Holy Marimekko! (+ Giveaway)

>> Sunday, April 10, 2011

I spent several hours yesterday sewing with members of the DC Modern Quilt Guild. One of the local public libraries has a fantastic space with tables and lots of outlets. I knew some people and met some new people and made progress on a quilt. All of which was great. I also got to eat some Thai food (my favorite cuisine) and learned that the Crate and Barrel outlet stores sell Marimekko remnants for 95 cents a pound. You read that right: the same stuff that retails for 45 dollars/yard is sold for 95 cents a pound.

At least sometimes. Since there was an outlet not too far away, I headed over there and had a great conversation with a very knowledgeable sales person. Not only did she bring out another basket of fabric from the back, but she told me that they hadn't been selling remnants for a year. But C&B reduces fabric on the bolt to $4.95/yard during their spring sale in an effort to move inventory, and they had enough remnants to put out a barrel (literally, they're in a barrel). Most of the remnants come from store decor so they may have some staples in them but are otherwise in good shape.

I walked out with 7 pounds of fabric for less than 7 dollars (as a reference point, I think a yard of quilting weight fabric is about 6 ounces based on shipping costs). While perusing the store, I noticed that they are also selling napkins made out of Kaffe Fassett fabric for about $4/napkin (outlet price!) so I'm not too concerned about their profits.

But in honor of this splendid find and recently surpassing 400 posts, I'd like to share some with you. To win some Marimekko fabric remnants -- if you don't sew, these can easily be made into cool wall hangings with canvas/wood and a staple gun or glue -- leave a comment on this post telling me what you might do with the fabric.

The fine print: 1 entry per person, giveaway open until Wednesday around 6 pm, make sure to leave a means of contact, open to US and international commenters.

60 comments:

Barbara April 10, 2011 at 12:25 PM  

I cannot imagine sewing marimekko fabric - this definitely sounds like summer tablecloth quilt ...oh my ! what a giveaway -

many many thanks for the chance - no outlet near me

felicity April 10, 2011 at 12:28 PM  

Wow - thanks for sharing your good fortune!

Unknown April 10, 2011 at 12:40 PM  

My friend have been using this fabric and have made some beautiful quilts. I don't have an outlet by me but would love to have some. Love your blog, by the way!

free indeed April 10, 2011 at 1:20 PM  

I'm not familiar with Merimekko fabric..what makes it so special? Is it a 100% cotton or silk or what? I love textiles and am always on the look out for great color saturations, textures, or prints....this may end up in a purse for my daughter..I really enjoy making purses...a new love.
freeindeed at myfairpoint dot net

Lindsay Conner April 10, 2011 at 1:25 PM  

I think it's so fun finding a great bargain! Congrats on your fabric steals!

Karissa April 10, 2011 at 4:51 PM  

Wow, what a score! If I were lucky enough to get my hands on some Marimekko, I'd either turn it into some wall art as you suggest or show it off in a patchwork handbag! Thanks for the chance!

hilary April 10, 2011 at 5:08 PM  

I would make myself a new apron if I had some lovely Marimekko fabric. I wish I lived near an outlet!

Melissa April 10, 2011 at 5:21 PM  

I would love to make an apron or perhaps some new placemats- or a new pillow:) I guess I have lots of ideas, huh???

Rie April 10, 2011 at 6:20 PM  

Oh yes please. I love left overs whether it be leftover food or fabric!!

Marcia W. April 10, 2011 at 7:02 PM  

If I am so fortunate as to win your generous giveaway, some of this fabric would find a home in a quilt or pillow. It depends on how dramatic it's appearance -- it could end up as my first art quilt! Thanks for sharing. Living in a rural area has the draw back of no outlet stores such as this.

Shanna of Fiber of All Sorts April 10, 2011 at 7:41 PM  

These would be so fun to play with. . so fun!

Katrina @ Pics, Pages & Purls April 10, 2011 at 8:03 PM  

what a great giveaway!!! I think it would be awesome to use it for ribbon boards (to hang pictures), make fabric hair bows, and I'm wanting to learn how to do some kids skirts and stuff. what a GREAT giveaway again!!!

Anna April 10, 2011 at 8:17 PM  

If I'm ever near a C$B I'll have to check this out. I think the fabrics would make a lovely wallhanging.

Carla G April 10, 2011 at 8:41 PM  

I think these fabrics would be well displayed on a large tote bag. I'll be looking for a C&B store when I'm on holidays this summer, that sounds like an awesome deal. Thanks for a great giveaway!

JuneBug April 10, 2011 at 9:22 PM  

VERY great info if I should ever come across a C&B outlet. That's amazing pricing, there.

