I have a lot of hobbies, but I think sewing has to be my favorite. I love the fact that I can see some expensive drapes, or an over priced pillow, and whip up something similar at a fraction of the price. I don’t particularly like sewing clothes. Garment construction frustrates me. My favorite projects are always quilts.
I’ve been inspired by Camille’s patterns and photos of quilts she has made. My biggest take-away has been to use more solids in my background. I think it gives quilts a modern look, but keeps the light and bright feel. I’ve been using solid white, solid cream, or solid tan lately on my quilts and I’m loving the way they are turning out. The Swoon quilt, below, will be one of my next quilts. Camille teaches this one in her Craftsy class. I’m hoping to get started over Christmas break.
In one of Camille’s books, she mentioned that the actual quilting part is her favorite step in making a quilt. Well, that’s always been my least favorite step, so she’s inspired me to give in another try. I’ll let you know how it goes. I hope it turns out half as beautiful as the quilting on Swoon!
Allison Harris is the author of the Cluck, Cluck, Sew blog, and she also has a new book out. The title of her book is Growing Up Modern. Again, it’s taken a bit of getting used to, but I like referring to the quilts that Allison and Camille do, as modern. Allison’s quilts have the same light and bright feel that Camille’s do. I love her use of white solids for the background fabrics.
I really enjoy it when the authors of blogs share a bit about their personal lives. It helps me get to know them as people, rather than just getting to know their art/craft/project. A while back, Allison’s family got a bunny and she’s been sharing photos. Being a bunny owner myself, I suddenly liked her even more. (I can’t even begin to tell you how experiences raising animals enrich a child’s life!)
http://www.cluckclucksew.com/
I just want to scoop them up and snuggle them!
Allison designs patterns, writes books, quilts, and snuggles bunnies and her own kids in her spare time. Here’s a great example of a modern quilt, using the latest fabrics. Doesn’t this look like something you’d love to curl up under while watching a movie? I love her use of color. It’s still light and bright, put it’s not pastel. The white background really helps accentuate the colors in the hashtags.
http://www.cluckclucksew.com/
The picture, below, might just illustrate why she could be my BFF. Take a look at this organization! Ahh. I hear angels singing.
http://www.cluckclucksew.com/
I’m off to go organize my fabric stash or pile some little squares of fabric!
Happy quilting!
(Pictures in this post were used with permission from the blog authors.)
Do have any suggestions of classes for sewing draperies, upholstery, etc.? I have basic sewing skills but need improvement for bigger home decorating projects. All the classes at my local fabric stores are very, very basic.
I would look into the Craftsy online classes! I have taken a few (some are free) and I really love them! I also watch a few sewing shows on my local public televeision (PBS). They have been very helpful. Take a look in your area for fabric stores that specialize in Home Dec fabrics. We have one in our area called Pacific Fabrics that offers classes in drapes, valances, chair upholstery, etc.
Another tip is to find a style of valance that you like at the store, buy it, open it up and look at the construction, and even trace it to make a template. Then, you can package it back up neatly, not feeling guilty for returning it because all you did was look at it, and try your hand at making it yourself. That's how I started off with valances in my own house.
Hope that helps!
Thank you so much for including me, Becca! You have such a beautiful blog!