Happy Anniversary!

This weekend is the anniversary of this iteration of The Cotton Patch! 

The Cotton Patch has been around a long time - just about 20 years in all.  For those that don't know, The Cotton Patch was started by former owner Judith Locke, although I'm unsure what the year was!  I remember mom going there when I was in middle school, so maybe the late 90s?  I know someone can hop in the comments section and set me right!  But mom worked for Judith for a few years already, when in 2009 she asked mom to buy the store.  Mom thought she was joking, but...

-- 12 years later --

...here we are!  The last 12 years have gone by awesomely fast, it's like we blinked our eyes and the decade was gone!  We are so happy and grateful to have spent the last 12 years doing what we love and having the privilege to meet so many wonderful people along the way.  It has been Diane's dream come true to be a shop owner, and she revels in the fact she can be in the shop talking, laughing, and creating with so many fun, talented people.

First, we want to thank you - yes, YOU specifically.  If it weren't for you - everyone who comes in, shops online, reads our newsletters and blogs, stops by our show booths, and follows us on Facebook - we wouldn't be here now.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has stuck with us through the years and become our friends and to everyone who is just visiting for the first time.  We are blessed to have you here and for the friendhsip and community you have given us.  

We also want to recognize the people who make the shop what it is at the counter and behind the scenes.  

• Carol is such a talented quilter and appliquer. Her opinion is counted on a lot (when she says, "oh yuck"). She has saved our backside many times too!
• Rosie keeps everything from our kits to block of the months and pre-cuts looking nice. She is so kind about it and says "That's ok I will help you Diane." We appreciate all she does for us and her laughter. She has a great sense of color too!
• Donna keeps Diane on her toes and laughing too. She knows all too well that Diane's folding abilities leave something to be desired (we kid - kinda). She is in charge of taking the Linus Quilts to Portland. Her wit is something we all look forward to. She is a fantastic foundation piecer and teacher.
• KJ does our sign language interpretation for block of the month. We are delighted to have her so we can be more inclusive to all our quilters. KJ also is growing so much as a quilter and it has been fun to see her develop and get her style.
• Sharon has wonderful ideas and helps so much with making samples. Not only does she do that she has been at the counter helping customers. She is another extrememly talent seamstress.
• Ardith retired earlier, but she and Diane had lots of fun working together and we've never known anyone that loves to sew like she does. She always has great ideas and creative ways.
• Lily is our newest member of The Cotton Patch family. She works the counter and does samples. She is a lovely person and we've never seen anyone catch on so fast. It's awesome and we're happy she's here with us.

For those that don't know, we're a family-owned shop, so family keeps this barge afloat too.

• Diane of course owns the shop and it's her vision that's made the shop what it is now. She is a lifelong sewist and draws on that experience to make the shop so well rounded. There wouldn't be a Cotton Patch without her!
• Mychal is Diane's son who handles a lot of the instrumental behind the scenes things that keeps us moving like the store website, computer orders, and the banking. He also works at the counter too (and knows his stuff!)
• John is Diane's "son-in-law" and when he is not working as a Park Ranger and fire fighter (the guy is going to have a busy summer), does our social media, videos and advertisments. He is really good and does such a professional job!
• Lauren is Diane's daughter, and she does so much from samples, proofing my patterns, fabric ordering, working behind the counter, and curating the blog (she tries not to break the fourth wall but can't help it - hi!). She helps with the day to day decisions too.
• Lee is Diane's husband of 35 years and knows my sewing madness. He has seen it since the beginning and I am so thankful that when I came home from work 13 years ago he said if you want to, go for it. He also helps in shop helping at counter or hanging quilts.

We are so excited for what the years to come bring - we're not slowing down any time soon.  And, if I were you, I'd keep an eye to the Facebook page and your Newsletter :-) 

Color Theory, the Series! Part VII: Making Color Work for You

Choosing color for your quilt doesn't have to be a scary or overwhelming experience.  Over the last six editions of this series you've learned the basics of Color Theory and have some good foundational tools in your "Color Choice Toolbelt." Thankfully, fabrics are pretty easy to audition and swap in and out as you want to!  

