Patch Abilities Inc.

8 Dec: Subscribe to the New Monthly Calendar

We're super excited about this Monthly Mini program for 2023, featuring our first 2-piece design

We've talked about it and it's even on our website.
But how do you buy it?

Well, I'm glad you asked!

One of the most convenient ways to take part is by subscribing at Merry's Stitchins:

The advantage of signing up with Merry's (or other shops we'll feature in future newsletters) is that it's ALL INCLUSIVE:

~ Pattern
~ Fabric
~ Buttons
~ Stand
~ Top-Notch Advice
~ And More

Oh, and you like traditional applique? Merry's has that.

No? You prefer to do these in wool? Merry's has that.

Oops, you want machine embroidery? Merry's has that.

See the pattern here?
(pun intended)

Each month has a super cute pattern and a monthly header ...

Where do you think Julie gets the awesome fabric for her own models?

Yep: Merry's Stitchins

So, join the subscription at Merry's and you'll get the exact fabrics that match the front cover?

Traditional Applique, Machine Embroidery, Wool ... so many options!

Catalog!

It's finally here:

The most comprehensive catalog in the history of history

Click here or the image below to download your copy of our latest full line catalog

See what's new, the classics, the monthly programs, the hangers, the buttons, and everything else:

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

563-778-2101
or at info@patchabilities.com

6 Aug 2022: Online Fall Programs & Events with Patch Abilities Patterns

Fall Happens Now

I love summer, but it's a great time to start thinking about fall ... and we'll hit Halloween a bit later:

Newer Fall Patterns




Machine Embroidery Versions



If You Haven't Seen It, It's New To You ... AKA, Classics!

Cool Shop Goings-On

We want to highlight two shops that are doing pretty cool things that you can participate in ... no matter where you are!

The Quilted Cow

While this shop is physically located outside of Branson, MO, they do an absolute TON of Facebook Live events and online classes.

They host a Party in Your PJs with the Quilted Cow on Wednesday evening to feature patterns, fabric, notions, and everything else.

Click the image below for more info:

It's tons of fun with giveaways and other things.

Also, they host online classes.

They are currently registering people for a new 3-Week class featuring our MM12-9 At The Pumpkin Patch pattern.

Beginner Applique with Jennifer:

Class starts September 5.

Check out their Facebook page or the Quilted Cow website to join up with this program or any of their other events.

Barnegat Bay Dyeworks

Our friends at Barnegat Bay Dyeworks specialize in wool projects.
We've featured them before, but it's been fun to see their new fall projects this year.

Click on the images below for more information:

They do such a wonderful job of crafting unique wool projects and kitting them up with the BEST fabrics.

Check them out!

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

info@patchabilities.com
563-778-2101
or at info@patchabilities.com

Thank you for being part of our tribe.
~Julie & the Patch Abilities Team

16 July 2022 Newsletter: Christmas in July

Tomorrow's Patterns Are Made Today

... or something like that, anyway.

Right now in Iowa, it's hot. It's humid. We haven't even made it to the August heat, yet. But, it's actually time to start thinking about those fall and winter patterns.
Yikes!

For those following on our FaceBook page, you already saw a pretty cool sneak peek at our October Mystery Pattern. That will drop in about 3 weeks -- if you're not in our MPOM program, then visit your local shop, because they won't be on our website anytime soon.

But, there's no time like July to recharge the batteries and begin thinking about snowmen, Christmas trees, and hot cocoa.

I just did a quick check and we have around 100 winter and Christmas-themed patterns. So, if you wanted to wallpaper your house in Christmas Patch Abilities patterns, we have you covered!

Here are four patterns that maybe you haven't seen before:

The P167 Vintage Santa is also available as a Machine Embroidery project.

I'll let you discover the other 90+ patterns on your own.

We are busy working on some really cool fall projects. I can't divulge too much right now, but we're getting excited about expanding into more usable projects.

We've been talking about the tote bags:

What's coming will be some additional fun stuff. We'll always have tons of wall hangers and table runners -- we're not changing who we are. We just want to offer some options and this fall will be fun!!

