Hello, my dear friends!
Can you feel that? There is something truly magical about the May sunshine. It’s that time of year when the world outside starts to bloom, and suddenly, I find myself wanting to throw open every window in my studio, clear off the "creative chaos" from my cutting table, and dive headfirst into a brand-new project. Between celebrating the wonderful mothers in our lives and the excitement of graduation season, May is absolutely bursting with inspiration. I am so thrilled to be on this creative journey with you!
One of the questions I get asked most often is, "Anisa, how do you keep up with all the new tools and find the best fabric deals without getting overwhelmed?" Well, today I’m pulling back the curtain just for you! I’ve spent my morning gathering the very best May specials from my favorite partners, the shops and brands I personally trust with my own quilts.
My mission at The Crafty Author is always to help you remove the overwhelm from your crafting. Sometimes, that means teaching a new technique, and other times, it means helping you find the right tool at a price that makes your heart sing. When we have the right tools in our hands, the "making" part becomes so much more joyful, doesn't it?
So, grab a big glass of iced tea (or a coffee, if that’s your style!), find a cozy spot, and let’s look at all the wonderful things happening in our quilting world this month!
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Precision & Power: May at AccuQuilt
If you’ve been hanging out with me for a while, you know that my AccuQuilt GO! system is my absolute secret weapon. I love the process of quilting, but I’ll be the first to admit that spending hours hunched over a rotary cutter isn't my favorite part. If you struggle with hand fatigue, or if you just want to spend more time at your sewing machine and less time at the cutting mat, this is definitely your month to shine.
The "Big" News You Don't Want to Miss
I am so excited to share that the GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter is on sale for $699.99 all month long! That is a significant savings on a tool that truly changes the way you quilt. And here is the best part: they are including a FREE Die Catcher with your purchase. If you’ve ever had those little fabric "confetti" scraps take over your floor like I have, you know that a die catcher is a total game-changer for keeping a tidy studio.
More Ways to Save Your Pennies:
- Die Stock-Up: Are you looking to expand your library? You can save 15% when you buy one die, or 20% when you buy two or more. It’s the perfect time to grab that one die you’ve been eyeing for months!
- BOGO Alert (Ends May 7th!): You have to move fast on this one! Use code STUDIOBOGO to buy one, get one FREE on Studio Dies and Bundles.
- Mother’s Day Weekend (May 8-10): Treat yourself, friend! You’ve earned it. You’ll earn 2x Rewards points on all your weekend purchases, which is like a little gift back to your future self.
- Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25): Planning a big order? Get FREE shipping on orders over $50 with code SHIP50.
Anisa’s Insider Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the brand new GO! Grizzly heavy-duty dies launching on May 12th. I’ve seen a sneak peek, and let me tell you, they are absolute workhorses! They are designed for those thicker materials and serious projects we all love.
Fabric & Philanthropy: Fat Quarter Shop Favorites
May is always a month-long celebration at Fat Quarter Shop, and this year is no exception. We are gearing up for Jolly Bar Day, and I can already feel the excitement building in our community!
Jolly Bar Week (Starting May 10th)
I have a confession: I am obsessed with Jolly Bars! Those 5" x 10" precuts are just so versatile. They are the "Goldilocks" of precuts, not too big, not too small, but just right for so many beautiful patterns.
- May 5th (Today!): Kimberly Jolly is releasing a brand-new Jolly Bar pattern and tutorial. I’ll be watching right along with you to see what she’s dreamed up this time!
- May 9th: Mark your calendars for the Jolly Bar Day Livestream. It’s going to be full of inspiration, and knowing the Fat Quarter Shop team, probably a few surprises too.
Monthly Specials I’m Loving
Each month, the shop picks a few "Staff Favorites," and the May selection is calling my name:
- The Basic: Speckled Metallic by Ruby Star Society. If you want to add just a tiny touch of "twinkle" and modern flair to your quilts, this is the fabric to do it. It plays so well with others!
- The Notion: Oh…Sew! Organized Stash ‘n Stores. You know I believe a tidy studio is a happy, productive studio. These little organizers are perfect for keeping your most-used tools right at your fingertips.
- The Pattern: I am always inspired by anything from Lella Boutique. Her designs are the perfect mix of modern, feminine, and approachable.
Stitching for a Cause
One of the things that makes my heart the happiest is when our hobby can help others. The Haven Quilt Along (benefiting the wonderful folks at Make-A-Wish) kicks off this month and runs all the way through July. There is nothing I love more than seeing our community come together to use our "Maker's Mark" for good. Are you planning to join in?
High-Tech Creativity: New Releases from HTVRont
For those of you who love to add that extra "personal touch" to your projects: whether it’s making custom labels for your heirloom quilts or designing "Class of 2026" T-shirts for the graduates in your family: HTVRont has some incredible news this month.
- The A100 Multi Heat Press: This 3-in-1 auto-press just launched, and it is a beauty! It takes all the guesswork out of heat settings and pressure. No more ruined projects because the press was too hot or too heavy.
- The #MadeForMom Challenge: If you need a little creative spark, check out the #MadeForMom challenge on social media. There are some truly heartwarming gift ideas that will make you want to start your heat press right now.
- A Major Investment Deal: If you’ve been dreaming of professional-level printing, they are currently offering $1,000 OFF their DTF Printer packages. That is a huge opportunity to invest in your creative business or take your hobby to the next level!
Coming Soon: The Crafty Author Clubhouse™
I know that seeing all these new tools and deals can sometimes feel like "too much." You might be thinking, "Anisa, these tools look great, but I don't know where to start!"
That is exactly why I am so busy behind the scenes building The Crafty Author Clubhouse™ (COMING SOON!).
Inside the Clubhouse, we aren't just going to talk about the tools; we are going to use them together! I’ll be hosting exclusive, step-by-step tutorials on how to master your AccuQuilt dies, hosting live sew-alongs for the latest patterns, and doing deep dives into how to personalize your work with heat-press technology. It’s going to be a safe, encouraging place where we remove the overwhelm and build our confidence as makers, one stitch at a time.
"Creativity is contagious, pass it on!" – This is the heartbeat of our new community.
I want you to feel supported every time you sit down at your machine. Whether you are a brand-new beginner or you've been quilting for thirty years, there is always something new to learn and a new friend to make.
[Join the Waitlist Here to Be the First to Know When Doors Open!]
Shop Our Partners
Click the images below to explore the latest deals and tools from the brands I love!
Join the Conversation!
I am just so excited for everything this month has in store. But I want to hear from you!
Which of these deals are you most excited about? Are you planning to tackle the Haven Quilt Along, or are you finally going to treat yourself to that electric cutter you’ve had on your wish list? Maybe you have a special graduation gift in the works?
Leave a comment below or tag me in your photos on social media! I love seeing what you are working on: it truly makes my day.
Until next time, my friends, keep dreaming, keep creating, and most importantly… keep on craftin'!
Warmly,
Anisa
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