I love gifting! And wrapping! Yes! Wrapping presents is my
jam! I used to be the designated gift wrapper in my family. What about you? Do
you love it too? I think it’s one of those tasks you either love doing or
seriously dread 😉
jam! I used to be the designated gift wrapper in my family. What about you? Do
you love it too? I think it’s one of those tasks you either love doing or
seriously dread 😉
But before tackling the wrapping, you gotta deal with the
gift buying. And, let’s face it, buying for us quilters can be a challenge.
So,
do your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers a hand and HELP them out!
They’re not mind readers (or, so I’ve been told 😉) and most haven’t a clue what goes into this
quilty passion of ours. So, do them a solid and text or email them this link.
Go ahead, I’ll wait!
gift buying. And, let’s face it, buying for us quilters can be a challenge.
So,
do your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers a hand and HELP them out!
They’re not mind readers (or, so I’ve been told 😉) and most haven’t a clue what goes into this
quilty passion of ours. So, do them a solid and text or email them this link.
Go ahead, I’ll wait!
Now you can sit back and relax knowing that only fun and
quiltyrific (not technically a word, but it works, doesn’t it?!) goodies are
heading your way this holiday season!
quiltyrific (not technically a word, but it works, doesn’t it?!) goodies are
heading your way this holiday season!
FABRIC
This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.
Let’s start with the big guns, shall we?!
Your quilt won’t get very far without fabric, but with such
a vast selection out there, do you REA-lly want to leave that up to chance on
“what kind” of fabric they’ll get you?
a vast selection out there, do you REA-lly want to leave that up to chance on
“what kind” of fabric they’ll get you?
No. I didn’t think so.
Leave nothing to chance by stocking up on gift cards from
your favourite quilt store. Here are
some of my faves:
your favourite quilt store. Here are
some of my faves:
See a full list of online fabric retailers here.
NOTIONS & TOOLS
Obvi notions are THE funnest to look at and stock.
They add personality and flare to a sewing space, while also
(hopefully) being practical. Pretty and practical – we like those.
(hopefully) being practical. Pretty and practical – we like those.
Here are some “must haves” and some “fun to have”. More to
come in the 2018 Ultimate Stocking Stuffer list (here’s 2017 in the meantime) 😉.
come in the 2018 Ultimate Stocking Stuffer list (here’s 2017 in the meantime) 😉.
I recently shared that I finally finished my first cone of
thread. I was dubious as to whether this was a wise investment, but it turns
out I haven’t had to think about replacing my thread spool in a year and 7 months.
Now that’s what I call sewing peace of mind! Second cone is officially underway,
and I encourage you to go BIG and take the plunge with the cones. While you’re at it,
pick-up their colour card so matching your thread to your project is a breeze.
thread. I was dubious as to whether this was a wise investment, but it turns
out I haven’t had to think about replacing my thread spool in a year and 7 months.
Now that’s what I call sewing peace of mind! Second cone is officially underway,
and I encourage you to go BIG and take the plunge with the cones. While you’re at it,
pick-up their colour card so matching your thread to your project is a breeze.
Have you heard that tacking down your binding with glue
first results in some primo machine binding results? This is the one I keep meaning to pick up to help me with my machine binding game. In case
you missed it, here are tips on how to create your binding and this one walks you through hand binding.
first results in some primo machine binding results? This is the one I keep meaning to pick up to help me with my machine binding game. In case
you missed it, here are tips on how to create your binding and this one walks you through hand binding.
So many of you raved about these needles when I shared my How to Bury Threads tutorial. They’re now on my wish list!
I believe I shared this last year, but in case you missed it
and aren’t already on the Kwik Klip band wagon, you must GET ON the band wagon
ASAP.
and aren’t already on the Kwik Klip band wagon, you must GET ON the band wagon
ASAP.
This little klippy thing is super handy. Especially if you
suffer from any pain, stiffness, achiness, throbbing in your hands (yup, me too
☹). This little wonder does an amazing job of not only speeding
up the entire pin basting session. It does it while inflicting so much less
strain on your hands.
suffer from any pain, stiffness, achiness, throbbing in your hands (yup, me too
☹). This little wonder does an amazing job of not only speeding
up the entire pin basting session. It does it while inflicting so much less
strain on your hands.