~ Julie and the Patch Abilities Team

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

563-778-2101
or at info@patchabilities.com

2 July Newsletter: Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

We sincerely hope that you all enjoy celebrating the anniversary of our country's independence!

Did you see the tote bags? Well, here they are:

Click on a picture to learn how you can order these projects ... or order the tote bag itself for your own projects.

So, What's Going On? Plenty!

We've been busy with our traditional applique products, too, such as our Mystery Pattern of the Month ...

What, pray tell, is the Mystery Pattern of the Month? Well, I'm glad you asked!

MPOM is our annual monthly program where participants get a new pattern each month ... but it's a mystery. Other than tying each month to the season (you won't get a Halloween pattern in May), the design isn't revealed until you get it.
(And you won't find them on our website.)

Here are some patterns from the 2021 MPOM that participants got immediately last year, but were only recently released out to the general public:

We have many, many shops out there that carry the MPOM patterns. So, just because you're not part of our MPOM subscription doesn't mean you can't shop or purchase the MPOM patterns.

Here are three participating shops, but there are many more:

Merry's Stitchins in Iowa
Bits 'n Pieces in New Hampshire
My Sewing Room in Canada

Call or email us for a shop in your area, if you're interested in the MPOM program!

Shop Spotlight: The Witch's Stitches

Diana Riesbeck and her team out in Big Flats, New York have a wonderful shop:

I've talked to Diana and she is definitely no witch, but I think you'll love her shop. As she aptly says, "Helping our customers make their crafting vision a reality is the best part of our day. We’re here to assist, admire, and inspire."

And that is exactly why we at Patch Abilities are so proud to feature shops like hers -- they really do excel at supporting the entire customer experience ... and they can help you in ways that we simply cannot: from hands-on technique, to formal classes, to threads, fabrics, and more.

They have an active FaceBook page, so check them out to see what's going on in their world.

You can see the attention to detail in how the team there displays products and projects ... taking time to truly inspire you with a combination of fabrics and ideas:

Stop by their shop, give them a call at: 607–358–4016, or shoot them an email.

Thanks for being part of our newsletter group. Have a safe holiday weekend!
~Julie & the Patch Abilities Team

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

563-778-2101
info@patchabilities.com

18 June 2022 Newsletter: Traditional Applique + A new Multi-Project Pattern

Variety is the Spice of Life

We've been talking a lot about our Machine Embroidery patterns lately. Heck, they're new, they're cool, and we think they're the best ME patterns out there. So, sure, we're excited about them.

But, we didn't change our business ... we didn't stop doing the very thing that built this company:
traditional applique patterns.

We are continuing to crank those guys out, too. For those in our Mystery Pattern of the Month program, you already know this!

Here are a couple you may not have seen before:

Another Super-Duper Pattern

Following along from the P295-ME Home With Patriotic Gnomes pattern we launched, we have the new P293-ME Little Liberty Ball Jar.

This is our second multi-project pattern we've launched for embroidery machines.

"What does that mean?" you ask?
Great question!

It means that you purchase one pattern, but that there are instructions inside for many projects: pillows, wall hangings, table runners, and tote bags are some examples.

It also means that the pattern designs are modular. So, you can drop the ball jar onto anything using a hoop as small as 5x7".

Where does your imagination lead you?
What piece of fabric or clothing demands a Patch Abilities design?

With our modular designs, you can drop the patriotic gnome or the little liberty jar wherever you want, whenever you want.

Next Week:
- Another new pattern
- A cool shop spotlight
- Maybe some shenanigans and ballyhoo

Thank you for being part of our tribe. We sincerely thank you for your business.
~Julie & The Patch Abilities Team

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

563-778-2101
or at info@patchabilities.com

4 June 2022 Newsletter: New Patterns, New Hangers, & Tote Bags, Oh My!

NEW: Portability & Flexibility with Machine Embroidery

Julie has been working to make our ME patterns even more flexible. Let's look at a NEW ME launch:  P159-ME Sew Necessary

That's an awesome project in its own right. So, we're done, right?
Not so fast!

What if I wanted to lift up that cute tomato pincushion and use it on something else? Can I do that? Am I allowed to do that?

And that's what we're doing now -- we want you to be able to build a library of designs so that you can do your own projects!