A good rule of thumb is to start with a focus fabric that will be prevalent in your quilt, from which you can choose accompanying colors. Sometimes it's obvious which colors you want to put with your piece...but sometimes? Not. So. Much. 

Look, I'm not the Queen of the World (yet...) so I can't tell you how to manage your quilt making process but I can offer some things to consider.  These are some broad brushstrokes, so keep in mind there are always going to be exceptions, but these are some good places to start:

• What kind of fibers will you be working with - cotton, batiks, flannel, wool, silk, wovens, etc? This is important to consider since some fibers absorb dye differently. Batiks and cottons tend to be more saturated with dye, and so they run the gamut from pastel to bright to dark with ease. Flannels can be bright, but more often than not you'll find darker, more muted colors or very soft pastel colors. Wool comes in all colors, but darker and brighter colors are more prevalent. Wovens tend to be more neutral and tonal. 
• What do you want to achieve with your quilt? That will help determine your color selection. If you are looking to make a comfort quilt, you might shy away from the brighter, more intense colors and opt for something softer and more soothing. If you are looking to do something more contemporary, you might look more into the brights and tonals. If reproduction is your thing, you might seek out more shades and tones. Pastels are more suited for shabby chic, spring and baby quilts, so you might consider pastels for something like that. 
• THERE IS NO HARD AND FAST RULE AS TO WHAT IS THE "RIGHT" COLOR FOR THE JOB. I cannot emphasize that enough! I follow a lot of quilt groups online and there are a whole lot of opinions about what the right and wrong color and style choices are, so mine is just one more opinion in the sea of opinions...but there are no Quilt Police that will haul you away for doing a baby quilt in tonals, a reproduction in pastels or a traditional quilt in brights. Consider who you're making it for, and what they like and what purpose it will serve. Everyone has a different eye and likes different things so COLOR CHOICE IS SUBJECTIVE. Color Theory helps you get to the place you want to go with your color choices.  

As we talked about early in the series, colors evoke certain feelings and ideas. Google search "color meanings" and you'll find all kinds of things!

Note, we at The Cotton Patch are not psychologists...and not totally sure this is actual psychology.  But, you get the idea.  Colors evoke feelings and meaning universally (though the meanings may vary by time period and by culture...you get the point.)

Here's a high level breakdown of colors and the effects they achieve on their own. When you combine them in certain ways, they bounce off each other differently:

• Red: An active color, red will pop out from darker, cooler colors. It has warm intensity.
• Orange: Also an active color, it pops from darker, cooler colors as well. It is bright and gives quilts an energetic feel.  In its shades, rust lends a quilt a lot of warm richness. 
• Yellow: An active and intense color that will pop against any other, even warm colors. It is warm, crisp, and vibrant. The eye cannot focus on yellow for very long, so placing pops of yellow in a quilt forces the eye to move around the piece. It also gives quilts a cheerful and sunny feel.
• Green: This is generally a more passive color that retreats when placed with warmer colors, but if the hue/tint is bright enough, it can pop depending on what it is placed with. Green helps give quilts a fresh, clean, and calm ambiance.
• Blue: Unless it is a very bright blue paired with other cool colors, blue is a passive color that retreats in the background. It will give your quilt a tranquil feel no matter the shade, and in the tonals it grounds the piece. Blue can be vibrant and energetic, but overall it is a calming influence.
• Purple: As with green, the intensity and brightness of purple can change whether it pops or retreats. Generally though, it retreats and gives the quilt a fresh, feminine, or rich and regal feel. 
• Neutrals: I'm going to go ahead an use this umbrella term for browns, grays, beiges, taupes, tans, creams and everything in between. Neutrals tend to recede because they are mostly paired with a more dominant color.  They give quilts a calm, earthy, simple beauty and a place for the eye to rest.
• White: White quickly dominates a quilt, and can overpower the colors it's paired with. Colors appear less bright with white with them, but also appear fresher and clearer than with black, as seen below:

