Day 1: Bloga-Novelta...

Patemundo?  Blogomundo?  Blog Hop.  Novelty Fabrics.   

Pat Sloan!

It's Day 1 of the It's a Novel Idea blog hop.  Have you been to Pat's yet? 

Okay.  First just let me get this out of the way.  Pat Sloan doesn't sleep.  It has been rumored for many years but now I have confirmation.  How do I know this to be true?

When I asked what time she would be posting so I could have mine up at about the same time, Pat said her post would be up by 5:00 am.  AM!  That's like the middle of the night here!  2:00 AM?  I think Pat figured that since she's always up at that hour, everybody else would be too!  

 
P.S.  The new novelty fabrics shown here are all from eQuilter.com.  If you like any of them, click the photo and it can be yours!

But I'm here because: 1.  Pat asked.  And if Pat asks, I'm there!  2.  Pat offered to send me a book.  Free book?  I'm there for that too.  3.  I get to give stuff away?  Check!  4.  I love novelty prints.  So this is a four-fecta -- I get to giveaway a couple of copies of Pat's terrific new book What A Novel Idea from Leisure Arts.  And a few other things... but more on that in a bit. 

Here's Pat's book!

 
You can get one from Leisure Arts.  Or you can get an autographed copy of Pat's book here!   

So what is a "novelty fabric"?  Pat writes that it is any easily recognizable motif, including food, animals, holidays, sports, transportation and so on.  If you go looking for novelty fabrics, you'll also find cartoon images, television shows, cowboys and cowgirls, travel locales, themes like kitchens and sewing, and the list goes on.  I'm thinking it might be easier to just define "novelty fabric" as something that will make you smile.  Something fun. 

 

 
What do you think?  One or both of these would work for the All Aboard quilt in Pat's book!

This is Pat's quilt.  She used three different train prints for her quilt - hence the name of it.  Whoo-ooooo!  (Sorry.  I just couldn't resist.) 

 
There are two different train prints used for the centers of the blocks, and there is a third train print used for the borders.  Assorted green prints for the half-triangle squares and snow-ball corners, a background fabric and a sashing fabric for the border.  As many as a dozen different fabrics, or you could use just three or four. 

The size of the quilt is perfect for naps, laps and just snuggling on the couch -- it is 55" x 68".  The blocks are 12" x 12" and if you needed a bigger quilt, that would be pretty easy to do.  You would just need more fabric.

Something like this?  

 
Which sort of brings me to one of the things Pat asked us all to do.  Pat Sloan -- The National Quilting Enquirer.  Or would it be Inquirer?  She's always got a few questions. 

What is your favorite novelty print?  Is there one you're currently planning to buy?

I do have some novelty fabrics!  I don't buy them very often but when I do see one I really love, I just can't help myself.  The first fabric is an old Marcus Brothers Valentine-themed print in black on white.  I haven't a clue what to do with it but since when has that ever been a pre-requisite for buying a fabric?  The second and third fabrics are an old Alexander Henry circus print.  I liked it so much, I bought a couple of yards in each color.  (I'm not certain but I think I got these from Barb and Mary, back in the day when they owned a quilt shop.)  The last picture is also an old Alexander Henry Christmas print.   

 
 
 

 

As for any that I might be planning on getting... the answer is that I wasn't planning on getting any until I started looking for pictures to include in this post.  That plan is now subject to change. 

What is your favorite food to eat?  Breakfast.  Lunch.  Dinner.  Snacks.  That about covers it. 

 
A Pizzookie.  Or something like that.  Essentially a chocolate chip cookie baked until just set, then served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Oregano's Pizza here in Phoenix serves a dessert very much like this.  It's very good but two bites and I'm done.   

Or any sandwich on the menu at Pane Bianco in Phoenix.  Or anything on the Pinterest Food page.  Like Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites.  And yes, I do like jalapenos.  And hot sauce. 

 
But if I had to pick just one thing, it would probably be bread.  Great bread.  Chewy crust, lots of holes in the texture, and terrific flavor.  With fresh fruit, some olives, great tomatoes and maybe a little cheese... I'm good.  And can I have a glass of wine with that? 

