It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here, which means the holidays are here! We have some ideas for holiday gifts to make for the loved ones in your life – or to give to your favorite quilting friends.
Purses are SO in this year! We’ve gathered a number of patterns to help you make one for every occasion. Our most popular pattern is the Zip ‘n Go Tote. With 6 outside pockets and a zippered large pocket, this is one great purse. The Charm Party Tote is another great option. Grab a stack of 5 inch squares and a yard of a pretty matching fabric and you will have a bag in no time! The Sophisticated Purse-O-Nality bag is a totally awesome purse that I can’t wait to try. I just bought the pattern at Quilt Market in Houston. Won’t it look fantastic in some of our traditional batik design fabrics? Another great option is the Quilter’s Rucksack pattern from Bethany Reynolds. I’ve been looking for a great backpack pattern and I think this is it! It’s supposed to be comfortable, practical, and fun to make! I hope so, because I’m hoping to try this one too. Can I make all of these before the holidays?! The Easy on the Back Bag is designed to help reduce stress on the back, shoulders, and neck. It works too! I love this design. I’ve worn out at least 2 of these bags that I’ve purchased already made. Won’t it be fun to be able to make it in fabrics that you just love instead of the plain colors available in store. One last purse pattern I’m going to suggest is the Diva Essntial Designer Bag. This bag is just cute! And it looks easy to make too.
There’s always some great seasonal patterns to buy. We love Poinsettia. This way you can give a poinsettia that won’t die within a few months of Christmas. I’ve seen them growing in Bali on the sides of the mountains and they are 5 or 6 feet tall! Snowmen (pictured above) is another easy and fun pattern that you can display throughout the winter season. I made this recently and it was just as Diane says, addictive! I can’t wait to try another one of her patterns.
Some favorite quilt patterns include Argyle Blues designed by my friend Rochelle Martin of Cottage Quilt Designs. She designed it specifically for my fabric, but I know it will look fabulous in any fabrics. It is quick and easy! She’s revised the pattern to include sizes from throw to king. For the man in your life, we suggest Stash Box. More than one man has admired this quilt in our booth at quilt shows! Soliah, a new pattern designed by Sheryl Mycroft, is just beautiful. She suggests using acrylic templates for the Drunkard’s Path blocks and says her method is simple and easy. I know we sold a lot of this pattern in Houston.
We have many more exciting and new things in our online store. I’ve added all of the new traditional design batiks that we received earlier in the week and many new Balis and patterns. Come by and check them out.
Happy Quilting!
Patti
Batiks by Design
