I got a quick note from Barbara of QuiltSoup announcing that she will debut a line of fabric this spring.  It is called Ellery—named after her granddaughter. And it is wonderful.

Says Barbara, “My middle granddaughter, Ellery, was my inspiration for the collection. She aspires to a career in dance. We have the love of the ballet and gardens and all things soft in common. 

She also loves pink and favors "cottage chic" style. Every quilt I make for her reflects these interests. I love to combine antique floral prints with the stark geometry in stripes, dots and checks.  I envision the collection being used for both home decor and quilting. Can't you just see a bedroom in the pinks and reds and a kitchen in soft gold, greens and reds?"

 Here is sneak peak of the line and some information from Marcus Brothers Fabrics who is producing the line.

Spring 2007 means a fresh take on timeless elegance, and the new ELLERY fabric collection by Quilt Soup truly epitomizes the theme.

The pattern company's debut collection for Marcus captures the contemporary "Cottage Chic" influence with tones of ballet pink, kiwi, soft, buttery golds, and warm rouge.

Barbara Jones, owner of the QuiltSoup Pattern Company, wanted ELLERY to have a fresh look, including the polka dots for a youthful and fun look that enlivens the florals.  Enthusiasts of beautiful fabrics overall will appreciate the blush-toned text print of ballet terms. She says of the collection:

ELLERY offers a combination of traditional and modern motifs that easily reaches beyond quilts and expands into coordinated home accents, from window treatments to pillows to table settings and more.

The big, lush florals are perfectly scaled for appliqué, with one of the dots or texture prints as a background. For creative sewers, it's equally easy to imagine beautiful tote bags and other accessories.

Look for “Ellery” to hit the quilt shop shelves in a month or two.

See the entire collection of Ellery at the Marcus Brothers website.

And do not forget to check out Barbara's website for QuiltSoup --she has a "bowlful" of delights including her pattern line, creative ideas, soup recipes and more.  Her pattern "Spring Loaded" is featured on the cover of spring edition of the Better Homes and Gardne's magazine Quilts and More.

Congrats my friend.