quilting fabric | Missouri Star Blog

March 2, 2022

Artist’s Spotlight: Amy Barickman

Meet Amy Barickman, founder of Indygo Junction and author of Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion & FUN! Through her YouTube videos, blog, website, and e-newsletter, Amy inspires fabric arts enthusiasts to learn from the past and experiment with new products and techniques for creating in vintage made modern style. Now you have the opportunity to learn more about Amy and her work! Join us on Missouri Star LIVE March 8th, 2022 at 11:00 am cst for a special segment with Amy herself – but in the meantime, get to know her little more with this exclusive interview!

What is your favorite part of the quilting process?

I sew more than I quilt, I love stitching by hand and paper piecing. My favorite part of the creative process is design development and choosing fabrics for a project. With my new Fold and Go Folio pattern I went “all in” on variations in the styling and created both a sewing case and a jewelry case and included two sizes. As far as fabric options, we have created versions in vintage feed sacks, as well as modern Tula Pink prints. This pattern is perfect for upcycling – think neckties and gingham shirts! And preserving treasured fabrics like vintage embroidered linens and quilt blocks.

Who are your favorite fabric designers?

There are sooo many I love. Recently I sourced fabric for the Fold & Go Folio from the following designers- Freespirit: Tula Pink and Kaffe Fassett ; Art Gallery Fabrics: Bonnie Christine ; Moda: French General ; Riley Blake: J Wecker Frisch.

If you would like to see some of those fabulous fabrics and learn more about all the possibilities for this pattern check out this video I filmed at QuiltCon.

What notion or sewing tool are you most dependent on?

Seam Ripper. I love to upcycle fabric I find at the thrift shop – jeans, dress shirts (especially gingham), ties, and wool jackets, so a good seam ripper is a necessity. By the way the Fold & Go Folio has a sleeve for a seam ripper.

How were you introduced to sewing and quilting?

My mother was a home ec teacher and a talented seamstress. She has taught me so much over the years and we are working together, still today developing new patterns and products. The early sewing patterns I developed for my original pattern company, Indygo Junction, were for Teddy Bears, inspired by my mom teaching teddy bear making in her retail store in West Des Moines, Iowa. She owned a gift and craft store for much of my childhood and also a quilt shop for several years. My passion for the creative needle arts business is in my genes- thanks mom!

Here is a fun replay of a Facebook Live event we hosted on Crazy Quilts!

What do you do to find inspiration/encourage your creativity?

I have an extensive collection of vintage magazines, books and patterns focused on fashion, sewing and quilting. I also collect notions and handmade needle arts from buttons to embroidery and quilts. I reference my collection daily in my quest for developing vintage made modern patterns, books, and fabrics. My collection of Mary Brooks Picken and Woman’s Institute content dated 1916-1950’s, has been by far the most inspirational in my development of products. My book Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion & FUN was inspired by the correspondence school’s lessons and stories.

I created a 12 episode YouTube series sharing the book chapter by chapter. In the series I share many textile treasures from my collection that were featured in the book as well as patterns and many ideas for upcycling fabrics. Click HERE for the Playlist.

What occupation would you like to try if sewing/making wasn’t an option?

A nature photographer. I love finding unique color, pattern and design in nature and capturing those images. I am looking forward to the colors in Spring flowers and my chance to share those images on Instagram. Crocus should be popping up soon in Kansas City!

Who is your favorite fictional character?

Not sure I have one. But I do have a few favorites that are “nonfictional”.

A hobby of mine is researching characters in the history of sewing and quilting. I found that Amelia Earhardt had a connection to the legacy of needle arts. Here are a couple blog posts sharing my discovery and a visit to her childhood home. I was so excited when I learned she carried a sewing box on her long flights.

https://amybarickman.com/2019/10/05/my-discoveries-at-the-amelia-earhart-museum/

https://amybarickman.com/2019/09/03/amelia-earharts-sewing-box/

What fabric have you been hoarding/saving the longest?

Feedsacks! To justify my hoarding, I actually created a course on my VintageModernMakers.com site about the history of Feedsacks that includes sewing projects, videos, and a PDF with historical articles and heirloom art to print. See my current courses HERE.

Describe your perfect day.

A morning walk on a nature trail followed by shopping for vintage fabrics and embroidery at the Glenwood Antique Mall or First Fridays in Kansas City’s West Bottoms. Followed by a meal at one of my favorite restaurants in midtown, Tailleur on Main or sister restaurant, The Russell.

Don’t forget to join us for Missouri Star LIVE on March 8th, 2022 at 11:00 am cst to learn more about Amy (and maybe to win a special giveaway prize from Amy herself)! In the meantime, be sure to follow Amy on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. You can learn more about her and her projects as well on her website and blog.

Can’t get enough? We can’t blame you!

Amy is now offering online DIY courses based on her collection of vintage fabrics and notions at VintageModernMakers.com. Grow your appreciation and knowledge while you create practical projects. Each “Primer” course includes sewing patterns and technique tutorials. Amy shares fascinating history lessons including field trips to museum exhibits. Be inspired by Amy’s interviews with textile experts as well as artists and makers! You will access both printable PDFs and videos content the user-friendly platform VintageModernMakers.com. Don’t forget to keep up with Amy’s continued journey curating vintage treasures and never miss a new pattern or book by signing up for her newsletter HERE!