• Black: As seen above, black makes other colors, including white, pop. Because of its darkness, it dominates a quilt visually while still letting other fabrics be the stars.  Depending on what you choose to use as a background, the color you use on top of it may look different because of how the two colors play together based on where they are located on the color wheel. For example:

A few other Color Theory Pro Tips:

• Color is important, but value is even moreso. You can have all of the range of color in the world but still have a flat quilt if it's all the same tint/tone/shade. Quilts need light, medium and dark fabrics to create depth. that doesn't mean every quilt needs black and white, but in whatever colors you choose, having both ends of the spectrum as well as the mid tone helps create richness, depth and that "Pop Factor" that quilters love.
• Cooler, darker colors tend to recede when places with brighter, warmer colors. If you want a portion of your block to pop, consider using the brighter complement as the focus of that block.
• Monochromatic (using the hue, tints, tones and shades of one color only) quilts are nothing to sneeze at. While only using one color, the value is what makes the quilt so visually impactful.
• Proportion of color and value is what gives your quilt its life - The dominant color is both the color you use the most of, or what your eye is drawn to quickest. Your sub-dominant colors are the colors that take up less area than the dominant color, but play well with the dominant. The accent is the color that takes up the least space, but contrasts the most with the sub-dominant and dominant color(s). Dividing your color choices into those groups can help organize and guide the direction of your quilt. Without stating it outright, most quilt patterns do this for you on the required yardage page
• Super stuck?  This Palette Picker is a great help to illustrate how your colors will interact if you're having a hard time visualizing. It's come in handy for me more than once!

Do you have some of your own helpful tricks and tips to making color work for you? Add them in the comments below!

Backing Day is Monday, May 31st!

Here's a reminder from your friendly neighborhood Cotton Patch that Backing Day is this Monday, May 31st! 

If you're new here and don't know what Backing Day is...

Bring in your finished quilt tops (100% complete, no more borders to add, done) on the last day of the month and receive 25% off your backing of choice, even Clearance!

The usual rules apply:

• If the last day of the month falls on a Sunday when we're closed, then Backing Day is the day before (Saturday). 
• Discount valid on single-fabric backings only.  Sorry, this is not valid on several cuts of different fabrics for a pieced backing.  
  
• Sale prices not combinable with any other offer (this includes deals from Five Stars, redeeming points, and coupons)
• Sale prices good in-store only on the sale day and limited to stock on-hand. 

We can't wait to see what you've created - see you on the 31st!

Color Theory, the Series! Part VI: Shades

 

I couldn't resist!  Who doesn't love a good Maggie Smith meme?  And indeed...the SHADE of it all.  Because this week is all about Shades.  

We've finally made it to the chocolatey center of the Tootsie Roll Pop that is our trusty Color Wheel:

Now... you may have already guessed...but Shades are Hues plus Black.  We often use the word "shade" colloquially to denote the different colors within a color (shades of pink, shades of blue, etc.) that aren't necessarily dark, light, or mid-tone, but I'll be the party pooper to say that's not technically correct.  But then again, since when are colloquialisms technically correct?  But we're talking about Color Theory here, not linguistics, so here a Shade is simply the dark versions of a color. 

Just like with Tones, because black is multi-colored, the effect can be wide ranging, from intensifying the color to a dark, rich color (for example, mixing red with a red-based black), or to counteract the warmness/coolness of it (for example, mixing a red with a green based black). Shades can range from just slightly darker than mid-tone, to almost black, depending on how much black is mixed with the original color. 

hades are great for pairing with brighter colors to make them pop, or pairing with other shades to create a sense of depth and richness. They work very well in masculine quilts and contemporary quilts, and are prevalent in reproductions and Primitives.  

Here's a gorgeous example of Shades and Tones together.  There's nothing boring about this quilt even though it's in a range of Shades - the colors are just beautifully rich. 

Have you made a quilt with all shades?  Would you ever consider it?  Post your response in the comments below!

