Contemporary Cloth, Inc.

New sign-up to follow us.

2012-01-26T19:36:00.000-05:00

Hi,
We moved to wordpress months ago and for some reason, we continue to have problems with our Google Connect. We have lost it again on our WP blog and don't want to lose all of the great followers that we have now.
We hope that you will follow us using another connection.
See the right sidebar on our wordpress blog.
Thanks so much,
Sondra
http://blog.contemporarycloth.com/

This blog has moved to Wordpress

2011-06-18T16:39:00.000-04:00

Hello,
The Contemporary Cloth Blog has moved to Wordpress...please join us there!
Thank you!
Sondra

Store Wide Sale - we are moving...

2011-03-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

We are having a STORE WIDE SALE from now to March 27th - we are moving and need to "lighten up our load"! Take advantage of these fabulous prices!

MINIMUM OF 20% - 75% off on all products/fabrics.
Fiber artists are 10-20% off. We have lowered our Clearance Fabrics prices ($2.50 to $5.50 a yard). Get ready for Spring with some of your favorite designs at very low prices.

We will be moving to Wordpress soon, and hope that you will follow us there...

Thank you for your support!
Have a positive week,

Sondra

Hopefully, these will be coming soon!!!!!

Cloud 9 - Nature Walk - Storewide Sale ends today...

2011-02-18T13:04:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
Thankfully, it is starting to warm up here, at least for a few days!!!
Our Storewide Sale - 20% off everything (except Nature Walk), 10-20% off fiber artists - ends today, Friday at midnight, EST.

Well, Nature Walk from Cloud 9 is here, enjoy the images below...

Have a great weekend...Sondra

Ty Pennington Home Dec Fabrics & Storewide Sale

2011-02-09T09:09:00.001-05:00

Great news!!!! Right now we have a STOREWIDE SALE - 20-70% off, Fiber Artists 10-20% off. Includes all fabrics, books, Lutradur, Mistyfuse, Insul-Fleece, TAP,Timtex, fast2fuse, etc. Many great deals, including our New Arrivals.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Yes, they have finally arrived. We have several of Ty Pennington's Home Decorator Fabrics and they are wonderful. Ty Pennington equals good design, hip colors and do-it-yourself passion.

Now his passion can be part of your creative lifestyle. See his new collection of modern, 100% cotton sateen cottons that are 54-55" wide. Ty Pennington Impressions™ Fabrics are perfect for your own design makeover.
See a few below.

Thanks for the visit, have a great week.
Sondra

New! Marbled Fabrics & Valerie Goodwin in Quilting Arts Magazine

2011-01-25T15:45:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!
We have just added Marbled Fabrics created and hand marbled by Marjorie Lee Bevis. Each pack contains 10 pieces of marbled cotton, each approximately 9" X 10". This is a very time consuming process. I took one short workshop in marbled and to develop the designs that Marjorie has, you have to be very skilled in this process. She is amazing
Beautiful, unique fabrics for your quilts, and art or craft projects, colleges, mixed media, etc. Here are the fabric packs we now have on the website:

Rainbow Stones

Special Variety Pack

Light Assortment Pack

Also, please see the latest Quilting Arts Magazine for Valerie Goodwin's article: Collaged Art Maps from Fabric, Paint and Thread. I have admired Valerie's work for many years, she is totally amazing. Here is Valerie's website where you can see her incredible work, she creates unique cartographic quilts and read about her process. You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook, the connection are on her website.
Have a positive day,
Sondra

Enjoy our forced blubs in the middle of winter in northeast ohio, on Lake Erie.

Notions Sale - 20% off

2011-01-17T20:34:00.000-05:00

Good Morning on a Tuesday to you!
I hope that you have a fulfilling day. We carry several interesting products that can enhance your projects and make them easier to do. There will be future posts with links for how to use these products.
All of the items in our Notions/Interfacing Category are 20% off today, please see below:

Mistyfuse, the wonderful fusible for paper or fabric. It has many uses. We carry the original Mistyfuse, Black Mistyfuse and Ultraviolet Mistyfuse.

Lutradur, regular weight and lightweight. We will also be selling the regular weight by the yard when it arrives in a few weeks.

TAP, the wonderful Transfer Artist Paper developed by the artist, Lesley Riley.

Goddess Sheet, the non-stick thermal sheet that remind you which side is up! We carry 2 sizes.

Silicone Release Paper, which is a non-stick applique, transfer and release paper.

fast2fuse - stiff interfacing with fusing on both sides. We carry the standard weight and the heavy weight by the yard.
.

Timtex Interfacing with "body".

Inventory Clearance...thank you!

2010-12-29T07:50:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone,
We hope that everyone has a very healthy and productive year in 2011. Thank you to everyone for all of your support.
Sincerely,
Sondra & the CC Staff

INVENTORY SALE: Everything is 20-75% off, Fiber Artists 10-20% off.
50% off U.S. shipping, 25% off international shipping – adjusted when order is processed.

Timberlake, Ohio

Fabulous furniture by Jessica Guerra using our fabrics!

2010-12-14T18:30:00.003-05:00

Embroidery was done on this fabric to embellish the design...how interesting this makes the piece!

Our customer, Jessica Guerra of Monterrey Mexico, which is about two hours from the U.S. is starting a company making furniture. She sent us some wonderful examples of what she has done with our fabrics on furniture (see below). Jessica stated that she works for an import/export company therefore, shipping to the U.S. would not be a problem. She is a valued customer to CC and we wish her all the very best. We will keep you informed re: the progress of her company. Each chair is unique, there is no duplication so you would have a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture.

You can contact Jessica at: jessicapalomo75@hotmail.com

Thank you, Jessica for sharing your images with us. We can't wait to see how your company progresses.

Design*Sponge post, Holiday Fabrics 30% off, Gift Certificates 20% off

2010-12-09T14:11:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,
My markmaking room is almost completed, I will update with images soon. I feel fortunate to have a space to work, wanted one for many years and now I have it.
Would you like to share images of where you work? Send them to us and we will post them on our blog. We would love to see them.

We have sales going on:
Holiday Fabrics...

All Holiday Fabrics, including Halloween, are 30% off.

Gift Certificates are 20% off, always the perfect gift! Go here. They start at $10 and can be are large as you wish. We can mail or email them.

We also have a large selection of Clearance Fabrics priced from $3.00 to $7.00/yard. Many are your favorite designers.

Design*Sponge, Grace Bonney's blog, posted a really neat Christmas Tree Skirt which is perfect for bold prints. I love the fabrics they used. I also thought that may of the large florals that Alexander Henry does would be wonderful to use and they could compliment the colors in your tree ornaments. Just an idea!
Check out Design*Sponge and sign up for Grace's email newsletters for great info. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Wishing you all the best,
Stay warm if you are in cold weather climates!
Sondra

Sale & Discount Shipping ends midnight EST - My new markmaking room!!!

2010-12-03T13:40:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder, the Cybermonday Sale ends midnight, 12-3 EST.
*20-75% off fabrics, books, etc.
*50% OFF domestic shipping/25% OFF international shipping for orders over $70, shipping discount will be deducted when your order is processed.
*This sale includes everything in the store - Fiber Artists are 10-20% off. Adjustment to your order will be made when it is processed.

Hello,
I hope that all of you are doing well. We have a snowy day here and are supposed to get a giant snow storm on monday...we will see what happens! Personally, I love the snow. Didn't see much of it growing up outside of Philadelphia and in New Jersey, but in Northeast Ohio...WOW!!!
Anyway, I wanted to share my excitement about my "very near future" room to create in, my personal markmaking room. I am ecstatic about it!!! It was a sunroom but needed new windows and we are adding, heat, phone lines and cable. I have been wanting this for many years, my own space to work on fabric and paper. Here are some images.

On this wall, we can see out to the backyard where we have a ton of bird feeders. There is a huge slider door. Essentially, 3 of the walls of the room are windows, which makes it feel very open.

This is the huge slider door next to the window in the previous image.

This is the opposite wall.

Well, I usually don't post about my personal life, but I really wanted to share this. Please excuse my self-indulgence!

By the way, if you live in northeast Ohio and are looking for an exceptional contractor, call or email Don Kollmorgan @ 440-785-4737 or email him at dkoll347@yahoo.com He does just about everything and is hardworking and meticulous.
Have a very special day,
Sondra

Last winter...

Cyber Monday Sale Correction

2010-11-20T14:33:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone,
We apologize for the correction.
***NO CODE IS NEEDED. 20% - 75% off already marked down on the website.
***Sale is now until 12-3.
:::50% OFF domestic shipping/25% OFF international shipping for orders over $70, shipping discount will be deducted when your order is processed.
:::This sale includes everything in the store - Fiber Artists are 10-20% off. Adjustment to your order will be made when it is processed.

We had to make changes and send a second email since we are involved in several Cyber Monday Programs.
Thank you for your patience,

Sondra

Cyber Monday Sale - Shipping Discount - both start now.

2010-11-19T15:19:00.002-05:00

:::Our CYBER MONDAY SALE starts today!

:::USE the CODE - Cybermonday - for 20% OFF OF YOUR ORDER, 50% OFF domestic shipping/25% OFF international shipping for orders over $70, shipping discount will be deducted when your order is processed.

:::Cybermonday sale & shipping discount starts today (11-19) - ends (11-30)Tuesday.

:::This sale includes everything in the store - Fiber Artists are 10-20% off. Adjustment to your order will be made when it is processed.

