Introducing Gallery Fiori by Karen Tusinski

Gallery Fiori, the first fabric line by artist Karen Tusinski immediately caught my eye at Quilt Market. And why wouldn't it? The colors are rich and sophisticated, the painterly and textured quality to the design is stunning. Doesn't it figure that a former painter would go for a fabric collection designed by a painter? Indeed. Add in that Karen is a local artist to our Sew Fresh Fabric land (north of Boston) and we were sold. I had seen Karen's work locally and knew her name from the art circles. It felt like cheering on a friend we'd never met.

It turns out that Karen is as friendly as she is talented. She has graciously agreed to a little interview on our blog. Without further ado, let's see what she has to say.


You started (and continue) as a painter. What is your background and what led you to fabric design?
My fabric line magically began as a result from 2 very important interactions::: as you know Lilla Rogers Studio represents me for all sorts of clients interested in my selected body of work for reproduction purposes; P&B Textiles is one of these companies. So, after Lilla negotiates and licenses etc., then I work with the company (P&B) interested in reproducing my work. P&B extracted patterns from my paintings to create a repeating design for fabric. Then fabric boards are created for my final approval.

Do you have a sewing background?
Although I have a very limited sewing background, I truly believe there is not much difference between using cloth to sew quilts and painting a painting ....... we all use color to create vibrant & exciting compositions. Artists who use cloth to convey a story are quite similar to artists who use paint to tell their story.

I cannot believe what is out there re: quilts these days ..... from landscapes, to abstract pieced quilts. I'm quite sure buying an inspirational yard of fabric is not unlike me buying a new tube of paint!!!

What is it like to see your images on fabric? What would you like to see created with your fabric?
O my goodness!!!! This is such an exciting time, as you can imagine. I am truly curious to see what folks do with my fabric line ..... although I may never know ......unless someone creates a piece & wants to e-mail me!!!! I think my line evokes that mid-century feel.....it reminds me of similar patterns growing up as a child. I would love to see quilts, clothing, drapes, sheets, & all the rest in between!

What is next on your fabric journey?
I'm not sure how to answer this one, I just keep painting!!! Although I would love to try & sew a poppy painting together using my fabric---!!


The entire Gallery Fiori collection is available in the shop.

Zen Chic Pattern Giveaway

The lovely and talented Brigitte Heitland, Zen Chic fabric and pattern designer, has generously offered two of her patterns to our readers. Yay!


We have created an Orange Brick Kona Bundle to complete the pattern with a Zen Chic Fat Eighth pack. We've chosen some suggestions of colors to use as the solid background that coordinate with the Strawberry and Mauve Fat Eighth Packs of Zen Chic - just in case orange isn't your color. The bundle includes 3.5 yards of a Kona solid and the white for the bricks. If you purchase both the Kona bundle and the Zen Chic fabric from us, we'll give you free US shipping or half price international shipping!

Leave us a comment about what patterns of Brigitte's that you like or what Kona color you'd pair with her fabric to be entered to win the patterns. Giveaway ends Saturday July 2.

Avalon Arrives!

Perfect for summer! Cool bikes, free-wheeling birds and some yummy colors like grape and cherry. It's Avalon by Jay-Cyn from Birch Fabrics. This 100% certified organic fabric has a lovely hand and would look fantastic in quilts or apparel. Click to the shop to see more.



* The grey birdie spokes are on backorder and due in August.

Wrenly Arrives!

We were excited when we heard about Wrenly from Valori Wells and even more excited when we saw her booth in SLC. The wrens are darling with folk art style details. The colors are vivid and true... Cobalt, Citrus and Mandarin. Valori just hits all the high notes with this group. The entire collection of quilting weight cottons is available in the shop.

We're Cleaning Out the Closet

Now I would never fancy doing such a thing in my own house, but it doesn't seem quite the insurmountable task at the shop when pretty fabrics are involved. We're listing yard, half yard and fat quarters at must go prices. Lovelies such as Meadowsweet, Hope Valley, Nest, Art Gallery prints and much more. In perfect condition, cut for quilt shows and ready to find a good home (and sewing machine). Go straight to the Specials Section and find some treasure. All quantity is listed and all cuts are as described.

A Kaleidoscope Quilt Along with Elizabeth

The talented Elizabeth from Don't Call Me Betsy is organizing a fantastic quilt along with a Kaleidoscope pattern. It looks like great fun. She has just posted the fabric requirements and will begin cutting instructions on June 23 so there's still plenty of time to join in. (Hint: see post #2 for a SFF incentive). There's already an active Flickr group talking fabric details and getting ready. Go take a look.

Feeling a little Zen

Zen Chic, that is.

Brigitte Heitland, the creative force of Zen Chic, stole the show in Salt Lake this year at Quilt Market, winning best booth by a newcomer. Her fabric is captivating in a serene and soothing way. Everyone was drawn into her booth! And Brigitte herself was just as lovely.

We have brought in her Zen Chic fabric bundles of 5 fat eighths in Mauve or Strawberry printed by Spoonflower. They are one of a kind and gorgeous. Simply stunning. The five prints shown at the bottom of the photos are what is in the package.

It's Getting Crowded in Here. 1001 Peeps has arrived!

Lizzy House's 1001 Peeps are here! Magic lamps, genies, camels, enchanted figures and lush colors. We have the entire collection in three colorways... Dusk/Orange, Turquoise and Purple. And it just wouldn't be proper to omit the "Inspired By" Kona bundles. We have three of those too.




Let the magic begin!

Bloggers' Dinner Party

Kate of Needle and Spatula has organized a Bloggers' Dinner Party, a linky party for all things table... napkins, placemats, trivets, and table runners, etc. This will be ongoing and each month a winner will be chosen at random from the entries. We'll give you one guess on who is sponsoring this month..... yup, it's us. Becca devised a gorgeous Ladies Tea Party Bundle with some Melody Miller Ruby Star Rising Vintage Ladies, Tea Cups, some Jenaveve linen and matching Kona solids. It's scrumptious. Hop on over to Kate's blog and check out the details. You have until the end of the month to enter.

Shop Notes: We have reloaded the "Specials" section of the shop for great prices on one yard (or more) cuts of fabrics. Perfect for backings.

• Stone Ta Dot is back in stock
• Four new Kona colors available – Salmon, Mango, Olive and Purple
• New Alexander Henry Prints – big, bold and beautiful!
• Look for some LouLouthi inspired Kona bundles to appear in the next day or so.

New Arrivals!!

Eddie, our grumbling UPS man, announced the arrival of 4 boxes of Loulouthi and Summersault by saying we should carry them up to the second floor ourselves. We told him the last big delivery was by FedEx so he should be happy.

He didn't look happy.

We're happy. Look at all the fabric goodness that arrived!!


This is just a few of the gorgeous prints that we have. Next up will be some Loulouthi bundles...

In the meantime, there are a few new Art Gallery Bohemian Soul bundles available, one in purple and one in earth tones.



Thanks also for everyone's kind words. We're both feeling better and ready to bundle and cut some fabric!