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New Pattern - Simple Wallet

 

Ok, the wallet pattern is ready!  It is available here, and will be available in my etsy shop later today.  First I need to walk the dog and go get a cup of coffee. 

Favorite Fabrics - Michael Miller Lovebirds

Last week, I took a giant load of styrofoam to the recycling center in North Portland, and stopped at Bolt on the way home. 

Bolt is in the Alberta Arts District in NE Portland, and even though I live in NE, it isn't anywhere near my house.  So it is fun to stop in there when I get the chance. If you are ever in Portland, Bolt should be on your list of fabric stores to check out.   

I wanted to buy some fabric, but nothing was really grabbing my attention. After wandering around and the around the small store, I finally decided on this Michael Miller Lovebirds print and bought two yards. 

Though I wasn't totally overcome with fabric joy about it, it is growing on me.  I like the lovebird pairs are widely spaced, so the small print doesn't seem busy.  

Friday I made this wallet using the fabric: 

Now I'm using it for my phone and business cards and it works great.  I've found that by keeping business cards with the phone, I always have them with me.  At least when I remember to bring the phone.

Ok, I'm going back to work on the wallet pattern now.  Once I finish this pattern, I plan to sew something new, or maybe make this skirt again.   Anyone sewing something fun on this long weekend?    

Cotton Duck

The pattern for the Bucket Bag is making progress and it will be ready sometime in June.

I made this one above using Laura Gunn's poppy print on the outside, and navy cotton duck for the lining.  If you aren't familiar with duck, it is useful fabric and I encourage you to try it out.  

 

Duck is tightly woven canvas, with a fairly smooth finish.  At the fabric store, it can usually be found in the utility fabric section. 

There are five things I appreciate about cotton duck:

1. Durable & long lasting.

2. Washes well.  Some other canvases get really wrinkled washing them and it can be impossible to get the wrinkles out!

3. It is not thick, so it isn't hard to sew. 

4. It gives bags a nice weight, without being too heavy.

5. Inexpensive.  A yard is usually $8 - $10 for 60" wide fabric. 

I usually use duck for linings, but it also works well as the exterior, or even an interlining. 

Happy stitching!

Sample Sale - Simple Wallet in Apple Dot Pink

This wallet was the one I made to show tips #1 & #2 for the Sewing Tips for Corners & Squares post last week.

It is made from Sandi Henderson's popular Apple Dot print in pink.  I'd link to it, but it is getting hard to find!   

If you are interested, the wallet is posted for sale in my etsy shop.  

Daisy Dot - Green at Super Buzzy

New fabric at superbuzzy.  Pretty mix of colors and I like the vintage look of this print.  From the description, it sounds like it might be a little heavier than quilting cotton and an interesting texture.   

Pre-Order Far Far Away Chapter II by Heather Ross

Harts Fabric is taking orders for the second chapter of Far Far Away by Heather Ross.  It is a lightweight canvas, so it would be great for bags & home dec projects. 

It is due to arrive in shops in June, so if you order some you shouldn't have to wait too long for your fabric to arrive!

It would be great to see a quilting weight version of this collection at some point in the future.  It would make such a sweet quilt for a babies and children.