Introducing the Secret Stash Program! FAQs

What is the Secret Stash Program?

• A subscription box for any quilter who wants to build and diversify their stash, or branch out and try some new and different fabric styles they might not check out on their own! 
• Choose your own adventure from Solids, Blenders, Batiks, or Prints
• Receive a Secret Stash Box for $30 every month containing a minimum of four specially curated Fat Quarters from high quality manufacturers (including but not limited to: Benartex, Art Gallery, Clothworks, In the Beginning, Henry Glass, and more), a Pattern, and a Wild Card item following that month’s theme for your chosen category (Solids, Blenders, Batiks, or Prints)

 How do I join?
Call the shop at 503-463-1880 or stop by to sign up.  Choose from Solids, Blenders, Batiks, or Prints for your subscription.  Sign up is free; charges start the following month with your first box.  Shipping address and credit card authorization required at time of sign up.

How much is the subscription?
It is $30 per month for one calendar year from the first box you receive.  Shipping is included in the monthly fee. 

Can I pay for the whole year at once?
No, this is a pay-per-month program only.  We understand the convenience of a lump sum payment, but since we are a small operation, keeping the payment method and schedule uniform between all participants makes managing payments as simple and trackable as possible. 

What are the fabric category options?
Solids, Blenders, Batiks, or Prints

What do I get in each box?
You will receive a minimum of five specially curated Fat Quarters from high quality manufacturers, a pattern, a Wild Card item following that month’s theme for your chosen category.  Every box’s retail value is greater than the monthly charge.  You will also receive limited time deals and discounts for use in-store and online that are exclusive to this program!

Can I sign up for more than one box?
Absolutely!  Each box is $30 per month. 

What is the value of each box?
Each box has a retail value greater than the monthly charge but varies depending on the items included.    

How long is the subscription?
One calendar year from your first box.

Why is a credit card and shipping address required at sign up?
This is a pay-per-month, mail order program.  This information is required to be able to charge and ship your box to you on the 15^th of every month, or the following business day should the 15^th fall on a Sunday when the shop is closed. 

How does The Cotton Patch protect my card and mailing information?
Your information is kept in a locked filing cabinet, and not shared with anyone.  It is used solely for your monthly subscription charge and will never be used for any other reason.  If you choose to cancel, or not renew at the end of the subscription period, your information will be returned to you to dispose of as you see fit – it will in no way be retained by the shop. 

What if my card on file cannot be charged?
You will be notified by phone that the monthly charge did not go through; it is up to you to call or come in to provide updated payment information.  Your subscription will be paused, and you will not receive that month’s box or any subsequent boxes until new payment information is provided. 

I missed a box or two because my payment information needed to be updated – can I still receive the boxes I missed?
You will still be charged for the month your payment information did not go through, but if subsequent months were missed for this reason, you will not be able to retroactively receive those months as a box was not prepared for you for the months there was no payment information.  Your subscription will resume on the month new payment information was received. 

When do I get my box?
We use USPS Standard Flat Rate shipping and ship on the 15^th of the month (or the next business day should the 15^th fall on a Sunday when the shop is closed).  Three to five business days is typical, but shipping times may vary based on where you live in proximity to the shop (in state versus out of state) and the time of year (anticipate shipping delays during the holiday season). 

Can I track the shipment?
We will retain the tracking number for the shipment in our records – please give us a call if you’d like the tracking number.

Is the secret stash box eligible for points or rewards?
You will earn points on your monthly charge, but rewards are not redeemable on programs per our normal in-store policy on points and rewards redemptions. 

Can I pick up my secret stash box in-store?
No, this is a mail order program only.  We understand it may be very easy to pop in and pick up, but we are a small operation and this keeps the program streamlined and easy to manage. 