Not every shape is available today, but that's where we're going ... so that when you buy an ME pattern, you start building your library of Patch Abilities designs.

So, this is an effort to better support that true DIY spirit you all have.

And, with that in mind, here is a new pattern we're launching: P295-ME Home with a Patriotic Gnome:



This is available for pre-order today by clicking the image above.

The P295-ME Home with Patriotic Gnomes is our first multi-use, multi-project pattern. Yeah, we're excited about this.

Sure, we have instructions for the basic table runner, wall hanger, and pillow. Those are great.

But, what about putting it on a towel?



Or, even better, add a slick rope-handled tote to your order and make that your next project:

Tote Bags are available for a limited time only!

These are pre-orders that we expect to begin shipping the week of June 13.

Next Level Machine Embroidery

We've been talking about our machine embroidery patterns for a while now. We think they're great and we know you'll love them.

A couple weeks back, Julie talked about the options we give you on stitching -- blanket stitch and satin stich. That video is still on our Facebook page, so click here to check that out.

But Wait! There's More!!
Isn't there always? Ha ha!

But, seriously, when you grab one of our ME patterns, it's truly a 3-in-1 set of instructions:

1. Satin stitch instructions for your embroidery machine
2. Blanket stitch instructions for your embroidery machine
3. Traditional instructions for good, old-fashioned sewing machines and hand embroidery

With the same kit, you could do each of these:

OK, there's only two pics, but the second one is blanket stitch -- you can do this on your sewing machine or with your embroidery machine. Note that the embroidery machines can embroider the buttons, too!

All three projects are included with every ME pattern. You'll get a printed set of instructions and you'll get the digital PDF instructions on our handy USB stick.

What About Digital Downloads?

After all, these are digital files, so why can't you just download them in this digital age we're all living in?

Simple: We want you to shop local.

See, we just can't offer the same level of service that your local shops can -- advice, troubleshooting, fabrics, temporary adhesive spray, batting, thread, and so on. We don't compare to your local shop in any of these areas -- you'll have a better experience when shopping with them.

We don't have downloadable ME files ... But, they can certainly offer our ME files for download.

We encourage our partner shops to carry all of our products in their digital form. So, please, ask your shops for these things -- the more you ask, the more responsive they'll be to you.

Sun & Fun

Hot off the blacksmith's anvil is this new hanger.

Yep, Julie designed this herself and it's part of our Mystery Pattern of the Month program.

For those in the program, you'll be seeing this very soon. For everyone else, you can grab one of these hangers today!

This pairs perfectly with many of our beach-themed and summer patterns:






Note that the MM807 Beach Hut is available as both a traditional and an ME pattern!

If you follow us on Facebook, you already know that I absolutely get a thrill when I see what you all are doing with our patterns. I love seeing your fabric choices. I have seen people take table runner patterns and turn them into pillows. It's awesome!

Share them on Facebook or email me at andy@patchabilities.com.

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

info@patchabilities.com
563-778-2101
or at info@patchabilities.com

21 May 2022 Newsletter: We're Going to Have You In Stitches

In today's newsletter:
1. Different stitches in Machine Embroidery (plus a FaceBook Live event)
2. Feature Shop: Wise Monkey (IA)
3. Sneak Peek at some upcoming Machine Embroidery patterns

We'll Have You in Stitches!

We've been talking about our Machine Embroidery line of products for months now. We think it's pretty cool and we've received tons of great feedback from those of you who have used them.

But something dawned on us: we have got to explain the stitching!!

See, one of the things we did with our patterns was to offer two stitching options. This is really cool and something not often found among Machine Embroidery patterns out there.

1. Satin Stitch. This is the typical stitching we're all used to seeing from embroidery machines.

2. Blanket Stitch. This gives the effect of a hand-stitched product but has the convenience of using your awesome embroidery machine. We at Patch Abilities think this is the best of both worlds.

Here's a two-for-one:
(1) This is a sneak peek at a new super project (wall hanger, table runner, pillow, etc.) that will be coming out in early June and
(2) it shows a side-by-side of blanket stitch (left) and satin stitch (right):

The above are the same exact pattern performed by the same exact embroidery machine. The only difference is the type of stitching that was used.

