Fat Tuesday? Fat Quarters!

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Monica

Fatten up your fabric collection with fat quarters. These pre-cut portions are perfect for patchwork, as well as for smaller-scale sewing projects such as yo-yos or pincushions. Trim some time at the cutting station by snapping up a stash of coordinating quadrants instead.

The fat quarter shares the same surface area as its longer, leaner cousin, the quarter-yard. However, fat quarters typically measure 18″ by 22″ rather than 9″ by 44″, lending more versatility and flexibility to your project.

Fat quarters form the unique shape and pieced design of our stylish Gypsy Hobo (IJ911). Stitch a pair of coordinating fat quarters, embellished with rick rack or embroidery, to create a practical shell for your journal or notebook with our Composition Covers (IJ882) pattern.

You can also use fat quarters to construct the eye-popping patchwork on our Cozy Quilted Coat (IJ871) and Laptop Keeper (IJ133). At only cost a couple of bucks apiece, fat quarters offer an affordable option for gathering a variety of prints and colors.

Go ahead… load up on fats. Browse all of our patterns that use fat quarters.

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Fabric Friday: The Butler Did It

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Monica

Nothing like a Butler to usher in a trend. Amy Butler transformed designer fabric as we know it, and many have since taken inspiration from her fashion-forward work.

Quilted Pocket Purse, IJ912

Amy revolutionized the industry upon her debut — with vibrant, vivid and vintage-inspired prints. She modernized the look of quilting and fashion fabric, contributing to a new wave of young sewing enthusiasts.

Midtown Trench, IJ866

Inspired by her travels to exotic lands, Butler’s designs are hallmarked by richly bold hues, architectural and floral details and whimsical worldliness. She marries contradictions. Old and new. Nature and man-made. Simplicity and complexity.

This textile trailblazer now has collections available in flannel, sateen, home decor, laminate, rayon, organic cotton, voile and corduroy. She shares sewing tips and and project ideas on her website, amybutlerdesign.com.

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Alternatives to Buttons

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Monica

Give buttons the boot in favor of a less traditional fastener. Don’t get us wrong — we love buttons (have you seen our book Buttonware?), but maybe it’s time to set aside this commonplace closure and try a different technique.

C’mon, get snappy! Our Chinois Coat (IJ885) is secured with hidden oversized snaps. This unlined Asian-inspired coat with vintage charm showcases a swing silhouette with long bell sleeves and a stand-up Mandarin collar.

The eyes have it. A pair of hook-and-eyes fasten the straps on the eye-catching Uptown Tops & Trousers (IJ821). This playful children’s outfit also features circle appliqué jumbo rick rack or ruffled edges and cropped pant with a flat front waistband. You can find hook-and-eyes in brass, nickel and black under the sewing supplies tab on our site.

Our Easy Artisan Jacket (IJ726) can be fashioned with a lacing wrapped toggle closure for a fun, funky look or a loosely tied tassel closure for a more elegant finish. This banded, kimono-sleeved jacket includes optional beaded appliqué, a loose fit and adjustable sleeves.

Looking for some vintage-inspired closures? We’ve created this fun vintage PDF download on creating Chinese knots and loops to use as frog closures that will give you inspiration for your next project. Be sure to post some pictures of your knots on our Facebook page!

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Cloudy With a Chance of Green?

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Monica

Pantone predicts vibrant and fresh hues in its color report for spring 2012. The premier authority on color, this institute has forecasted fashion hues for years. For this upcoming season, playful pastels and punchy citruses rule the runway.

Pantone surveys fashion designers each season to collect insight on prominent colors and inspiration. The feedback is used to create the report, a reference for retailers and fashion consumers.

This warm and welcoming palette was inspired in part by nature, springtime renewal and cloudless days. A rich tangerine and sunny yellow add cheer, rounded out by soft purple, delicate pink, calming blue and tangy yellow-green.

Read more at pantone.com, and browse our springtime fashions, handbags and accessories for more inspiration.

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Winter Scarf Remix

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Monica

Fashion meets function with our Circle Scarves (IJ878) pattern, a stylish winter wrap. With a number of modifications, you can create many looks for this nifty neckwear.

This beginner-friendly project (no finished edges!) requires less than a yard of fabric. Use wool or polar fleece for a winter warmer or create a chic fashion accessory in cotton batik. Choose recycled woolen menswear (like the red, grey & black version shown above) for a soft and stylish twist. Mix and match colors and patterns or simplify with a single hue. Adjust the length as desired.