December 7, 2020

Building Blocks: All About Precut Fabric

Precut fabric saves time and effort when creating quilting projects.

Precut fabric revolutionized the quilting world. The quilting skill was historically passed down through teaching – one would learn the intricate and mathematical approach of measuring and cutting fabric by hand from the generation that came before. Anyone who has pieced a quilt knows it’s difficult work! Before you could even consider your project or layout, all the fabrics must be cut from bolts or repurposed from used materials. The margin for error was extraordinary, a single miscalculation could jeopardize an entire quilting project.

Quilting is now easier and more approachable thanks to precut fabrics. Precuts are perfect for beginners (that’s why Jenny uses them to teach!). If you don’t know what exactly a fat quarter is, or if you never heard of a honey bun, we hope this guide kicks off your quilting journey with confidence.

Layer Cakes (10″ Squares)

Layer cake bundles contain forty-two 10 inch squares of precut quilting fabric.

A Layer Cake is a curated bundle of 10″ squares of coordinating precut quilt fabric from a designer’s collection. These versatile packs can be used for a number of projects. Their larger size allows them to be to cut into strips or smaller squares if needed! A typical layer cake contains 42 squares of precut 10″ fabric, enough for a small quilt top. Depending on the distributor, layer cakes are also called ’10 stackers,’ ’10 squares,’ ’tiles,’ and ’10 karat crystals.’

With such a big cut of fabric, layer cakes can dazzle because the printed design catches the eye first. If you want to showcase a gorgeous fabric, consider Jenny’s spin on tradition and create the Irish Change quilt. The Layer Cakes in this project are left completely whole and highlighted with fabric strips to create a beautiful showcase of 10″ squares!

Browse Layer Cakes Here >

Learn More About The Irish Change Quilt >

Charm Packs (5″ Squares)

Charm Packs contain forty-two 5 inch squares of precut quilting fabric.

Think of Charm Packs as Layer Cakes smaller sidekick! A Charm Pack is a bundle of 5″ squares of precut fabric. Charm packs are a fast, fun way to bring a quilt together like magic and, like Layer Cakes, Charm Packs are often sold in bundles of 42. These fabric bundles are also called ‘5″ stackers,’ ‘single scoops,’ and ‘stamps.’

For an easy introduction to the world of Charm Packs, use the pack as it is and create the Charm Quilt on Point! This simple creation turns the Charm Pack fabrics on point before sewing them together to create a beautiful layout with little effort! Select your favorite Charm Pack (much like in the Irish Change quilt, your Charm Pack fabric will be the focal point), add a border and a back – you just created the easiest quilt you ever made!

Browse Charm Packs Here >

Learn More About The Charm Quilt on Point >

Mini Charm Pack (2.5″ Squares)

Mini Charm Packs contain forty-two 2.5 inch squares of precut fabric.

Have you heard the saying “there’s always a bigger fish”? How about “there’s always a smaller square”? As you probably guessed, a Mini Charm Pack is exactly that – a smaller version of a Charm Pack! These fabric bundles contain forty-two 2.5″ squares of precut fabric, half the size of their larger counterpart! With a name as specific as Mini Charm Pack, it’s difficult find this precut under a different name (but let us know if you do!).

Think small when using this precut, it’s better used as a compliment than a feature! Mini Charm Packs create intricate and impressive designs, even though it’s really no different than sewing a larger square. The 2.5″ Mini Tumbler Quilt is a great option if you want to play with these mighty minis, but you can add creative flair to any quilt with a 2.5″ square as a cornerstone!

Browse Mini Charm Packs Here >

Learn More About The 2.5″ Mini Tumbler Quilt >

Jelly Rolls (2.5″ Strips)

Jelly Rolls contain forty 2.5 inch strips of precut fabric.

Let’s get away from squares and focus on strips! A Jelly Roll is a bundle of 2.5″ strips of precut quilt fabric, featuring an array of coordinating fabric from a designer’s collection. Jelly rolls make sewing up a cute strip quilt a snap. Not only are there countless patterns that use only a Jelly Roll, but you’ll find these strips so handy you may use them with other precuts. A standard Jelly Roll contains forty 2.5″ x 44″ strips of fabric and is also called a ‘rolie polie,’ ‘strip-pies,’ ‘roll ups’ or even just ‘2.5″ strips.’

One of the easiest quilts for beginners is the standard Jelly Roll Race quilt! Piece your Jelly Roll strip by strip, and you can stitch up 1,600 inches of fabric in less than an hour! This pattern can be wildly colorful, with constantly changing colors and designs – so be bold with your Jelly Roll choice!

Browse Jelly Rolls Here >

Learn More About The Jelly Roll Race Quilt >

Honey Buns (1.5″ Strips)

Honey Buns contain forty 1.5 inch strips of precut fabric.