What is one item you would like to add to your studio/workroom if money were no object?  Why?

A long-arm quilting machine?  It would be nice.  But no.

Big flat screen HD television?  Also nice.  But no.  (Actually, I don't have a television in my workroom and I don't think I want one.)

A vintage Coca-Cola cooler?  A pinball machine?  What about a vintage jukebox? 

No.  I don't think so. 

Don't get me wrong, they would all be very cool additions and I would certainly use and enjoy them.  (And if you're offering to send me one of those, I will happily take you up on it.  Thank you!) 

But if money were no object... and I could add one thing to my workroom... 

Only one thing comes to mind...

:

:

:

:

 
Hi, George.

He wouldn't have to do anything.  Just sit there and keep me company.  Me and Rosie, of course. 

But if he could press my seams, that would be awesome. 

As for why?  Do I really need to explain that?  Really?

He would be like the pincushions and little sewing things in my workroom... I have them because they make me happy and I like looking at them. 

Now to the important stuff -- How can you win a book?

Leave a comment here by Midnight PST on Sunday, April 24th.

I will pick two winners to be announced on Wednesday, April 27th.  Each winner will get a copy of Pat's book.  And I'm going to send you a little goodie box that will include one of the Alexander Henry circus prints -- one of you will get the white background piece and the other will get the yellow background piece -- and a couple of yards of the Alexander Henry Christmas print.  There will be enough of each to make a quilt from Pat's book. 

There are a total of eight chances to win -- that makes sixteen total book prizes!  Each of the following lovely ladies will also be drawing two winners so make sure you visit on the designated days to see what novelty fabrics, foods and studio additions they've got on their lists. 

Wednesday - April 20th

• Victoria Findlay Wolfe -- Bumble Beans Inc.   (Be sure to see Victoria's Waverunner Tutorial on the side bar - it's terrific!)
• Amy Ellis -- Amy's Creative Side  (Have you seen Amy's terrific book ~ Modern Basics?)

Thursday - April 21st

• Amanda Herring -- The Quilted Fish  (Be sure to scroll down to see her very cute little Sweat Pea.)
• Barb and Mary -- Me and My Sister Designs  (Amelia Alert!  New, upcoming fabric pictures!)

Friday - April 22nd

• Gudrun Erla -- GE Designs  (We're starting a new game -- where in the world is Gudrun?  Iceland?  The Bahamas?)
• Erin Gilday -- Patchwork Underground  (Don't miss the picture of Erin and her scissors.  And Erin has a book coming in May - Striped Down Patchwork!)

And I think that's it. 

I'm off to straighten up my workroom.  I've got company coming.   

Comments

[kathie]

well I love the novelty fabric when I want to make baby quilts or little kids quilts. That circus fabric is just sooo fun! someday I would love to make an ispy quilt. The Christmas fabric would be very fun to work with
ok how much work would you get done with him sitting in your sewing room! would be fun though!
kathie

[Kathy in FL]

My favorite novelty fabrics are either Halloween and Christmas prints. My favorite food is great bread. (I'm with you on that one!) And if money were no object, I'd add a longarm to my sewing room, a George machine just like Pat's.

[Kristen S]

So, i just posted on pat's blog that i usually am not a huge fan of novelty prints, but your pic of the puppies ice skating made me realize that's not completely true. My own puppy is my baby so novelty fabric with cute little cartoon puppies usually get me. I'm really liking moda's max & whiskers right now. As for george, i don't think my husband would let me make that addition to my room :)

[Becky in Georgia]

Thank you for a wonderful belly laugh! It's not even 7 am and I'm LOL. Love your humor! I have an entire drawer of dog prints. Love novelty prints. Love Pat Sloan. Good luck with Market prep.

[Sunnybec]

Share and share alike send George over to me for the summer. I don't have any novelty prints so I guess any of them would be lovely. Not sure if this is open to International but having a go just in case.

