Quilt Now Issue 43 arrived recently at newsstands. A copy of this modern quilt magazine dropped into my mailbox as a reference sample. Oh how excited I was to stroll through the pages and find so many Zen Chici things here and there. The main reason I got the reference sample was, that they feature an interview with me. A designer portrait, Q&A style. So lets stroll together through the magazine, shall we? Grab a cup of coffee, find a cozy place and let's have a bit fun:

QUILT NOW ISSUE 43 comes with a bonus booklet

What's very exciting about the current issue is: There is a little bonus booklet attached to it. It is a calendar for quilters and I will go with you through that little helper later in this post.

Let's have a look

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE

and see what the content pages have to offer:

Besides the typical pages like NEWS or ON THE BOOKSHELF we find a section TECHNIQUE FOCUS, a detailed tutorial for how to make a Dresden Plate Block. And to make it even more exciting it is followed by a project to train your new gained skills, a pillow using this block.

What other projects will you find? I counted instructions for 6 quilts, 2 pillows, 3 pouches, 1 bag and 3 baby toys (hope I am right). Some of them are even for English Paper Piecing fans (don't you love to snuggle up on a couch with a cup of tea, wintery cold outside, cozy warm indoors, having a hand sewing project and your favorite TV series? Another expression for heaven).

Here are two of my favorite projects
Kerry Green's vintage-style floor cushion (I have to make one!)

and Lynnes Goldworthy's supersize Mariner's Compass quilt (70" x 70")

Another interesting section in Quilt Now magazine are the

GIVEAWAY PAGES

Three pages point out special occasions to get discounts or win a giveaway like quilt kits, fabric baskets, books, fabric and thread bundles, fleece and a cutting mat. The worth of these prizes to win is more than $1.000.
And you get a free Riley Blake Fat Quarter bundle for a Quilt Now subscription.

What I was of course most excited about, was the

HUGE SPOTLIGHT IN THIS ISSUE ON ZEN CHIC

You know, I am a lover of Scandinavian Design and minimalism, and so I was interested in reading Katie Garnet's article about how has Scandi chic translated into the region's quilting style?  Strolling through the pages, I discovered my fabric lines TRUE BLUE and FRAGILE in the section Favorite Fabric Finds of the Month.

And not only the swatches were shown, no: TWO quilts featuring the collection TRUE BLUE are in this magazine with complete instructions. I'm totally in love with these two quilts made by Naomi Clarke. Both of them are English paper pieced. Don't they look just gorgeous?

And then there is a

DESIGNERPORTRAIT

a Q&A-style interview, which I had with Quilt Now. It's about how what is on my sewing table, what collections I will have in 2018, Christmas gift ideas, tips for making a modern quilt.

I feel totally honored to be so well represented in this magazine issue.
And last, but not least back to the little

BONUS BOOKLET - GIVEAWAY

It is basically a diary for quilters. A 2018 calendar, with one month per page and mixed in 12 quilt blocks with detailed instructions.

This is so much fun, so I thought one of you should have it. I will give this little booklet away,

So if you want to have it, leave a comment and follow me either on my blog or on Instagram. Let me know, what quilt project is on your 2018 planner (and don't forget to leave your email address, so I can contact you).

I hope you had fun sitting next to me on my cozy couch, having a coup of tea and a look into this magazine!

Extra wide fabrics - They are much more than mere backings !

As I have told you yesterday, the most popular prints from my collection PAPER are now available in  the 108"- extra wide size!

The range of wide backing fabrics is pretty small compared to 44" wides. Because of that, I'm so happy that Moda has decided to extend their range with these modern and sophisticated prints. 

Of course -  extra wide fabrics have the perfect size for the backing of king-size or other bed quilts. 

The quilt gets a cleaner look (no seams anymore, yeah!!) and you save time, because you don't have to piece the backing!

There are also some other projects, that need extra large fabrics due to their size and width.

Design your bathroom with noble and modern elements!

Have you ever looked up for stylish and modern shower curtains? If you haven't done it yet - be happy. 