Have an enjoyable Thanksgiving, if you celebrate the holiday...if not, have an enjoyable week...best to you, Sondra

A Pretty Cool Life Blog

2010-11-17T10:02:00.002-05:00

Looking for a beautiful, interesting blog with great tutorials??? Visit A Pretty Cool Life . Cheryl recently did a Crayon Roll Tutorial that is absolutely adorable! This link will take you to all of her tutorials. Also, stop in and see her Etsy Shop for very reasonably priced handmade gift items - treat yourself or someone else. You can follow Cheryl's blog on twitter, facebook, google reader, etc. - sign up is easy on her blog. See below one of Cheryl's most popular Etsy items!

Created by Cheryl (Rainbow Gumdrop Wreath) and sold in her Etsy Store - Just Pretty.

+ energy to you...Sondra

Special Sale & Workshop Information

2010-11-15T14:52:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone!
I hope that you are all doing well. We have great Fall weather here in Northeast Ohio. I am really enjoying it this year.

Please see my Modern Marks Blog for the post about some fantastic workshops that are coming in 2011. There are, of course, many other workshop venues but I have noted 3 in this post.

Our Special Sale This Week is 20% off of our Pretty Little Prints Category, here are some examples, Robin Pandolph and Party Dress:

Have a + day,
Sondra...

20% off Jinny Beyer's Pacific Rim and Outback.

2010-11-01T09:57:00.000-04:00

October has been beautiful in Northeast Ohio! I have some images below...hope that you enjoy them.
This weeks Special Sale is 20% off of Jinny Beyer's Pacific Rim and Outback. Wonderful textures and paisleys in rich colors. Here are some examples...

Autumn in Northeast Ohio!

Best to you,

Sondra

20% OFF YOUR ORDER! 30% OFF Thirties Reproduction Prints!

2010-10-24T12:27:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone,
We are having another Customer Appreciation Sale. Enjoy your day! Sondra

20% OFF YOUR ORDER until 10-29 - USE CODE - October. Fiber artists products are 10-20% off, will make correction when we process your order.

Special Sale: 30% off Thirties Reproduction fabrics.

1/4 yard cuts?, Meadow Lark - Alexander Henry, Lutradur.

2010-10-22T10:38:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!
We have a question for you, are you interested in 1/4 yard cuts of fabric?
Presently, we have a 1/2 yard minimum.
Please let us know how you feel. Have a great weekend. Thanks so much, Sondra

Here is a post on using Lutradur that is informative. Thanks to Melinda Schwakhofer of the blog - Inspiraculum.

NEW ARRIVALS! Alexander Henry Home Dec - Meadow Lark in 3 colorways - chocolate, slate and pink. The largest birds are 5 1/2".

Ends midnight tonight! 20% off your order!

2010-10-13T11:25:00.000-04:00

Happy Autumn to you! Best wishes, Sondra

USE CODE - Columbus - for 20% off of your order, 10-20% off fiber artist products ENDS OCTOBER 13TH MIDNIGHT EST.

- adjustment for fiber artist products made after order is processed, they are 10-20% off.
- 25% off - Leanika, Snow Flower, Halloween, Christmas & winter prints.
- Special Sale: 20% off Tufted Tweets and Vera's Garden.

Synnøve from Norway, one of our customers!

2010-10-12T16:00:00.001-04:00

Synnøve is one of our customers who lives in Norway. She gets very excited about our fabrics and sews wonderful items with them. Here is her blog and her most recent post using one of our Alexander Fabrics.
She has a great blog, check it our here.....rett og vrang, which in English means: right or wrong. She further explains the title on her blog. Go to her blog and you can see the fantastic skirt that she make.
Thank you, Synnøve, for your comments, your support and your orders!!! We appreciate it!

20% off order - Columbus Day sale

2010-10-11T09:36:00.001-04:00

USE CODE - Columbus - for 20% off of your order, 10-20% off fiber artist products ENDS OCTOBER 13TH MIDNIGHT EST.

- adjustment for fiber artist products made after order is processed, they are 10-20% off.

25% off - Leanika, Snow Flower, Halloween, Christmas & winter prints.

Special Sale: 20% off Tufted Tweets and Vera's Garden.

20% off Tufted Tweets and Vera's Garden Sale

2010-09-29T13:54:00.002-04:00

20% off - Tufted Tweets and Vera's Garden!

Special Sale - Book Recommendations

2010-09-22T14:10:00.004-04:00

Hello!
Yes, I am a bonified "book-a-holic".
I wanted to share a brief post I did on my Modern Marks Blog re: a few new book recommendations. I would love to hear about any books that you would recommend!

Also, we have some Special Sales now:

25% off Leanika and Snow Flower by Dena Fishbein - cottons and home dec cottons and...

25% off of our Halloween, Christmas and winter designs.
Here are some examples of the fabrics:

Here are a few of our Christmas designs.

A selection of Snow Flower.

Some of our Halloween images.

Clearance Fabrics - $3, $4, $5 a yard! Large selection.

2010-09-16T14:12:00.002-04:00

Clearance Fabrics - Clare de Lune

More fabrics added...we have our large selection of Clearance Fabrics marked down from $3 to $7 a yard. Many of your famous designers. Perfect for all of your arts and crafts, home sewing adventures.

30's Reproduction Prints - 25% off until September 17th!

Just a few of our 30's reproduction fabric designs.

50% OFF SHIPPING!!!!!!!!

2010-09-09T10:09:00.000-04:00

In celebration of this amazing Autumn weather we are having, we are offering 50% OFF SHIPPING until 9-15, USE CODE: autumn

Many New Arrivals...

2010-09-07T14:38:00.000-04:00

We have many new arrivals, stop in and see them all! Here are some of them:

Alexander Holiday - Christmas/Winter

More Alexander Henry...

Alexander Henry - Farmdale

Alexander Henry - Halloween - Witches and Owls

Daisy Jane - Organic Cotton Fabrics

Robin Pandolph's Fancy Hill Farms

Just a small sampling of our Toybox 2 - 30's Reproduction Fabrics Collection

Party Dress

Els van Baarle's hand dyed, batiked and painted textiles. These fabrics are sent to us from the Netherlands.

Ashley's Garden and Layered Nature

Peaceful Planet and Destinations

Dagmar and Dasha - Alexander Henry

FREE SHIPPING - Surprise!!!

2010-09-04T12:43:00.002-04:00

Labor Day Weekend Special(now until 9-6 midnight) - FREE SHIPPING for domestic orders over $50, 50% off shipping for international orders over $50. International orders will be corrected when we process the invoice. USE CODE: laborday.

Alexander Henry - New Arrival

Weekly Sale - Holiday Fabrics 25% off until September 11, midnight.

2010-09-04T11:47:00.000-04:00

All of our Holiday Fabrics are 25% off until September 11th, Saturday at midnight. Here are some of our selection below!

Storewide Sale - 25-75% and New Arrivals

2010-06-12T14:03:00.000-04:00

STOREWIDE SALE - 25% - 75% off everything except fiber artists which are 10-20% off. Now until - Monday, June 21st, midnight EST.

SHIPPING information - orders received after today, Saturday 6-12, will be shipped the week of June 21st.

New Arrivals!!! - Metro Cafe.....bright, fun, funky! Great for summer projects...napkins, placemats, aprons, etc.

Get ready for the holidays with these wonderful winter prints!

Sparkle All The Way...in fat quarters and yardage - we have more in this collection to come.

And the entire Birds and Berries Collection from Clothworks Fabrics.

and Shasta! in a unique colorway...

Stop in and feel the energy!

Fun New Arrivals!!! Nutmeg and Mayfly Mischief.

2010-06-08T15:55:00.000-04:00

We have some really fun new arrivals for you to see, here are some of them:

Mayfly Mischief by Tony Fernandes, Clothworks Fabrics:

Nutmeg by Robin Pickens in yardage and fat quarters - Kaufman Fabrics:

Here are two projects from the Robert Kaufman website using the Nutmeg Collection. How adorable are these? I love not only the fabric designs and colors but also the patterns - great looking kitchen and apron patterns.

Enjoy these fabrics and we will be back with more new arrivals! Have a positive day.

4-in-1 Reversible Headband - Sew Darn Cute by Jenny Ryan

2010-06-03T17:15:00.023-04:00

With summer upon us a headband is a quick and sleek way to keep your hair out of your face. Using some sewing room scraps and less than an hour, you can make this adorable reversible headband!

This particular pattern is found in Sew Darn Cute by Jenny Ryan. The pattern suggests that you need two 7" x 22" pieces of fabric, but half a 3" wide piece would suffice.

I started with these lovely fabrics.

Pin the pattern pieces on your fabric and cut.

Whenever I can, I use the cut pieces of fabric for my pattern pieces to cut the next pieces out. I usually don't have to pin them.

Following the instructions, I placed the right sides together....

and stitched them using a 1/4" seam.

To make the point, be sure to pivot.

I trim my corners and points in several steps. In this case, I cut across the point and then taper the edges toward the point.

Turn all pieces inside and out and press.

Next, insert the short section into the center section. Pin and topstitch.

I whipped up the other headband and love the floral and polka dots combination!

How can you enjoy these accessories in four different ways? Since it is reversible, you have two options. And then you can wear it tied under your neck or up in a funky knot!

Reference: the book - Sew Darn Cute written by Jenny Ryan, published by St. Martin's Griffin, 2009.

Thank you Jenny for the great pattern and thanks to Jane of Maiden Jane for the demonstration.