[Donna]

I collect novelty fabrics that remind me of things I like, or things other people (the ones for whom I want to make quilts). I seldom know what to do with them, but they're so fun! My favorite food - I don't wan to think about since I'm on a diet (again), and I would add a longarm or an embroidery machine to my sewing room. One complicated man in my house is one too many!

[Sandy]

You are too funny! I think I could use George in my sewing room too.
I'm not a huge fan of novelty prints. I think Xmas ones are my favorite although the Dr Seuss ones were tempting or that java print...

[kern]

I have quite a few novelty prints - but really I have no idea what to do with them!

[Carla]

I like your idea for an addition to your sewing room. I can think of several options to put on that wish list.

[Elaine]

I put "seasonal" novelty fabrics on the back of runners - so they serve TWO "purposes"! If they don't coordinate - I use two-fabric binding! I think I'd like to try the ruler with the "sharpener edge" built in! But George will do!! You are tooooo generous!

[Jennifer Bennett-Stringer]

Love the bug and circus prints!! George in my sewing room would be nice, too! I would also settle for another George...the APQS kind :)

[pat sloan]

You Rock and ROLL woman!!!! And you know I OWN that xmas print you are hoarding... I even used a bit of it...

.... of course YOUR studio addition is YUMMY... I bet you could get him to press seams... keep him busy you know!

[Sandi McKell]

I want what you want. A book, fabric, and a great looking guy in my sewing room. We're headed to Phoenix today. Maybe we'll run into you.

[Diana M.]

George! Need I say more. Oh yes, the book looks wonderful too.

[candy from detour!]

I love,love,love novelty prints! I had used some for a wedding gift when I made a throw quilt with items of interest for the bride and groom. When we went to visit them I enjoyed hearing their stories of how the quilt brought out their memories! I love Pat Sloan she has the bestest personality! Thanks Carrie for giving me a good laugh this morning :) candy*

[Sharon]

When I saw the picture of George, I started laughing. I've always wanted him in my sewing room. Thanks for the laugh.

[Gale Lavers]

Love to have the book and some of your circus fabrics to go with it. I am however one up on you since I got GEORGE for christmas, however mine is the sit down longarm machine that Pat Sloan uses. Gotta love George!!!!!

[Linda L.]

Now george pressing my seams...that would be good fun indeed. Maybe making something out of some of that sexy "man" print fabric I have seen around and george pressing the seams....
Linda L. in tx.

[Penny]

Carrie, thought George was coming up and you didn't disappoint!! He is cute but being a married women I think a longer bed sewing machine would be proper for me. At least it would tame my frustration sewing in a cramped space. Awhile ago I purchased two Michael Miller 'Transportation' panels with backing fabric and two of his 'A Child Life' panels. Couldn't resist them but I didn't want to just put bright coloured squares around them as others did so they have been waiting for the right setting. Pat's book looks like it will have the answer.

I think you are going to meet George one day when you least expect it, LOL!!

[DebrafromMD]

I haven't been much into novelty prints but things change when the grandchildren start to arrive. It will be fun to see what Pat does with these fabrics. I could use some ideas.

[Donna Joy]

I was trying to guess what you would love to have in your sewing studio, the I scrolled and saw George, fantastic.
I'd like a couple of new sewing machines.
Novelty fabric are fun to use in kids quilts. I enjoy Christmas novelties and I have seen the cutest owl fabrics.
Would love to win Pat's book, thanks.

[Darlene B]

I want a Pizzookie (maybe I can share one with George?):) I have not used a lot of novelty fabrics in my quilts, but would love to get this book for inspiration!

[Cheryl]

What a FANTASTIC answer to the "money no object" question! This is my problem: I think too small! As I really wouldn't mind having someone to press my seams, I need to think more on who my Ultimate Quilting Assistant would be.

Clearly, this important matter will take some study because I want to be ready when all the money in the world hits me.

(And since I work for Leisure Arts, I can't win. It's okay. I just had to register my appreciation for the post! And for the rest of the day I'll be pondering who should be manning my iron.)

