By: fabric.com

Q&A

When did you realize you have a passion for art and design?

I have a very distinct memory of when my mom got her first sewing machine. I was four and not only was I impressed I could sit in the drawers like a boat (which I got in trouble for) but this machine let you make things! My mom was a maker like my grandmother. I always wanted and asked to be doing whatever they were doing. Often with things my mom would say, “No, it’s okay, I’ll do it so if it messes up, it’s on me” but when I asked if I could sew, she said yes!

I was shocked but I took it very seriously. I made a pillow out of fortrell fabric. I added a hand sewn pocket, along with a hanky to go inside the pocket. I used all the fancy stitches on it. Since I was only four and didn’t know how to spell yet, I had my mom lightly write the words, I Love You, so I could trace them with my crayons. My mom has kept it for all these years. Who knew it would be the first Lysa Flower design!

Describe your aesthetic in 3 words.

I consider my aesthetic retro made modern, mixed with cheeky cheerfulness. A lot of that comes out in the design and colour but I think got my aesthetic from my youngest son when he was little. He had gotten frustrated with me and loudly declared, “Mommy! Stop murdering the FUNNESS!”. I don’t remember what we’re doing but I remember that stopped me dead in my tracks. I’ve always kept that saying in my head while I work, especially when it’s not working or I’m getting too tight. I feel like that’s what I spend my days doing now, trying to find the funness.

What was the inspiration behind your latest fabric collection?

I wish I could say it was a linear experience. Rebel Girl started several years ago with watching a documentary called The Punk Singer about Kathleen Hannah, from the 1990’s band Bikini Kill. That planted a seed. A few years later I was working on a quilt pattern and this idea of doing a pink leopard print popped into my brain. Which often happens, when I’m working on one, an idea will pop into my head about the other. I sent a message to my friend Jonna, “I think I need to do a pink Leopard print!”. She messaged back, “Yeah, YOU DO!”.

In 2019, I felt this need to be brave, to experiment and create some routines. I began blasting Bikini Kill’s Rebel Girl when I got to the studio. I loved the energy of the song. Being creative is not for the faint of heart, and I needed / wanted the strength and energy of that song.

As I built out the collection, I researched beyond the documentary. I discovered Joan Jett produced the song Rebel Girl. That led me to thinking about the women that came before Bikini Kill, like The Runaways. Which led to thinking about the women who came after. The Beaches, Dream Wife and of course the iconic female drummer, Meg White from the White stripes. The drums in the collection are based on her set.

As a modern pattern designer, I’m mostly known for my cassette and Boombox designs. I’d like to take all the credit for the cassette print but it was Meghan, the Art Director at PBS Fabrics, that asked if I’d be open to doing them. I was ecstatic but it was also a hand smack to forehead moment. It was so obvious, but I was too close to it to see it. Which is why I love working and collaborating with Paintbrush Studio.

You teamed up with Paintbrush Studio Fabrics to create your line of textiles. What about PBS Fabrics made them a perfect partner for you?

I see PBS Fabrics like an indie record label. They have an amazing list of artists they work with and that was a big part of why I wanted to work with them. The collections I’ve seen come out of PBS felt diverse, exciting and inspired. Plus having sewn with their fabric I was impressed by the quality.

If you had to choose one favorite fabric from your entire line, what would it be and why?

Oof! That’s a hard one, that’s like asking which child do you love most! The leopard print was the first one I worked on. It started as a straight up leopard print (which is so unlike me) but as I began painting, I began experimenting by painting faces on them. As I painted them I thought about Joan Carter Cash, Patti Smith, Joan Jett... all the women who had dedicated their lives to their craft.

What are your current favorite trends in sewing?

My local guild, The Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild and the Modern Quilt Guild are great for spotting trends. Although, I have to admit I tend to follow my interests and have been lucky enough that they resonate with people. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good trend report and mood board! However, I find if I try to stick too close to them my work becomes beige and doesn’t stand out.

What do you love most about creating a DIY project with your fabric?

I LOVE everything about it! Just the other day I was cutting into fabric that I designed and I thought, “I can’t believe this is my life!”. My brain is so happy designing projects, it never stops. It’s my happy place and when I see other people making I want to reach out and give them a high five!

I was given a quilt when I was four. My family had moved cities and the woman who looked after me gifted me a quilt. It became my connection to her, who I loved and adored. I slept with it all through my childhood. I didn’t realize it then but now I understand the power of connection and what a gift like that can mean between people. To think my fabric or patterns might be a tiny part of that connection is amazing and quite an honor.

What projects are on your “must make” list right now?

Right now I’m designing a raw edge appliqué quilt pattern of my roller skates... because I MUST make it! I NEED my roller skates to be a quilt!