Total game changer. Grab yours here.
I keep meaning to pick-up a pair of these scissors which I keep hearing
really great things about. Have you tried them?
really great things about. Have you tried them?
Do you have a love hate relationship with your
self-healing cutting mat, one in which is doesn’t “self-heal” that effectively?
self-healing cutting mat, one in which is doesn’t “self-heal” that effectively?
Now, I may or may not be an aggressive cuter, but surely,
they’re not supposed to start shredding apart on you (which has happened ALL brands tested to
date). I’ve heard good things about this one.
they’re not supposed to start shredding apart on you (which has happened ALL brands tested to
date). I’ve heard good things about this one.
And I’m tempted. Plus, it feels less painful if I get it as a gift rather than
spend those precious fabric dollars!
spend those precious fabric dollars!
While on the topic of cutting mats, I’m also on the hunt to
replace my current rotating mat with this one. It seems to spin nice and smoothly, which is exactly what you need when
trimming up blocks 😉
replace my current rotating mat with this one. It seems to spin nice and smoothly, which is exactly what you need when
trimming up blocks 😉
Rulers go hand in hand with our cutting mats and with all
the strips involved in quilting, the Stripology ruler seems like a no brainer.
the strips involved in quilting, the Stripology ruler seems like a no brainer.
PRESSING MATTERS
I recently changed my ironing board
cover, but if I were redoing my pressing station, I’d want to incorporate either
this one or maybe
this wool mat.
There’s a whole gammed of irons to choose from these
days. From super inexpensive,
to ones with funky pop up mechanism,
to full on pressing systems.
I’ve heard pros and cons about all of them, so I think it just comes down to
preference. My favourite is this one.
I’m on my second one (first one lasted at least 5 years) and I still adore it.
days. From super inexpensive,
to ones with funky pop up mechanism,
to full on pressing systems.
I’ve heard pros and cons about all of them, so I think it just comes down to
preference. My favourite is this one.
I’m on my second one (first one lasted at least 5 years) and I still adore it.
Oh, and don't forget your spray! Love this stuff - it smells amazing and helps get my wrinkles out!
QUILT PATTERNS
I can't really have a quilter's wish list without patterns, right?! Here are some of my go-to designers:
AnneMarie Chany – are you a BOM lover? Then you’ll
definitely want to check out AnneMarie Chany’s latest Conversation Row of the
Month (ROM) sew-a-long (SAL) that starts January 2019. You can find the pattern here.
definitely want to check out AnneMarie Chany’s latest Conversation Row of the
Month (ROM) sew-a-long (SAL) that starts January 2019. You can find the pattern here.
Initial K Studio – I love Kristi’s modern aesthetic and love that
she includes lots of negative space in her designs.
she includes lots of negative space in her designs.
Shannon Fraser Designs – oh, hi! That’s me 😉
My quilt patterns are definitely modern in feel but can also be paired with
more traditional colours to mix it up. If you’re looking for a holiday themed
one the Winter Star or Irish Vortex would be perfect for you! In fact, I made a holiday themed one for my mum last Christmas!
My quilt patterns are definitely modern in feel but can also be paired with
more traditional colours to mix it up. If you’re looking for a holiday themed
one the Winter Star or Irish Vortex would be perfect for you! In fact, I made a holiday themed one for my mum last Christmas!
Suzy Quilts – you know I just adore Suzy. I’ve tested for
her several times and always have fun with her patterns. Tough to pick a fave!
her several times and always have fun with her patterns. Tough to pick a fave!
Village Bound Quilts – if you love mid century modern
design, then Tiffany’s your girl. Her patterns are always so clean and
thoughtful with super easy to follow patterns.
design, then Tiffany’s your girl. Her patterns are always so clean and
thoughtful with super easy to follow patterns.
BOOKS & MAGAZINES
BOOKS
My collection of quilt books is expanding and for good
reason; there are just too many good ones out there! Here are a few more I’ve
already added or plan to add to my shelves:
reason; there are just too many good ones out there! Here are a few more I’ve
already added or plan to add to my shelves:
Modern Quilts Block by Block – I was lucky enough to get a
copy from Emily Dennis as part of her book hop I participated in. This is such a fun book and
works great for both beginner and advanced quilters.
copy from Emily Dennis as part of her book hop I participated in. This is such a fun book and
works great for both beginner and advanced quilters.
