Fabricholics Unite!

Yummm!

2011-11-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

I started visualizing what I wanted to make as soon as I saw these fabrics.

In my mind they are as soft as the aprons my grandmother used to wear and wash daily so I want to make an apron. I would combine the fabrics ( an excuse to buy more) for a patchwork effect.

I think napkins to go with your white tablewear would be sweet. Can't you just see these with milkglass?

http://www.grandrevivaldesign.com/fabrics.html

Just a little fix

2011-11-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

I dropped by a nice home decor fabric store today for a little fix....you know what I mean. I just needed to see something fresh and touch a few textures.

I was not disappointed. I love touching everything. Next time I will take the camera so I can share some pictures with you.

I am getting in the mood to sew. There is so much on my list that I don't know where to begin. I have some fancy fabric that would make a nice bag, I am in the middle of a quilted fabric art piece for my kitchen, I would like to start a few Christmas project.....I think I will go bake an apple crisp and think about it.

Using Our Talents and All That Fabric

2011-04-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

I love this story posted in The Charlotte Observer written by Dannye Romine Powell. Doesn't the end quote sum up how we all feel?

Stitching frothy bits of beauty for Haiti's girls

Johnnie Hayes and her busy sewing machine are brightening lives.

Posted: Tuesday, Feb. 01, 2011

COLUMNISTS »

Dannye Romine Powell

Dannye Romine Powell writes on life in Charlotte and the Carolinas for the Local section of The Charlotte Observer.

E-mail Dannye.
704.358.5230

A little lace here. A row of ribbon there.
And Johnnie Hayes, age 91, if you please, is off and running.
Since the earthquake in Haiti last January, Johnnie has designed, sewn and dispatched 115 adorable outfits - most of them dresses with matching ruffled panties - to the little girls of Haiti.
She has a dozen more pressed and ready to go.
"Imagine being a mother," she says, "and not having something pretty to dress your little girl in."
Call it a labor of love. You'd be right on the money.
Call it doing God's work. Bingo on that one, too.
But sewing - and designing these sunshine-fresh dresses - is what happens to make Johnnie's heart sing.
"Sewing is my thing," she says. "I can hardly wait to get up in the morning."
She starts working at 8 a.m. and stops at 3 p.m., to watch "Judge Judy." ("I've never heard anyone so mean.")
Johnnie doesn't sew at night, and she doesn't sew on Sunday. ("I do knit on Sundays," she confesses.)
She has been married to John Hayes for almost 72 years. They have four grown children - three daughters and a son.
For more than a quarter of a century, Johnnie worked in alterations at Montaldo's on North Tryon Street. During her later years there - she retired in 1982 - she headed the department.
She calls those the store's glory years, when movie stars from Joseph Cotten to Clint Eastwood brought their wives in to shop, when hand-painted clouds graced the ceiling, when the doorman sprayed fragrance on the sidewalk in front of the store.
But Johnnie's love of pretty things started earlier, growing up in Waxhaw.
"My mother was prissy," she says. "If she didn't have money for rouge, she'd wet a piece of red paper and rub the color on her cheeks."
Johnnie herself had long curls and enjoyed pretty clothes, which she grew up thinking were important to anyone's self-esteem.
Until the earthquake, she made quilts to raise money for the building fund at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. She showed me photos. Gorgeous creations.
But quilts were getting too heavy to work on, she says.
When the earthquake hit, she thought of all the little Haitian girls who were without.
Don't think these handmade dresses go unappreciated.
Here's a card from Carrie Evans, a former minister at Central Steele Creek, who volunteers in Haiti and delivered the latest batch of Johnnie's creations.
"There are no words to share the emotions of handing a child a brand new dress sewn with so much love.... The looks on the mothers' faces as they picked up their children from school were priceless. I only wish you could have heard the children chant in their beautiful Haitian accents: Thank you."
The note went on to say that for many of these children, Johnnie's handmade dresses are the only new articles of clothing they will ever receive.
'I want the children to feel pretty and feminine, she says, "and I don't care if they get out in the mud and play. Let them be children."
You must feel so - I'm reaching for the right word - useful, I say.
No, Johnnie says. Humble. Humble that she can keep helping.
Does she foresee a time when she might not be able to sew?
She gives me a look of spunk-laced surprise.
"If I'm working on something when I die," she says, "throw it in the coffin, and I'll finish it."

Project Linus - Sewing For Others

2011-01-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

I hate to let go of any of my fabric but if I know that it will be enjoyed by someone else it makes the seperation easier.

In the past I have shared a couple of places that you can donate your handmade items. Are you ready for another resource that can use your talents and time? Project Linus is a well organized and very productive group that provides warmth for children in need.

