My husband and I can be terribly practical, like deciding to ignore Valentine's Day ~
So it was really fun to receive some actual valentines in the mail this year from my friends, Renee, Stacy, and Lauren. (I guess you guys just love me more?!) Hee hee, thank you sweet friends!
Does that look amazing to you? It's Art Gallery Fabrics latest introduction: The Denim Studio. Read all about it here and find it at shops now. As soon as I received mine, I used textured denim, solid smooth denim, and Coastline fabrics to make this cute clutch.
The little leather patch? I made that using a leather stamping kit from Michael's craft store ;)
Made a few more nine patches on Mia's clothes quilt, and of course I had to share. There's just something about the process of turning her old clothes into something beautiful and new that feels so good! Here are a few tips that might be helpful if you're at all interested in this kind of project:
- prewash the item, otherwise stains may emerge when you press.
- the first cut is always the hardest. I know. But it gets really easy once you start.
- cut as close to the seams as possible to get the most usable fabric
- even a 12 month baby girl's dress yields so much more fabric than you'd imagine (start snipping!)
- fussy cut around major stains but consider using the pieces with minor discolorations. I think of it as added character.
- occasionally add in a piece that has a pocket, button placket or tag, just for fun.
- don't discount ruffles or even wide hems ~ these can be pressed open and used occasionally if there isn't a fade line down the crease.
- make the first cut. Storing those clothes in a bag in your closet really isn't a better idea!
Congratulations to the two winners of the Paperie Blog Tour giveaway: LeAnne K and Kim Fernald. You'll each be receiving a fat quarter bundle of Paperie from me and a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop (courtesy of them.) Thank you to all who entered and who have been so kind and supportive of my first Limited Edition collection. I am thankful for every kind word.
xo amy