In most cases you can choose between single colored white ones, maritime patterns - or my favorite: digital prints with fishes!

In my opinion every bathroom should look like a little wellness spa, which gives you a feel-good atmosphere in the morning.

A shower curtain with a sophisticated and modern surface - a new and pleasant atmosphere is a great way to start your day. 

Popular in Europe - sheets!

It's always a challenge to find beautiful sheets, that fit to your color scheme and your interior style. Colors, prints, size - there are so many details, which are determined in finished sheets from a shop.

So, why don't you sew your perfect bed sheets by yourself?

The new extra wide PAPER prints have a special surface finish. The fabric has a beautiful flowing drape and a silky look - perfect for sheets with a noble appearance, aren't they?

Do you also have inspirations, how you can use these beautiful and sophisticated fabrics?

Please, share your ideas with us below this post or on Instagram. I'm excited to read them!

MerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerken

Who are the lucky WINNERS from my last GIVEWAY?

We have three lucky winners: 

CONGRATULATIONS TO

mrose1251 

dianemccandless 

breccachinomakes 

I'm excited to see, what you are going to create with your new Jolly Bars!

And to all participants: I read every single post. You are so inspiring - there were so many great ideas! I enjoyed the last days, it was really fun. 

Yay!

2 modern geometric pillow cases - a DIY project

Winter is coming and you love nothing better than to spend your time in your cozy home? I'm totally with you!

So, what about a new project, that will give your favorite places a new and fresh, but also a comfy style?

I've created a new project pattern called GEOMETRIC PILLOWS. 

They are going well with couches and armchairs, what are you thinking?

The combination of minimalistic graphic prints in a Scandinavian color scheme and the geometric design of the pillows will breath life into your cozy interior design and freshen up the atmosphere. You see: my modern collection FRAGILE goes well with a cozy and winter's mood without creating a cold atmosphere due to the clean style.

The cases have a size of 16"x16", which is perfect for tiny couch-pillows.

The pattern is featured in the MODERN PATCHWORK magazine. 

Modern Patchwork has published the exact step-by-step instructions. They are easily to understand through detailed illustrations. You won't have any problems when you are cutting the single stripes in the right shapes - I promise!

You wonder, how to sew basic envelope backs for pillows?

MODERN PATCHWORK magazine will explain in this issue also two different, but easy ways how to create a pillow back with or without a binding! 

So if you love modern patterns, like to have a guide, which takes you by the hand, and are interested in learn new techniques - check your local magazine retailer or follow the link to visit MODERN PATCHWORKS's website. 

Enjoy reading, 

Brigitte

MerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerkenMerken

Get the exclusive precut - It’s Jolly Bar time!

Have you ever heard from Jolly Bars? 

They are an exclusive precut – invention from Fatquartershop!

Every Jolly Bar includes 42 5“ x 10“ identical cuts. 

The FATQUARTERSHOP offers you a variety of different collections. True Blue, Luster and also my new baby Fragile - all of these beauties are a part of FATQUARTERSHOP'S special precut selection!

And the best of all: 

These Jolly Bar Precuts include a free pattern to make a 62,5“ x 62,5“ quilt!

You also can use that beauties with other gorgeous patterns!

Do you rememeber TWISTED GEESE?

It’s a perfect example for a modern and exciting quilt pattern, which goes well with this smart precut invention! A Jolly Bar includes exactly the set of the main fabrics.

This means that you can save fabric (and also money – YEY!)  So, a Jolly Bar is a great option, if you don’t need all fabrics of a Layer Cake!

I’m so happy that the FATQUARTERSHOP sponsored this giveaway with three of these special precuts!

Everyone has the chance to win one of three Jolly Bars with my new collection FRAGILE!

All you have to do is:

- Follow me on Instagram (@zenchicmoda)

- Follow Fatquartershop on Instagram (@fatquartershop)

- and share your idea for a Jolly Bar Quilt in a comment below my Instagram Post

Good luck,
Brigitte