About Hoffman Fabrics
One of the most important choices to make for your sewing or quilting project is the fabric you will use. The beauty of a quilt is totally dependent on the fabric used. How long the quilt will last and how easy it is to sew is based on the quality of the fabric. Choosing a fabric from a company that you know and trust will solve many potential problems during sewing.
Hoffman Fabrics, which is based in California, have proven the quality of their fabric to quilters and sewers since 1924. Visit any website that sells fabric and you will find the name, Hoffman Fabrics.
Not only do they specialize in high-quality screen printed cottons and blends, but they also produce hand-painted and dyed fabrics. Every years they release two new lines of fabric called "Colorful Prints and Luscious Balis."
Hoffman Fabrics calls their fabrics "inspiring". This is not just an advertising gimic. The richness of the color and designs has made their fabrics a must have cloth for quilters and sewers alike. They chose to show their appreciation to those who use their fabrics through the Hoffman Challenge, a contest the company started in 1987.
Each year, Hoffman Fabrics will choose one of their newest fabric designs to feature in the challenge. Quilt-makers, clothing and accessory designers and doll-makers are to use the fabric to design an original item. The winning entries are featured in a show that takes place at galleries, museums, shops and quilting guilds nationwide.
Since the challenge began, the entries in the challenge have grown from 94 to 700. There are twelve collections that now travel nationwide with Canada being added as one of it's stops.
Hoffman Fabrics promotes the art of quilting in other ways as well. They have joined with designer McKenna Ryan of Pine Needles Designs to create patterns based on Hoffman Fabrics.
Ryan has been quoted as saying that she enjoys using Hoffman Batiks for applique work because it has a higher thread count that prevents fraying. She also has an appreciation of the depth of color and texture used in Hoffman Fabrics. Using these fabrics allows her to design an indredibly lush and intricate quilt based on nature.
One of the secrets to the company's success may be due to the family nature of the business. Currently involved in the day to day operations are three generations of the Hoffman family. The companies design philosophy stems from the fifties, when Philip and Walter Hoffman, the sons of the original founder, joined the company.
Philip and Walter brought with them their love of surfing and translated it to original designs of the ocean, beaches and surfing life. By combining their passions with a knack for seeking out unusual printing processes for fabrics, the Hoffman sons helped to create a company that is beloved of quilters and sewers everywhere.