Modern Memory Quilts – This is a new release (pre-order or available
Jan 1, 2019) by my fellow Montreal Modern Quilt Guild member Suzanne Paquette of Atelier Six Design!
I have been asked quite a few times about memory quilts and I’m thrilled to now
have a resource to point you to. Suzanne is well versed in designing and making
memory quilts, so if you want to create memory quilts, this is a must for you.
Jan 1, 2019) by my fellow Montreal Modern Quilt Guild member Suzanne Paquette of Atelier Six Design!
I have been asked quite a few times about memory quilts and I’m thrilled to now
have a resource to point you to. Suzanne is well versed in designing and making
memory quilts, so if you want to create memory quilts, this is a must for you.
Modern Quilts – This is on my wish list as I find the roundup
of the quilts featured at QuiltCon and by members to be super inspiring.
of the quilts featured at QuiltCon and by members to be super inspiring.
Modern Art Quilts – if you’re looking to step outside your quilty
comfort zone, you might want to consider art quilts. It’s something I’ve been
exploring more of and it’s been a lot of fun.
comfort zone, you might want to consider art quilts. It’s something I’ve been
exploring more of and it’s been a lot of fun.
The Quilter’s Planner 2019 – I adore my planner and use her every day. You can read about how much I love
her here, here and here (the 3 years I’ve had one 😉)
if you want to know ALL the reasons you should get one. Otherwise, grab yourown here and make 2019 your most quilty focused ever!
her here, here and here (the 3 years I’ve had one 😉)
if you want to know ALL the reasons you should get one. Otherwise, grab yourown here and make 2019 your most quilty focused ever!
Victoria Findlay Wolfe’s Playing with Purpose – this is my
kind of quilting! I love to play and explore and am always encouraging you to as well! This may just be the ticket to help get you started 😉
kind of quilting! I love to play and explore and am always encouraging you to as well! This may just be the ticket to help get you started 😉
MAGAZINES
For some ongoing inspiration, you might want to subscribe to
some quilty magazines. Here are my go-tos:
some quilty magazines. Here are my go-tos:
Love Patchwork & Quilting – I love modern magazine based
in the UK. I love that it’s a mix of both modern and traditional, with lots of
fun articles tuck in there too. Sign up for an annual digital subscription or get the latest issue.
in the UK. I love that it’s a mix of both modern and traditional, with lots of
fun articles tuck in there too. Sign up for an annual digital subscription or get the latest issue.
Modern Patchwork – I’m relatively new to Modern Patchwork,
but it has great modern projects and articles from the issues I’ve seen. Snag a copy here.
but it has great modern projects and articles from the issues I’ve seen. Snag a copy here.
Make Modern – this is a digital only magazine run by 3
talented ladies based in Australia. Did you know Australia has a hopping crafting/quilting
community? Plus, I’ve seen quilters featured from all over the world, so lots
to be inspired by.
talented ladies based in Australia. Did you know Australia has a hopping crafting/quilting
community? Plus, I’ve seen quilters featured from all over the world, so lots
to be inspired by.
UPPERCASE – a Canadian indie magazine that is dedicated to us
creatives and they just happen to be celebrating their 10th anniversary
this January! Sign up today and use code future10 for 15% off your subscription.
creatives and they just happen to be celebrating their 10th anniversary
this January! Sign up today and use code future10 for 15% off your subscription.
EDUCATIONAL
I think it’s safe to say that most of us quilters love
learning and expanding on our quilty knowledge. Here are a few courses that
might just fit the bill for you:
learning and expanding on our quilty knowledge. Here are a few courses that
might just fit the bill for you:
Wise Craft – Blair Stocker has put together a fully
comprehensive online workshop that will walk you through designing your own
quilt and thinking of new directions to take your quilts in. The course is 6
weeks long and you can learn more here.
comprehensive online workshop that will walk you through designing your own
quilt and thinking of new directions to take your quilts in. The course is 6
weeks long and you can learn more here.
QuiltCon course – so many of the courses are already sold
out, but here’s the schedule just in case you’re heading to Nashville in February.