Giveaway from EcoInspired in Australia! and Spool Hook Project by Haylie Waring (Design Sponge post)

2010-06-03T10:34:00.001-04:00

Enter EcoInspired's first ever GIVEAWAY to mark the occasion of World Environment Day this Saturday June 5!
Karen of EcoInspired is giving away a handmade environmentally friendly scatter cushion/pillow. I hope you'll enter the drawing and Good Luck!
Details of the giveaway have been posted to her blog at http://www.ecoinspired.blogspot.com/
Karen also has an Etsy Store.

Also, I just saw this on Design Sponge - they have a ton of fantastic information! sign up for their email newsletter. This DIY Project - Spool Hooks - is designed by Haylie Waring. What a way to use and or display your thread spools!

Image from Design Sponge blog.

Be back soon with our new arrivals!

FREE SHIPPING - until June 1 - midnight

2010-05-30T14:36:00.001-04:00

***Use code - memorial - for FREE SHIPPING for DOMESTIC ORDERS over $50 AND 50% OFF SHIPPING FOR INTERNATIONAL ORDERS over $50 -'til June 1, midnight.

Frayed Flowers from Fabric Scraps by Maize Hutton.

2010-05-24T11:55:00.009-04:00

A simple and satisfying project that uses some of the fabric scraps laying around your craft room is a frayed flower. This project was developed by Maize Hutton and published in GreenCraft.

Supplies Needed:

Fabric scraps
Button
Needle and thread
Pin back or safety pin
Scissors

Instructions:

1. Find some scrap fabric. I selected a lightweight canvas that had a loose weave in the very popular purple colorway.

2. Make a small snip into the fabric.

3. Rip fabric along snip.

4. Make another snip 1" from the first snip and tear along the length of your fabric. Mine looked like this strip, approximately 1" x 44, and frayed quite nicely.

5. I used a long machine stitch with reduced tension and stitched a running stitch along the length of the strip, 1/4" from the edge.

6. Fold the raw, short edge under and begin to pull up the running stitch.

7. Pull up the thread to gather one long edge of the fabric strip. It will look something like this tangled fabric snake:

8. Using a needle and thread, begin at one end of the strip and take a few stitches. Rotate the fabric in a circle with the gathered edge at the center to create a flower.

9. Continue rotating the fabric around the center and securing it with stitches on the back side.

10. When the fabric strip is used up, add a button to the center and stitch.

11. On the back side of the flower, sew a pin.

12. Enjoy your pin as a fashion accessory or as an accent to a purse or tote!

Thank you, Jane of Maiden Jane for the tutorial/demonstration! Check out her T-Shirt Quilt Pattern on Etsy.

Reference: GreenCraft Magazine, Winter 2010 Issue pg. 68 (Stampington and Co.) - Frayed Flowers from Fabric Scraps by Maize Hutton.

Storewide Sale ends at midnight!

2010-05-21T12:27:00.000-04:00

STOREWIDE SALE - 25%-75% OFF, 10-20% off Fiber Artists - ends today May 21st, Friday.

See our Clearance Fabrics Category for our quality fabrics - most are $3.75 to $5.10. Hotflash and Jessica Jones - 25% off until sold out.

Stop back this weekend for another Tutorial post from Jane!

Weekly Sale - ends May 15th

2010-05-08T14:52:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to the moms out there!!!

20% Off - Lizzy Dish, Calypso & Gabrielle.

Maiden Jane's new pattern & GIVE-AWAY! T-Shirt Memory Quilt Sewing Pattern

2010-05-06T12:19:00.001-04:00

Jane of Maiden Jane developed her first pattern! Congrats to you, Jane! Recycling at it's best and...warm & cozy...plus precious memories. How often do you find all of those characteristics in one project?!
Go here for the GIVE-AWAY information...

This easy pattern will guide you through the steps to make a perfectly practical T-shirt quilt. My design uses polar fleece to make a soft back, eliminating the need for batting. This machine washable quilt, is ideal for:

- high school and college graduates; it makes a wonderful gift and preserves memories while being used as a throw they can take with them.
- use as a stadium blanket; save up your favorite sports-themed T-shirts.
- turning your husband’s or student’s giant T-shirt collection into a comfy throw.
- a picnic blanket.
- preserving memories of a loved one.
- eliminating storage of T-shirts without eliminating the memories.
- a decorative wall hanging.

This quilt is a handmade gift that you will want to make time and again. I have made dozens and have developed this pattern and the most straight-forward method to achieve quality results.
Approximate Finished Quilt Size: 4' x 5'.
Skill level: beginner to intermediate sewer
Patterns are in PDF format and will be sent via email within 24 hours of payment.

Shop at Jane's etsy store for her T-Shirt Memory Quilt Sewing Pattern!
See the Maiden Jane blog for several more examples of her quilt.

WEEKLY SALE - ends May 8th

2010-05-05T14:28:00.001-04:00

This weeks sale ends May 8th - Chirps, Pretty Little Prints Category, Paisley Party and Neutral Territory.

New Arrival! The Ghastly Ghastlies

2010-05-05T14:23:00.000-04:00

A very unique Halloween collection, The Ghastly Ghastlies, for your crafts projects, quilts, wall hangings, costumes, etc. There are a few more pieces on the website. See them all!

NEW ARRIVAL: America The Beautiful Collection

2010-05-02T08:55:00.000-04:00

Here is a free pattern download of the quilt designed by Leere Aldrich.

Below are the 9 fabrics in the collection:

Farmer's Market Apron pattern on fabric.

2010-04-30T15:41:00.003-04:00

Here's the adorable Farmer's Market Apron fabric. Everything you need is included in the panel, the apron - ready to cut out and the easy directions! A quick and easy gift to make for mother's day.

Urban Green Canvas - A fabulous beach tote.

2010-04-26T12:47:00.006-04:00

An over-sized beach tote in the fabulous Urban Green!

Plenty of room...The seams on this durable tote are double-stitched for strength. It is 25" wide and 23" long, with a 9" boxed bottom. The handles are 30" long.

And...lots of style from Maiden Jane's Etsy Store.

Here are both of the Urban Green Canvases available:

NEWS: See Jane's latest blog post re: her T-Shirt Memory Quilt Pattern! More information to come. CONGRATULATIONS JANE!

Happy Spring! STOREWIDE SALE now until 4-19.

2010-04-10T10:37:00.003-04:00

Need fabric for your Spring projects? ...stop in to see a great collection at very, very low prices. Thank you to all of our loyal customers!

***25% OFF STOREWIDE SALE - now until April 19th. Includes NEW ARRIVALS.
***UP to 70% OFF in CLEARANCE FABRICS.
***SALE EXCEPTIONS - Fiber artists may be excluded or 10-20% off.

Weekly Sales and New Blog - Positive Energy, Hope and Change

2010-04-05T14:46:00.005-04:00

I decided to start another blog which I am calling Positive Energy, Hope and Change. With all of the negative energy going on in the world today, I can become overwhelmed and I feel that we all are affected by it. I strongly believe that it is important to be aware of what is happening and not have your "head in the sand". To me, it is essential to care and I always think of the quote from John Bradford, "There, but for the grace of god..." since it is so easy to judge others and not remember how fortunate we are.

The mission of my new blog is to journal about good things that are occurring in the world, hopes that we have and change that we would like to see. It is not a blog with any religious or political affiliation. We can leave that up to cable news.

I would love to have your thoughts, comments and any information that you feel would be beneficial to all of us on Positive Energy, Hope and Change.

WEEKLY SALES:
The Mingle and About Town Collections are 20% off until next Friday - April 16th - yardage and fat quarters.
AND
The Japanese papers, linen cards and paper packs - are 20% off until next Friday - April 16th. Add unique papers and cards to your projects!

CLEARANCE CATEGORY:
*More collections and designers added - up to 75% off - most are $3.75 to $5.10
*30% off - Apron Patterns, fabric patterns and Apron books.
*Hotflash and Jessica Jones - 25% off until sold out.
*Wallters 35% off and Fabric Wall Hangings 20% off.

Enjoy your day! Painting below by Margaret Milliken.

Free Shipping and New Arrivals - Clare de Lune

2010-03-30T13:33:00.005-04:00

:::Use code - freeshipping - for orders over $75. DOMESTIC SHIPPING UNTIL 4-2

:::Use code - freeshipping - for orders over $75., 30% OFF INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING UNTIL 4-2 (the adjustment will be made when we process your order).

:::THIS WEEKS SALE: see links below - 20% OFF Fat Quarter Packs, Specialty Fabric Packs and 30's Retro Reproduction Prints UNTIL 4-2 (next Friday).

New Arrival - Clare de Lune designed by Christine Graf.....butterflies, stripes and dots in fun colors!

NEW ARRIVALS!!!

2010-03-26T10:30:00.001-04:00

:::THIS WEEKS SALE: 20% OFF Fat Quarter Packs, Specialty Fabric Packs and 30's Retro Reproduction Prints UNTIL 4-2 (next Friday).

:::All Home Dec fabrics (including Mod Pod Organic Home Dec) - 25% off ENDS today - 2-26.
:::Snow Flower cottons are 25% off ENDS today - 2-26.

:::Clearance Fabrics as low as $3.75/yard.
:::See our "latest" New Arrivals below......

Here are our latest new fabrics! Enjoy!

Are you looking for some interesting new textures? This is the Chelsea Collection designed by Yuko Hasegawa. Very interesting designs when you see them up close on the website.