Which is best?
Obviously, the best one is the one that you like best. And, that's precisely why we added these options -- because we're all different and we like to have options.

Ever heard of a Ted Talk? We're going to do you one better: We'll be doing a Julie Talk on Tuesday at 11:00 AM CDT (9:00 AM PDT/12:00 PM EDT) on our FaceBook site.

This will be a quick ~15 minute walk through of the difference between satin stich and blanket stitch with Machine Embroidery:

- How does the placement stitch interact with your fabric
- How do you use applique vs fabric
- How are the techniques similar and different
- And more!

Join us for this FaceBook Live Event!

In the end, we want you to better understand how you can use either of these stitches to create the look and feel that you prefer.

Wise Monkey ... That Funky Monkey

Our featured shop this week is Wise Monkey, an Iowa quilt shop owned and operated by
Amy and Randy Healy. They have a wonderful shop & a full online shopping experience.

(and, sorry for this section's title... but, every time Amy or Randy call, Julie starts singing old-school Beastie Boys' Brass Monkey. Yeah, for real!)

My friend Randy is the Charlie Daniels of the cutting machine!

What does that mean?

It means that he's busy cutting fabrics up to the exact sizes you need for your projects. Bundles of perfectly sized fabrics, complete project kits, and all kinds of other helpful pre-cuts will put you on the fast-track to completing your Patch Abilities pattern.

Here's an example of our famous P227 Cardinals in Winter Trees pattern that comes with a pre-cut applique kit. Click Here.

Amy is absolutely prolific on FaceBook, too, with regular video feeds and helpful tips.

Check out the Wise Monkey FaceBook page.

In addition to their super-cool pre-cuts, Wise Monkey offers a slew of fabric, patterns, and accessories. They offer classes and even have a quilting retreat built onto their business.

Give them a call at (712) 393-7979 or shoot them an email to see how they can help you.

You've Arrived At the Sneak Peek

These Machine Embroidery designs will be at your local shops in early June:

This is a re-imagining of our P244 Liberty Bell Jar. It's been resized for embroidery machines and spruced up a bit.

This creation draws from the P175 Fizzlin' Firecrackers, but has been mapped to a few new projects ... like table runners and pillows.

And, of course, we already showed our Machine Embroidery version of our P292 Patriotic Gnome above.

This little guy is going to be part of our most ambitious pattern to date with a variety of project ideas included.

We're not just putting these into Machine Embroidery formats, we're making these designs portable ... that means you can lift up these shapes and designs and drop them onto whatever you want.

I want a Patriotic Gnome embroidered hoodie sweatshirt! Well, that will soon be possible.

We will begin rolling these patterns out to your local shops very soon ... so be sure to shop local and ask for your favorite Patch Abilities designs.

Everything's Digital

All of our patterns are available in digital format ... but we're a little behind on our website uploads.

That's sort of what happens when you have 350 patterns and never discontinue any of them ... not to mention the hangers and buttons we have.

So, if you're not seeing what you need, give us a holler. We can help you out.

We're always happy to hear from you, so don't hesitate to email, call, or comment at our FaceBook page.

~Julie & the Patch Abilities Team

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

563-778-2101
or at info@patchabilities.com

7 May 2022 Newsletter: How 'Bout Some Pillow-Talk?

Picture-Perfect Pillow

A few weeks ago, I told you about Jackie and Quilter's Dream in Loveland, CO. (They have a FaceBook page, too.)

Well, she and her team are at it again. They started with our P292 Patriotic Gnome pattern:

And, then they took it to the next level ... or maybe the level above that:

I absolutely love the wide, bold navy blue border they put on this pattern.

Then, they just got crazy and blew the doors off of the joint:

You don't need me to tell you that that's a pillow, but ...

That's a PILLOW!

Want to make your Patriotic Gnome pillow?

Give the Quilter's Dream a call at: (970) 461-8373 or click here to contact them.

But, call fast, as supplies are limited.

More Than Just Amazing Designs

We hope you love our designs as much as we do ...

But did you know that our patterns are chalk-full of helpful tips and tricks?

Here are a couple of excerpts on knotting techniques you'll find in our patterns:

There's a ton more in these patterns than cuteness ... though there's plenty of that, too!

