UNCOMMON THREAD ISSUE 2 by RB STUDIOS

An Uncommon Thread!

ART

and DESIGN An Artist’s Perspective

TREND WATCH

Offer what' is in!

WHAT'S HOT FOR FALL

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art focused • high design • inspirational • expressive • purposeful • creative

Fall 2021

An Artist’s Perspective

Cover Image:

This

Imaginative and exotic from Kathy Juriss, EXOTIC SPLENDOUR page: Beautiful usable colors of EXOTIC SPLENDOUR

RB STUDIOS a division of Midwest Textiles & Supplies

RB STUDIOS

Magazine An Uncommon Thread MIDWEST TEXTILES & SUPPLIES WWW.RBSTUDIOSCO.COM WWW.MIDWEST-TEXTILES.COM 1.800.570.5040

AN UNCOMMON THREAD

Welcome to our seasonal collections we have curated and prepared for you. We bring RBSTUDIOS collections as a fresh new option in quilting fabric with celebrated artists who passionately craft new traditional classics to modern lifestyle and on-trend novelties.

We believe fabric collections should be the foundation for crafting personal and energized quilting Projects to special home decor, apparel and accessory projects.

Our vision is moving past what’s been done in our quilting fabric category and bringing what your existing and new quilting customer wants to see.

• DESIGN • ART • QUILT • ON POINT •

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An Uncommon Thread

Bias 4 A word from Tina Givens, Creative Director

About our new collections

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CONTENTS From New Zealand to the Mid-West,

we offer 3 incredible artists

Collections 7 Shipping November 2021

EXOTIC SPLENDOUR 8

by Kathy Juriss

FINCH & FERN 16

by Emma Lea Creative

COLOR NOTES 21

by Victoria Bright

KWIK-KITS

What and how they will work for your customer.

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TREND WATCH 28

Trends in design! A look at Fall 21

Benefits of MIDWEST TEXTILE

We are unique!

JOIN US

VIRTUAL FABRIC SHOW November 2021

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3

Tina Givens CreativeDirector

BIAS

Welcome to our second edition of An Uncommon Thread. Your response to our first issue was so fantastic and enthusiastic, we were thrilled. Here we will share our latest collections shipping later this year. Each is so unique in it’s own regard, and I am overwhelmed at the talent of these three artists. On a happy and rare coincidence, Kathy Juriss and I went to the same high school in Africa, we were friends and I was always surprised at how talented she was in art class. She has since honed her art, and had an amazing world experience now living in New Zealand. We have been enjoying our Skype sessions throughout the process in bringing her debut collection to you called Exotic Splendour!

Emma Lea is a Midwest gal, who loves her environment and shares her watercolor birds and nature prints in a perfect and fun color palette.

And then Victoria Bright brings her modern perspective in shapes and brilliant color notes. Her work is unique and I am happy to be bringing it to the quilt world. Her geometric design is how she sees her world, and her color palettes are extraordinary.

Offering a diversity in art and artists’ stories is our focus, and delighted to bring you unique collections.

In addition, as Creative Director I have my finger on the trend pulse of color and prints. Make sure to read our latest article on trend and how it relates into quilting.

With happiness, TG

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An Uncommon Thread!

Welcome to our seasonal issue of AN UNCOMMON THREAD

by RB Studios.

Here we share our collections in depth, with all of the options catering to you in selling fabric. We introduce quarterly collections, offering highest quality fabrics, design and a variety of project types to suit you. Our innovative Kwik-Kits (pre-cut pieces with our extraordinary cutting ability) is a must see. We strive to bring you beautiful products but also partnership in Sales and Marketing. With add-on articles right here on trends, industry news and marketing plans to your customer. We offer free downloads on our website for you to utilize in social media, advertising and even layouts for direct mail pieces. Now more than ever, we as our quilters are on-line more than ever for shopping, education, selling and exploration. We must pivot to ensure we have the exposure and customer base we need to survive.