More birds, birdhouses and florals in Tweet Street by Sue Zipkin! Fun prints that are just in time for Spring.

Alexander Henry.....always dynamic designs...puppy dogs and modern florals!

French Country

Thank you for stopping by!

Fabulous Blogs! Happy Spring!

2010-03-20T14:12:00.001-04:00

Are you looking for some ideas for your Spring and Summer decorating? Visit these blogs and you will be amazed at all of the wonderful creativity out there!

Lolalina - Laura surely does help you "find your sweet life"! Stop in to follow her journey.

Decor8 - Holly Becker is the design guru in the blog world, so much to see! She is amazing.

haus maus - Holly's life in Germany, sharing interesting stories, images and places.

Bigprint Little - Allison is a textile designer and illustrator and her blog is packed full of ideas and art.

Mondocherry - Clare, JJ and Susieq make beautiful creations with paper and fabric. Must see!

Artlovejoy - Wini shares her love of art and textile design. Follow her journey!

a creative Mint - Leslie takes us to another place with her beautiful photographs!

Ink + Wit - See Lara for all of your banner and ad needs. She is not only creative but also a very good person to work with.

Frau Heuberg - Ines is excited about life. She is working on her own handmade treasures out of fabric and paper. Stop in!

Daily Suze - Another fun blog with design ideas for your creative energy!

The blog world is full of creative people, these are only a few! Have fun exploring them.

Spring Weekend Discount - 25% off your order!

2010-03-19T12:59:00.000-04:00

***Happy Spring! 25% OFF YOUR ORDER, 10-20% off Fiber Artists! - NOW UNTIL MONDAY - 3-22 at midnight, EST.

***USE COUPON CODE - spring - for the discount!

LATEST SALES....Spring is coming!

2010-03-17T14:29:00.001-04:00

:::All Home Dec fabrics (including Mod Pod Organic Home Dec)- 25% off until 2-26.
:::Snow Flower cottons are 25% off until 2-26.
:::Wallters 35% off and Fabric Wall Hangings 20% off.
:::Clearance Fabrics as low as $3.75/yard.

NEW ARRIVALS...

2010-03-11T17:04:00.001-05:00

Spring is coming! We have more new fabrics that have just arrived.

Fleur Nouveau by Don Baker....we have the entire collection and some examples of fabrics are below. Click here for the free quilt pattern download of Fleur Nouveau from Clothworks!

Folklorica....interesting color combinations and designs.

Urban Green 56-57", 7 oz. , 100% cotton canvas - perfect for those tote bags!

Jinny Beyer's Outback - fabulous textures for all of your projects!

French Country

NEW ARRIVALS! and Black and White Sale until March 20th!

2010-03-06T16:14:00.019-05:00

BLACK AND WHITE Category - 20% off until 3-20! Here are a few, we have a large selection

Enjoy all of our new arrivals!!!

Promises....soft florals and a stripe in apricot and celedon.

More of Robyn Pandolph's Beach House....

The Bee and the Birds....

and Garden Path...with a beautiful panel, dots and florals. Click here for a free quilt pattern download.

Enjoy all of our prints, Spring is coming!

Coffee Bag Apron Tutorial

2010-03-04T13:01:00.000-05:00

The folks over at Donkee House have some amazing, authentic coffee bags that can be the starting point for many creative projects including totes and pillows. As part of the unique Exchange Program at Totally Tutorials, I challenged myself to make an apron that anyone could sew. The design is unisex and would be a perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life. What a unique and purely organic apron this is!

The bags are 28" x 40". This particular bag has an interesting motif on both sides, so one bag can be used to make two aprons. The burlap coffee sacks/coffee bags have not been laundered. I chose to wash and dry the sack to soften it up a bit and then ironed it.

To make a truly organic statement, I selected this lovely Oasis Organic Cotton as the coordinating lining fabric. Not only does it pick up the beautiful burgundy color of the coffee beans in the motif, but it will be soft for the person wearing the apron.

Supplies to make one apron:

one coffee bag, washed, dried and ironed.
1 1/4 yards fabric for lining, washed and dried
ruler

Instructions:

1. Begin by making three strips of fabric. Two of these will become the waist ties and the third will be the next strap. Lay out lining fabric with selvage edge folded together.

2. Cut three strips, each 4" wide. Shorten one of those strips to 24" (this will be for the neck strap.)

3. To finish the edge on the two long straps fold in 1/4" on one short end and press. (The other end will be on the inside of the apron.)

4. Fold strips in half with long edges together and press.

5. Open out strip and fold one long edge to meet the middle and press. Repeat with the other edge so that both raw edges are now folded and meeting at the middle.

6. Fold in half again so raw edges are completely enclosed and press.

7. Top stitch close to folded edge.

8. Cut bag along edges.

9. Mark the center point of the motif. Even out the sides and bottom of bag. In this example, there was 5.25" to the right of the motif. So I cut off the excess on the left side for an overall size of 23.5" x 35".

10. Mark 5.5" to the left and right of the center point; mark 11.5" down on the sides.

11. Draw a curve between the two points and cut out that top portion of the apron. (You could also trace an existing apron.)

12. Use the cut out piece as a pattern to make the same cut on the other side.

13. Place lining fabric underneath the bag and cut out.

14. Pin ties to right side of lining, raw edges together. The shorter strip is the neck piece and the longer strips are the waist ties. The ties should be placed one inch from the sides edges.

15. Place right sides together and pin so that the straps are encased on the inside.

16. Sew or serge using a small stitch length and a 1/2" seam allowance around the perimeter of the apron. Leave a 6" opening at the bottom. Trim curves and corners being careful not to trim too closely since the weave of the burlap is somewhat loose. Turn apron inside out and press; press the seams of the opening to the inside and pin.

17. Top stitch the entire apron using a fairly small stitch to secure the coffee bag to the lining and reinforce the weave of the burlap.

Enjoy!

Fun Valance!

2010-02-23T10:52:00.001-05:00

I couldn't pass up this mod fabric! I just got my sewing machine back from a long-overdue tune up and decided to make some valances.

The valances aren't for my house because I only have one rod in the entire house. But after everyone, from husband to the kids, admired this valance, I am now considering sewing some for us - it could really punch up a room! These valances are for sale on my Etsy shop.

MORE NEW ARRIVALS!

2010-02-21T17:22:00.001-05:00

We have many more new arrivals and more to come.....here are a few samples:

Feelin' Groovy, a funky and colorful retro look.

Caterwauling.....bright cats and florals

Chirps by Katie Hennagir.....more birdies! don't worry, the cats don't know they are here!

Thirties Reproduction Prints - Everything But The Kitchen Sink and Toy Box

STOREWIDE SALE............

2010-02-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

:::Winter STORE WIDE SALE - at least 20% - 70% off (few exceptions are 10% off) - STARTS NOW.

:::Fiber artists are 10-20% off.

:::NEW ARRIVALS 20% off and we have many new arrivals.

Thank you for supporting us!

Come feel the energy!

NEW ARRIVALS - Here is our entire category....

2010-01-21T15:09:00.008-05:00

Theses are a few of our most recent new arrivals:

From RJR Fabrics (more colorways and designs available) .......

Kaufman's Vera's Garden Collection (more colorways and designs available):

Kaufman's Chasing the Rainbow II - Sherrill Kahn (more colorways and designs available)

Michael Miller Fabrics (more colorways available)

Just a few of our Alexander Henry Fabrics - cottons and home dec collection (more designs and colorways available)

Fat Quarters - we are still uploading fat quarter packs from our new collections!

Here is on example below from Kaufman's Mingle Collection.......

Stop by our website to see ALL of our many new arrivals!!!

Craft Hope for Haiti

2010-01-17T12:54:00.006-05:00

Here is the information about Craft Hope, as stated on the Craft Hope website:

The Craft Hope for Haiti Etsy shop is now open! There are some amazing handmade items in the shop. Please support Doctors Without Borders by either donating a handmade item or shopping in our Etsy store.

Our Etsy shop will benefit Doctors Without Borders, with 100% of the proceeds going to them. The medical need in Haiti right now is acute. The Doctors Without Borders existing facilities are so badly damaged, they are no longer functional. Post-earthquake medical care will be from tents. So far they have treated 1,500 people – 500 of them need immediate major surgery. There are no facilities to do this in Haiti currently. An inflatable hospital should be arriving in Haiti today.

The shop will remain open as long as we have donations to fill it up! Thanks to everyone for spreading a little hope to those in Haiti.

Tutorial - How to Sew a T-Shirt Quilt Pillow

2010-01-13T12:30:00.001-05:00

I make t-shirt quilts for my nieces and nephews as they graduate high school. My son will be graduating this year so I will finally get a chance to clear out a few of the 40 or so t-shirts in his closet! When I'm making the quilts, I use 12 t-shirt sides. Sometimes the kids can't narrow down their favorites, so I make a pillow (or two) with the extras. Today, I'll share with you how to make a pillow based on my t-shirt quilt "block".

Materials:
• 2 t-shirt sides, washed
• 1 yard of fusible interfacing (Pellon 906F, 911FF)
• 1/2 yard of fabric for border, washed
• 18” pillow form

Notes on Materials:

• Use a t-shirt front and back or two separate t-shirts.
• The border fabric can be a contrast or coordinating fabric. I have used polka-dots, tie-dye, and anything that does not have a directional pattern. My pillow fabric is Oxygen.