As for on my to do list:

• Holly Clarke’s (@holdmyseamripper) Shining Quilt for my husband. He’s a huge fan of the movie. As soon as her pattern for her Tsuro quilt comes out, it will quickly be added to the list. She also designed the free pattern for Rebel Girl!
• Berene Campbell’s (@happysewlucky) Tattoo Pattern. I was in the same quilt bee where she designed the first heart block that became part of the Tattoo series. Her work is brilliant and I love her social consciousness.
• Lindsey Neill’s (@penandpaperpatterns) Sewology. I discovered Lindsay’s work by seeing my cassette quilt next to hers in an article about Quiltcon 2016. I’ve been smitten with her work ever since.
• Devon Lott’s (@missmake) Looper quilt. Such a brilliant design and she’s just as great as her patterns! Her Looper educational video is one of the best things I have ever seen! She also loves to roller skate!
• Latifah Saafir’s (@latifahsaafirstudios) Glam Clam Quilt. I took her workshop a few years ago and cut about one million too many pieces. The quilt turned out great but yeah now I have a whole lot-a sewing ahead of me. Good thing it’s such a great pattern!
• Natalie Santini’s (@sewhungryhippie) Eyeball and Banana Bags. I recently ripped through Natalie’s shop and grabbed a ton of patterns but I am especially excited to make the eyeball and banana bags!

What other blogs/brands/designers inspire you most?

I absolutely love the blog, The Jealous Curator. She also has a podcast where she interviews artists. I’ve learned and been inspired so much from it. I also was lucky enough to be featured on it in January of 2020! Dream come true!

I’m completely smitten with Ampersand Studio. I think they’re an amazing brand and knowing they design for PBS fabric was a big draw for me. They’re playful and I love their colours. Oh gosh, I just love everything they do! There is such a huge list of designers. Amy Butler was the first to inspire me. I remember seeing her first collection, Gypsy Caravan, and thinking to myself, “I have to do this one day!”.

Elizabeth Olwen - she’s also a Canadian designer. Her work is so identifiably hers. You can tell in an instant it’s her work. I also love how she pushes herself to experiment with lettering and figures, even though she’s mostly known for her florals.

However, the first designer to stop my clock was Melody Miller. She’s had my attention since her Viewfinders. They changed everything for me. I’ve been following her designs ever since and I think it’s super impressive with what she accomplished in the ten years she’s been designing. Cotton + Steel’s launch was super exciting and it was a dream come true being invited to make my Boombox sewing cover for Kim Kight’s Snap to Grid collection in 2017. I love how they’ve reinvented themselves as Ruby Star Society. It’s all so well done!

What’s coming up for you in 2021? What’s next?

I have a few sewing patterns coming out in Love Patchwork and Quilting in 2021: my Boom Box nesting bags, sewn from my Let the Good Times Roll collection and a chenille Rebel Girl quilt pattern. I have several sewing patterns that were written for magazines that I can now publish on my own. I want to get those out to the world in 2021. Then it’s focusing on designing more and more fabric collections!

What do you love to do when you aren’t designing and creating?

I love chatting with people about designing and creating. I love visiting with other creatives and finding out about their process. I also love going to galleries and when I can combine visiting with creative friends while going to galleries, well that’s just the BEST! Before Covid-19, my husband and I would travel to San Francisco and LA once a year (for video game conferences - my husband makes games). I loved getting out of my own space and roaming around those cities, watching people, and getting glimpses of graffiti. I also love movies and documentaries. I love people’s stories.

Tell us one thing people might now know about you.

I’ve driven a Zamboni (in fact I just checked this one off my bucket list). In Canada hockey is huge and riding on a Zamboni would have been great but I got to drive the Zamboni! I’ve been hugged by a massive sea lion (terrifying and humbling) and I can climb a 15-foot rope. Climbing a rope is a really big deal for me because I was the kid in gym class that could never do it! I’ve worked really hard to get strong enough to be able to do it. It’s not pretty or fast but I can do it! Next is to work on the pretty and fast part. I know that’s three things... Thank you for indulging me!

Shop all Lysa Flower fabric collections here

By: Ultrasuede

Looking for a stylish and practical place for your furry friend to rest their head? Watch this a quick and easy video tutorial featuring Ultrasuede performance fabrics that gives step-by-step instructions.

Choose from 97 colors of Ultrasuede® fabric!

Materials Used

• 1 yard of Ultrasuede® HP
• Dog bed insert
• Cord for piping or trim
• Zipper to fit short end

Let's get started!

By: fabric.com

This Black History Month, we're sharing the stories of makers whose creativity, skills and DIYs have inspired us over the past year. Tune in weekly, as we bring you their stories all month long.

Meet Nikki Griffin

How did you get started sewing?

In celebration of my black history, my story began at age 8 when my granny taught me how to sew - hand sew. I didn't get a sewing machine until I was 13, and i've been sewing ever since. Today I sew mostly apparel. I love a great dress, jeans, and coats. I love beautiful knits. Thats one of my top fabrics that I purchase. A bold knit with great prints never gets old. And because i'm a bra maker, you'll find my cart full of some yummy laces.

