify the quilt shop fabrics from the "others." But why is there a difference?

My presentation continued with an overview of the steps and processes—from field to fabric—and the whys and wherefores that affect the quality of the finished product. From the planting, growing, maintaining and harvesting of the cotton crop, . . .

Bales of cotton.

the classification, drawing, carding, and spinning of the cotton fibers to the weaving of the greige goods (pronounced "grey goods"), . . .

Drawing the cotton fibers.

Spinning cotton fibers into the yarn for weaving.

the singeing, de-sizing, bleaching, washing and drying of the greige goods in preparation for printing, steaming, finishing, drying and final inspection of the printed fabrics that get rolled on tubes (ROT) for shipment to a fabric company's warehouse.

Prepping the greige goods.

Printing the fabric.

Fabric finishing.

There are a multitude of processes—and steps in each process—that go into the manufacturing of the first quality, beautifully designed, limited edition fabric collections that are delivered to your local quilt shop (YLQS).

Geo Flow fabric collection by Blank Quilting.

These fabrics are designed, manufactured and supported with project ideas and patterns specifically with you, my dear fellow quilters, in mind.

Quilt top made with the Geo Flow collection by Blank Quilting
by Anna at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop.

Visit and support your local quilt shop. In addition to top-quality quilting fabrics, their value-add includes:

• you're greeted by friendly, knowledgeable shop owners and associates 
• who are interested and invested in your quilting and sewing success
• and can assist you and answer your questions
• and are a resource for instruction and education through classes, demonstrations, presentations, programs and events
• and provide you with a pleasant shopping experience
• to offer the quality fabrics and tools you need to make your quiltmaking experiences enjoyable and fun!

Can you get this (and more) elsewhere? I've not.

My Fabric Rep Trek: Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More

During my travels as a Blank Quilting fabric rep, I've had the pleasure of visiting with a few long arm quilters. One of them, Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More, is located in Cleveland, Tennessee, and is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Red Clay Park.

After retiring from working at a dental office, Lana, a warm and delightful person who is full of enthusiasm about sharing her love of quilting with others, teamed up with her friend Betty, and the two decided to convert a house on their property into a quilting studio and make a dream of having a quilting business a reality.

Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More offers quilting classes for beginners as well as machine quilting services and wide backings. Lana and Betty, as well as Betty's husband, all do machine quilting on two long arm machines.

A favorite class at Lana's Quilts incorporates the classic Ohio Star quilt block. Other sewing and quilting classes include making embroidered burp cloths, pillowcases, T-shirt quilts and embroidered quilt blocks. They also enjoy redwork stitchery.

Classroom at Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More.

The classroom is open and bright and can accommodate up to 8 students with sewing machines.

Examples of projects from the pillowcase class.

Beautiful machine quilting (front and back).

During my visit, Lana showed me some WIPs (works in progress): a T-shirt quilt and a toddler quilt made of embroidered quilt blocks with a nautical theme.

T-shirt quilt and embroidered quilt blocks laid out in preparation for the sashing.

To spread the word about their quilting classes—and how creative and fun quilting can be—the two women hold demonstrations at the Red Clay Park. They have also opened the classroom to host a guild meeting for a local quilt guild—complete with homemade apple and peach pies. What more can you ask for?

Lana at her long arm.

If you take a trip out to visit Lana's Quilts, look for the large 9-patch quilt block painted on the back of the carport. You'll know you have arrived! ... and maybe there will be something scrumptious baking in the oven, too. You never can tell.

Lana's Quilts and Sew Much More, Cleveland, TN.