Inspiration for Parson Gray's new collection... Empire

 

 

The 5th fabric collection by designer David Butler for FreeSpirit fabrics under his brand guise Parson Gray, EMPIRE reflects David’s ongoing exploration of global design and richly muted jewel tones. Modern interpretations of ancient weavings, architecture and folk art from Japan, China, and India combined in hand-drawn elements create a story across three distinct color palettes. These three palettes are designed to work in harmony with each other, and also with past Parson Gray collections Vagabond, World Tour, Seven Wonders and Curious Nature. The Empire collection includes both cotton and flannel prints.

 

Flannel prints ONLY available in US.  Patterns available on www.makeitcoats.com

 

Using Flannel as Quilt Backing... from Kitchen Table Quilting

We just have to share this very informative blog from Kitchen Table Quilting.  Parson Gray's flannels collection will be launching this June!

Click here to read Erica's recommendations and reviews for using Flannel as Quilt Backing.

Fun gift to make!

Make this fun Pod Pillow perfect for propping up a tablet, e-reader or smart phone. For a more masculine take on this gift, try using FreeSpirit World Tour by Parson Gray. Of course a more feminine version can be made from FreeSpirit Pirouette by Verna Mosquera. Add whimsy for a tween using FreeSpirit Moxie by Erin McMorris -- proof positive that fabric can change the look of any project!

Coming soon!

The latest designer collections will be on display at Quilt Market next week. The buzz of excitement gets louder and louder every passing day. Before the show opens, we'd like to give you a peek at some of the collections we'll be showing off. Today, it's the latest from David Butler.

If you're wondering about his inspiration, read on. Vagabond features 7 prints across 24 fabrics that bring more of designer David Butler's folk-modern sensibility to the quilting and fashion world. With a broad range of richly muted jewel tones and deep grey hues, Vagabond explores the hand-drawn inspiration of travels into the back streets and high deserts of the middle east, and the rich rainforest jungles and temples of Indonesia. The two worlds are brought together with an exciting, sophisticated layering of prints that harken to lush markets, buzzing cities and rich adventure travel. Although the colorations are unique, each print in Parson Gray's Vagabond works in tandem with his past collections Curious Nature, Seven Wonders, & World Tour. The adventure continues!

Back-to-School Pencil Case

Today we continue our Back-To-School series with a Zippered Pencil Case. Quick and easy to put together, this handy little pouch will hold pens, pencils and plenty of odd bits.

 

The cases in the photo show off FreeSpiritParson Gray prints and Parson Gray Renaissance ribbons. (See Renaissance Ribbons for more of your favorite Rowan and FreeSpirit designer ribbons.) However, you can easily change the look from one of masculine utility to anything that suits your school age child. Looking for a feminine touch? Select a sweet floral print and add rick rack or lace. Or is it fun and funky you require? Choose bright prints and go wild. It’s entirely up to you.

 

Each case only needs two 10” squares of fabric and one 9” zipper. So grab your favorite FreeSpirit designer fabrics and make some for the kids in your life. While you’re at it, make one for yourself too!

 

 

Click HERE for pattern!

Winners, Winners Everywhere!

Curious Nature, Parson Gray

Well, we have scientifically selected random numbers to select the winners of six, one yard cuts of Parson Gray Curious Nature fabric as well as those six winners for the Heather Bailey patterns.  So without further adieu, here is who was selected to add Curious Nature to their stash:

Jan from Prytz Family blog

HeatherA, I'm Here Might As Well Win

Moose on the Porch Quilts

alobsiger from Mrs. Schmekman Quilts blog

Irelle, Jibberish Designs

and last but not least, Amorette from Sew While He Sleeps, (which sounds like a great plan!)

And now the winners of two Heather Bailey patterns; Jack & Jill Lunch Bags and Happy Stack Rings are:

Pattysky pants

Tamie

Beatrix from Kindershop

Jennie P

Carla G

Fresh Cut, Heather Bailey

The Goose

Keep coming back and tell your friends.  Each month we will feature a designer, a tutorial using the designer's fabric the Monday Mania giveaways.  Now that you've won such fabulous gifts from FreeSpirit Fabrics, what are you going to do?  We hope you say sew (or Disney Land would be a nice change of pace!).

