Even though it just became official on June 21st, we have been experiencing summer for a couple of months here on the coast of Maine... quite the rare occasion! Normally spring in Maine is a frustrating mix of mud, blackflies, rain and the infrequent pleasant day. But this year... ahh, the weather has been lovely.

All this fabulous weather hasn't meant that we've stopped sewing, though. To the contrary,we find that everyone feels refreshed and rejuvenated and (dare we say it?) inspired by our good luck with the weather this year. Of course, the scads of new fabrics arriving every week haven't hurt the crafting momentum, either. We have added two new sections to our fabrics page: a new section for Julie Paschkis (a children's book illustrator who has made the leap into fabric design) and a section for Liberty Arts fabrics (a division of Liberty of London in coordination with Westminster Fibers). We are expecting Heather Ross' new collection "Far Far Away 2" in early July and with that particular shipment we will also be receiving new Japanese prints from designer Nani Iro's "Antique Label."

It's not just new fabrics that herald the arrival of summer: we have taken a break from teaching classes in favor of special summertime events. Take a look at our events page for more details on our Midsummer's Craft Swap, our first ever Sample Sale, our appearance as vendors at Maine Quilts 2010, the chance to help Rhea with her wedding flowers and of course the Midsummer's Clearance Sale, where many fabrics will be on sale for just $5 a yard.

Summer in Maine is not something you take for granted: they aren't all as early as this summer has been, and you never know when Mother Nature might take summer away from you again. Between the gardening, the parades and fireworks, the trips to the beach and visits from friends, there is lots of fun to cram in the next few months. We hope that Alewives Fabrics finds a place in your summertime plans, too!



Sincerely,

Rhea and Barbara at Alewives