I hope you love what we are doing, and can’t wait to share so much with you. Any questions about our products please do not hesitate to call us.

See more of us at WWW.RBSTUDIOSCO.COM

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News at

RB STUDIOS

We created RB STUDIOS with one thing in mind, a breakthrough with fabric and stitching stories inspiring creativity with unique cloth. Creative Director Tina Givens, also a veteran fabric designer is curating unique artists, quilters, and writers in preparing cohesive and extraordinary collections.

“Through a biased lens, we can create a special point of view in fabric design. The quality of our quilting cotton is a given, but the art has to be extraordinary and able to tell a story in piecing. Texture, color palettes, scale and subject matter are taken into account when offering multiple releases at the same time.” tg Powered by Midwest Textiles & Supplies with the capability to offer bolts, bundles, rolled goods to the manufacturing markets, pre-cuts, and incredible cutting technology for Ready-to-sew Kwik- Kits.

Our Quilt project-design team collaborates with our fabric designers to offer unique signature quilt patterns featuring our collections. Our Kwik-Kits are designed for each collection as an add-on product for your store. We celebrate our artists and their signature styles in design, but also importantly, in offering inspiration to our consumers. Please visit our inspirational site, www. rbstudiosco.com built to entice your customer, share, and support the stores we serve.

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3 NEW COLLECTIONS Selling now! Call your rep!

A division of Midwest Textiles & Supplies

Notes 7

I have always been inspired by the crazy beauty of nature. As a child, growing up in Africa, I spent countless hours in our beautiful garden among the flower beds and trees - all the while watching and listening to the songs of many magical birds.

Now living in New Zealand, I continue my journey of exploration and feel so very lucky to have a new inspirational playground with the local Botanical Gardens and bird sanctuary within my neighborhood.

This collection is a fusion of my two beautiful worlds featuring my vision of those feathered creatures.

Enjoy, KJ

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RBS-ES2610-09 GREEN

RBS-ES2610-14 PINK

RBS-ES2650-29 TURQUOISE

RBS-ES2650-31 LT GRAY

RBS-ES2650-06 RED

RBS-ES2650-10 ORANGE

RBS-ES2630-10 ORANGE

RBS-ES2630-19 DK BLUE

RBS-ES2630-14 PINK

RBS-ES2670-35 BURGANDY

RBS-ES2670-09 GREEN

Free Project to Kit

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RBS-ES2620-07 BLUE

RBS-ES2620-14 PINK

RBS-ES2660-08 YELLOW

RBS-ES2640-14 PINK

RBS-ES2660-07 BLUE

RBS-ES2660-23 LT GREEN

RBS-ES2640-07 BLUE

KWIK-KIT RBS-ES-KK/1

KWIK-KIT RBS-ES-KK/2

Pre-Cuts

THE SWEET SHOP LOLLIPOP STRIPS 50 PIECES 2-1/2x42” • RBS-ES-LP 2-1/2” SQUARES GUM DROPS 200 PIECES • RBS-ES-GD 5” SQUARES / CHARM BARS 50 PIECES • RBS-ES-CB 10” SQUARES / TAFFIES 50 PIECES • RBS-ES-TF 5” DIAMONDS 50 PIECES • RBS-ES-DI 5” HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES 50 PIECES • RBS-ES-HST 5” HEXAGONS 50 PIECES • RBS-ES-HX

MULTI-PACKS - Purchase 5 of each*

Pre-Cut & Get 1 of each FREE! RBS-ES-MP CASE PACK SKUS: RBS-ES-5YD RBS-ES-10YD RBS-ES-15YD * Excludes Fat Quarters

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RBS-ES-BB3 (All 18 SKUS)

Fat Quarter BUNDLES

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RBS-ES-BB1 (12 SKUS) RBS-ES-BB2 (12 SKUS) Fabrics here are not shown at actual size. The presentations are a fair representation of design and color for each fabric. The final fabrics may have very minimal changes.

