Fabric Search: The Hunt for the Perfect Fabric

Making a quilt, for me, is a creative challenge, a sense of accomplishment, and the joy of giving. But one of the biggest challenges can be finding just the right fabric for the project.

It needs to be the right color, the right value, the right design—and a whole host of other things that somehow only make sense once you see the fabric!

When looking for that perfect piece, we typically have two choices: brick-and-mortar quilt shops or online retailers.

But I’ve been wondering… do you shop for fabric differently depending on where you’re shopping?

When I’m in a quilt shop, I may walk in with a specific color in mind, but I’m usually open to whatever catches my eye as I browse the rows of delightful prints. I might discover a fabric I never would have searched for online!

But when I shop online, I find myself being much more specific. I’m often looking for a particular color design from a specific fabric line, or designer.

So, what about you?

Do you approach shopping for fabric differently in a quilt shop versus online?

Are you a “I know exactly what I want” shopper—or a “let me wander the aisles and see what inspires me” shopper?

In the end, I suppose it doesn’t really matter how you find it—as long as you discover that elusive piece of fabric that makes the whole quilt come together. Tell me about your fabric-shopping style in the comments!

Graduation Quilt – A Quilt Back(ing) Story

herringbone quilt

It never fails to amaze me how you can take different fabrics, cut up the pieces and sew them together in a specific order to create these amazing, beautiful, stunning works of art. But sometimes it ends up not being about the quilt, but the one receiving it.

My Hubs immediate family all live in the area. We get together for just about every holiday, birthday and family celebration. Over the years, we’ve added to our immediate family by “adopting” other in: friends from years past and my brother-in-law’s sister’s family. As with all families with kids, they eventually graduate from high school. Now I’ve been blessed with wonderful in-laws and extended family. They are a bunch of “shirt-off-your-back” kind of people. My sister-in-law-once-removed and her family really strive to bless everyone they meet with their words and actions. They live a life with an attitude of gratitude. When the in-law kiddo graduated from high school and I gifted him with a quilt, I was the one who was blessed.

I have to admit, I think buying or making a quilt for a boy is hard. I agonized a bit about what to do and what colors to put in the quilt. In the end I chose a brown and blue and a nice herringbone pattern that wasn’t too out there. I wanted the quilt to last over time and not be too trend driven in the style. I think I hit the right chord.

Opening the quilt

Now I enjoyed making the quilt but it was the look on the graduate’s face that was the best part of the whole process. He didn’t know about the quilt and was so excited and touched that I would choose to give him a quilt, it brought tears to his eyes (and mine). I know that quilt will be loved and cared for over the years and it was worth every minute it took to create.

What’s your favorite back(ing) story? I’d love to hear it!

Stitching a Legacy: My Journey to the 2026 AQS Quilt Shows

The American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek shows have long been a cornerstone of the quilting world, bringing together artists and enthusiasts from across the country. In 2026, those shows feel even more meaningful as they align with the United States’ 250th anniversary—sparking creative tributes rooted in history and national pride.

To mark the occasion, AQS introduced the special traveling exhibit Stars, Stripes & Stitches, a juried collection of 40 quilts that will tour QuiltWeek shows throughout the year. Each piece offers a unique interpretation of the American spirit through fabric, color, and design.

Honored to Be Among 40 Quilters

I’m incredibly honored (and still a bit in disbelief!) to share that my quilt, Anthem of Stars & Stripes, was selected as one of the 40 featured in this exhibit.

Patriotic quilts have a special place in my heart because my sister serves in the military, and I love designing patterns that can be used to honor those serving our country. For this quilt, I focused on using tonal and low-volume prints so the design itself could truly shine. My favorite feature is the radiating “flags” quilted with wavy lines, creating the impression of flags fluttering in the breeze—a small but meaningful tribute to motion, resilience, and freedom.

Being selected from such a talented pool of quilters is both humbling and deeply meaningful. Each quilt in the exhibit tells a story, and together they create a powerful visual celebration of heritage, service, and creativity.

Why I love the AQS Quilt Shows

What makes the 2026 QuiltWeek shows so special is the full experience they offer. Alongside exhibits like Stars, Stripes & Stitches, attendees can explore:

  • World-class quilt displays and special exhibits
  • Educational workshops and lectures
  • A vibrant vendor marketplace
  • A welcoming, creative community

Quilting continues to evolve as an art form, and events like QuiltWeek highlight both its innovation and its enduring traditions.

Looking Ahead

As Stars, Stripes & Stitches travels across the country, I’m excited to see how it resonates with viewers. There’s something powerful about a collection of quilts telling a shared story—of a nation, its people, and the threads that connect us. If you attend a QuiltWeek show in 2026, I hope you’ll take time to visit the exhibit. And if you happen to spot Anthem of Stars & Stripes, I’d love to hear what you think.

Unveiling Poplar Lane Quilts: Introducing Our New Quilt Blog!

Welcome, fellow quilting enthusiasts, to the vibrant world of fabric, quilt blocks, and boundless creativity! Today marks the launch of our brand-new quilt blog, where we invite you to embark on a colorful journey through the heartwarming realm of quilting. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just beginning to explore the joy of piecing fabrics together, this blog is crafted just for you.

janiecreates blog by Poplar Lane Quilts

Here at Poplar Lane Quilts we’re passionate about fostering a community of quilters who share tips, inspiration, and the sheer delight of crafting beautiful quilts. With a plethora of exciting content planned, we’re thrilled to unveil what you can expect from our blog:

  • New Quilt Patterns: Prepare to be dazzled by fresh quilt patterns, meticulously designed to inspire your next masterpiece. From traditional patchwork to modern minimalist designs, we’ll showcase a diverse array of patterns to suit every taste and skill level. Each pattern will come with detailed instructions, handy tips, and stunning visuals to guide you through the quilting process with ease.
Quilt Patterns
  • Favorite Gifts for Quilters: Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising a quilting friend, our blog will feature a curated selection of must-have gifts for quilters. From handy gadgets and essential tools to charming fabric bundles and adorable quilting-themed decor, we’ll help you find the perfect present to delight any quilting enthusiast in your life…including yourself!
  • Beginner Series: Learn, Stitch, Create: Are you new to the world of quilting and eager to dive in? Fear not! Our beginner series is tailored just for you. We’ll cover the fundamentals of quilting, from choosing fabrics and cutting pieces to mastering essential stitches and assembling blocks. With our step-by-step tutorials and handy tips, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to embark on your quilting journey with enthusiasm and joy.
Quilt Tutorials
  • Free “Use Your Stash” Quilt Patterns: Got a stash of fabric just waiting to be transformed into something beautiful? Our blog has you covered! Dive into our collection of free quilt patterns designed specifically to help you make the most of your fabric stash. Whether you’re looking to bust through scraps or showcase cherished fabrics, these patterns will inspire you to create stunning quilts while reducing waste and embracing sustainability.

Join us as we celebrate the artistry, craftsmanship, and camaraderie of quilting. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, honing your skills, or simply sharing the love of quilting with like-minded individuals, our blog is your go-to destination for all things quilt-related. So grab your favorite fabric, thread your needle, and let’s embark on this creative adventure together!