Keep on Craftin' illustration
Hello, my dear friends!
Can you feel that? There is something about the May sunshine that just makes me want to throw open the studio windows, clear off my cutting table, and dive into a brand-new project. Between Mother’s Day celebrations and graduation season, this month is absolutely bursting with creativity, and I am so thrilled to be on this journey with you!
I often get asked, "Anisa, how do you keep up with all the new tools and find the best fabric deals?" Well, today I’m pulling back the curtain! I’ve spent the morning gathering the very best May specials from my favorite partners, tools and shops that I trust with my own quilts. My goal is always to help you remove the overwhelm from your crafting, and sometimes that means helping you find the right tool at the right price. Whether you are a beginner looking to build your first stash or a seasoned pro wanting to upgrade your equipment, I’ve got something special for you today.
So, grab a glass of iced tea, and let’s look at what’s happening in the quilting world this month!
This post contains affiliate links. If you shop through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the madness!
AccuQuilt: Precision & Power
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know my AccuQuilt GO! system is my secret weapon for finishing quilts faster. If you struggle with rotary cutting, maybe your hands get a little tired after a long session at the mat, or you just want to spend more time at your sewing machine and less time measuring, this is your month to shine.
I remember when I first started quilting over 30 years ago; every single piece was cut by hand. While there is a certain charm in that, I’ve found that as my life gets busier, I need tools that work with me. AccuQuilt doesn't just save time; it ensures that every single triangle, square, and strip is exactly the right size. No more "wonky" blocks that don't quite line up!
The "Big" News
The GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter is on sale for $699.99 all month long! And here is the best part: they are including a FREE Die Catcher with your purchase. It’s a game-changer for keeping those little fabric scraps from taking over your floor. I’ve been using mine for years, and let me tell you, it makes a world of difference when you're cutting for a large bed-sized quilt.
More Ways to Save:
- Die Stock-Up: Save 15% when you buy one die, or 20% when you buy two or more. This is the perfect time to grab those specialty dies you've had your eye on!
- FLASH SALE (Ends May 7th!): Use code STUDIOBOGO to buy one, get one FREE on Studio Dies and Bundles. This is a rare one, friends, so move fast!
- Mother’s Day Weekend (May 8-10): Treat yourself! You’ll earn 2x Rewards points on all your weekend purchases. You deserve it!
- Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25): Get FREE shipping on orders over $50 with code SHIP50.
Anisa’s Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the new GO! Grizzly heavy-duty dies launching May 12th. I’ve seen a sneak peek, and they are absolute workhorses for those thicker fabrics!
Fat Quarter Shop: Fabric & Philanthropy
May is always a celebration at Fat Quarter Shop, especially with Jolly Bar Day approaching! If you haven't shopped there before, you are in for a treat. Their selection is massive, but they curate it so beautifully that it never feels overwhelming.
Jolly Bar Week (Starting May 10th)
I love a good Jolly Bar! Those 5" x 10" precuts are so versatile because you can get two 5" charms out of every piece, or leave them long for quick borders and sashing.
- May 5th: Kimberly Jolly is releasing a brand-new Jolly Bar pattern and tutorial. I’ll be watching with my notebook ready!
- May 9th: Join the Jolly Bar Day Livestream for tons of inspiration and maybe a few surprises.
Monthly Specials
Each month, the shop picks a few favorites to highlight, and the May selection is just lovely:
- Basic: Speckled Metallic by Ruby Star Society. It adds the perfect touch of "twinkle" to any quilt without being overpowering.
- Notion: Oh…Sew! Organized Stash ‘n Stores. Because a tidy studio is a happy studio! I have one in every corner of my room to hold my seam rippers and clips.
- Pattern: Anything by Lella Boutique. Vanessa’s designs are modern, feminine, and so approachable: much like the style we love here at The Crafty Author.
Stitching for a Cause
One of the things I love most about our community is our heart. We don't just sew for ourselves; we sew to bring comfort to others. The Haven Quilt Along (benefiting Make-A-Wish) kicks off this month and runs through July.
There is nothing I love more than a community coming together to use our "Maker's Mark" for good. Participating in a quilt-along like this is a double blessing: you get to improve your skills alongside thousands of other makers, and you help grant wishes for children who really need a reason to smile. Are you joining the madness this year? I’d love to see your fabric pulls!
HTVRont: High-Tech Creativity
For those of you who love personalizing your projects: whether it’s making custom labels for your heirloom quilts or designing T-shirts for graduation: HTVRont has some incredible news. I’ve recently been incorporating more heat-transfer vinyl into my "finishing touches." Putting a custom label on the back of a quilt makes it an instant heirloom.
- The A100 Multi Heat Press: This 3-in-1 auto-press just launched! It takes all the guesswork out of heat settings and pressure, which is perfect if you’re a bit nervous about "scorching" your hard work.
- The #MadeForMom Challenge: Check out the challenge on social media for some truly heartwarming gift ideas. It’s not too late to whip up something special!
- A Major Deal: If you’ve been considering a DTF Printer, they are currently offering $1,000 OFF their printer packages. That is a huge investment in your creative business if you're looking to sell your designs!
Coming Soon: The Crafty Author Clubhouse™
I know that all these new tools and deals can sometimes feel like "too much." You buy the fancy cutter or the new heat press, and then it sits in the box because you're not quite sure where to start. That is exactly why I am building The Crafty Author Clubhouse™ (COMING SOON!).
Inside the Clubhouse, we won’t just talk about the tools; we’ll use them together! I’ll be hosting exclusive tutorials on how to master your AccuQuilt, live sew-alongs for the latest Fat Quarter Shop patterns, and deep dives into personalizing your work with HTVRont. It’s going to be a place where we remove the overwhelm and build our confidence as makers, one stitch at a time. It's more than just a membership; it's a creative home.
Shop Our Partners
Ready to stock up on your May essentials? Click the images below to shop these wonderful deals directly!
Join the Conversation!
I am so excited to see what you all create this month. May is a bridge between the cozy indoor sewing of winter and the bright, busy energy of summer. It's the perfect time to finish those lingering projects and start something fresh and colorful.
Which of these deals are you most excited about? Are you tackling the Haven Quilt Along, or maybe finally treating yourself to an electric cutter? I want to hear about your May projects! Leave a comment below or tag me in your photos on social media. Your creativity inspires me every single day.
Until next time, keep dreaming, keep creating, and keep on craftin'!
Warmly,
Anisa
Owner, The Crafty Author
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