Introducing It Takes a Village by Jennifer Long of Sew a Story for Riley Blake Designs(in stores October 2024)
"It takes a village to raise a child" is an African proverb that conveys the idea that an entire community of people must work together to provide for and positively influence children, so they can grow in a safe and healthy environment. As adults, we know that supportive communities teach children about our interconnected world.
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This fabric collection was designed to uplift some of the amazing people that make up the wonderful communities we share, including medical professionals, firefighters, and police officers. It truly does take a village!Â
Play with, honor, and support everyone in YOUR "village" with Sew A Story quilt patterns, playful and discovery fabrics, felt dolls, 3D rescue truck bags, and so much more! What community projects will you make with this Fabric Collection? The possibilities are endless.
It Takes a Village Quilt Patterns
Let's explore the quilt patterns coming as part of this exciting new fabric collection! These patterns will release in October 2024 when the fabric line comes to stores.
I'm so excited to add three new quilts to my popular "Be A" series of quilts. When the recipient lays under this quilt, they become the firefighter, police officer, or medical professional. How fun is that?! These confident beginner-level quilts are traditionally pieced and each finish at 60" x 72".
(Pictured: Be a Firefighter, Be a Police Office, and Be a Medical Professional)
You'll zoom along while sewing this fun throw quilt! Cars and trucks speed along the roads, stopping at signs along the way, in this beginner-level and traditionally-pieced quilt. Children will especially love displaying the quilt on their bed or using it as a large play mat. The quilt finishes at 72" x 72".
(Pictured: Rush Hour)
Celebrate the heroes in your community with a throw quilt featuring a police car, an ambulance, and a fire truck driving through a neighborhood. This fun and happy, confident beginner quilt pattern is traditionally pieced and finishes at 70" x 92".
I'm hosting a QAL for this quilt starting January 8. You can sign up for more info here (scroll down on the page until you see the quilt photo and sign-up box).
(Pictured: Save the Day)
It Takes a Village Craft Patterns
Let's explore the craft patterns coming as part of this exciting new fabric collection! These patterns will release in October 2024 when the fabric line comes to stores.
Send your child to school in style with a school bus shaped pencil pouch! This 11.5" x 2.5" x 5.5" pouch has a zippered top to keep supplies safely inside.
(Pictured: School Bus Pencil Case)
Keep toys organized and confined with a set of fabric bins designed to look like buildings in a neighborhood. This beginner-level pattern comes with four bin patterns (and a bonus bin pattern) in two sizes: 12" x 12" x 12" and 9" x 9" x 12".
I'm hosting a SAL for this quilt starting December 4. You can sign up for more info here (scroll down on the page until you see the photo and sign-up box).
(Pictured: City Toy Bins)
Be prepared by sewing a First Aid Kit for your home, car, or office. The zippered bag is large enough to hold the essentials, but small enough to fit inside a backpack or purse to carry on the go. The beginner-level pattern comes with instructions to make the bag in three sizes.
(Pictured: First Aid Kit)
Keep an EpiPen close-at-hand with a small pouch that wraps around your waist. This 8" x 2 1/2" pouch has a zipper to keep EpiPens safely inside.
(Pictured: EpiPen Pouch)
This bench pillow turns individually pieced skyscrapers into a fun skyline design. This pattern comes with instructions to make a day and a night version of the pillow, so you can showcase your city in different light. The pattern is traditionally pieced and finishes at 15" x 38".
(Pictured: Cityscape Bench Pillow)
It Takes a Village Panels
Let's explore the two panels that are a part of the It Takes a Village collection.
It Takes a Village Play Mat Panel is a cotton fabric and it measures 36" x 43". It's the perfect size for the center of a quilt -- just add borders and some basic quilting to finish it. Children will love using it as a play mat for hours of enriching play. The panel could also be fun cut up as large floor pillows, toy bins, or travel totes. You could also fussy-cut pieces and embroider them as cute wall art! I can't wait to see all the creative things people do with this panel!
Teach, play and act out the heroes in your community with the It Takes a Village Felt Doll & Bag set! The high-quality felt panel measures 36" x 68" I'm hosting a SAL for this project starting on November 6. This sew along will walk you through cutting, stitching, and embellishing felt dolls, as well as stitching zippered truck pouches in which to carry the pieces.
You can sign up for more info here (scroll down on the page until you see the photo and sign-up box).Â
Info for Quilt Shops!
Are you a physical or online shop? Are you interested in carrying our fabrics and/or patterns? You can order the It Takes a Village Fabric through your favorite wholesaler or checkout Riley Blake Designs or Checkers Distributors!Â
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Shops can pre-order the It Takes a Village Fabric, Panel, and Quilt Patterns NOW by setting up a wholesale account and ordering directly through the Riley Blake Designs Website.
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Are you a customer? Please ask your favorite Local Quilt Shop or online retailer to order in the It Takes a Village fabric collection! I can hardly wait until October 2024!