What does being a black maker mean to you, especially in 2021?

When we are asked about what it means to be a black maker, there is no singular response. I am a black maker, and my ancestral craft lives and thrives in me every day. A black woman passed down this ancestral craft of sewing to me very early. And because I learned, I must teach. This means if just one person is influenced by my sharing, my work done in that moment, is totally worth it.

I look at bra making as the gift God gave me to share and women in my community will surely benefit on many levels - from that woman that is just hard to fit, to that breast cancer survivor who truly needs a comfortable solution.

View Nikki's full interview on IGTV here.

Meet Raven Maureen

What's your dream sewing project?

My dream sewing project would most definitely be a capsule wardrobe. I have yet to conquer that. I am hoping I can get to it this year, but if I can have just 10 really great pieces and have the patience to sit down, think about those fabrics and patterns that I want to use - best year ever.

What are your fabric faves?

My favorite things at fabric.com are definitely Art Gallery. Love love love all of their fabric - and anything that is rayon challis because they have the best choices and options, in my opinion. I absolutely love print fabric, anything leopard I just adore. Animal print, more broadly, and palm leaf print. If it's green, if it has palm leaves, I am totally sold.

View Raven's full interview on IGTV here.

Meet Julian Collins

How did you get started sewing?

I have been sewing since around 2016. Actually I started school for fashion design back in 2005, but it wasn't in the cards at the moment so I came back to it on my own in 2016 through books and YouTube.

What are your fabric faves?

I definitely love a lot of TELIO fabrics that are available. All of the different substrates, as well as colors and patterns are really my jam. I really love them. If I had to choose between solids and prints, I am definitely going to choose patterns - that is my first, absolute love. Sometimes get bored when I sew solid colors, so I try to stick to patterns and prints and all that fun stuff.

If I had to choose one type of fabric, it would be Ankara. I can sew with that every day. It's one of my favorite fabrics. Beyond that, it would definitely be anything that tells a story, so like comic book fabrics, or some type of graphic message, or some of those different border prints that have a scene going through them. Those are the types of fabrics that I like to sew with.

View Julian's full interview on IGTV here.

Meet Adrienne Walker

What does being a black maker mean to you, especially in 2021?

Being a black maker to me, in 2021, means to show that we exist - that that we're here, and we also have ideas that could change this entire industry. We have a voice that needs to be and wants to be heard. I grew up in a family that was full of creatives. My mom was amazing at crafting, my grandmother was a superstar in sewing. And without me even knowing it, that pretty much shaped who I am today.

What are your favorite DIY categories and fabrics?

I've been sewing for over six years now, and I still enjoy every minute of it. My top categories are home decor and apparel, but I tend to do more apparel than anything. My fabric favorites are super easy - I would buy stretchy apparel fabrics by the buttloads. I definitely enjoy how they feel. I enjoy how they hit every curve of your body. You really cannot go wrong with them. In the beginning I loved solids, but I've noticed over the years that I've been leaning towards patterns, so you can say I like both.

View Adrienne's full interview on IGTV here.

By: Wendy Chow from The Weekend Quilter

More than ever, we are spending more time at home. During this period many of us have taken on new hobbies and skills like breadmaking, garment sewing, gardening, and many more fun things. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it on to the breadmaking bandwagon, as much as I would have loved to. This was because my kitchen was midway of construction, and it was takeout all day, every day for months until the city reopened from being in lockdown.

The first couple of months of ordering all the time was a novelty and treat, until we found ourselves eating from the same places over and over. The ability to cook again felt like an unattainable dream. To remain positive, I made a list of things I’d like to make when the construction was complete. And one of those items on the list was oven gloves.

My Star Bright oven glove is a small quick project that could be completed within a day or two, making it the perfect weekend project. The pattern incorporates 4-in-1 and 8-in-1 half-square triangle piecing methods to speed up oven glove assembly.

For my non-quilters reading this, I challenge you to take on this project. Compared with your regular quilting projects like baby and throw size quilts, this is much smaller and more approachable for first timers and beginners. With a little bit of sewing machine skills, you can certainly make this happen.

Download The Weekend Quilter’s step-by-step Star Bright oven glove pattern for FREE until February 28, 2021 here.

Kona Cotton is a popular solids fabric brand among quilters, and is recognized for their high-quality cottons and wide range of colors with over 300 colors to choose from. Leading up to each new year, Kona Cotton announces their Color of the Year. But you’ve got to get in quick, because there is a limited run of the color made.

This year, we were presented with this striking blue color that would certainly stop your tracks as you’re scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest – Horizon. And I couldn’t be more thrilled that I’ve decided to use that as the primary color for my Star Bright oven glove project. Together with the patchwork elements, Horizon turns any color palette into a bright and cheery one and is a vibrant addition to the kitchen.