The volunteers, known as “blanketeers,” provide new, handmade, washable blankets to be given as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0-18. It is Project Linus’ policy to accept blankets of all sizes, depending on local chapter needs. All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors.

Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter works together to achieve the goal which is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by the volunteers. Since 1995 they have distributed over 3 million blankets to those in need.

Linus, of Charlie Brown fame, found great comfort in his blanket. Won't you spend a little time this month creating something that will give a child that same sense of security?

http://www.projectlinus.org/

2010-11-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

If you want to work with one of the freshest color palattes try yellow and gray. It works in home decor as well as your wardrobe. How about finding a buttery yellow print and making a quick scarf to wear with a gray sweater? Brighten up dining room chairs by covering them in a print such as the one pictured.

I have a yellow polka dot that I have draped over a chair in my sewing room. I am waiting for the right inspiration to hit on what to do with it. In the meantime I am just enjoying this little piece of sunshine.

Happy sewing!

Melisa

What Your Table Needs

2010-10-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

I was looking at a collection of home decor fabrics of varying sizes and designs. I wanted to make something that would allow me to enjoy the colors and textures. I came up with this table runner. I make a pillow to go with it.

To make one for your home decide on the length that will work well on your table or buffet. The width can be in the range of 14 inches. Lay the fabrics out in a pleasing design then sew together. Add a backing fabric and if desired a piece of flannel or thin batting for an interlining. Pin the backing on well to keep it from shifting when you are sewing the long runner.

Runners will add a bit of color to your entryway hall table as well as end tables in the den. Make a collection to decorate your home for the different seasons and holidays. My daughter and I used a bride's china as inspiration to create a pretty table runner for her new home.

I hope that my runner inspires you to pull a few of your favorite fabrics to decorate your home.

Melisa

You Love Fabric and Sewing When....

2010-10-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

You iron alot but NEVER clothes.

You stroke and pat fabric in the store and at home.

A trip to the grocery store includes a side trip to the local fabric store. ( Why don't they sell fabric at the grocery store? You could hide your fabric purchases by making it look like you were buying hamburger meat.)

Hardly a day goes by without someone picking a thread off your clothes.

UFO's aren't just for science geeks.

A fulfilling day is one where you can refold your fabric and think about all you can do with it.

Have a fabric filled day!
Melisa

Pink Awareness

2010-10-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

I am so in awe of organizations like the Susan G Komen Foundation that has made us aware of how prodominent breast cancer is among our peers.They have also pushed hard so that finding the cure is a major goal in the medical community.

I walked into WalMart one day and all the endcaps were filled with products that have 'gone pink' this month. At first I thought I had walked into a giant Barbie world filled with full size products for our favorite shapely doll. I then saw how lovingly and creatively companies had used pink and the symbolic ribbon to show their concern for women in America. With support like that I am sure this cancer will become less of a threat in future years.

Speaking of Barbie, Mattel has designed a gorgeous Pink Ribbon doll for collectors. They have also pledged a minimum of $100,000 to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

In keeping with the pink thoughts this month, here is a fabric that incorporates the color in a way that doesn't seem too girly. The use of cream for the background adds sophistication to the design. I have used it in pillows. My daughter has made a striking clutch adorned with a silk cream flower pinned to it. Both were feminine and grown up.

Find a little pink in your fabric collection and stitch up something this month. And don't forget to schedule your mammogram!

National Sewing Month!

2010-09-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

September is National Sewing Month. As if we needed an excuse to stitch!

I enjoyed surfing around the website http://www.nationalsewingmonth.org/ and looking at all the things I could do. They are running contests and are sharing patterns for cool but quick projects. The ruffled wristlet looks like a fun project that can turn into much adored presents. I am putting it on my 'to do' list.

In 2009 they wrote this about sewing skills. I thought it really hit the nail on the head on what many of us are doing with our talents.

The new mantra for 2009 aims to encourage sewers to innovate while they recreate. Sewers are challenged to Reuse, Remake, Restyle their favorite fads into timeless garments, home décor items or even a trendy new bag. Antique linens are becoming children’s dresses and unadorned jean jackets are becoming wearable works of art with the addition of ribbons, feathers, trims and free-motion embroidery. Even Tyvek dog food bags are enjoying new lives as reusable tote bags!
Sewing is not only fun, it’s a great way to save money. Hemming skirts, appliquéing over stains, replacing buttons and repairing tears are much easier on the budget than buying something new. And the feeling of creating – or recreating – is addictive and the results can often be dramatic with just a few hours spent with needle and thread.

Take a little time and look through the contests that NationalSewingMonth.org is sponsoring. Enter something just for fun. Don't forget to share the photos with the rest of us fabricholics.

Fabric Storage

2010-09-13T20:53:00.001-07:00

Here are a few quick things to be aware of when storing your fabrics.

