The thermometer has officially topped 100 here in the 801. That's area code, Utah County, for those unfamiliar. Hot weather calls for cool fabric. The gentle, sunwashed colors of fresh linens hanging on the line come to mind. Lightweight cottons, cool crisp bedding -- might not seem like quilt season but I assure you it can be. 

Did you know, a color palette influences our perception of seasonal appropriateness. Yes, color theory is an interesting science! In hot weather, we are naturally drawn to cool hues and oddly enough, our bodies respond. It's likely a survival instinct leading us to cool foliage and hydration. You know me... I can apply nearly anything to my fabric addiction. What you're about to witness is a tour from ultra traditional to utterly modern fabric collections that are all perfect for that cool summer vibe we're craving -- all available in-store or online now.

Here are three trusty rules of color that fit the bill for summer.

The first is to choose a softened, earthy palette. Even warm tones feel cool when they're toned down. When playing with paint, toning down colors involves softening with a bit of grey or brown. Leaning into neutral hues, their gentle, calming effects make an excellent addition to light summer decor. Imagine colors of the prairie, relaxed by the sun's lazy rays. Louisa (above), is a quilt designed and pieced by Suzanne Jackman featuring just such a color scheme. Using fabrics from the new Petite Jeanne collection by L'Atelier Perdu for Windham Fabrics (below), it's a delicate take on the simpler things of country life.

Second, when in doubt, look to the color wheel (words to live by). Blue is the coolest hue in the spectrum. Remember learning primary and secondary colors? The moment you mix red or yellow into blue it begins to warm into hues of purple and green. More color science for your enjoyment. It makes sense then that true blue signals lower temps. Tilda must have sensed that when creating the new Summer line as part of the Creating Memories seasonal collection. All blue through and through, these pretty prints suggest a sunny day at waters edge. We also have yardage from the Spring line, featuring yellows and greens in Tilda's signature delicate florals and wovens!

Third, add white. Yes, it can be as simple as that. Go back to your color mixing. Take ANY hue and add white. You're creating tints, AKA pastels. Take it as far as you like by adding more or less white to lighten your look. Remember black absorbs light and white reflects it. Think about wearing a white shirt versus a black shirt in the sun. Which keeps you cooler? Color tints (+white) feel airy and cool where color shades (+black) feel warm and heavy. The Fresh Linen collection just arrived from Art Gallery Fabrics and I swear you can feel the summer breeze just looking at it. Lavender, periwinkle and cornflower blue are ideal summer tints and look how refreshing they are paired with citron! Gorgeous.

And now, considering another definition of cool entirely... How stinking COOL is Tula Pink's ROAR! collection. We've got some -- including the incredible 108" sateen backing! I love what Tula has to say about it...

When I was a child I believed that every hill I saw was simply where a dinosaur laid down and died and then grass grew over it. I have no idea where this information came from but to my 6 year old mind this was a flawless piece of logic. I used to look out the window and try to guess which kind of dinosaur each hill was hiding while checking my children's encyclopedia of pre-historic animals. I was pretty good at it, considering this was my own theory I was correct 100% of the time. As an adult the dinosaur wing is still my first stop at the Natural History Museum.

Dinosaurs are amazing and huge and mysterious. They lived tens of millions of years ago and the fascination with these giant creatures still exists today. Is it their size? Definitely. Is it about how differently they moved and lived? For sure. Is it how little we still know about them and the world they existed in? Absolutely.

Everything that I do as a fabric designer is about indulging my childhood fantasies. I try to hold on to all of the things that we so easily let go of as we grow up like wonder, amazement, creative logic and delight. Typically, dinosaur fabrics are for children and I don't know who made that decision but I wildly disagree. Roar! is whimsical take on fancy dinosaurs for those of us who keep one foot firmly planted in fantasy. My prehistoric landscape is drenched in details and color. Here you will find a sophisticated T-Rex in a topiary, A Triceratops out for a stroll on a windy parkway path, Happy little hidden Raptors in a dainty damask and Pterodactyls taking time to smell the flowers. It's just your average lazy afternoon in the garden with the giants of Earth's history.

Cool, right? 

Upcoming Sales & Events

Magic Word Monday

This Monday's Magic Word is "COOL" Enter the magic word as a coupon code online 06/17/24 to receive 20% off SITE-WIDE!  Local customers can repeat the Magic Word at the register on Magic Word Monday and show that you follow us on social media to receive 20% off one regular price item of their choice!  Some exclusions may apply. Cannot be combined with other offers. We will not hold items or pre-cut yardage for this special offer.

Handwork Club
Every Tuesday, 10:00am - Noon
This delightful weekly club is for anyone who would like to work on a hand stitching project while learning new hand stitching skills. It's a great chance to finish our own projects and relax with a fun gathering of sewing friends. No fee to attend. Simply come and join us!

Wrong Price Wednesday!
Every Wednesday our pre-cut fat quarters are only $3.00! Regular Price $3.75.

Time Out at the Wagon (Open Sew)
Every Wednesday, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Put yourself in Time Out at the Wagon in our School House located directly behind the quilt shop! At times we all need time out from housework, phone calls, and everyday responsibilities. Bring your current sewing project to “Time Out at the Wagon” and do just that. Marsha is looking forward to being in Time Out and hopes lots of you will join her.

Thank you for supporting your local brick-and-mortar quilt shop!
We feel honored to be part of such a wonderful quilt-making community.

We hope you'll visit us again soon,
Jen and the Girls 
at Corn Wagon Quilt Co.

We would love to hear from you!
801-491-3551
cornwagonquilts.com