Kwik-Kits

Half the Time, Twice the Fun & Fast, Fun, & Done.

FEATURING

DIAMOND

PURPLE

Candy Twist RBS-SP-KK1

Splendour

Haze

by Toby Lischko

by Lisa Ruble

RBS-ES-KK/1 Diamond Splendour by Lisa Ruble

51” x 59” • Confident Beginner

RBS-ES-KK/2 Purple Haze by Toby Lischko

52”x52” • Confident Beginner

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FREE

Kit this pattern: CASE PACKS

Select 5, 10 or 15 Yard Case Packs of the collection.

RBS-CN-5YD RBS-CN-10YD RBS-CN-15YD

Receive complimentary Quilt Patterns, exclusive to the collection; printed postcards for your use; and Social

FOR MORE INFORMATION Link to RBSTUDIOSCO.COM/

RBS-CN-FF/1

customers your way.

by Toby Lischko • 59”x71” • Free w/ CP

Media scheduled postings driving

Take Flight

FREE PATTERNS

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Kwik-Kits: KWIK-KITS Half the Time, Twice the Fun & Fast, Fun, & Done.

Midwest Textiles & Supplies has an im-

Each RBS Collection is offered with two

pressive fabric and embroidery processing facility where we have the ability to pre-cut each shape and piece of a quilt. This eliminates so much waste and drops the cost down to the end consumer tremendously. They are only paying for the cut fabric. We throw in the backing and binding fabric too.

to three Kwik-Kit options, either using all SKUS in a fabric collection or just a handful. They shine in front of your RBS bolts and Pre-Cuts displays. We are inspired to motivate any quilter to make something beautiful. Kwik-Kits highlight each collection and inspire add-on yardage sales too.

Designed by highly talented quilt design pro-

Custom Kitting options too!

fessionals who literally design within a set list of parameters. The quilts are easy-to-sew projects and designs reflect the current trend of repeat and mirrored blocks. This is an amazing quick sale for any beginner or busy quilter who doesn’t have the time to cut those precise pieces.

We offer even more: 1. Exclusive private branded kits for you.

2. Block of the Month kitting - We cut you teach!

3. Traditional Flat Fold Kits of your favorite collections. In fact we offer free Flat Fold Kit Patterns*.

Redefining Quilt Kits!

SEE MORE ON KWIK-KITS Page 32

* With Purchase of case packs (offers vary)

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Color

Notes

9 Prints / 20 SKUS

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RBS-CN2780-08 YELLOW

RBS-CN2780-20 TEAL

RBS-CN2780-08 YELLOW

RBS-CN2770-37 RED ORANGE

RBS-CN2770-11 PURPLE

RBS-CN2770-33 SALMON

RBS-CN-KK1 FLOWER POWER

RBS-CN2750-11 PURPLE

RBS-CN2750-33 SALMON

RBS-CN2700-05 MULTI

RBS-CN2700-06 RED

RBS-CN2730-02 WHITE

RBS-CN2710-05 MULTI

RBS-CN2710-21 LAVENDER

RBS-CN2760-02 WHITE

RBS-CN2740-22 GOLD

RBS-CN2740-11 PURPLE

RBS-CN2740-33 SALMON

RBS-CN2720-19 BLUE

RBS-CN2720-04 GRAY

RBS-CN2720-02 WHITE

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Free Pattern

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We feature a free pattern design with instruction only for you!

With a Case-Pack or qualifying purchase we send you printed copies (and a download version) with Yardage Charts to kit this beauty up. Toby Lischko designed this series of quilts and Kwik-Kits.

RBS-CN-FF/1 RING O’ ROSIES

By Toby Lischko 59”x71”

Kwik-Kits

Each piece is cut and ready to sew.

RBS-CN-KK/1 FLOWER POWER

By Toby Lischko 45”x54”

RBS-CN-KK/2 STARS & STRIPES

by Toby Lischko 45”x54”

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FREE PATTERNS

Beauties for your customers to download and create for themselves. Stair Steps comes in 2 colorway options Instructions are detailed and have templates when requires.