• Prewash the t-shirts and border fabric to preshrink them, especially if they are brand new.
• It isn’t necessary to use an interfacing specifically designed for knits. The t-shirts will not need stretch for the pillow. The interfacing is added for stability and ease of sewing.
• Pillow forms are available in many sizes. If you decide to make another size, you will want your completed square to be one inch larger than the pillow form. So if you want to make a 16” pillow, then you will design the square to be 17” before sewing the two sides together.
• When cutting the t-shirt into a square, I use an Omnigrid that has been custom cut to a 13 ¼” square template. You can make a cardboard template or simply measure and mark a square.

Instructions:

1. Rough cut square: The application of interfacing can cause the shirt to shrink so I cut a larger square than needed. Place template over the desired area of the t-shirt. Cut the t-shirt out with an extra inch around the edges.

2. Cut Border Fabric Strips:

Cut 4 strips 3 ½ x 13 ¼
Cut 4 strips 3 ½ x 19 ¼

3. Apply interfacing: Apply the interfacing per the manufacturer’s instructions to the back side of the t-shirt.
When I have large areas to fuse, I take an old plastic tub and fill it with water so that I can quickly dampen the hanky I use as my press cloth.

Place the t-shirt on your ironing board with the logo side down. Then place the interfacing on, covered by a damp hanky. Fuse using a dry iron. When the hanky stops steaming, the fusing is typically complete.

4. Cut the T-Shirts to 13 1/4" Square: I use my Omnigrid to center the t-shirt design and cut using a rotary cutter.

5. Assemble and Sew Pillow Top and Bottom: Pin the shorter border pieces to the top and bottom of the t-shirt.

Sew or serge using a ¼” seam. Press the stitching line and then press seams toward the border. When pressing, especially from the right side, avoid pressing the t-shirt logo. It can melt!

Now pin the longer border pieces to the sides of the t-shirt. Sew and press.

You now have a completed t-shirt block. Repeat for other t-shirt.

5. Prepare the Squares for Sewing: I use a handy tip from "Singer Sewing Step by Step" (what a steal that was! I can't believe I left the price tag on.)

I modify the pillow squares to remove excess fabric in the corners. Fold the fabric into fourths. Mark a point halfway between the corner and the fold on each open side. t the corner, mark a point 1/2" from each raw edge.

Trim from the corner to the center marks.

6. Sew the Top to the Bottom: Pin and sew the two squares together using a ¼” seam allowance. Leave an opening in the bottom to insert the pillow form. I usually leave about 10” open.

7. Turn Inside Out, Press Seams and Press Under 1/4" on open edge.

8. Insert Pillow Form and Hand Sew Opening: Pin the opening closed and sew closed using a slip stitch.

Enjoy your pillow!

New Arrival! Geometrix

2010-01-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

Another new geometric collection in two colorways, this one has a retro-look twist in brown, gold and burgundy & orange, pink, yellow and purple. Here are some of the fabrics from the Geometrix Collection below:

Happy Valentine's Day...early!

2010-01-08T14:26:00.000-05:00

Are you starting your special gifts and looking for pink and red fabrics for your Valentine's Day projects? Well, we have a great selection here! We have over 108 fabrics with red and over 71 with pink, and actually there are many more! Just do a search in our catalog under the color and they will all display.
Here is an idea from the Sew For Home Blog: fun, quick and easy Valentine Heart Sachets and Valentine aprons patterns.
Here are some fabric ideas: Gallery in Red, Ava Rose, House, Cherie and more.
Here are some fabrics from the Cherie Collection......

New Arrival! - Nana's Garden

2010-01-07T12:32:00.000-05:00

Looking for some soft floral fabrics, maybe for a baby quilt or a quilt for your bedroom? Nana's Garden just arrived! Arlene Neely of Rabbits Haven brings a true “breath of spring” in her premiere fabric collection, Nana's Garden! Arlene’s signature style of using soft watercolors and stitchery motifs in her quilt patterns translates perfectly to these lovely fabrics.

Amazing Tutorial by Jane!

2010-01-07T11:23:00.000-05:00

I had to share this with you. Check this out! Jane of Maiden Jane posted a tutorial that is just the most creative and recyclable (is that a word?) idea that I have seen in a long time. It is titled - How to extend the sleeves of a coat. Considering how fast children grow, the economic issues of today and the environmental concerns.....this idea is a winner!

Who needs Oxygen?

2010-01-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

You do, if you are looking for a retro-look design in unique color combinations. Oxygen is another new arrival. We have some samples below. Stop in to see the rest of the Oxygen Collection. Enjoy!

Giggle Feathers

2010-01-05T13:54:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to feed the birds on these cold winter days (especially if you live in an area like Cleveland!). This collection called Giggle Feathers is just full of bright color, geometrics and fun! See birds and birdhouses in fantastic color below:

New Arrivals - Black & White's

2010-01-03T20:16:00.000-05:00

We have 80 fabrics in our Black and White Category now! Our latest addition to this category is called High Definition (at the bottom of the catalogue page. Very unique designs and how about this idea for a quilt? We also have fabrics in the Gallery in Red Collection.
Here are some samples of the new Hi Definition Collection:

New Arrivals - Calipso and Gabrielle

2010-01-03T09:03:00.000-05:00

Bright colors, fun geometrics and pretty florals are in the Calipso and Gabrielle Collections. We also have many of them in fat quarters, which will be online soon. Here are some of the designs. Enjoy!

A Scrappy Holiday to You!

2009-12-26T11:53:00.000-05:00

I love it when practical can be so pretty! My 13 year old daughter raided my fabric stash to make me a mod mp3 case.

The fabric is chains (available in sand and okra ) with a lining of Parade.

The case has handy pocket for the ear buds and a clip to attach to a belt loop.

The pattern was found in this 2009 issue:

A perfectly practical project for all those scraps you have!

Quick and Easy Gift!

2009-12-20T22:29:00.000-05:00

20% OFF GIFT CERTIFICATES - now until 12-25, midnight, EST. We will email them anytime for you.

STOREWIDE SALE - 20-70% off (excluding Cloud9).
Fiberartists are 10-20% off (hand dyed fabrics/papers,etc.)

Thank you for all of your support this year!
Sondra

Amy Butler's Laminated Cotton

2009-12-15T15:12:00.000-05:00

Tote bags, grocery bags, beach bags, tablecloths, raincoats......any other other ideas???
While perusing the fabulous True Up Blog, I found some really thorough information about the new laminated cotton Love Collection by Amy Butler. The colors are dynamic and as always, the quality is very good. The article was by Kathy from the Pink Chalk Studio Blog: Laminate Cotton Sewing Tips and she did an incredible job! Her article is packed full of valuable information. The good news is.....it just arrived! Here are some the fabrics in the collection that we have of this 100% laminated 54" wide cotton. Enjoy!

More New Patterns....great gift ideas!

2009-12-02T15:49:00.000-05:00

Here we have two sewing patterns to cut out from Dena Designs fabrics: The Leanika Apron Pattern and the Leanika Bag Pattern. These are from the lovely Leanika Collection. Enjoy! Quick and Easy...the directions are on the fabric.

Jane Sassaman's Pint Size Patterns - New!

2009-12-02T15:41:00.000-05:00

We have some quick and fun patterns for you to make. First of all, here are Jane Sassaman's Home Dec Pint Size Patterns.

Interview with Katherine Bell - Author of Quilting for Peace.

2009-11-14T12:39:00.000-05:00

Katherine, thank you for taking your time to do this interview with Contemporary Cloth. I have to start by stating that your publication, Quilting for Peace is exceptional…..from the layout to the contents to the physicality of the book itself. Quilting for Peace belongs in everyone’s personal library and it now has a special place in mine.

For a brief overview: the Quilting for Peace chapters cover the following: community quilting, wartime quilting, quilting for kids and quilting to change the world. As stated on the cover, Quilting for Peace contains more than 25 inspiring essays and 15 charity projects with clear instructions. It is packed full of ideas, life stories, quilt resources in a variety of areas, including quilts for pet shelters (cage comforters), sleeping bags for people who are homeless, quilts for solders, infants and many more people who have needs. Contacts and websites are provided, so that we can all become involved. There is information regarding places where you can donate finished quilts or fabrics. It is all here. Katherine makes it easy for us to follow through.

There are also significant quotes, which I loved, in each chapter. I hesitated to include any of them in this interview because they need to be read as they were meant to be, as part of each chapter. They are so meaningful and an integral part of this book.

The Quilting for Peace website is another excellent resource and clearinghouse of information. Katherine has a blog, a Flikr Group and a Get Involved Page with extensive information.

I read that you are an online editor in New England (my favorite place), what do you usually write about and what inspired you to write this amazing book – Quilting For Peace?

First, thanks for inviting me to your blog – I’m so happy to hear that you like the book! I’m an editor at Harvard Business Review and HBR.org – it seems like that would be almost the exact opposite of writing about crafts and writing fiction (which is my other true love) but in fact they have quite a bit in common. I spend a lot of time thinking about people’s work lives, why they do what they do, how they stay motivated and motivate others, that sort of thing. I wish quilters were in charge of more organizations, because they tend to be resourceful, realistic, empathetic, and persuasive – all qualities common to great business leaders and entrepreneurs.

How did you gather the resources for your book? Did you find most of them on the web?

