SUMMER 2010

Editor Donna Koenig Life is good! It's summer, our surroundings are filled with nature's artwork, and there is plenty of beautiful fabrics at our fingertips. When it comes to fabric, this issue of Fabric Trends is sure to stir some creative ardor. For starters, each of the featured quilts will brighten your mood, as well as your surroundings. The combinations of colorful fabric used are connected with the outdoors, much like a garden full of beautiful flowers. Nature offers some of the most stunning colors, and our fabric designers have incorporated many of these vibrant summer hues into their designs. Besides the project pages, you can peruse the Fabric Gallery for more inspiration to create items that make a statement in your living space.

In addition to the gorgeous fabric, Deb Roberts, owner of World of Quilts Travel, takes us on tour through France, Germany, and The Netherlands. Her journey on the trail of Indian Chintz during Europe’s Christmas Market season added the perfect touch to an already exciting itinerary for chintz enthusiasts. Also, read a short history of South Asian textiles, ralli, and kantha—patchwork made by women in diverse regions of the Indian subcontinent that gives new life to old cloth.

On a personal note, expect to see big changes in the Fall 2010 issue of Fabric Trends. I will still be involved on the technical end with pattern writing, but Mark Lipinski, former editor of Quilter's Home magazine, as well as a quilt and fabric designer, will take over as editor; bringing with him a whole new look and perspective. Still filled with the latest fabrics and gorgeous quilts, each issue will also include a variety of other creative ideas and fun things to make with fabric, as well as Mark’s entertaining wit and humor. What more could one ask for than a magazine filled with the hottest fabrics, latest styles, trendy colors—and with a sense of humor!

So, life is good! Especially for quilters!