[Jan]

Love your description of novelty fabric...something that makes you smile! I love Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. My sweet daughter made me a pillowcase with them on it. The book looks wonderful! Thanks.

[Mary Ann]

Oh I'd buy for that studio addition...lol! I have a small pile of novelties but not much inspiration...I need this book I think! Thanks

[Nancy]

Would love to win a copy of the book and some fab print....and I would choose bread also...but would take George..

[Andra]

Novelty prints I tend to leand toward are woodland critters! There are some really cute one out right now. I love to make pillow cases for my girls with them. The book looks great! Thank you for the chance.

[Vicky]

Ask George if he has a brother -- or a third cousin. My sewing room could use from sprucing up!

[Cindy in TN]

I LOVE your choice of studio addition! This was a great post. Can't wait to see more quilts from Pat's book.

[Lynda M]

Thanks for this wonderful opportunity!
I really loved your blog and will come back. I like sewing theme and also golf theme fabrics. Would love to win some of that beautiful Christmas one.
Thanks, Lyn

[Maureen]

I like novelty with wine glasses, wine bottles, corks, et.

I'd like a machine with a wider arm to help in quilting my quilts.

[Debbie Gallett]

I have a couple of novelty prints that have been waiting for the perfect pattern. One is a mexico scene and one is rural french countryside.

[Andrea]

What a great idea for a book. I always struggle with what to do with the fun novelty fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win.
Andrea

[Marie]

I haven't worked with any novelty fabrics but want to give it a try. (If you tire of George - you can send him my way.)

[Valerie Boudier]

Would love to win a copy of the book. I make a lot of I Spy quilts using novelty fabrics

[Sharon]

OK, Pat is a computer guru and sets something up to send in the middle of the night. She doesn't have to be awake to do it. LOL She's so smart. If I win the book, I'll give it to someone b/c I already bought the book from her and it is signed.

[Mary]

I love novelty prints. There are so many fabulous ones out there right now. I will have to check that book out to get ideas on what to do with all of the prints that I have!!!

[Nancy]

OH how I love blog hops, and novelty prints, and George *sigh*, and of course giveaways! Thanks so much for a fun post, your wonderful blog and the chance to win goodies. Hugs...

[robin]

I like some novelty prints - my fave right now being Max & Whiskers. :) I'd love to win Pat's book.

[Dianne]

Oh my gosh if I had someone...anyone...to press all my seams for me I'd be in HEAVEN!!!!! I think that I'd get projects done in no time!

[Sequana]

I'm sorry. George will busy in my workroom for the foreseeable future. HA!

I have a great novelty called The Ghastlies by A. Henry that I don't know what I'll ever do with 'cept get it out and smile at it occasionally.

[Adrienne F]

Love novelties especially Halloween and anything Alexander Henry.

[Helen]

What a great way to start my day....with laughter and great fabric and George! Those novelty prints are wonderful and I have a new grandchild coming in November!

Carrie I just "found" your blog a few days ago, I am having such a good time reading older posts. Quilters are the best!

[mcm]

Oh my goodness - your comments on George are hilarious!

[Shelley dionne]

If I could add one thing to my sewing room, it would be space. Then I could set up tables and machines for my friends and we could all sew together all the time!!

[Karen CA]

I am totally with you there on George .. that would be my wish too!! You summed it up well when you said ... "He would be like the pincushions and little sewing things in my workroom... I have them because they make me happy and I like looking at them." ... I am in full agreement with this statement! You made my morning ... thanks!

[Laura]

i have always loved novelty prints and didnt always no how to put them in a quilt!! looks like an awsome book.

[Colleen M]

You are a riot. George Clooney...I'm more of a BonJovi gal myself! Thanks for the opportunity to enter and win:)

[Angie/sweetbabies00]

Loved the post, Pat has a George in her studio, but it's a little different... hehehe

[Jocelyn]

Novelty prints are so fun. I've not used a lot, but I do have some deer and fish prints that make great guy quilts. Thanks for the lowdown on the cookie thing... whoa that is seriously good! And p.s. I love Pat, she is always such a bright bit of sunshine in blog land.