Market Photos: Set 2

Though this post feels long past due, it's truly right on time. 

Photo Set 2 includes all the wonderful Japanese distributors and the awesome Japanese fabrics that we saw at Market. 

Now why is it "right on time?" you might ask.

Because several of these fabrics arrived just TODAY! 

Excited?

I am!

Quilt Market Spring 2010

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Seven Islands

The newest from additions to Far Far Away by Heather Ross 

Gorgeous new prints on double gauze and linen blends, by Nani Iro.

A new fairy tale inspired designer who's name I failed to remember, printed on double gauze.

Fun new excursion inspired designs by Etsuko Furuya, Echino.

Lecien

Me in the Lecien booth, carelessly modeling an adorable sample and caught mid-arm movement! 

Hokkoh LTD 

I believe Hokkoh is a design group working for Lecien, though I am not 100% sure. We got a bit lost in translation?!?

Hoodie for Blank Quilting

Now just to be clear Blank is not a Japanese company but Hoodie is a Japanese designer (not to mention absolutely adorable, super sweet and one of my personal favorites!) So the following is just from Hoodie, none of Blank's other designers.

MoMo for Moda

The same can be said for MoMo as for Hoodie. 

MoMo is an amazingly talented Japanese designer working for an American company. And we just love her. These photo's are of her new line only and none of the other Moda designers.

Want to know what has arrived? Well you'll just have to come in and see ;)

Or you could also sign up/read your upcoming newsletter in which I'll be giving a run down of all Summers First Arrivals!

Happy sunny, summer days to you all!

♥

April

For the love of gauze

After some hesitation toward working with what I assumed would be a fussy or delicate fabric, I have come to the conclusion that double gauze is absolutely amazing!
This stuff is just gorgeous. It is not a bit fussy. Light and airy, while not too shear, perfectly designed for wearing in warm weather. It's unbelievably soft and available in the dreamiest of prints, specifically those by Nani Iro, Heather Ross and Echino.
Yep, I've fallen in love! again.

Double gauze is, as it's name implies, two layers of gauze fabric. Created by the brilliant textile industry of Japan, this fabric is wonderfully breathable and made to be worn in the hot summer months. The two layers of gauze are held together by row upon row of teeny, evenly spaced stitches. These tiny connecting stitches are practically invisible on the right side of the fabric, but when you look closely at the reverse you can just barely see the continuous grid that they create.Though designed specifically for use in clothing, double gauze is also stunning and luxurious when used in quilts, simple blankets and other linens. Because, like I mentioned before, it is unbelievably soft!
I think that if I were expecting I'd make a dozen receiving blankets and burp cloths to pamper my baby in waiting.
Mmmmm... I can just imagine swaddling a brand new little one in this sweet speckled print and smelling that new baby smell...

But while I'm not expecting I'll just have to make stuff for myself and my awesome little toddler.
Dresses and skirts and bloomers oh my!!!
I'd even make sheets for my king size bed if my husband would approve of the splurge.
I'll be honest, double gauze is usually pricier then your typical cotton print due to the additional layer of fabric, the more time and labor intensive manufacturing process and of coarse the fact that it's an import.
However in my opinion, it is worth every penny...
...and if you have not yet touched the luxury that is double gauze, you'll have to come in and feel it for yourself! :)
'till next time,
April

Oh p.s. Take a look at this lovely dress in a double gauze print form Echino's newest line (made my beautiful mom, Anita).