If the fabric is home dec weight I am definitely going after some pillow making and special tote bag making (see noodle-head.com 's 241 tote). Thanks for the chance and for spreading the find!

Katie B April 10, 2011 at 11:37 PM  

What a great find! I'd love to turn the fabric into some pillows.

Dawn April 11, 2011 at 12:24 AM  

95 cents a pound... That would make my heart beat faster!!! What a treat!

Angie from Dear Spring Green April 11, 2011 at 2:17 AM  

Ha! I saw your comment on Fresh Lemon - and had to come over! What a great find! I think I might be there way too often if I lived near a Crate and Barrel outlet...I think I would probably put it on a canvas frame for my crafty space. Or make it into part of a bag. I can't have too many bags. Or maybe a pillow? But I might not let anyone lay on it. I don't know! Too many choices. I know I would probably at least sit and pet it for a while. :) Thanks for the chance!

Erin April 11, 2011 at 7:30 AM  

Holy Good Luck Batman! I'll have to find my nearest C&B outlet. I have a ton of small(er) projects on the list; pincushions for friends, kindle covers, baby toys... I'd love to use some vibrant Merimekko in any or all of these. I'm also planning a quilt. Oh, so many options!

Sarah Craig April 11, 2011 at 8:15 AM  

Oooh, I love Marimekko!! How lucky for you - maybe I'll have some too! Thanks for the chance...

Vroomans' Quilts April 11, 2011 at 8:42 AM  

I have not worked with Marimekko , so this would be a real treat.

Jade Wombat April 11, 2011 at 8:44 AM  

I've loved Marimekko for years, and would love some for a tote bag!

Lisa England April 11, 2011 at 9:10 AM  

Since I live in the boonies, we don't have Crate & Barrel. But this fabric looks fabulous! I would love to make a tote bag, or work pieces into a quilt. You did get a great deal -- I have a shop near me that sells quilt fabric for $5.50 a pound and even that is a bargain!

Unknown April 11, 2011 at 9:15 AM  

I am not familiar with Marimekko, but am addict to fabrics and making scrappy quilts, bags, purses. Can't make enough of them to give away.
I'd love to take part on your giveaway.
Congratulations for reaching 400+ posts. It is an achievement.
Gina
http://gina-catswhiskers.blogspot.com/

christy April 11, 2011 at 9:43 AM  

scraps end up in quilts or other random projects. I love scraps!!

Needled Mom April 11, 2011 at 9:53 AM  

What an incredible deal! I wonder if there is an outlet anywhere near me. Hmm.

Jodi April 11, 2011 at 10:20 AM  

Wow! My daughter and I LOVE C&B so this is fantastic!

Anonymous April 11, 2011 at 10:49 AM  

Wow what a deal! count me in please.

robin April 11, 2011 at 10:55 AM  

I've never been to Crate & Barrel. Probably don't even have them here in Canada. Thanks for sharing your find with us! :)

Anonymous April 11, 2011 at 11:18 AM  

It was great to meet you at the Quilt Guild meeting! Now you make me think I should have gone Thai, too. Maybe next time! Love that fabric, depending on size it might be made into pillows or tablecloth/runner. Or dishtowels? Or pretend dishtowels that are for show only? I need to quit dreaming and keep going on what I got! Did you do any more sewing after Saturday?

Anonymous April 11, 2011 at 12:10 PM  

What a treasure! I would be tempted to take any larger piece and stretch it onto a nice square of wood, to make a piece of awesome wall art! Smaller pieces could find their way into a tablerunner! Whoo hoo!
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous April 11, 2011 at 12:56 PM  

I was in Finland last summer and went to one of the Marimekko stores and I fell in love with almost everything I saw. I was responsible though, all I bought was a change purse. I'd love a piece of the fabric to make a canvas to brighten up the wall above my bed. Thanks for the tip and super giveaway!

maget
littlefurymaget(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca

Amanda April 11, 2011 at 12:58 PM  

That is awesome! I wish I had one near me I LOVE Merimekko!

Seamster 411 April 11, 2011 at 2:35 PM  

I bought some Marimekko fabric at the outlet in DC easily 5 years ago at the sale price and i am still dolling out little pieces for projects. Would love to have some company for my little pieces. I absolutely love Marimekko. Thanks for sharing.
Diane

tisha @ quiltytherapy April 11, 2011 at 3:01 PM  

Great find. Who doesn't love remnants?

~Michelle~ April 11, 2011 at 3:06 PM  

oh my goodness - I need to figure out if there's a C&B outlet nearby (there ought to be in LA!) - I would love to see more photos of your haul!

