Tales Of A Fourth Generation Textile Executive: What’s New For March?

Studioe Fabrics is out with 6 new lines for a small March release.  At Jaftex (the parent company), the term release is used to describe the debut of new lines.  Studioe Fabrics typically produces four releases a year, until this year when there will be five.  However, after much debate, next year there will be four again.  That is another story for another blog.  Below, some of the highlights and features of the new March 2015 lines will be discussed. 

A Cat Tale, by Sarah Frederking, features subject matter that many quilters love: cats and sewing.  This line has a 36 panel soft book.  The soft book has all the instructions printed right on the fabric, so you never have to worry about losing the directions or having to call the company for them.  Books are always the best seller when they are in a line.  Are books a top seller in your shop?  How do you display them so the customer knows what it is when they come across it?  Have you ever sewn a book together? 

Blue Bird, by Jen Brinley, is a peaceful yellow, green and blue line featuring birds and flowers.  My favorite part of this line is the free project with the bird houses. It was very clever and looks like it will be a lot of fun to make.  Unfortunately, there are no birdhouses in my yard.  How about yours?    

Hugs and kisses, by Studioe Fabrics, is a line inspired by love.  You really can never have too much love!  A line like this should sell all year as love is a full year proposition and it is always in the air. Check out the fun project ideas, they are love-ly.  Sorry for all the cheesy puns and clichés.

Modern mixers 2, by Studioe Fabrics, is a simple line of geometric and basic prints using only one color and white.  There are 5 color combinations in total used with white.  There is a lot to be said about a basic and modern line like this because it shows you that not every pattern has to be ornately detailed using a lot of colors and screens to print.  As I always say in my office, “KISS.”  That stands for keep it simple, so simple that it is stupid.  Simplicity works for Studioe Fabrics because as you can see this is the second version of this line so it must be working.  Hopefully, there will be many more to follow.  If you consider yourself a modern quilter, does this tickle your fancy?  If not, tell us why so we can cater it more to the modern quilter.   

Prisms, by Studioe Fabrics, is the newest 108″ wide fabric offering.  What you need to know about this line is that it was inspired by light refracting through gems to create a prism affect.  The other important thing to know about this line is that it is the first for Studioe Fabrics where better constructed fabric is produced.  This line is being printed on 60×60 cottons.  Are you able to decipher the a 60×60 construction from a 68×68?   

Sunshine day, by Modern Muse Designs, is a very fun kids line.  It features a 24×44 panel with some precious animals and bugs.  This would be a great line for charity quilts to give to kids in hospitals.  Don’t you agree?  Do you ever make charity quilts? 

So that’s a wrap up for the new March 2015 lines.  Which is your favorite and why? 

Have a great day!  Looks like Spring is in the air and things are certain to pick up.

Scott