You can also modify the size of your circles or wedges for a different look. Larger wedges create smaller ruffles, and smaller wedges create larger ruffles.

Browse our collection of wool packs, bundled in beautiful coordinating colors, to create your perfect circles.

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Fabric Friday: Home Decor

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Monica

Thought home decor fabrics were just for, well, home decor? Time to think outside the box cushion.

This stiff and sturdy textile is stocked with possibility, lending stability to totes and coats alike. You can skip the interfacing or cotton batting when using home decor fabrics on several of our handbags, such as the Gypsy Hobo (IJ911).

Some home decor fabrics are chemically treated to resist stains and sun damage, so they’re sure to hold up over time. Plus, they are typically wider than their cotton counterparts, so you can buy less yardage. You can also quilt home decor fabrics, as demonstrated on our Ideal Duffle (IJ900).

More fashion fabric designers are supplementing their quilting collections with home decor fabrics. We love the contemporary and stylish options from Amy Butler, Dwell Studio for Robert Allen, and Ty Pennington Impressions.

When purchasing, check the tag on the bolt for care instructions, which may differ from fabric to fabric. Peruse our purse patterns to find more handbags that can be made with home decor fabrics.

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Instant Style: Heart-Shaped Yo-Yos

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Monica

This Valentine’s Day, wear your heart on your sleeve… literally!

Handmade heart-shaped yo-yos add a romantic touch to an ordinary outfit. With a small or large heart-shaped yo-yo maker, you can fashion these sweet fabric treats in minutes. Plus, you can salvage some of your favorite fabric scraps for this project.

Adorn a skirt or sweater with these sweet hearts for a pop of color and dimension. Spruce up a purse or showcase on a necklace, brooch or headband. Top with a pretty pearl or vintage button to kick up the cuteness. Our book Yo-Yo Fashions features a few more creative techniques for gussying up garments and constructing a charming belt with heart yo-yos.

You can also make yo-yos shaped like shamrocks and butterflies with the quick Clover yo-yo makers under the tools tab on our site.

What would you embellish with heart-shaped yo-yos?

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Valentine’s Day Gifts

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Monica

Spoil your sweetie on February 14 with a handmade and heartfelt present. Kisses guaranteed.

Try this vintage twist on a tasty tradition: Skip the store-bought candy in favor of a classic confection recipe from our book Vintage Notions. Box up a batch of candied orange peel, creamy fudge or an assortment of cookies featured in the book to create a truly sweet gesture.

Not big on baking? You can still add that personal touch without preheating the oven. Purchase a chocolate bar — the kind wrapped in foil with a paper sleeve — and replace the outer covering with decorative paper or a romantic image from TheVintageWorkshop.com, which features a vast assortment of vintage Valentine’s Day art. For more detailed instructions for this project, go to the blog.

If your honey prefers computers over candy, a Tech Pocket & Portfolio (IJ904) or Laptop Keeper (IJ133) might be the perfect present. A personalized protective sleeve for a tablet, e-reader or laptop is practical and charming.

You can also create a custom can cover from Koozie Kouture (IJ898) or a handy lunch sack from Lunch Bunch (IJ897) for a purposeful gift — and a constant reminder of your creativity and care.

With a wide selection of “manly” fabrics out there, you are sure to find the perfect pair for your handmade gift. And be sure to share this helpful hint for the hubby: A copy of our book Vintage Notions is just what Cupid ordered… plus it includes patterns for lingerie. Wink, wink.

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Fabric Friday: In the Pink Fabric Giveaway

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Monica

Talk about a crowning achievement. We are swooning over Tula Pink’s dashing Prince Charming collection for Free Spirit Fabric.

Continue reading →

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Instant Style: Denim Redesign

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Monica

Reboot your bootcuts and overhaul your overalls. Our book Denim Redesign features 20 projects to reconstruct and embellish your jeans.

Learn techniques like applique and needle felting to refashion your jeans, or reuse old pairs to create custom purses, aprons and skirts.

With so many styles and washes available, the versatility of this wardrobe staple lends even more possibilities to producing an original statement. Raid the racks of your favorite thrift store or comb your closet for a pair in need of primping. Consider it a canvas for your artistic accents such as rick rack, stenciled art, vintage buttons or fabric yo-yos.

Many of our clothing and handbag patterns can also be created with denim, including our Ideal Duffle (IJ900) and Teatime Dress & Coat (IJ820). Having the blues never felt so good!

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