I did find most of them on the web. Many quilters were early adopters of the Internet. They’ve been networking online for years, and just about every organization I profiled has its own website. One exception is the Sunshine Circle, a quilting group in rural Iowa that started in 1912. Most of the women in the group now are at least second-generation, and they’re in their seventies and eighties. I lived in Iowa for a couple of years, and while I was there the University of Iowa Press published a book about Iowa quilts by Jacqueline Andre Schmeal. It’s gorgeous, one of my very favorite quilting books. There’s a chapter in it about the Sunshine Circle and I called Jacqueline and asked if she could put me in touch with them.

What particular crafts/sewing adventures do you personally enjoy doing?

Quilting is my favorite. I never finish knitting projects. I just made curtains for my living room, and honestly it was kind of painful. I really want to learn to design and make clothes, but I keep making quilts instead. I also like working with paper – letterpress printing and making handmade books. At some point I want to combine the two and try both printing on fabric and quilting with paper.

You refer to “the rhythm of each project” when you are quilting, what is your favorite segment in the process of quiltmaking?

I love the design stage and the process of piecing. The whole-is-more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts transformation is so satisfying. I get impatient during basting and binding.

It appears that the “tactile” nature of making and quilting is a rewarding process for you and for many of us. In Occupational Therapy (my previous profession), the act of “doing” is the main component of functional performance and self-esteem. You have promoted this philosophy and the resultant product is functionally useful and meaningful to other individuals. How do you feel during and after you’ve created a quilt?

The physicality of quilting is really important to me. I spend a ridiculous amount of time on the computer, working, writing, reading. So it’s extra satisfying to make something tangible. I love washing a brand-new quilt and pulling it out of the dryer all puckery and warm and already worn-in looking. And of course, the best part of all is sending it off to the person I’ve made it for.

Do you usually have a person in mind that you will be gifting when you are making a quilted project?

Almost always.

When you create your quilts, what are your favorite colors or patterns on fabrics?

I’m a little old-fashioned when it comes to fabrics. I like small prints, shirting, and stripes. I love blues and pinks and greys and browns. And yellow and orange; I’ve been especially into orange lately.

While reading through Quilting for Peace, I found the quiltmakers to be such givers and they touch the lives of so many people in a significant, positive way, how has doing this research, meeting these people and writing this book affected you personally? How has this experience changed your life?

I have always spent too much time worrying about what’s going on in the world and not nearly enough time actually doing anything about it. The quilters I talked to don’t waste time thinking about how they won’t be able to make a big enough difference. They just do things that make a small difference and convince others to do the same, and those things add up over time. I’ve definitely learned from their generosity and resolve.

Is there a special story or experience that has affected you the most?

The two stories I found both most heartbreaking and most inspiring were Barbara O’Neill’s and Don Beld’s. Barbara’s son died in combat in Afghanistan when he was only 19 years old. “When there’s a tragedy,” she told me, “you do what you need to do, and then you recruit other people to help you.” Within days of her son’s death, Barbara and her best friend began an effort to make quilts for as many veterans as they could, with the help of quilters all over the world. After his son died of AIDS, Don made a panel in his memory for the AIDS quilt. A few years later, Don began another grassroots quilt memorial — the organization he founded, Home of the Brave, gives quilts to the families of soldiers and marines killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Is there a particular place where you have donated your quilts? Do you have a special cause that is important to you?

They’re all important, but the wartime quilts feel most urgent to me right now. We’ve been at war for eight years! I’m very concerned about veterans’ issues — PTSD, homelessness, and so on. I find it absolutely horrifying that one in three homeless men is a veteran.

Katherine, I have to say that I am with you. The lack of care toward our veterans is an atrocity in this country. And further, I will never understand the value of war, we have not learned much since Vietnam. It appears that President Obama is starting to assist the veterans, their needs and their families......long overdue.

The work that Katherine Bell has done is to be commended. This book would be a special gift for anyone. Katherine has opened our eyes and consolidated valuable information and resources in her book, website and blog. Katherine has now made it easy for all of us to do our part in providing hope and comfort to another person. Thank you, Katherine.

****Here is a recent post from Katherine's blog for those of you who are interested in quilts for veterans.

Scraps and Timtex - and an Amy Butler Bag!

2009-11-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

I have owned Amy Butler's "In Stitches" for some time now and thought it would be fun to try a quilted box bag.

I selected the "Patchwork Handbag With Zipper Charm". I thought it would be a good use of scraps and a fun first quilting project. The project requires a number of pieces of main fabric, lining, backing fabric and batting. The main pieces and lining could be cut from 1/2 yard or less of fabric. I had the luxury of selecting color coordinated scraps from the scrap bin here at Contemporary Cloth. But you could use your stash or try your luck with one of our scrap bags.

The pattern is written in a very descriptive style. I stumbled during the quilting section because I did not understand that an entire piece was quilted and then cut in two for the two sides. I had started by cutting out the dimensions listed in the book, things did not add up and I set the bag aside, convinced I would not finish it. I later decided to simply make horizontal strips. It's not as visually interesting, but it was simpler for this first-time quilter. (You'd never know that I completed three years of college-level math, including differential equations!)

The pattern calls for making a cardboard insert for the bottom of the bag. I simply couldn't see how this would make the bag sturdy enough - at least for my taste. So when making the lining, I attached Timtex, a fairly sturdy sew in stabilizer, that is great for bags and totes. This added wonderful shape to the bag - so much so that I did not need to add the cardboard. Even after adding my wallet and several other items the bag held its shape.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the bag. I learned how to make a box-shaped bag. And next time, I will be a bit more adventurous in my quilting!

Contest Winners!

2009-11-07T10:35:00.000-05:00

Thank you for participating in our fabric giveaway. The winners of the fabric selection are:

Kathy Hamman

Love to Quilt

Because we had such a response, we have added three winners of a yard of fabric of our choice. The winners are:

Free Indeed

Jennette

Chacoy

The winners have been notified by email. Thanks for participating!

Be sure to check out our latest interview with Paula Singleton, Milliner here.

Interview with Paula Singleton, Milliner

2009-11-04T16:35:00.000-05:00

Tell us about What A Great Hat! How did you start it and what are your products?

I’ve been artistic all my life and started out knitting and sewing then moved into working in paper and then eventually started making jewelry using vintage buttons and beads.
I had never worn hats and bought my first handmade hat at the Ann Arbor art festival in 2004. I wore it all day and had no less than 30 compliments on it. It was so much fun that I felt compelled to do my part to bring hat wearing back into vogue. It’s funny – I went to the Ann Arbor art festival to get inspiration for jewelry making and came away with an entirely new appreciation for hats, which launched a new career path.

Do you have a blog, a website, a storefront?

I have a web site: What A Great Hat! and a working studio where I see customers by appointment. I also participate in the finer art festivals in Northeast Ohio. I left the corporate world in 1999 as the communications manager for a financial services firm; writing and public relations were my specialty. I continue to write on a freelance basis and need the flexibility to go out on assignments, which prohibits me from having a true storefront retail presence. And, truth be told, hats are such a niche that having a retail hat shop in Akron, Ohio probably wouldn’t be the best business decision.

Tell us about your design process?

It usually begins with a great fabric, color of felt or vintage item like a buckle, button, flower or feather. Then I think about what shape would complement my inspiration piece. The design process is rather organic – the hat evolves as I work with pieces in my studio that complement it.

What are your favorite materials to use?

For summer hats, I love to work with cotton – so many amazing patterns and colors to jumpstart the imagination. I also love working with sinamay, a natural straw-like product that is great for swirling and sculpting. For winter, wool or silk fabric, or wool felt are my materials of choice.

How do you determine what the best hat design is for someone?

I can usually look at someone and know the style that will work for them. But it’s best to have them come to my studio and try on hats of various shapes. Once we know the best shape for their face, frame, and lifestyle, we can talk about color, pattern, trimmings and all the details and select a hat that I’ve already made or create a new piece that really works for them.

Do you have any favorite colors or styles/eras?

I love the styles of the ‘20s through the ‘50s. The cloche (which is the French word for bell) is a personal favorite. And I adore fun, flirty cocktail hats. Color-wise, I’ve never met a periwinkle blue that I didn’t love, and deep plum/eggplant is also hard to resist.

Do you only design hats for women?

Yes. I’ve also made some hats for little girls.

Have you made hats for special occasions?

I’ve made many hats for the Kentucky Derby and even made one for a woman who traveled to England for Royal Ascot (the horse event that’s attended by the royal family). I’ve also had a lot of fun making cocktail hats for women going to black tie events.

Who are your favorite designers?

Philip Treacy is sort of the king of hat making and his work is amazing. I also like Siggi, and Edwina Ibbotson, hat makers in the UK.

Where do you find inspiration?

I’m always inspired by nature. Old movies are another great source. I wake up in the middle of the night sometimes with designs swirling around in my mind.

What do you enjoy the most in your creative process?

Combining colors, textures, shapes and trimmings in creative ways.

How do you feel after you have created one of your wonderful hats?

Creating hats is a real thrill but the best part is finding the right hat for the right person, especially for someone who claims she can’t wear hats. Seeing her face light up when she finds the right hat is the best reward of all.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?

I was fortunate to find a millinery instructor – Donald Wasson from Cleveland – who is a true gem. He has inspired legions of students to create hats to augment their careers in fashion as well as helping them make connections for launching a career in millinery. It may be that millinery is a dying art, but every milliner I’ve met is passionate about keeping it alive. I have yet to meet another milliner who isn’t helpful and supportive of fellow hat makers out there trying to make a go of it. If any of your readers are interested in learning how to make hats I’ll be glad to share the resources I know of with them.