The Honey Bun is the Jan to the Jelly Roll‘s Marcia. Have you ever heard of it? This slender roll is perfect for sashing and strip quilting. The Honey Bun is a bundle of forty 1.5″ strips of coordinated, precut fabric. When piecing a quilt top, it’s more common to use a Jelly Roll, but don’t count the Honey Bun out. Whether creating a small quilt top or an intricate design, the Honey Bun will serves up loads of versatility. If you can’t find a Honey Bun, try looking for it’s alter ego – Skinny Strips!

Jenny’s very first quilt was a Log Cabin quilt, so they’re near and dear to her heart. If you want to feature a Honey Bun in your next project (and not just for sashing), a simple log cabin block is the way to go. You can get 21 log cabin blocks from a single Honey Bun!

Browse Honey Buns here >

Learn More About The Log Cabin Block >

Fat Quarters (22″ x 18″ Cuts)

Fat Quarters are 22″ x 18″ cuts of Fabric.

If you absolutely adore a line of fabric, the answer is the Fat Quarter! A fat quarter bundle is a stack of fat quarters (quarter yards of fabric, cut wide) of coordinating quilt fabric from a designer’s collection, and of all the precuts, it gives you the most fabric! Fat quarters measure 18″ x 21″ and make it easy to build a quilt with your fabric lines. With just a little extra cutting, the possibilities are endless for this precut bundle. Fat Quarters are sold in bundles called Fat Quarter Bundles, but sometimes they are also advertised as “rolls.”

Precuts are the perfect way to round out your stash, as you can grab one for all sorts of projects. Feeling inspired now? Try a fabric basket with Misty. She uses two fat quarters to create the A Tisket A Tasket… 2 Fat Quarter Basket from Me & My Sister Designs. Fat Quarters are an easy way to stock up on your favorite fabrics in bulk, but expect a little extra cutting or piecing in your Fat Quarter projects!

Browse Fat Quarter Bundles Here >

Learn More About The A Ticket A Tasket… 2 Fat Quarter Basket >

July 19, 2018July 19, 2018

Jenny’s Doll Quilt

Most of us can recall a special quilt or two from childhood. A cherished baby blanket. The bedspread of your grandmother’s sleepover bed. A favorite camp quilt or picnic blanket.

And you know what? I bet if you sift through your memories, you can even remember a print or two of patchwork, the smell of the fabric, and the softness of a well worn binding. Because the truth is, when you make a quilt for a child, you are making memories.

This week Jenny is recreating a favorite childhood quilt of her own, Jenny’s Doll Quilt. Click HERE to learn how to make this pretty, nostalgic project!

June 21, 2018June 21, 2018

Daisy Chain Quilt

I always thought the daisy was such a sweet and simple flower, but it turns out I was wrong! The daisy isn’t a flower at all; it’s two flowers! The first flower is made up of the long, white petals we love to pluck while reciting, “He loves me. He loves me not.” The second flower is the cheery yellow center. I guess you could say every bloom is its own bouquet!

In this week’s new tutorial, Jenny combines simple white charms with a pretty roll of 2.5 inch strips, and the results are as sweet as a field of daisies!

(This quilt was featured in our special baby edition of BLOCK Magazine. Click HERE to order a copy!)

January 2, 2018February 10, 2018

Fabric Feature: Kona Cotton Color of the Year 2018

The 2018 Kona Cotton Color of the Year is a bold and brilliant pop of color certain to awaken our creativity! If you haven’t heard, this color is called Tiger Lily, and it is sure to add a powerful punch of rich, warm orange to quilt tops and sewing projects throughout the year!

To jumpstart our creativity, Robert Kaufman invited five quilters to show off Tiger Lily by creating the wonderful quilts, below! Each of these patterns is available for free courtesy of Robert Kaufman. These dynamic quilts came to visit us at Missouri Star from Feb. 6 to February 16, 2018, and were displayed at Penney’s Quilt Shop! Have a look at the display below, and keep scrolling for images of each individual quilt!

Each of the Color of the Year quilts has a free pattern from Robert Kaufman and you can download by clicking on the image of the quilt below. You can also view the entire Tiger Lily lookbook HERE!

Tigerlily by Valori Wells

The Giant Pineapple by Karen Lewis

Autumn Bliss by Darlene Zimmerman

Terrace by Violet Craft

Mushrooms by Elizabeth Hartman

Looking for a Missouri Star tutorial for a Tiger Lily project? We think these three would make terrific choices:

Chevron Quilt

A sweet Chevron Quilt would show off the boldness of Tiger Lily in a timeless design!

Sweet Blend Quilt

Created with Tiger Lily, a Sweet Blend Quilt is sure to dazzle!

Pecking Order Quilt

By using Tiger Lily to create the points of the Pecking Order Quilt, you can easily create a beautiful sun that is bursting with color!

Tiger Lily yardage and precuts are available at Missouri Star! Explore all of the bold options HERE, and view all of our Kona Cotton fabrics HERE!

Don’t forget to share all those colorful creations with us on our Facebook and Instagram using #msqcshowandtell! Happy New Year!