More Americana

Last week we focused on those patterns that had both an American and a Canadian design.

This week, I want to show you a few of my other favorites for Americana:

As always, click on pics for more info

Those are just a few... click here for more summer patterns!

We're always happy to hear from you, so don't hesitate to email, call, or comment at our FaceBook page.

~Jule & the Patch Abilities Team

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

563-778-2101
or at info@patchabilities.com

30 April 2022 Newsletter: Summertime is for Americana ... and Canadiana?

Wow, it's already May and, while it's still cold here in Iowa, we're moving rapidly into summertime.

Dang, I love the sound of that!

Here are a couple of selections of Americana-themed patterns -- today we're focusing on those patterns that have a Canadian version, too.

As always, click on an image to learn more about that pattern:









Be sure to add buttons and hangers to complement those designs:

What Are You Doing with Our Patterns?

I absolutely love seeing what you all do ... and occasionally you all share your creations.

Here's what Debra Schmitt Cashman quilted with two of our Machine Embroidery patterns.

Here is MM806-ME Dragonfly Garden with some super fabric choices by Debra

(Yeah, you can definitely pick your own colors!)

Here is her completion of P198-ME Bloomin' Butterfly House.

I LOVE the orange blocking she used:

Check out a finished P247 Welcome Sunflower. This pic was sent to us by Christine Kot:

Want to share your project? Email me!! andy@patchabilities.com

Sneak Peek -- Machine Embroidery Style

Finally, we're introducing some Gnomes into the world of ME

We're starting with P288 Spring Bee Gnome, P290 Lazy Daisy Gnome, and P292 Patriotic Gnome

We'll be combining these patterns up in some clever new ways to add value and options ... we may even add wall hanging versions of these table runners!

Stay tuned!

Thanks and keep on quilting!

~ Julie and the Patch Abilities Team

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

563-778-2101
or at info@patchabilities.com

Patriotic Gnome Launch

P A T R I O T I C G N O M E

This guy is live and available for sale at local shops and on our website. Click here or the image above for more information!

Debbie at Barnegat Bay Dyeworks

This was designed as table runner, but Debbie reimagined it as a wool project wall hanger

Debbie has a complete wool fabric kit waiting for you: click here for the complete pattern & fabric kit.

Patch Abilities Inc.

8 Dec: Subscribe to the New Monthly Calendar

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

6 Aug 2022: Online Fall Programs & Events with Patch Abilities Patterns

Thank you for being part of our tribe.~Julie & the Patch Abilities Team

16 July 2022 Newsletter: Christmas in July

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

2 July Newsletter: Happy Independence Day!

18 June 2022 Newsletter: Traditional Applique + A new Multi-Project Pattern

Thank you for being part of our tribe. We sincerely thank you for your business.~Julie & The Patch Abilities Team

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

4 June 2022 Newsletter: New Patterns, New Hangers, & Tote Bags, Oh My!

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

21 May 2022 Newsletter: We're Going to Have You In Stitches

We're always happy to hear from you, so don't hesitate to email, call, or comment at our FaceBook page.~Julie & the Patch Abilities TeamFor questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

7 May 2022 Newsletter: How 'Bout Some Pillow-Talk?

We're always happy to hear from you, so don't hesitate to email, call, or comment at our FaceBook page.~Jule & the Patch Abilities TeamFor questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

30 April 2022 Newsletter: Summertime is for Americana ... and Canadiana?

Thanks and keep on quilting!~ Julie and the Patch Abilities TeamFor questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

Patriotic Gnome Launch

Thank you for being part of our tribe.
~Julie & the Patch Abilities Team

Thank you for being part of our tribe. We sincerely thank you for your business.
~Julie & The Patch Abilities Team

We're always happy to hear from you, so don't hesitate to email, call, or comment at our FaceBook page.

~Julie & the Patch Abilities Team

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

We're always happy to hear from you, so don't hesitate to email, call, or comment at our FaceBook page.

~Jule & the Patch Abilities Team

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

Thanks and keep on quilting!

~ Julie and the Patch Abilities Team

For questions or comments, feel free to contact us!