Summer edition of International Quilt Festival draws 15,768 enthusiasts to Long Beach

Quilts Inc. just released the attendance numbers for the International Quilt Festival/Long Beach in July. The following is the text of the announcement.

The weather was hot, but the quilting was smokin’ at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, where 15,768 attendees came for a weekend of fabric and fun during the third edition of International Quilt Festival/Long Beach in July.

Of those attendees, 855 took part in Festival’s Quiltmaking Academy, which offered scores of classes including everything from beginning quilting to advanced techniques, taught by some of the biggest names in the industry.

On the show floor, 255 exhibitors in 370 booths offered everything for sale from antique and contemporary quilts to fabrics, books, patterns, tools, notions, sewing machines, antiques, and crafts. And 17 of those exhibitors were brand new to Long Beach Festival!

Finally, close to 700 quilts and pieces of fabric art were on display, with many of the California-centric special exhibits making their debut at the show, including “West Coast Wonders 2010,” “California Guilds’ Award-winning Traditional Quilts,” “Beneath the Surface,” and “Trash to Treasures: Pineapple Quilts.”

“While we have three editions of Festival each year and they all share some common aspects, I feel it’s very important that we provide something entirely new at each one for our attendees,” Festival Director Karey Bresenhan says. “And one of the best ways to do that is bring together quilt exhibits that have never been seen before and are making their world debut. I was especially pleased with the debut exhibits in Long Beach this year, because they showed an amazing variety and breadth of subject matter.”

The 2011 Long Beach Festival will take place from July 29-31, with Preview Night and classes beginning on July 28. Quilts, Inc. also produces Festivals in Houston each fall and—beginning next year—in Cincinnati during the spring.

Visit www.quilts.com for more information.

News Release INternational Quilt Festival, quilts inc

Sullivans Introduces New EDGE Rulers

Sullivans USA recently introduced a new ruler system that sharpens your rotary blade as you use it. Here’s the product release notes from Sullivans.

The new Sullivans EDGE rulers will help keep your rotary cutter blade sharpened as you work! It uses the same concept as a knife sharpener, each time you take a cut on to the sharpener side you will run along the 650 grit Diamond Carbide EDGE, this keeps your rotary blade fine tuned and lasting longer. The fully frosted backing on each ruler gives you just the right amount of steadyness for cutting but also allows you to slide the ruler when you need to. We offer the 10 most used and loved ruler sizes: 4.5” x 4.5”- 6.5” x 6.5”- 9.5” x 9.5”- 12.5” x 12.5”- 4.5” x 8.5” – 4.5” x 37” – 6.5” x 18.5”- 6.5” x 24.5” – 16.5” x 16.5”. We also have available EDGE Rotary Cutters 45mm and EDGE Cutting Mats 18” x 24” – 24” x 37”.

To purchase, contact Sullivans USA, phone 800-862-8586.

Product Release Rulers, Sullivans

Four New Patterns for Fall from Oliver + S

Children’s sewing pattern company Oliver + S will release four new designs beginning September 7. Two of the patterns are dresses, one is a skirt and top (with a dress option) and one unisex top and pants outfit. Two of the patterns include items designed especially for knits (which coincides with the release of Oliver + S’ collection for Moda, City Weekend).

School Photo Dress – This stylish, lined, above-the-knee-length, A-line dress features a hidden, on-seam, front kangaroo pocket and an invisible back zipper, with two sleeve options.

Hopscotch Skirt, Knit Top + Dress - This pattern includes a gathered skirt and a pullover, gathered-front knit top or dress. The skirt (designed for woven fabrics) features an elastic-back waistband, front button placket, and an interesting pleated pocket detail inspired by a Chinese takeout container. The pullover top or dress is designed to be sewn with knit fabrics. It includes both long- and short-sleeve options.

Music Box Jumper - Designed especially for new seamstresses who are looking to build their skills with a sewing machine or to complete their first  sewing project from a pattern. View A (shown here) presents a softly pleated, mid-calf-length skirt. View B gives an A-line skirt with a single, inverted box pleat at center front and a decorative button tab detail. Both views button or snap up the back.

Nature Walk Pullover + Knit Pants - This unisex top and pants pattern includes an easy-to-sew pullover top in a color-blocked design. The pants are pull-on with a hidden elastic waist. The top can be made in lightweight fabrics for a casual shirt or in heavier fabrics for use as a layering piece in place of a sweatshirt or jacket. The pants pattern, inspired by a classic yoga pant, is intended for knits.

Contact Oliver + S or your favorite distributor for ordering information.

(Images & Product Description Text © Oliver + S)

Product Release oliver + s, Patterns

Collection Preview: Jody Houghton’s Beach Babes

Jody Houghton has previewed her upcoming collection for Northcott, Beach Babes, over on her Sisterhood of the Quilters blog. This collection features her three characters, Faith, Hope and Charity on a trip to the beach. It is due to be shipped in December.

Product Release Jody Houghton, Northcott

New Pattern from Amy Butler – Honey Bun Poufs

Amy Butler just announced that her newest sewing pattern, the Honey Bun Poufs, is now available. Here’s Amy’s description of this new home dec pattern.

You will love the beautiful utility of these charming & fresh Honey Bun Poufs! Show off your favorite fabrics & create instant artistic additions for your home. 2 sizes tufted with covered buttons – they can be filled in a number of ways for firm or softer feel. Great for the kids room, extra seating, meditation, and still sophisticated enough to display on your favorite love seat.

This pattern can be ordered through your preferred distributor or directly from Amy Butler Design (wholesale information can be found here).

Product Release amy butler, Patterns