The sun really will do damage to your textiles. Do not let the sun from a window or strong light shine on them everyday.

If you store your fabrics folded take the time to refold them in a different way periodically. It prevents permant creases and weakened threads. This is a fun way to spend the afternoon. You will fall in love with your pieces all over again and may even be inspired to make something with them.

Dust does not discriminate. It will collect on your pretties as they sit on a shelf. Your vacumn will help keep the dust bunnies from settling on your fabrics.

Enjoy your day!

2010-09-09T18:05:00.001-07:00

This joke is such a groaner but you will still chuckle:

What did the father fabric tell his daughter fabric when she wanted to run away to India?

Go ahead but you will be Sari......

Do you have a better ( ?) fabric or sewing joke? Please share.

Melisa

Operation Kid Comfort

2010-09-09T17:23:00.001-07:00

The military and those serving are always on our minds. I found this organization that lets us put actions with our thoughts. Operation Kid Comfort creates custom-made quilts for children of deployed military personnel who experience grief from missing their mom or dad. The quilts have photos of the child's parent printed on the quilt. It is not as good as a real hug but I know it brings comfort as a child snuggles beneath it at bedtime.

Created in 2004 at Ft. Bragg/Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, N.C., ASYMCA’s Operation Kid Comfort is designed to address the emotional stress that children of military personnel suffer during a parent’s absence from home, providing free quilts for children ages 6 and under and pillows for children ages 7 and older. To date, the program has made more than 7,000 quilts for children of deployed parents.

Volunteers are needed to put the quilts together. Would you like to be a part of this project? If so go to this website to learn more.

http://www.asymca.org/what-we-do-3/national-programs-services/operation-kid-comfort/okc-volunteer-form/

Yummy Hand Dyed Wools

2010-09-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

Three Sheep Studios has lucious hand dyed wools and ideas for using them. I thought these colors were perfect for kicking off the autumn season.

Her store is on Etsy. Spend a little time dreaming.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThreeSheepStudio

Pillowcases For Those In Need

2010-08-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

I love finding ways to sew for others. It helps those in need and helps me use my evergrowing stash of fabric. One Million Pillowcases is a cool challenge that is easy to do no matter what your skill level. I pulled this information from the American Quilters and Patchwork website:

Calling all quilters, sewers and crafters! American Patchwork & Quilting is challenging you to join our efforts to Make a Pillowcase, Make a Difference. Every pillowcase can make a difference in your community. A pillowcase can provide comfort for a cancer patient, hope for a foster child, encouragement for a battered woman, or beauty for a nursing home resident.

To participate, find a shop hosting One Million Pillowcase Challenge events in your area. Once your pillowcases are complete and donated locally, log on below to enter how many pillowcases you made. Help us reach our goal of ONE MILLION Pillowcases.

To find patterns and places to drop off your pillowcases go to http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/

I bet this project will be like eating cookies, after one you will want another.

Happy sewing!

Melisa J

I Have The Most Wonderful Addiction!

2010-08-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

I know that addictions can be serious and life altering I don't want to make light of those types. My favorite craving is overpowering but fun. I have a fixation with fabric....all fabric. I want to touch it, think about what I can do with it and mainly just buy a little of it and bring it home with me.

My visit to the fabric store starts innocently enough. I just want to enjoy the new arrivals but not buy anything. Then I notice the stack of drapery remnants, the prints are breathtaking and the prices are too. Maybe I should pick up a yard or two to make something for the house. Pillows will be so inexpensive to make at these prices....oh I better buy a little more and make a table runner too.

On my way to the cutting table I see the most luscious purple print. A little of that along with a cut of that tangerine swirl cotton will look good in the quilt I am going to make(someday). Better stock up now.

Scarves are hot in fashion and you can save a bundle making your own. One third yard of that graphic silk will make a scarf to brighten up my black top. My arms are getting full but somehow I find the strength to carry just a little more.

Before I know it I am at the cutting table with my new treasures, happy as I can be. Arriving home I quietly sneak it in the door and into my sewing area. Before I worry about storing it with the yards of other fabrics I lay it out and enjoy it for awhile. These new fabrics are part of my evergrowing family of textiles. I love them all and have plans for them.

Does my trip to the fabric store sound familiar? Do you understand my love of cloth? This blog is for both of us. Together we will:

*Share pictures of great fabrics
*Share ideas for using and enjoying our stashes
*Share great places to buy fabric ( because we all need more resources!)
*Share our talents by using them to fulfill needs of worthy charities
*Share many laughs and common thoughts as we stitch ourselves together in friendship

Subscribe to this blog so that you want miss a thing. More importantly add your two cents worth in the comment section.

Happy collecting!

Melisa J