Yardage Charts are included in case you’d like to kit these FREE quilts for your customers.

See www.RBSTUDIOSCO.com for all of the details.

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Fat Quarter

BUNDLES

RBS-CN-BB1 (12 SKUS) RBS-CN-BB2 (12 SKUS) or RBS-CN-BB3 (All 20 SKUS)

Fabrics here are not shown at actual size.

The presentations are a fair representation of design and color for each fabric.

The final fabrics may have minimal changes.

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RBS-FF2860-16 BROWN

RBS-FF2860-03 CREAM

A delightful and sweet collection by Emma Lea. Her little watercolor Finches are happy to sit together, perched on their branches. The color palette is especially pretty in deep midnight blues, teal and deep green; splattered with tangerine, lime and sky blue. Bringing her art to the forefront and celebrating nature. We love her latest, Finch & Fern Collection.

16 SKUS • 9 PRINTS

RBS-FF2870-09 GREEN

RBS-FF2870-20 TEAL

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RBS-2810-07 BLUE

RBS-FF2810-10 ORANGE

RBS-FF2840-07 BLUE

RBS-2890-23 LIGHT GREEN

RBS-FF2850-19 DARK BLUE

RBS-FF-2850-03 CREAM

RBS-FF2820-07 BLUE

RBS-FF2820-10 ORANGE

RBS-FF2820-42 LIME

RBS-FF2830-10 ORANGE

RBS-FF2830-19 DARK BLUE

RBS-FF2800-42 LIME

BIRD Haven

by Lisa Ruble

Kwik-Kits FLYING

by Toby Lischko

Half the Time, Twice the Fun & Fast, Fun, & Done.

High

RBS-HC-KK3 RBS-FF-KK/1 Bird Haven RBS-FF-KK/2 Flying High

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Kit this pattern:

FLY Home

RBS-FF-FF1 Fly Home

FREE PATTERNS

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by Toby Lischko

BUNDLES

Fabrics here are not shown at actual size.

The presentations are a fair representation of design and color for each fabric.

The final fabrics may have minimal changes.

Fat Quarter

RBS-FF-BB1 (10 SKUS) RBS-FF-BB2 (10 SKUS)

or RBS-FF-BB3 (All 16 SKUS)

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TR7 EQUILT NDS 1. SLOW STITCH

TRENDS FOR QUILTING FALL 21 Fall 2021 is here with a beautiful note of community, clarity, perspective, nature, the holidays, family and love. The continuation of slow stitching, celebration of change, community, quilt samplers, curves and new generations!

Enjoy!

1. slow stitching

2. CHANGE 3. CURVES 4. ECO QUILTING 5. SAMPLERS 6. NEW GENERATION 7. FREE PATTERNS 7. free

We have all slowed down these past 18 months and more of us are appreciating a slower more soothing stitching process of embroidery and applique. Slow stitching with curved motifs in leaves and flowers are very on trend.

Slow stitching is a craft where modern creativity meets very old practices; it’s all about the journey, not the destination. Slow stitching isn’t just about making something from a pattern. Neither is it about working towards a goal or a time frame. Slow stitching is about using the needle and thread in the same way you’d use a paintbrush. It’s about creating art, about enjoying the process rather than worrying about the product.

Basically, slow stitching is about taking a step back from the busy, chaotic world we live in. It’s about appreciating the moment, about taking a few deep breaths and relaxing. In other words, it’s about mindfulness.

(Sewingiscool.com)

Types of Stitches

Slow Stitching

You don’t need expensive supplies!

No need for a plan.

Perfection is not the goal.

You can do it anywhere!

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Whip Stitch Catch Stitch Basting Stitch Running Stitch Back Stitch Overcast Stitch Lap / Ladder Stitch Blind Hem Stitch https://sewing.com/hand-sewing-stitching-basics/

4. Eco Quilting 2. Quilting for change

Homing in on a movement for change is very relevant in our communities and in our crafting world.