Along with the coordinating Kona Cotton solids, Robert Kaufman print on the back and Riley Blake for the binding, I’ve put together a few other options to show you how to turn it up by incorporating more prints with Horizon. But before I jump into that, here’s your fabric.com shopping list for all the materials used in the photographed example:

Here's What You'll Need

• Fabric A - Kona Cotton in Horizon, ¾ yard (70 cm)
• Fabric B - Kona Cotton in Corsage, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric C - Kona Cotton in Corn Yellow, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric D - Kona Cotton in Everglade, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric E - Kona Cotton in Marmalade, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Binding Fabric - Riley Blake Designs Garden Party, Seed Rows in Orange, ¼ yard (23 cm)**
• Backing Fabric - Robert Kaufman, Hidden Canyon, Mushrooms in Sunflower, ½ yard (46 cm)

Other tools and materials you’ll need to make this:

• Basic sewing machine
• Iron
• Machine-washable fabric pen or pencil
• Quilt batting – Craft size 34" x 45"
• Basting spray
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Quilting Ruler
• Coordinating machine quilting threads – In this tutorial Aurifil 50wt Blossom Pink (2530), and Light Beige (2310)
• Hera marker or blunt kitchen knife
• Walking foot or dual feed dog (optional)
• Iron
• Newspaper, tarp or old bedsheets
• Round plate or roll of tape to trace rounded corners for the oven glove

Who doesn’t love a good Rifle Paper Co. print? Since the collaboration with Cotton + Steel (another all-time favorite quilting fabric brand of mine), these fabrics have been very popular. Here are a couple of Rifle Paper Co. prints that would pair beautify with Horizon and a few other Kona Cotton solids:

The blue, purple, green, pink and orange tones in these floral prints picks up what’s on the front to create a cohesive look. Fabric requirements to replicate these two options are slightly different, and so are the cutting directions because there are more floral prints involved:

• Fabric A - Kona Cotton in Horizon, ⅝ yard (60 cm)
• Fabric B - Kona Cotton in Corsage, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric C - Kona Cotton in Corn Yellow, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric D - Kona Cotton in Everglade, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric E - Kona Cotton in Marmalade, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Binding Fabric - Riley Blake Designs Garden Party, Seed Rows in Orange, ¼ yard (23 cm)**

Option 1: Backing Fabric - Cotton + Steel Rifle Paper Co. English Garden, Meadow in Cream, ⅞ yard (80 cm)

Option 2:Backing Fabric - Cotton + Steel Rifle Paper Co. Menagerie, Rosa Metallic in Violet, (80 cm)

Changes to cutting directions

Instead of cutting 2 Fabric A 11½" x 14½" rectangles, cut 2 11½" x 14½" rectangles from the Backing Fabric.

Feeling a little extra? Replace the purple, yellow, green and orange solids used to create the star (Fabrics B to E), with low volume prints as shown in the examples below.

Here’s what you need for these:

• Fabric A - Kona Cotton in Horizon, ⅝ yard (60 cm)
• Fabric B – Robert Kaufman, Daisy Made, Clovers in Mauve, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric C - Robert Kaufman, Hidden Canyon, Mushrooms in Sunflower, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric D – Cotton + Steel, Moonrise in Meadow Sea, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric E – Art Gallery Fabrics, Summer Side, Backyard Berry in Tang ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Binding Fabric - Riley Blake Designs Garden Party, Seed Rows in Orange, ¼ yard (23 cm)**

Option 3: Backing Fabric - Cotton + Steel Rifle Paper Co. English Garden, Meadow in Cream, ⅞ yard (80 cm)

Option 4: Backing Fabric - Cotton + Steel Rifle Paper Co. Menagerie, Rosa Metallic in Violet (80 cm)

And for a little more subtle look, you can tone it down a little with a more muted floral Background Fabric with Mable Tan’s Picnic Wild Flowers in Yellow print for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics, and pair them up with solids (Option 5) or low volume prints (Option 6) for the star.

Here are the fabric requirements for these options:

• Fabric A - Kona Cotton in Horizon, ⅝ yard (60 cm)
• Binding Fabric – Cotton + Steel, Moonrise in Meadow Sea, ¼ yard (23 cm)**
• Backing Fabric – Paintbrush Studio, Picnic, Wild Flowers in Yellow, ⅞ yard (80 cm)

Option 5:

• Fabric B - Kona Cotton in Corsage, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric C - Kona Cotton in Corn Yellow, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric D - Kona Cotton in Everglade, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric E - Kona Cotton in Marmalade, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*

Option 6:

• Fabric B – Robert Kaufman, Daisy Made, Clovers in Mauve, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric C - Robert Kaufman, Hidden Canyon, Mushrooms in Sunflower, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric D – Cotton + Steel, Moonrise in Meadow Sea, ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*
• Fabric E – Art Gallery Fabrics, Summer Side, Backyard Berry in Tang ⅛ yard (12 cm) or 1 fat eighth*

And again, the cutting directions are going to be a little different than what is outlined in the pattern: Cut 2 11½" x 14½" rectangles from the Backing Fabric instead of cutting 2 Fabric A 11½" x 14½" rectangles.