Are most of your customers from Northeast Ohio?

Yes; I meet many of them at the shows that I participate in as well as referrals from existing customers. But I have made hats for people across the US.

What are your future plans?

To continue learning and growing as a milliner. And to escalate the enthusiasm for wearing great hats by designing pieces that make people feel and look terrific.

Thank you, Paula for taking the time to do this interview and share your art with us. You are keeping the art of millinery alive and we are grateful for that. Your work is truly amazing.
When I think of hats, my mother's hats from the 40's and 50's come to mind. I will have to post them on the blog some day. A few years ago, I gave a friend of mine a copy of the book Crowns, which had just been published. Sandra told me about her involvement with church on Sunday and how it was an all day happening, which led our discussion into the hats that many of the women wore. This book is a treasure and if you enjoy hats, you will love Crowns!

Ricky Tims - Rhapsodie Coloree ll

2009-11-03T10:55:00.000-05:00

The fabric design and quilt are by Ricky Tims. The finished quilt size is 50" x 50". If you decide to order these fabrics, ask us for a pattern or download the pattern from Red Rooster Fabrics. Enjoy the Rhapsodie Coloree ll Collection, the look of hand dyed fabric at a great price!

Giveaway - Thank you for following us!

2009-11-02T15:35:00.000-05:00

We will be in touch very soon and posting the winner.........

Happy Halloween!!!!

2009-10-27T18:16:00.000-04:00

Halloween Special on Oct. 31st - use the coupon code - spooky - for 25% off of your order! (10-20% off fiberartists)

Givaway!....sign up before Nov. 1st!!!!!

2009-10-27T13:40:00.000-04:00

We are having such a great response to our Givaway/Follower Sign-Up.....THANK YOU!!!!....that we decided to add more surprises for our followers.....stay tuned.
Become a follower of Contemporary Cloth (current followers are also eligible) and we will select one winner for every twenty followers. The winner will receive one yard of your choice valued at $10 or less. Check out all the possibilities here. Just be sure to follow this blog and that we have a way to reach you. The contest will close November 1st. Good luck!

Quilting for Peace

2009-10-22T18:52:00.000-04:00

Find out more about this program, click on this image. We will be doing an interview with Katherine Bell soon......she is doing incredible work.

Check Out the Piccadilly Collection

2009-10-21T09:42:00.000-04:00

I couldn't resist this beautiful fabric. It has a wonderful hand. Check out all the Piccadilly fabrics here. (You can search on Piccadilly.)

Perhaps this will be the fabric you choose if you are our contest winner! Details here.

Free Yard of Fabric!

2009-10-18T19:56:00.000-04:00

We are excited to sponsor a giveaway! Become a follower of Contemporary Cloth (current followers are also eligible) and we will select one winner for every twenty followers. The winner will receive one yard of your choice valued at $10 or less. Check out all the possibilities here. Just be sure to follow this blog and that we have a way to reach you. The contest will close November 1st. Good luck!

Interview with Linda Colsh of Belguim and the U.S.

2009-10-13T15:29:00.000-04:00

Interview with Linda Colsh of Belgium (and the U.S.)
I have admired Linda’s art from the first time I saw it several years ago. Go to her website and you will be mesmerized. Some of the adjectives that I would use to describe Linda’s work are: unique, interesting, inviting, calming, mysterious…..and wonderful. I always want to view it again and always see something else in the piece. Her work resonates with me.

Personally, one my most favorite surface design processes is deconstructed screen printing. Linda has two recent articles in Quilting Arts Magazine: Deconstructed Rubbings (Issue 39, June/July) and Deconstructed Engravings (Issue 40, August, September).
Linda’s website has a wonderful gallery of her work. Stop by for inspiration and thoughtfulness. Here are some examples of Linda's art work. It was very, very difficult deciding which pieces to use on our blog.......they are all incredible. Please view them all at her gallery.

Here are a few examples of Linda's art work. It was "very" difficult deciding what pieces to added to this interview...I wanted to add all of them!

Northern Renaissance
2005
H27 x W16 inches (68 x 40cm)

Scent Astray
2008
H64 x W76 inches (162 x 191cm)

Brittle Silence
2005
H38 x W33inches (96 x 83cm)

Amazing Grace
2008
H40 x W40 inches (100 x 100cm)

Rage & Outrage
2001
H45 x W48 inches (114 x 122cm)

Where do you find inspiration for your work? Your images are very interesting and intriguing. They draw me into the piece.I find inspiration just about everywhere. Some examples of images I’ve just been working with as I worked six weeks dyeing fabrics for the next year’s artwork: the shards of a broken plate I found in a field; a graceful number 5 from an elegant doorway in The Hague; a tall, distinguished gentleman quietly observing the comings and goings of Aachen’s city flower market; the oculus of an open dome in Split made into a rustic circle in Photoshop; and a flea market postcard written to a British World War I soldier in Belgium.

I am a collector. I fill my notebooks with drawn and written observations on all kinds of subjects, just as I fill folders on my computer with images of various categories of “stuff.” I believe that being lifted out of familiar surroundings and finding myself in one very different place after another has sharpened my powers of observation. I have lived on both coasts of America, Asia and now Europe. I notice people and things that perhaps others don’t see.

I am happy that you say my imagery draws you in my artwork because that drawing in is one of the goals I have for my work: I want viewers to see the story I present, but also to find their own stories and meaning for the characters I present.

How has living in Belgium influenced your designs and work?
The first time I was asked about Belgium’s influence on my work I answered without hesitation that “Belgium is a very gray place.” It seemed such an obvious reply and I didn’t elaborate at the time, but I have since thought back on my answer often. I realize that it is more than just an influence on the colors (or minimal colors) I use in my work. I find a softness in the slanting, silvery northern light here that is a look I consciously work to achieve in my art. That same light, while it strips away color, creates a starkness created by deep shadows and dramatic highlights. I reflect that in my work by using (and reveling in) the full range of value from black to white. The gray is also a mood—an enveloping coolness like fog, the weather that I find at the same time comforting and mysterious.

How do you begin creating a piece?
I take lots of photos. I write and draw in my notebooks and think during my “away from work” times, developing stories and characters. Then, when themes or stories begin to take form, I start sifting images on the computer and working with them in Photoshop to create the images from which I make screens, transfer or print directly on fabric. As a personality takes shape and a story forms around that character, I add images that connect to and further the narrative.

What are your work processes with your fabric?
I begin with plain white or black fabric. I create fabrics with dye, printing, painting or discharge. Because of Belgium’s short summers, I do all the dyework for a year in a few weeks when weather is warm. The rest of the year, I work with acrylic paints on cloth, do the computer work, including direct printing of some images on fabric; and design and stitch the artworks.

What part of the process do you enjoy the most? Do you have any favorite techniques?
I’d have to say that two parts of the process are most enjoyable: the computer design work and surface design. I often spend hours and hours working with a single image on the computer. The surface design work with dyes, paints and discharge agents is extremely satisfying. After abandoning screen printing in college because, at the time, the chemicals used were kind of nasty and the process fiddly—I preferred freer techniques, like painting. But with acrylics came simplicity, and screen printing could be more improvisational. I can make very detailed, unique screens with my thermal imager.

I have arrived at a place where my combination of a few surface design processes and my computer work enable my work to exhibit that quality of “my voice.” What viewers might not realize is the tenacity and pursuit of a few selected techniques with a kind of creative tunnel vision that it has taken to achieve the unique look of my artwork. I’ve chosen to focus on print processes like screen printing and monotype that don’t use a press, direct computer printing, and low water immersion dyeing, with an eye toward exploring color separation at the point where dye wicks into bare cloth.

Do you do a lot of planning for your projects?
Yes, I am thinking almost all the time about the various active themes I am working with. From the time I shoot a photo or draw an image, or print a batch of fabrics, to having a finished artwork is often months or even years. Because I use so many images in a single piece and work each image digitally and then with surface design, by the time I actually print the image on cloth, decide where it will go in a composition and actually sew the piece, I have become very familiar with my imagery!
I keep my notebooks and laptop close, so that those elusive, random thoughts that just might be worth something can be noted—well, at least the odds of being able to remember and record them are higher if the tools are at hand .
Frequently, I use images iconicly, transcending their literal meaning. I tell the story of not having chairs when we lived in Korea and how the absence of an object gets one thinking a lot about the object. The object’s meaning becomes complex and the object takes on a significance beyond simple “take for granted” function. If not necessarily planning for a specific project, the time to think an image through all the permutations to raise it from image to icon is a deep exploration that I find an important part of my process.

How do you feel when you are creating? What does your art mean to you?
In one sense, I am creating all the time. I often sit reading the newspaper, book or magazine and a word or picture will trigger a thought that sends me to my notebooks to jot down the idea or train of thought. But in the sense of physically working on the computer or with fabric or stitch, I need big chunks of time because I zone in and become intensely focused. I easily lose all track of time. I love the work and I find that making art, while a solitary endeavor, is deeply satisfying and expressive.

Do you have creative blocks, if so, how do you overcome them?
I am rarely blocked. It’s more common for me to have too many ideas and need focus. I think because the parts of my process are so varied in how much head work and hand work are involved, when I feel stymied, such as those days when every touch of the brush or squeegee seems wrong, I can turn to a more cerebral process like writing or drawing in my notebooks or the Photoshop work. When the idea work on the computer and in notebooks is coming hard, I can go to the studio and work with the more physical processes of surface design or stitch.

