Hello, friends! Today I’m super excited to be able to finally share photos of our upcoming fabric collection with Moda Fabrics, Emma. Emma was inspired by the quilts made by my grandmother’s maternal grandmother, Emma Wakefield Fitzgarrald. Today I’ll share some fun photos of the fabrics along with a little of Emma’s story. Finally…you’ll see some sneak peeks of some of the quilts I’ve already finished with this delightful group!
Introducing the Emma Fabric Collection
Emma…The Family Story
Emma, born in 1865 in eastern Iowa, began sewing at about the age of 14 when her father purchased a sewing machine. She began a lifetime of sewing making clothing for herself and her brothers. (And she later sewed suits for her husband and clothing for her four children). At some time in her life, she developed a love of quilting. The family story goes that when Grandpa Fitzgarrald went to town with the cream and eggs to trade for groceries, he would often bring home enough fabric for a new dress and apron Emma. (Of course, the scraps were incorporated into her quilts).
While many of her quilts were utilitarian, she also made beautiful blocks and quilts and delighted in using the latest published patterns. Upon her death, her granddaughters were able to divide hundreds of Bear Paw, Dresden, and Grandmother’s Flower Garden blocks to make generational quilts that are treasured by her descendants today.
Emma–Fabric Inspiration
These fabrics are inspired in part by some of the fabrics in the antique quilts treasured by our family and present a nod to the inspirational past with a fresh presentation of the prints and patterns. We hope you enjoy using these beautiful large and petite florals, leaf prints, stripes, dots, and daisies in a beautiful palette of white, coral, red, yellow, green, blue, and light and dark grey today in the quilts you make for your home, for family, and for friends.
Quilts and New Patterns Coming Soon…
I’ll begin sharing the new quilts and patterns as soon as they are finished up and ready to go. Over the past month I’ve sewn four medium to large quilts, a wall hanging, two pillows, and a table runner. And I’ve got a few more things on the table to get finished up as well.
I’ll be back soon to share close-ups of the prints and colorways in this gorgeous group. I hope you enjoyed your first look at our Emma Fabric Collection by Sherri & Chelsi for Moda Fabrics.
Happy quilting!
Jan Weicksel says
Those fabrics are beautiful… Thank you for sharing the history of your family behind it all. I also have a few quilts that were sewn by great aunts and great grandma, and they truly are treasures!
Mary Ellen says
I love the Emma Fabric Collection Sherri and Chelsi!! I can’t wait to see the quilt patterns!
Gail Nash says
The colors and prints are fabulous! Ready for spring. I’m sure they will be a very popular success for you. Who doesn’t love bright and beautiful! Good job….I’m looking forward to seeing how you’ve used them in your quilts. You gals are so creative. Emma would be so proud!
Ruth says
I love the Emma collection! It already thinking about new project ideas!
Tammy Germonto says
I love the new fabric guys! And I love that it’s based on a beloved member of your family! That is so cool. Can’t wait to see more.
Patti says
Maybe my favorite Sherri and Chelsi line yet! The stripes, dots, and small geometric flowers really balance the florals and make this so versatile. Can’t wait to see it in person. Beautiful.
Donna says
I am completely thrilled about this collection! As a quilter and genealogist, the pictures of the collection, Emma’s story, and the photos of Emma’s items inspire me more than my words can say!!! Seeing your pictures and a hint of what you have done with this line has really made my day – – congrats to you and Chelsi for another lovely line! I’m sure it will be a success!!
Jeanette says
Such a nice story and I love the sunny yellow and bright green in your new line. They would make a nice citrus looking quilt.
Melissa Wriglesworth says
Beautiful vibrant colors. Your fabric will make lovely quilts. Thanks for the sneak peak.
Kara says
Such a beautiful collection and tribute to a woman who greatly inspired you. I can’t wait to order some fabric and incorporate it into a reproduction of a quilt my grandmother made.
Denise Vesely says
Beautiful! Those blues… I have been waiting for the fabric to try the Grandmothers Garden Quilt. I think I just found it.
Thank you Sherri and Chelsi
Barbara says
Absolutely love the new Emma fabric line
Am chomping at the bit to get through with rehab a get into my sewing room. Your tutorials are excellent
My first project will be table runners for my granddaughter, she has a beautiful home, and Sunday dinners with their church group.
Nancy A Benedetto says
You always have the most wonderful memories to share. Thank you. I am super excited to be able to sew with Emma.
Debra Taylor says
The story behind this new fabric line just makes my heart smile. I love the new fabrics too. Beautiful!
Kathy says
Living in Iowa and new to quilting (have sewn my whole life), I had to search Emma’s name to discover that she was born and lived very near where we live. I cannot wait to learn more, and I love the colors in this collection!
Beth Garcia says
I CANNOT WAIT TO GET THIS FABRIC!!!! This is by far, my favorite of all your fabric lines!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Rita says
Beautiful!!!!
Kate says
Beautiful fabrics, beautiful colors, all so springy.
Helen L says
Beautiful, happy colors: I’m really loving the blues this time! Congrats on another beautiful line!! Hugs, H
Barb says
Love your new fabric it is Beautiful!! Makes you feel ALIVE. Barb
Faerie Pabich says
Sherri, this collection is amazing! I have some quilts my grandmother made, and they are such treasures! Can’t wait to get this fabric and see all the things! So well done!
Roxane says
I love your new line. It’s beautiful. However I’m still waiting for Seashore Drive. Any update on that.
sherri McConnell says
Thank you! Just heard that the fabrics are supposed to arrive at the Dallas warehouse March 24th and then begin shipping out to shops (and me). Thank you for your patience!
Trish Britton- Gorman says
This is my absolute favourite of your lines. Well done to both of you. What a legacy Emma has left … she could never have imagined the world in 2022 but she would be immeasurably proud of how you have carried her love affair with fabric and quilting to where you have to date. And not only that but Billy is taking on the male role that Emma’s husband did in helping to foster that love amongst all your worldwide followers via podcast and YouTube. I hope you are so proud of what you have achieved and the joy that Emma, you, Chelsi, Billy and all the behind the scenes helpers bring to us all. Well done!
Marlene McMeans says
Beautiful fabric’! I am from Iowa and am very interested in where Emma was from.