*A fat eighth is an eighth of a yard of fabric that measures approximately 9" x 22".

** Do not substitute yardage with a fat quarter. Width of fabric is required to form length of binding strips.

The options and combinations are endless with Kona Cotton Horizon. Hope these get you feeling inspired and excited about starting your Star Bright oven glove project. Share your The Weekend Quilter Star Bright oven glove project on Instagram and tag @the.weekendquilter and #starbrightovenglove , and visit The Weekend Quilter’s website and Instagram for more quilt patterns and for the latest updates.

By: Queen Raja

Try this super easy DIY with the one and only Queen Raja, and make it your own by choosing whichever fabrics and colors to make your skin-pop! Head to the Werk Room Shop to purchase the fabrics you'll need to sew this look!

Materials Used

• 20 yards of Iridescent Crushed Shimmer Organza in Pink
• 20 yards of Iridescent Crushed Shimmer Organza in Lavender
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Let's get started!

Step 1: Cut & Separate Fabric

Start with 20 yards of each fabric (Iridescent Crushed Shimmer Organza in Pink and Lavender). Reserve about a yard and a half of each color and set aside.

Step 2: Create Top ruffle

With the pink fabric, fold the entire sheet widthwise in half. To create a more volume in the fold, offset the open sides by starting one corner about 6 inches down from the other.

Before sewing the seam, to build more volume gather the ends to create ½ inch folds. Then feed through your sewing machine. Repeat folding and sewing folded seams it all the way through the pink fabric.

Step 3: Repeat

Repeat the same process with the lavender fabric.

Step 4: Create the band

To create the band for the garment, take the lavender fabric set aside at the beginning and cut in half lengthwise. Sew the now two pieces of fabric together to create one long band. Fold the long band in half widthwise and seam together.

Step 5: Attach Bottom Ruffle to the Band

Flip the band inside out so seams are on the inside. Measure the width of your hips and cut the band to measure. Sew the lavender pleated fabric to the bottom of the band (cut to measure if needed).

Step 6: Attach Top Ruffle to the Band

With the band and lavender fabric laying down, sew the pink fabric about a quarter inch from the top. Making sure the pink and lavender seams face each other on the band (that way when it flips over it will give the garment more volume).

Sew the ends of the band to each other to create one continuous band of fabric.

Step 7: Create Straps

With the remaining pink fabric, cut 6 inch in width ribbons to use as the straps for the dress. You will need two straps. Fold them in half widthwise and seam the ribbons.

Step 8

Hand stitch the two straps to the dress about a foot away from each other (this will vary depending on your size).

And you're done!

Put on the dress and tie the two straps around the back of your neck!

By: Yarnspirations

'Be My Valentine' Throw

The heart is universally accepted as a symbol of love and warm feelings. Crochet this throw for anyone you love or as the perfect engagement, wedding or anniversary gift. Change the hearts to pink or a pastel for a young little miss.

Download the free pattern here.

Lily Sugar'N Cream Love Bugs

Crochet using Red and Rose Pink to finish these fantastic little expressions of love. Lily Sugar'n Cream lets you embark on any color adventure with so many shades to inspire, or shape them as shown. Love bugs are great gifts - alone or wrapped in a box together, so let's begin!

Download the free pattern here.

Lily Sugar'N Cream Valentine Dishcloth

Keep the spark alive all year-long with a Valentine's Day, granny-inspired dishcloth. Lily Sugar'n Cream White and Country Red make it real, or customize it by expressing the colors of your love. It's a sweet gift for someone you adore, so give it with all your heart.

Download the free pattern here.

Lily Sugar'N Cream Crochet Jar Cozy

Use these mason jar cozies to add a warm glow to a room by placing electric candles inside or create a cute vase. Worked up quickly in Lily Sugar 'n Cream, they would make great gifts for Galentines day! Crochet these cozies using single crochet and a series of chain stitches to create the heart motif. The top edge is finished off with a round of reverse single crochet to give a polished look.

Download the free pattern here.

By: Brad Schultz

“Baby, it's cold outside,” and there is nothing better than getting cozy in comfy pajamas, wrapping up in a blanket, and bingeing the latest Netflix craze while candles flicker in the background. Talk about hygge! Well, nothing is better if your pjs are covered in cute little birds (or other adorable prints), that is! These prints by Marketa Stengl for Fabric Merchants turn up the personality volume, creating the perfect mix of coziness and fun!