Maggie April 11, 2011 at 3:19 PM  

Oh now that is awesome! Thanks for the cool giveaway and congrats on reaching 400 posts!!

Deborah in Atlanta April 11, 2011 at 3:44 PM  

I am constantly amazed at the things we discover while surfing the net (or in my case, surfing the blogs). I had never heard of the fact that Crate and Barrel Outlet stores did this. How awesome!!! And how very, very generous of you to share your spoils with the rest of us. Thanks for your generosity and for the opportunity to win. dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com

ginger freckle April 11, 2011 at 4:28 PM  

Awesome find! Everyone deserves to sew with some Marimekko at least once in their lives. Thanks so much for sharing your screaming hot deal for this giveaway! gingerfreckle(at)gmail (dot)com

Anonymous April 11, 2011 at 4:47 PM  

Thank you for sharing your GREAT find!! I'm redoing my sewing room so some fun fabrics would be great to use.

Lisa J
texstar32(at)hotmail(dot)com

Jayne E April 11, 2011 at 6:04 PM  

I'm leaving for a year overseas in a few months time... I've just ordered my first Marimekko fabric (Marimekko Karkuteillä) to make into a lap quilt to take with me! I think some of these remnants would make an amazing backing for the quilt... and perhaps to make a bandana for my shar pei puppy, who's waiting for me to arrive in Mexico :)

What a generous idea! I look forward to seeing what creations you make from these :)
jaynecita (at) gmail (dot) com

Brita April 11, 2011 at 7:02 PM  

Being a Finn, I've always known about Merimekko fabric, but have never been able to afford it. This would make me soooo happy, whatever the style or color. Thanks for the chance!

Janet April 11, 2011 at 7:27 PM  

Lucky find for you - and for us! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway.

Jo April 11, 2011 at 7:58 PM  

Thanks for the great info about where to buy! You can never have to many good fabric buying tips! Thanks for the giveaway, of course I can't think of anyone who would not want to win this!

Marie April 11, 2011 at 8:14 PM  

I just bought an old-fashioned low back sewing machine chair. It has a green vinyl cushion. I see a recover in my future!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Marie

Little Sprout Baby April 11, 2011 at 8:38 PM  

Well, after rolling around in it like a cat in catnip, I'd make a cheerful tote bag!

Deb April 11, 2011 at 9:18 PM  

It would definitely go into a quilt. Thanks for the chance.

Anonymous April 11, 2011 at 9:22 PM  

I don't sew, but I love Marimekko designs! Back in the '70s, I enjoyed a beautiful Marimekko panel stretched & hanging on the wall for many years. Then I had it made into beautiful throw pillows.
Last summer while on vacation,I found a design I couldn't resist. It was intended to be a hanging on my patio, but later was re-purposed as the center panel of a bedspread. I am still hoping for Marimekko for the patio wall. It's not sold where I live.
izcampbell1965@gmail.com

Nancy Sue April 11, 2011 at 10:21 PM  

Congrats on your find, and thank you for your generosity in sharing it with us. I like to hold the fabric in my hands to get inspiration on projects. That's half the fun! Thank you again!
nsue21702 at gmail dot com

Unknown April 12, 2011 at 12:15 AM  

I have a scrappy quilt I would like to make for my sister, so I am continuing to find scraps whenever I can.

ltzalewski April 12, 2011 at 12:22 AM  

Great find!!!! I would use this to make a scrappy skirt for my 3 yr old daughter.

Charlotte April 12, 2011 at 5:47 AM  

oh wow .. how exciting. I love their graphics.

Depending on the fabrics I'd love to use some to make some pinboards for my boys rooms and/or some cushions for our lounge.

Karen April 12, 2011 at 12:17 PM  

I'd love to make some wall art or pillow covers.

twelfthzodiac April 12, 2011 at 2:48 PM  

I've never been to a crate & barrel, sounds like a cool place to browse. Congrats on your find!
I would probably make quilted pillows. I think! :)

MoeWest April 13, 2011 at 12:18 AM  

Thanks for sharing your great bargain! I'd have to see it before deciding what to make. It could become a purse or table accessory.

Unknown April 13, 2011 at 5:22 PM  

My soon to arrive granddaughter could sure get some very CUTE things made from this great giveaway!
Connie
CGruning at aol.com

Lori April 13, 2011 at 6:22 PM  

Hope I'm not too late! That is incredible, I wish I lived near a C&B. I would probably use them for a quilt.

Sewjournal April 13, 2011 at 7:00 PM  

Great give-away. What a wonderful find!

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