Who do you feel has influenced your work? Who are your favorite designers, artists, etc?
Rather than “who” it is more “where” that was a big influence on my work: moving to California in the mid-80s was the real catalyst that sparked my turning to fiberart and especially to surface design. At the same time I began to experiment with discharge, dyeing and painting on fabrics, I was exposed to the work of many of the most influential quilt artists of the time through my local Monterey guild. Later on, a huge turning point in my work was when, thanks to Wendy Huhn, I discovered the thermal imager—more than almost anything other than perhaps the digital camera and the computer, that tool opened tremendous possibilities for me.

I probably shouldn’t try to list favorites because as soon as I send off my answers, I’ll think of many more. My favorite artists would include Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Louise Bourgeois, Anselm Kiefer, Gerhard Richter, Lenore Tawney…the list goes on and on. Fiber artists list would be a long one too, starting with those California artists in whose classes and lectures I was so fortunate to participate all those years ago, right up to artists of today whose work I own or admire.

Do you teach and if so where?
I teach several times a year here in Europe. I enjoy sharing my techniques with students and, above all, hope to inspire them to find their own voices.
Sounds wonderful, I wish I could attend....we will have to get you to the U.S. sometime.......

What are your plans for the future?
I have just begun a second term on the Board of the Studio Art Quilt Associates, which is work I very much enjoy. Professionally, I will continue making and exhibiting my artwork and working in several currently active series. My characters series seems to be subdividing as I have begun to work with a new group of work focusing on markets; and I’ve begun a group of works that traces how values--what we seek--change as we grow older and presumably wiser. Additionally, I am working with ways to imply the passage of time (the fourth dimension) in some of my new large works.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Thank you, Sondra. I have followed your business from nearly the beginning and I know that you are a true appreciator of fabric and surface design, so it is a pleasure for me to be interviewed by a true and knowledgeable connoisseur of the cloth.

Thank you, Linda for taking the time to share a part of yourself with us. I have learned a great deal from you.....again. You, your process and your work is very inspiring.

Newsletter - New Arrivals and Clearance Fabrics

2009-10-13T14:35:00.000-04:00

COMING SOON ---- Timtex & the FastFuse Timtex.

NEW ARRIVALS:
:::Mistyfuse - NEW!!! 12" and 35" widths in white, and 20" ultraviolet.
:::Pacific Rim - Jinny Beyer - textures, paisleys.....
:::Full Bloom - abstract florals, birds and teapots.
:::Aurora - interesting florals.
:::Rhumba - bright and mod.
:::Calista - soft florals.
:::Piccadilly collection.
:::Organic Fabrics from Mod Green Pod and Cloud 9.
:::Natura - birds and florals.
:::Selections from the collections of: Paisley Party, Jezebel, Rhythm & Blues.
:::Quilter's Kitchen collection - fruits and vegetables.
:::Ricky Tims marbleized tonals.
:::Rich, bright geometrics from the Great Foundations Collection.
:::Colorful butterflies and florals.
:::Modern metro bold designs.
:::Pinatas - bright colors on black or white backgrounds.
:::Modern geometrics from Jay McCarroll, unique designs.
:::New florals - Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably, Valori Wells.

Here are some selections of Pacific Rim by Jinny Beyer.......

CLEARANCE CATEGORY: 20-70% off.
Jessica Jones Home Dec - 25% off.
More fabrics added, lots of great bargains....as low as $3.75./yard. Home Decorator fabric closeout continues until sold out. NOW $5.99/yard, originally $15.50 yard. Your favorite designers: Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Denyse Schmidt, Valori Wells.

Stop by Contemporary Cloth!

Contemporary Cloth Interview on True Up

2009-09-30T14:43:00.000-04:00

I forgot to add this a while ago. Kim Kight of True Up interviewed CC on her fabulous fabric blog. Here is the interview.......thanks again Kim!

Interview: Kim Kight - True Up Blog

2009-09-30T14:02:00.000-04:00

Kim,
I learned about your True Up Blog through a customer, it is a great resource for fabric lovers, crafters, retailers and fabric shoppers…...to name a few. I think of it as a clearinghouse for new and vintage fabric information, fabric education, ideas for creating with fabrics and much more. (Photo of Kim below.)

How did you develop the concept of True Up? And please share with us what your unique title means!

It was really one of those light-bulb moments. I used to post about fabric a lot on my personal/crafting blog Dioramarama, and I just realized one day that there should be a blog devoted to fabric and nothing but fabric. I knew I had a lot to learn about different fabrics and this would force me to do my research.
I learned about the technique of "trueing up" through my sewing teacher in Austin, Leslie Bonnell. I liked how it sounded sort of newsy, and sort of hip-hop.

What do you provide for fabric lovers on your blog? Any contests, I know that you do informative interviews with sponsors.

We (my new writer Mary Beth Eastman and I) post designer interviews, new fabric collection previews, indie designer spotlights, fabric education (What is a twill, anyway? How is silk made?), and tons of links to inspiring fabrics and textiles. I also post a "daily swatch" -- a piece of vintage fabric based on a weekly theme, and sale alerts for the U.S. and the world every Sunday.

We have giveaways pretty often. I've never done any kind of design contest, but I've thought about it!

What do you enjoy most about doing your blog? And what are the challenges? I can only imagine the time that the blog involves since you are always on target with the latest information.

I'm kind of a fabric designer wannabe so I love learning about repeats, color, and the more technical aspects of fabric. And I love talking with other fabric lovers and professionals in the business.

The biggest challenge for me is keeping up with email! Also, sometimes I have weeks where I can't come up with anything I'm excited to write about. But history has told me that feeling will pass in no time and the next week I'll have more topics than I have time.

Here is "a tiny bit" of Kim's personal stash!

You provide such a wide range of information on domestic and international textiles and designers, do you have people that source the information for you or do you find it all?

Mostly it's just a matter of keeping up with my favorite fabric shop, craft, fashion, and design blogs through the miracle of Google Reader. I also get a few tips through readers and industry people. As I mentioned earlier, I brought in an additional writer to help me out, and hopefully I'll be able to expand to include more voices and perspectives in the near future.

I know that you have a family (son and husband), and work part time as a Speech Therapist, how do balance everything?

You've caught me, Sondra -- I don't balance everything! Have you ever heard the expression "a working mother is always disappointing someone?" :) Well, we are fortunate to be able to keep our son at home during the day -- I work on True Up when he sleeps, and my awesome mom takes care of him on the days when I work outside the house. The therapy clinic at which I work is open on Saturday mornings, so I work then too and my husband takes care of the kiddo.

We share a love of vintage fabrics, what are your fabric styles and designs? What is your favorite era?

I love the quirky novelty prints and geometrics of the 40s-60s. I've been into Pennsylvania Dutch motifs lately, and bold/graphic juvenile and floral European prints from the 60s-70s (Jane Foster has a lot of great ones - ). Oh, and I can't resist a good painterly floral. I've also started collecting vintage handkerchiefs by Tammis Keefe and her contemporaries. And like you, I love Lucienne Day, but I've never actually seen any of her fabric in person!

What do you enjoy making/creating the most and what are your favorite materials to use?

I think of myself as a quilter, though it's been slow going since I had my son two years ago! I have been making more garments lately, and stuffed toys. I'm all about the cotton (and wool felt for the toys) -- I haven't ventured much into silk or rayon or anything else, though that's on my wish list.

What inspires your creations? Oh my.

Just hop into the True Up or Dioramarama archives ... everyone I've covered there!

Do you have any other creative interests that you hope to pursue in the future?

I've had screenprinting supplies for over a year now that I have yet to bust into. I suspect that happens more often than not with screenprinting ... sigh.

Who are your favorite designers or artists?

Again I could write an encyclopedia, so I'll stick with the textile artists that inspire me most: Denyse Schmidt, the women of Gee's Bend, FunQuilts, Angela Moll, Ian Hundley, Kaffe Fassett, Valerie Goodwin , Denise Burge, Anna Von Mertens, embroidery artist Tilleke Schwarz ...

What are your “great places to visit” online? Blogs, Etsy stores, websites?

Other than Contemporary Cloth?! Well, I guess if I had to have one desert island site it would be Flickr. I love their new gallery feature -- here are some I've made so far.

Any future plans for True Up?

Yes, big ones! But they are un-finalized, so I will just leave you with that teaser.

Thank you, Kim for the great interview and for all that you do on True Up. We all appreciate you!

Piccadilly Collection from Clothworks.

2009-09-30T13:42:00.000-04:00

We have the entire 16 piece Piccadilly Collection designed by Pamela Mostek for Clothworks. Here is a free pattern download using this collection. We also have some copies of this pattern for those who are interested. We can ship it with your fabric order. Here are some samples of this fabric collection......

What Do You Like to Make With a Half Yard of Fabric?

2009-09-25T13:35:00.000-04:00

These wine bags are a fun and fast project that use just a little fabric. Use the tote to carry your wine home from the grocery store or to carry it in style to a picnic or social gathering. It's much easier to carry a bottle of wine in this tote than balance it in the crook of your elbow!

Metro Scraps

2009-09-17T08:04:00.000-04:00

Not Your Granny's Apron

2009-08-29T13:26:00.000-04:00

Update the form and function of a simple apron by using a fabulous Metro fabric!

Modern Flora Messenger Bag

2009-08-10T09:02:00.000-04:00

My third version of See & Sew B5273 made using Modern Flora from Contemporary Cloth.