Fabrics Used

• Fabric Merchants T-Knit Ribbing Navy
• Fabric Merchants Marketa Stengl Double Brushed Stretch Poly Jersey Knit Flying Small Blue Bird White/Blue

Marketa Stengl brings a colorful, almost childlike whimsy to her prints, which could not be better for pajamas. Fish, birds, dogs, fruit, paper cranes, oh my! These prints will steal your heart and awaken a bit of your inner child. This was the first time I've used a double brushed stretch poly jersey knit, and let me tell you-it does not disappoint! This ultra soft jersey fabric is brushed on both sides and feels heavenly against the skin.

Choosing Fabrics

I chose to use the Flying Small Blue Bird, and its whimsical nature reminded me of a classic-the footed pajamas. I wanted the same vibe, but didn't want an actual footed pajama jumpsuit (although, I was very tempted). Instead I used a jogger style pant (Hudson Pants from True Bias) and a matching paneled t-shirt (Tulia Tee from Sewing Patterns by Masin).

Small scale prints can sometimes be overwhelming when worn full body. To solve this, I used a solid contrast to highlight the pattern’s details, and give a visual focal point. I used the contrasting rib for the cuffs, pocket edges, and waistband on the joggers, and the neck band on the t-shirt. I also wanted a white center front panel on the shirt, but found it hard to find a perfect match for the white in the print. If you encounter the same problem, try using the ‘wrong’ side of the fabric like I did! Not only was it the perfect shade of white, but the print also subtly peeks through, tying it all together while still giving a paneled effect.

Working with Stretchy Fabric

The rib knit definitely has a large amount of stretch-more than what the fashion fabric had. I kept this in mind as I was working and found the only place I needed to handle it differently was the pocket opening. I wanted the pocket opening to keep its shape and hold tight to the body so I shortened the pocket ribbing by 1⁄4-1⁄2”. Once pressed, it laid snug against the body-the beauty of working with knits. This will be different for each fabric you use, and the amount of stretch each has.

Hemming Knits

Fusible, or sticky, hem tape is also very helpful when hemming knits. It allows you to precisely ‘set’ the hem in place before taking it to the sewing machine. It also adds a bit of stability and keeps the hem from stretching out of shape as its sewn.

I have not been shy about my love for Steam-A-Seam and its many uses in the sewing room. But, I’m not going to lie, our relationship may be fading because I have a new romance with Wonder Tape! Both tapes are great and can make hemming knits a breeze. But, Wonder Tape has an added bonus-it also washes away after its first trip in the washing machine, leaving a perfect hem!

Can't get your Wonder Tape to stay in place? I had the same struggle at first, but here’s a tip which changed that. Iron your tape on just as you would with SAS.

1. Position your tape
2. Iron it in place with the paper backing still on.
3. While the paper backing is still on fold up your hem the desired amount and press a crease.
4. Remove the backing and fold the hem over the correct amount, using the crease as a guide. The tape will be tacky and will hold the hem in place.
5. Now to set the tape and hem in place, iron it all together again.
6. Sew the hem as normal.

Use a Double Needle

To hem my knits I use a double needle. A double needle gives a professional looking double stitching, and forms a zigzag on the underside, giving plenty of stretch to the hem. Remember the stability from the hem tape I mentioned earlier? It will give enough stability to hold the hem in place and keep the double needle from tunneling the fabric. But keep in mind, that some tunneling may be expected when using a double needle.

Choosing Drawstrings

One last quick tip! Having a hard time finding professional looking drawstrings that are soft enough to hang without creating bulk when tied? Try using shoelaces! Shoelaces are easy to find online, come in a variety of colors and lengths, and look professional.

Now, go get your cozy on!

By: Nikki Griffin

Here's What You'll Need

• This diaper pattern by Arfy from Prefold2fitted
• 1/2 yard PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) - light to midweight
• 1/2 yard flannel
• 1/2 yard of 3/8" elastic (cut to fit each channel)
• Dritz Snaps - Size 20
• Two 12" layers of terry cloth stitched together for diaper insert

Sewing Level

Intermediate

Estimated Project Time

1 hour

Let's get started!

By: fabric.com

Q&A

How did you begin in the fabric business?

Benartex is fabric for quilters, by quilters. Benartex was founded in 1980, originally selling specialty fabrics. However, after visiting some quilt shows, the late Mr. B (Selim Benardete, founder and President of Benartex) “fell in love with quilting,” and eventually changed the Benartex focus to 100% cotton quilting fabrics. The rest is history, as Benartex soon became a name associated with fine quilting fabrics. Mr. B’s commitment to the quilting world and his availability to quilters, earned him the name “The Quilter’s Friend.” His vision and determination to provide the very best fabrics has made Benartex the number one choice for quilters!

How has your brand evolved over the years? What caused the evolution?