Monday Mania!!! A great giveaway from Mr. February, Parson Gray

It's that time again.  Now that you've gotten to know Parson Gray a bit, it's time for you to tell us if Mr. February were to wander into your life, what would you do with it . . . oh I mean, the fabric of course. David is itching for you to see his fabrics in real life and to combine his totally on- trend colors into something spectacular. Now we want to give you the opportunity by giving away six one yard cuts of his new fabric Curious Nature to six random commentators.  Follow us and grab a friend or two to sign on. This is just the second of 12 different Designer Showcase features for this year, so much like the lottery you have to be in it to win it!  Tell us, by Sunday, February 19th, what would you do with a little bit of Parson Gray . . . the fabric of course! Winners will be revealed here Monday, February 20.

Mr. February, Parson Gray

Editor's Note: This is the second installment of our Designer Guest Blog series.  Each month in 2012 we will feature an artist, followed by a tutorial and then a giveaway. Mr. February is Parson Gray introduced at October Quilt Market. His fabrics offer a masculine edge yet appeal to anyone looking for a modern touch. Curious Nature by Parson Gray in 24 cotton and 12 cotton sateen fabrics will hit the stores this month.  Let the creativity, and man cave decorating, begin!


Hello all! Getting excited as the Curious Nature fabric (for FreeSpirit) line ships out this month. Much to do! I have some models lined up and I'm getting prepped for a photo shoot that will be taking place in mid-February. When I'm not working on my prints, graphic design or photography for Amy Butler (by the way, in case you did not know I am Amy's husband), I am busy with my band - Black Owls. We're planning some touring dates for 2012 and the release of a new double album as well. Phew.

As this is my first fabric line, it's been pretty exciting to develop ideas to "show it off." I'm not a fantastic sewer, I must admit. I'm fair. But I love coming up with ideas from the edges of craft. I knew I wanted to do some 'guy friendly' projects. I'm heavy into music and the great outdoors, so I'm always thinking from that perspective.

I went to my local army surplus store and I found the coolest hardware and cording, grommets, bags, straps and duffles. This kind of set me to thinking about how I could integrate my fabrics with some of these heavier canvases and hardware to make some great gifts for guys. My prints are not "dude specific" by any means, and I've heard from a lot of women who are excited to have this new kind of palette and print in their quiver.

But I am a guy, and I think like a guy. So I made up a few laundry duffles for my nephews in college, and am working on some simple throws, ties and other cool and easy projects like bandannas, scarves and pillows. Tons of people came up to me at Fall Quilt Market and requested laminates, which are coming out this year (available in May)! I can see messenger bags, ditty bags, cases for phones and glasses, that kind of thing.

I think it's a bit interesting for a lot of folks, that I would come out from behind the curtain (working with the amazing Amy Butler!) and create this line. Amy's always been so great about thinking way outside the lines, and it's served us both very well. Curiosity. Never lose it! We're both always trying new ideas and directions and we're not afraid to take some risks. Fresh perspective feeds our soul, and it's that constant thirst for knowledge and experimentation that keeps us motivated to get out there and make our art. We have different styles that work very, very well together.



Make this Curious Nature Quilt

If you're reading this then you're aware of how FreeSpirit really gives creative wing to its artists. We get to create the visions that we hold close. I look at it like I'm simply making a big box of crayons for YOU to color with. I'm creating the 'raw materials' for a much greater vision - YOURS. So dig in! Cheers,
David

Drum Roll Please . . . . And the winners are?

FreeSpirit, Early Birds by Jane Sassaman

Congratulations to the winners of Jane Sassaman's Early Bird fabric.  You will receive from FreeSpirit six, one yard cuts as well as two of Jane's Sillouhette patterns, all for your creative pleasure.  We'd love to see what you create with this bold, bright fun fabric.  Or if it happens to become part of your stash, send a photo of it on a shelf.  We will still be inspired.  So, without further adieu here are the winners:

Andrea from California

Jenny from Fort Wayne, IN

Nikki Lee from Plympton, MA

SewLindaAnn from Roswell, GA

Next order of business, we promised on Friday anyone who got friends or family to follow us to reach a milestone of 400 followers could win one of our beautiful, four color catalogs. Well all five commentators who helped to push us over 400 will get this gorgeous publication in the mail.  Hopefully all those fantastic fabrics will inspire you to get even more creative.

Stay tuned, February features our yet-to-be revealed Parson Gray and Curious Nature. Please continue to share the love . . . we want to keep you quilting, sewing and crafting with FreeSpirit Fabrics.