Great Idea: Chalk Cloth Tablecloth

The super cute family from the 86'n it blog made a wonderfully simple chalk cloth tablecloth. Chalk cloth is a fun fabric that you can write on and it's CPSIA complaint which makes it perfect for this young family! Check out their blog to see how much fun they had curing the chalk cloth, ssssoooo cute!!

Chalk cloth, oilcloth and laminated cotton won't fray when cut so all you have to do is cut it, lay it on the table and serve up your next meal! This family has a slim table so the 47/48" wide fabric is really perfect for them.

3 new laminated cottons!

How cute are these new laminated cotton prints from Riley Blake?! I ordered them at Quilt Market, they were worth the wait. They are from the new Scoot fabric line. I am in love with them all, I know all the Boy Mammas will love them too!

 Scoot Helicopters Blue

 Scoot Green

Scoot Trains Yellow

Let's Celebrate!

About two years ago, I received an email from my beloved editor, Roxanne Cerda. She had the idea for a book filled with oilcloth projects, and she wanted me to bring it to life. You know I almost died of happiness that day! 

A year later, I found myself with my new friend and photographer Megan McSweeney photos for the book. It was crazy fun as we went from location to location setting-up and then taking fabulous pictures. By this time I was also doing author reviews--the process of fine tuning text and patterns in my book with Charlotte Kughen, my Project Editor. The review process was really fast paced--there was a constant stream of emails going back and forth between the two of use for months. I actually have over 500 emails from her during that time.

Fast forward one more year, and I've just I received my first Royalty Statement--not a check, but a count of my book sales from the publisher. Our book did very well in pre-sale and during the first 2 months and I am thrilled beyond belief!

What an amazing two years it has been! What I learned about writing books and publishing patterns could fill an entire book by itself. I learned most projects require four pattern revisions and subsequent mock ups before a pattern is ready for someone else to look at. And more revisions may be needed after that. Phew! Who knew it would take all that time and energy?!?!

Since publication, I've had the chance to travel and share my book with people from all over the country. Thanks to Country Living Fairs, local shops, my websites, and Quilt Market, I've met a lot of great people, introducing them to the joys of working with oilcloth and laminated cotton. Honestly, its hard for me to convey what an honor that has been for me.

So, I say its time we celebrate and give away a two signed copies of The Book along with 3 yards of oilcloth. You've got to have fabric to go along with a book of projects after all.

To enter please head over to our Modern June Facebook page "LIKE" us before Wednesday 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, and then leave a message on our Wall. Do the same with our Oilcloth Addict Facebook page. By entering a message on both, you'll get two chances to win. Only one (1) entry per Facebook post, per person, for the duration of the contest, for a total of two (2) entries if you post on each page for the duration of the contest.  If you "LIKE" us already don't worry, just leave us a love note mentioning the contest on our Facebook page to enter. But remember, do this by 5 PM EST, Wednesday, February 1, 2012.  I'll pick two random winners that evening, one from each page. The winners will receive a signed copy of my book, and 3 yards of their choice of oilcloth fabric.

Good luck!

Our Winter 56" Laminated Cotton Swatch Card

We now have 35 Laminated cottons that come in 56" widths for you to create with! Don't forget, Sewing with Oilcloth has 8 projects that use laminated cotton and is filled with all my tips and tricks!! 

1. Scattered Roses by Tanya Whelan
2. Falling Roses by Tanya Whelan
3. Lanterns on White by Tanya Whelan
4. Charisma Midnight by Amy Butler
5. Gypsy Cobalt by Amy Butler 
6. Tart by Anna Maria Horner
7. Fun Blue Bloom by Anna Maria Horner
8. Twist by Anna Maria Horner
9. Royal Apple Chevron by Erin McMorris
10. Citron Apple Chevron by Erin McMorris
11. Tulip by Amy Butler
12. Amber Rose Bouquet by Joel Dewberry
13. Amber Block Print Floral by Joel Dewberry
14. Sky Rose Bouquet by Joel Dewberry
15. Amethyst Block Print Floral by Joel Dewberry
16. Green Hop Dot by Heather Bailey
17. Green Dandy Strip by Heather Bailey
18. Gold Picnic Bouquet by Heather Bailey
19. Moss Picnic Bouquet by Heather Bailey
20. Kimono by Ty Pennington
21. Angel Wings Spice by Ty Pennington
22. Chartreuse Moorish Tiles by Ty Pennington
23. Indigo Lattice by Sis Boom
24. Blue Paisley by Sis Boom
25. Green Lattice by Sis Boom
26. Navy Tile by Dena Designs
27. Navy Floral by Dena Designs
28. Berry Hop Dot by Heather Bailey
29. Black and White Hounds Tooth by Anne Tatem
30. Intermission in green and yellow by Jenean Morrison
31. Forrest Hills by Anna Maria Horner
32.  Pink Paisley by Sis Boom
33. Floral on Light Blue by Sis Boom
34.  Pink Letters by Annette Tatum
35. Blue Letters by Annette Tatum

Great Idea: Chalk Cloth Puppet Theatre

Sara from Making Life has made the most amazing puppet theater with linen and chalk cloth. I am in love!!!

Oh, so sweet!!

We're hiring...

We are looking for two quick-thinking, energetic Junies to help us out, a Stitcher and a Cutter. If you are interested in one (or both!) please contact me, Kelly McCants at kelly@modernjune.com.

Modern June is centrally located on the North-side of Richmond, VA, near 195, HWY 64 and I-95.

Position #1: Sewing Contractor

We need a smart, well organized, go-getter to manage the cutting and sewing of our custom oilcloth and laminated cotton tablecloths. Basic patterning skills required, and seasoned sewing skills a must. Experience with oilcloth and laminated cotton are not required, and extensive training will be available.

You can work here at Modern June or in your own studio. This is a part time job that would bring in $400-$500 a month with room to increase your work load and earnings. We have much to do--this could become a nice full time job for the right person.

• References and relevant Job History desired.
• Production Payment: Per Piece or Percentage.
• This will be a 1099 job.
• Any time spent in training is paid hourly.
• At home stitchers will need a large cutting table and a heavy duty sewing machine with a Teflon or roller foot. An industrial sewing machine is preferred.

Position#2: Cutter

Are you a list making person that likes to work in a creative environment? We are looking for a energetic and well organized fabric cutter to help us process orders and keep our fabric inventory well kept. Sewing skills are nice, but not required. Stitchers would have great room for advancement.

Pay: Hourly
Days: Tuesday and Friday (occasional 3rd day as needed)
Hours: 5-7 hour shifts, exact time TBD
Great part-time job for a stay-at-home-mom with school aged kids!!!
Cutters responsibilities:

• Using Etsy.com to create "job lists" to be shared via Google Docs
• Gather job material bolts from shed
• Cut fabric
• Stack fold and fluff product
• Tag and bag = place in appropriate package WITH invoice Inventory

Please contact me via email at Kelly@modernjune.com 

Great Question: Party Tablecloths?

Q: Are you able to use these (oilcloth yardage) as table cloths for a party?

A: Yes!! Oilcloth is perfect for parties. The best thing is that you don't have to hem oilcloth, it doesn't fray. Quick, easy, and fun!! You can get fancy with a pair of pinking shears to use my Chalk Cloth Runner pattern to create a scalloped edge.

This pattern is from my book, Sewing with Oilcloth. You can download it for free from Amazon!! It's found under the SEE MORE button.

Welcome to pretty!

We've got 3 new prints are coming and I can't wait!! These are 56" wide so think about the lovely spring laminated cotton tablecloths you can make!! I'll take more photos when the bolts arrive.