Quilting for a cause has historically been a strong voice in the craft, but today is especially vocal. Join in on some amazing community projects currently ongoing, including COLOR of CONNECTION, created through a belief that there is more beauty to be celebrated when the quilting community is connected with inclusivity. Working to raise up the next generations of modern quilters.

COLOROFCONNECTIONQUILT.COM

3. Curved Piecing

We continue to see curved blocks which started in 2020 as a new trend in modern quilt patterns. Curves may seem ambitious for a new quilter, but once they have the hang of it there’s no stopping the flood of creativity they inspire. See our Ring o’ Rosies and TeaTime Quilts for Color Notes.

Sustainability and eco-conscious are reflected in prints of nature’s gifts in flora, animals and the birds and bees.

Zero waste kitted options is on trend. We love our answer to this in our Kwik-Kit projects utilizing technology, reducing waste and designed to be easy.

5. Quilt Samplers

Whether traditional or modern intricate, sampler style quilts. Mixing and matching a series of different blocks in the same colorways are making headlines everywhere.

These projects are enjoyable, embrace the slow-stitch creative process and less monotonous for the quilter. Enjoy a block of the month/week and invite your customers to participate!

6. A New Generation

The younger quilters are becoming a strong voice in the quilting communities. They sing to their own tune for sure. They believe in communal crafting of course because they are a community driven generation. These quilters re-purpose to the hilt. Vintage fabrics, denim and dying their own cloth. However, the print trend for sure includes bright colors, inclusive imagery, and lipstick generation novelties. However, they love a traditional block made new, and fresh with current flavored prints.

Piecing is for them, slow stitch and even piecing for apparel is right on trend.

7. Free Quilt Patterns

Always a powerful marketing tactic to include free patterns for your customers. This is a hot industry trend offering collection featured projects to bring your customers in requesting projects and fabrics to go. Inspire them with a free project, kitted quilt project or even better a pre-cut quilt project.

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Benefits

MIDWEST TEXTILES & SUPPLIES

As a division of Midwest Textiles & Supplies, we offer exclusive fabric collections AND: • Customized Kitting • BOM pre-cuts • Curated collections across collections targeting your customers’ preferences • Downloadable marketing assets as in imagery, laid out postcards and collections for your E-Quilting software • Free Flat Fold Quilt Pattern with case pack orders, we detail yardage you need • We are curating many free projects on our new website www.rbstudiosco.com with a strong newsletter marketing strategy inspiring your customers to create and use RBSTUDIOS fabrics found at your store SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT & MARKETING • We can help! As we ship, we are able to create and send targeted social media ads based on your location. * Added little video stories, imagery available on our website www.rbstudiosco.com • Postcards preprinted for you with case pack orders. Ask us more?

EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONS, COLLECTION NEWS & PREVIEWS • Want to be an insider? Join the Midwest • RB Studios Private Facebook Group to be the first to hear all about what’s going on with unique offers, new collections, profiles, and more. * Offer available if purchase of RB Studios 10 & 15 yard case packs or a minimum of $2500 in RBS fabrics.

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See more about us on page 32

MIDWEST TEXTILES & SUPPLIES Midwest Textiles & Supplies is an industry leader in quality quilting fabrics and embroidery supplies for the wholesale market. With a combined history of 96+ years we are your one-stop solution. We distribute over 15 brands of fabric and the exclusives provider of our own RB Studios collections - A Fresh Language in Fabric

Quality - 100% Cotton Fabrics for the Independent Quilt Shop Market! · Multi-Line Distributor

· Exclusive RB Studios Fabrics – A Fresh Language in Fabric

Buyers’ Club Program • Monthly Lookbook focusing on value-based opportunities! Sign up today to save -

https://www.midwest-textiles.com/buyers-club/ Contact us today to learn more about how our unique offerings can help your shop stand out!