I don’t like the box I received this month – can I return it?
Part of the fun of the Secret Stash Program is branching out and getting fabrics you may not have considered before, but with that fun comes risk – you may not always like every single piece you get.  Monthly boxes are final sales and non-refundable once charged and shipped; they contain pre-cut fabrics and copyrighted patterns, which per our normal in-store Return Policy are non-returnable items unless physically damaged or defective.   Check out our blog post “Tips for Using Hard-to-Use Fabrics” for ideas on what to do with cuts you don’t like as much, consider a gifting to or swapping with a friend, or donating to your local guild.

Can I exchange or return a single item from the box that I don’t like or already own?
No; the Secret Stash Box is not customizable in that way.  Additionally, the box contains item that per our normal in-store Return Policy are non-returnable.  Exchanges are only honored if an item is damaged or defective at the discretion of the shop.  Check out our blog post “Tips for Using Hard-to-Use Fabrics” for ideas on what to do with cuts you don’t like as much, consider a gifting to or swapping with a friend, or donating to your local guild.

An item I received is damaged or defective – how can I get it replaced?
Contact the shop by email at thecottonpatch@msn.com and let us know – please include a picture of the damaged or defective item.  The damaged/defective item will be exchanged for a new version of the same item (if available) or reasonable substitution at the shop’s discretion free of charge and shipped to your address on file. 

Can I change my fabric choice(s)?
Fabric choices can be changed on a quarterly basis.  We will remind you of this option every quarter, however, it is up to you to call us and notify us that you want to change.  We’re a small operation and this keeps it simple to keep track of everyone’s choices. 

How do I renew my subscription?
You will receive a reminder in your Secret Stash Box on the month before your subscription is up.  Call the shop or stop by in person to renew.  Your subscription will NOT automatically renew if you don’t contact us for renewal. 

How do I cancel my subscription?
You may cancel your subscription at any time; if you cancel before the 15^th of the month, the cancellation will be effective that same month.  If you cancel after the month’s boxes have been charged and shipped, the cancellation will be effective for the following month. 

Sign-ups for the Secret Stash Program are open NOW!  The first boxes will go out in July 2021!

Color Theory, the Series! Part V: Tones

 It's time to revist our handy dandy Color Wheel, and this time, we're looking at the third ring - Tones! (Not ringtones...those are different 😂 ...no?  I'll show myself out.)

Not that the graphic isn't a total spoiler, but uh, Tones are the Hue plus Grey.  Not to wax philosophical here, but to me, grey is not a tone.  It's white and black, which depending on which was added to which, makes it either a Tint or a Shade but Shades are for next time!  

There are just about endless variations of grey because of the different blacks the white could get mixed with.  This means Tones actually have a deceptively broad range of color and warmth/coolness.  Depending on who you talk to, this is where you'll find your Neutrals too:

Again, the same Warm/Cool, Analogous/Complementary (WC/AC Rules henceforth) apply to Tones as well. Tones make for great additions to masculine quilts, and are extremely useful in creating shadow and depth for landscape quilts. They also offset bright colors very well, and give those colors a "glowing" effect. Tones are also prevalent in Primitives and reproduction style quilts as they're more muted than their counterparts.  

This is a good example of a quilt featuring Tones - excluding the gold, see how the purples and peaches are greyed down, even the darker pieces?

How do you like to use Tones - are they your neutrals, or do you like them as the focus?  Share your preferences in the comments below!

Backing Day is Friday, 4/30/21!

Here's a reminder from your friendly neighborhood Cotton Patch that Backing Day is this Friday, April 30th! 

If you're new here and don't know what Backing Day is...

Bring in your finished quilt tops (100% complete, no more borders to add, done) on the last day of the month and receive 25% off your backing of choice, even Clearance!

The usual rules apply:

• If the last day of the month falls on a Sunday when we're closed, then Backing Day is the day before (Saturday). 
• Discount valid on single-fabric backings only.  Sorry, this is not valid on several cuts of different fabrics for a pieced backing.  
  
• Sale prices not combinable with any other offer (this includes deals from Five Stars, redeeming points, and coupons)
• Sale prices good in-store only on the sale day and limited to stock on-hand. 

We can't wait to see what you've created - see you on the 30th!