Our artists in the past had actually drawn patterns by hand on paper. Today we use CAD technology which helps us create even more creative designs. We have also started to work more closely with design partners who are popular in the quilting world from Pat Sloan and Ann Lauer to Cherry Guidry and Amanda Murphy.

Tell us one thing people might not know about your brand/product.

Many of our fabrics feature unique and intricate design techniques from beautifully applied gold to pearlessence and glow in the dark!

What’s your brand motto?

Fabric for quilters. By quilters.

Describe your aesthetic in 3 words.

Traditional (Benartex Studio), Novelty (Kanvas Studio), and Modern (Contempo Studio).

What was the inspiration behind your latest fabric release?

Designer Ann Lauer has outdone herself with an exquisite collection of peacock prints in her new Peacock Flourish collection! When you see the metallic accent against deep shades of violet, turquoise and blue, your heart will flutter.

Ann’s beautiful peacock design was inspired by a drawing of a feather. She then added paisleys and swirls inside the feather, a theme continued from previous collections such as “Cat-I-Tude,” “Dog On It,” and “Horsen Around.” From there, the feather grew into a sketch of a peacock, and was worked into her prints.

What’s unique about your latest collection?

Ann Lauer’s beautiful Peacock Flourish designs have been incorporated onto two new Bernina sewing machines, the Bernina 480 SE and Bernina 790 Plus SE.

What is the most sought after fabric/color/design from your entire line?

Our most sought after collection is Ann Lauer’s "Cat-I-Tude," because who doesn’t love cats? The cats in this collection are realistic shapes and resemble hand painted porcelain cats decorated with paisleys and swirls.

What projects are on the “must make” list right now, especially with this collection?

The highlight of Ann’s “Peacock Flourish” collection is an elegant 24 inch panel of a gorgeous peacock with a graceful tail. Ann also designed two Peacock Flourish Box Panels in black and in white, which can be bordered with her Feather Flourish Stripe. Fussy cut the Peacock Flourish Allover fabric for a striking accent to any quilt, table runner, or accessory. The coordinates include stylized feathers and fan prints - make a grand quilt or a perfect pillow with these fabulous feathered fabrics. Ann’s peacock prints are also available in rayon, laminate, and quilt backs.

What do you love most about seeing customers create DIY projects with your fabric?

We love seeing the passion and excitement our customers put into their DIY creations, and encourage them to share their beautiful projects with us through our social channels!

What current sewing or crafting trends inspire your team/designers?

Our team and designers are inspired by color, home decor trends, nature, and the changing seasons.

What’s next for your company?

Our designers are busy gathering inspiration and designing their spring collections. Stay tuned for their launches in 2021!

By: Shannon Fabrics

Happy National Cuddle Up Day! Sometimes the best way to cuddle up is with your favorite apparel, a self-care spa day or in the comfort of your home. Either way we have the best fabrics and projects for all of your cuddling needs.

1. Spa Robe & Slippers

Whether you are working from home or indulging in self-care, this robe is perfect to be cozy in.

DIY Spa Robe

• Featured fabric: Shannon Fabrics Luxe Cuddle Minky
• Featured tutorial: How to Sew a Robe

DIY Minky Slippers

• Featured fabric: Shannon Fabrics Luxe Cuddle Minky
• Featured tutorial: How to Sew a Super Comfy Pair of Slippers

2. Pillows & Throws

We all need something to curl up with as we hunker down in this winter weather. A stylish throw or pillow is all you need!

DIY Minky Pillows

• Featured fabric: Shannon Fabrics Minky
• Featured tutorial: How to Sew a Minky Fabric Pencil Pillow

DIY Throw Blanket

• Featured fabric: Shannon Fabrics Luxe Cuddle Minky
• Featured tutorial: : How to Sew a Throw Blanket + Free Pattern

3. Vests, Scarves & Jackets

Minky plush fabric is one of the most versatile - perfect for a fashion-forward vest or casual, cozy pajamas.

DIY Minky Vest

• Featured fabric: Shannon Minky Luxe Cuddle Mountain Fox
• Featured Pattern: McCall’s M7254 / view D
• Featured tutorial: DIY Minky Apparel Videos

DIY Infinity Scarf

• Featured fabric: Shannon Fabrics Luxe Cuddle Minky
• Featured tutorial: How to Sew a Luxe Cuddle Infinity Scarf

DIY Minky Jacket

• Featured fabric: Shannon Minky Luxe Cuddle Galaxy Navy
• Featured Pattern: Kwik Sew 4104/ view A
• Featured tutorial: DIY Minky Apparel Videos

By: fabric.com

Q&A

When did you realize you had a passion for art and design?

I was around 12 when I first started sketching and sewing but when I picked sewing back up in my 20’s is when I really understood my love of fashion, textile and prints. Creating in general has always been a big part of my life.