Otherwise, there’s always 2020!
out, but here’s the schedule just in case you’re heading to Nashville in February.
Otherwise, there’s always 2020!
Guild membership – I love being a part of our community and
my local Montreal Modern Quilt Guild is no exception. I wish I could get to more meetings, but, when I do, I always
love catching up with my fellow members and seeing their quilts during show and
tell. Check The MQG to see if there’s a chapter in your area.
my local Montreal Modern Quilt Guild is no exception. I wish I could get to more meetings, but, when I do, I always
love catching up with my fellow members and seeing their quilts during show and
tell. Check The MQG to see if there’s a chapter in your area.
CreativeLive – is a great resource that I turn to time and
time again. Learn online for free during their live broadcasts or watch at your
own pace when you purchase a class for life. Check Out CreativeLive's Free On-Air Classes
time again. Learn online for free during their live broadcasts or watch at your
own pace when you purchase a class for life. Check Out CreativeLive's Free On-Air Classes
Bluprint – this is Craftsy’s educational videos subscription.
They have classes on everything from baking, sewing, knitting and, of course,
quilting. Start your 7 day FREE trial on Bluprint
They have classes on everything from baking, sewing, knitting and, of course,
quilting. Start your 7 day FREE trial on Bluprint
WEARABLES
I know some people are all about getting “dressed” to get
the day going, but I find I work best in comfy gear. So, you’ll normally find
me in leggings with
a comfy shirt. In the winter, that usually means some form of sweatshirt to
keep me nice and toasty. I’m thinking adding this fun quilting themed one would be
apropos!
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| Via |
They’ve also got these fun t-shirts!
SEWING SPACE
It’s all great to have your essential tools, but if you don’t
have a spot to store all these wonderful items, it’s going to start to feel
like your living out of a suitcase and that’s never fun. It took me awhile to
start investing in my sewing space, but once I did, it felt amazing! The first
big change I made was getting a storage cabinet for my fabric. This was a game
changer, my friend! Before my fabric was scattered in all kinds of boxes, bags
and bins. Now, I just open my cabinet doors and stare at the pretty fabric. It
makes fabrics pulls a dream and the clean up is super easy too.
have a spot to store all these wonderful items, it’s going to start to feel
like your living out of a suitcase and that’s never fun. It took me awhile to
start investing in my sewing space, but once I did, it felt amazing! The first
big change I made was getting a storage cabinet for my fabric. This was a game
changer, my friend! Before my fabric was scattered in all kinds of boxes, bags
and bins. Now, I just open my cabinet doors and stare at the pretty fabric. It
makes fabrics pulls a dream and the clean up is super easy too.
I got this shelving unit from Ikea and then added these doors. The doors help keep the dust and Pips’ hair out, plus it protects
my fabrics from the sun. Win-win all around.
my fabrics from the sun. Win-win all around.
You know I sew at the dining table, which currently suits me
just fine. But I know there will come a day where I will want to have a room dedicated
to my sewing. Plus, my ageing back will thank me for getting a counter height cutting
table 😉 With that in mind, I’m eyeing this sewing table and either
this cutting table. I like the idea of having storage underneath! I also like the idea of this one which can be moved up or down.
just fine. But I know there will come a day where I will want to have a room dedicated
to my sewing. Plus, my ageing back will thank me for getting a counter height cutting
table 😉 With that in mind, I’m eyeing this sewing table and either
this cutting table. I like the idea of having storage underneath! I also like the idea of this one which can be moved up or down.
My sewing machine came with a nice table extension, which I absolutely LOVE. It’s great for chain piecing as I can line up my blocks on the edge and just stitch away. Plus, I love the added space when I’m quilting. If your machine didn’t come with an extension, then you may want to check these ones out. They’re cut to your specific machine’s dimensions, so it should be a nice snug fit 😉
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To make things even easier, I’ve also rounded up some of these ideas
+ more in my online Holiday Gift Guide.
+ more in my online Holiday Gift Guide.
Tell me, what's on your wish list this year?
Happy holiday shopping!
xo
Shannon
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Thank you for the shout out!!! 🙂
For sure! I love that heart sampler! Hope it’s a great success for you in 2019 😊