Reach out via email at info@midwest-textiles.com Or call Vanna at (800)570-5040

· RB Studios - Free Freight on Case Packs · Stock bundle program – Great Variety & Ready to Ship

Merits Freight Program - Consolidate & Discount Freight Saves you $$$

· All brands - Freight discounts per yard · All brands - Free Freight opportunities (Jaftex non-participate)

Custom Kitting – Save Time & Money · Exclusive private branded kits for your shop, retreat, or classes · Block of the Month kitting – We cut, you teach! · Kwik-

Kits – Redefining quilt kits. Fast, Fun, & Done!

· Traditional flat fold kits for your favorite collections · Custom curated collections to match your shop’s needs · Custom precut & kits designed to match your shop’s needs

Social Media Co-Partner Support – RB Studios Collections · Consumer based targeted social media ads to support your shop.

Kwik-Kits Midwest Textiles is redefining quilt kits with our ready to sew Kwik Kits!

Each Kwik Kit comes with precision cut blocks & include BINDING & BACKING for a far greater value than any other quilt kit on the market.

Are Kwik Kits Economical?

• Reduced excess fabric per kit saves waste • Saves time & money for your shop & customers while increasing profit & selling opportunities • Kwik Kits include quilt topper, backing, & binding vs Traditional Quilt Kit with quilt topper only Who are Kwik Kits good for?

• The beginner looking for a quick start without the complications of cutting.

• The experienced quilter who needs something fast, fun, and done • Those with limited abilities that love to craft & quilt.

• Anyone that crafts, quilts, or sews

· Consumer based direct mail postcards to support your shop.

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ORDERING 2 Ways 1. Sales Rep

For USA independent stores, please contact your regional sales rep.

View our listing online at www.rbstudiosco. com. We also have distribution in Australia, UK, New Zealand and Canada.

Your to-do list:

2. Visit us Directly

Visit www.midwest-textiles.com, and if you have set up an account with us, you can order directly online.

Or contact Vanna at (800)570-5040.

Pre-Cuts

THE SWEET SHOP

BUYERS CLUB

Join us today!

Value Based Opportunities just for you!

LOLLIPOP STRIPS 50 PIECES 2-1/2x42” 2-1/2” SQUARES GUM DROPS 200 PIECES

PRIVATE

5” SQUARES / CHARM BARS 50 PIECES

Facebook Group

Join our retailers only private group where we showcase new collections, inspirational videos and more dedicated chats about your industry.

Social Media

If you are not following us on Instagram and Facebook please connect! It’s fun and dedicated to making connections with your customers who are on social media everyday!

RBSTUDIOSCO.com RETAILER PORTAL Create an account on our website, and send us a wholesale query to get you into the private RETAILER pages where you can have access to all marketing assets. You’ll find Free Patterns, Product Images, Lifestyle images, Posters, Postcards, Designer Event Schedules, Videos & Social Media updates.

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10” SQUARES / TAFFIES 50 PIECES 5” DIAMONDS 50 PIECES 5” HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES 50 PIECES 5” HEXAGONS 50 PIECES

MULTI-PACKS - Purchase 5 of each* Pre-Cut & Get 1 of each FREE! * Excludes Fat Quarters PURCHASE 10 or 15 YARD CASE PACKS and receive an exclusive and complimentary RB Studios Flat Fold Pattern for you to kit.

Fat Quarter

BUNDLES

Fat Quarter Bundles are available for each collection.

COLLECTIONS Shipping February 2022 www.midwest-textiles.com

• Exotic Splendour by Kathy Juriss • Finch & Fern by Emma Lea Creative • Color Notes by Victoria Bright

w w w. r b s t u d i o s c o . c o m

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art focused • high design • inspirational • expressive • purposeful • creative

w w w. m i d w e s t - t e x t i l e s . c o m

•

w w w. r b s t u d i o s c o . c o m