Describe your aesthetic in 3 words.

Simple, Bright, chic

What was the inspiration behind your latest fabric release?

My beautiful island of Puerto Rico and my love of animal prints. This being my first collection I knew I wanted it to speak to who I am and where I come from and as a proud Puerto Rican woman I wanted to incorporate elements of my culture. I am also a huge fan of animal prints and bright color so I couldn’t design a collection and not show all the parts of me that people are familiar with.

What’s unique about your latest collection?

I think anytime an artist expresses themselves in their art it makes it unique because no one can replicate you or who you are. In this instance my collection is about life and culture and how that is reflected in my personality.

If you had to choose one favorite fabric from your entire line, what would it be and why?

OMG! That is such a hard question. I think I would need to pick my floral print and my leopard spots! They truly speak to my sense of style.

What are your current favorite trends in sewing?

I have never been much for trends, I have always felt the reason we sew is to gain a sense of individuality and good fit, comfort and confidence and that doesn’t always fall in line with what is trending.

What do you love most about creating a DIY project with your fabric ?

The feeling I got after sewing my first with my fabric was amazing. It brought me such a sense of pride. I have done a lot in my journey but designing my own fabric collection was certainly a highlight. It’s one thing to see people create garments from my patterns but seeing them in garments made from a textile I designed is truly a full circle moment for me.

What projects are on your “must make” list right now, especially with this collection?

I must make a midi length shirt dress, a top and skirt set combining my knit and rayon prints and a button up shirt and matching trousers.

What other blogs/brands/designers inspire you most?

I inspired by so many things in my daily life including the sewing community. There are so many crazy talented people constantly creating but my greatest inspiration is my husband. He has a great sense of style and eye for mixing patterns and colors, I am always inspired to push the envelope a bit more because of him.

What’s next for you? What’s inspiring your next projects or fabric release?

I am working on my first book, which is really exciting and several other new ventures that will be launching soon. I am also preparing for my next fabric collection and deciding what I want to express and share.

What do you love to do when you aren’t designing and creating?

I love to cook! I also love interior design and since buying our home in Georgia I have been spending a lot of time decorating and remodeling. If I wasn’t in the DIY sewing world I would have been an interior decorator or chef for sure.

Tell us one thing people might not know about you.

I am really shy! People never really believe that about me but had it not been for the “internet stardom” that came along with my progression I would probably have no social media accounts, lol.

Have you or any other makers created anything with your collection yet?

I have already started pulling patterns and ideas so I can to sewing. I have made a beautiful skirt and camisole using my leopard print and it is just amazing.

Check out more content from Mimi G here on the blog:

• Tips for Sewing Rayon Challis
• Gathered Skirt Video Tutorial

By: Mimi G of Mimi G Style

Download this free PDF outlining how to draft and assemble your own skirt and follow along with Mimi G in the video below. Plus, for additional tips about how to sew with rayon challis fabric, check out this post from Mimi G.

Plus, shop the Mimi G rayon challis collection here.

Finished Look

By: Mimi G of Mimi G Style

By: Riley Blake Designs

Here's what you'll need

• 1 yard - 1/4” cotton welt piping
• 10-20 pieces - 2 1/2” x 3”-6” long scrap quilting cotton - (I used the Exclusive Liberty of London Curated Fat Quarter Bundles. )

Let's get started!

Step 1

Begin by folding one piece of scrap fabric in half lengthwise over end of piping. Using a zipper foot, straight stitch close to piping.

Step 2

To add the second piece of scrap fabric, fold one short end about 1/4”. Fold the scrap fabric over the piping, exactly like you did the first piece, placing the folded short end over the raw edge at the end of your first scrap piece. Straight stitch close to piping.

Step 3

Repeat step 2 with varying lengths of scrap fabric until you have the length you want. (about 1 yard)

Step 4

Trim the edges of the fabric about 1/8” away from your stitching line.

Step 5

Starting at the end of your piping, begin forming a tight coil that will be the center of the coaster.

Step 6

Set your machine to a wide zig zag stitch and tack a few stitches to start.

Step 7

Keep stitching around and keep your piping laid flat. Try to have the coil on the left and the piping on the right meet in the middle of the presser foot. This way the zig zag stitch will catch both sides. Make sure the raw edges you trimmed in step #4 are hidden in the coil or face the bottom of the coaster.

Step 8

When you get to the end, your coaster should be around 4” wide. Take the end of your piping and tuck it under the coil. Stitch the end securely in place.

And you're done!

By: Riley Blake Designs

Watch the tutorial and get ready to make your own Dresden Placemat in any of three Exclusive Liberty of London Curated Fat Quarter Bundles.

Here's what you'll need

• 5-8 fat quarters
• Pie Ruler
• 2 15” x 20” linen fabrics for the background
• 1 15” x 20” fusible interfacing

Get started: