Finally, some fabric suggestions for you for the back-to-school sew along. Two quick items before I jump into that, though.
1. You might have noticed that I now accept advertising on Penny Carnival. See? Over there. ---------->>>>
I'm excited to be able to connect readers with wonderful products and services and am thrilled that a couple of delightful, creative businesses have already reserved spaces for the next several months. You'll see more about them soon.
I posted my rates and hope potential sponsors of Penny Carnival will find them reasonable. Please e-mail me if you have any questions or are interested in placing an ad.
I want to assure readers that my editorial content--what I write to all of you--won't be influenced by sponsors. You're getting the same old me, craft disasters and all.
This is a win-win for everyone--links to helpful businesses for all of us, plus a little cha-ching in my pocket so I can buy--what else?--more craft supplies. Awesome. It's like a little cycle that feeds itself.
2. You also might have noticed the link to my book sling, as featured in the current issue of FamilyFun magazine. !!!!
When I switched careers to journalism 10 years ago, my original goal was to work for magazines. I got bit by the hard-news bug in grad school, and went into newspapers instead, but it's such a thrill to enjoy a moment on those glossy, colorful pages.
Welcome! to those of you finding Penny Carnival from FamilyFun. I'm so glad you're here.
And get this! The editors altered the book sling tutorial a bit so that non-sewers could make it, so the instructions in the mag don't require a sewing machine. Crazy, huh? Now none of you have an excuse not to make one. (FamilyFun readers: if you'd actually prefer to sew it, here's my original tutorial.)
FamilyFun has been wonderful to work with ("with which to work"--sorry grammar snobs). I'm proud to now be a subscriber.
3. OK, now for the fabric suggestions.
You don't need me to tell you about the plethora of adorable fabrics available today. What you see below are just some of my personal favorites, especially when considering what to use for back-to-school clothes (for girls and boys) and accessories.
Enjoy!
From Amy Butler ...
Sunspots in midnight (can't you just picture a little dress or skirt made from this and paired with striped tights?):
Chrysanthemum in orange (I can see it as the lining of a solid-colored coat, like this one, with the cuffs turned out):
Coriander in ivory (I will never, ever get tired of Amy Butler Coriander, even if I live to be 273 years old):
Floating Buds in gray:
Free Spirit fabrics ...
From Tanya Whelan, TW12 Sky (perhaps for a blouse?):
From Valori Wells
Vw26 Nest in teal (a corduroy! perfect for this?):
From Tina Givens
Treetop Fancy (maybe for the Instant Gratification dress?):
From Joel Dewberry
Here's one for the little fellas--Modern Meadow Pond:
From David Walker ...
The Robots line:
and Hopscotch:
and the Boys Will Be Boys line:
From Anna Maria Horner ,,,
These look like books to me:
Folksy Flannel Forest Hills in moonlight (a perfect lining for the cocktail swing coat or a super-soft option for the mini skirt):
From Sandi Henderson ...
Meadow Sweet Happy Butterfly in maize (oh, oh, oh! Little dress made from this, paired with brown tights and loafers):
From Spoonflower (expensive, I know, but fun to dream) ...
Happy Weather (is this the best thing in the world or what?):
Oh, man. That doesn't even scratch the surface.
What are your favorites?
Where do you buy your fabrics in Spokane? I never got a chance to go to Buttercuppity even though I planned on it many times, and then just saw they closed. So, It's Joanns on the SOuth hill for me, any where to find the stylish stuff in town?
Posted by: Jenn Schlich | August 27, 2010 at 08:28 PM
The Top Stitch!! You will love it. I would split my time between The Top Stitch and Buttercuppity and was sad to see Buttercuppity close, but rest assured--you are in good hands with Carrie at The Top Stitch. They're at Monroe & Garland, in the Garland District, sort of across from the Garland Theatre. She used to be down the street from there in a tiny place and my heart started pounding the first time I went in. It was the first time I'd seen Amy Butler fabrics in person. Now she's in a bigger, brighter space--it's dreamy. She offers great classes, too. Check her out:
http://www.thetopstitch.com
Posted by: Megan | August 27, 2010 at 08:45 PM
very cool fabric selections, i never could sew very well even though my grandma tried so hard to teach me! i'm hoping to better my sewing skills now though and make some fantastic stuff because wow, there is some neat fabric out there!
Posted by: Online Bingo | March 23, 2012 at 04:13 PM
These are absolutely stunning - great job here. I'm really impressed by the patterns and colours and designs. More power to you guys!!! xxxx
Posted by: Online Bingo | March 23, 2012 at 04:31 PM