Friday Favorites: Quilts, DIYs, and My First Video

The weekend is so close! What have you accomplished this week? Did you make any quilts or sewing projects or finally clean out the junk drawer (that's still on my list)? This week's favorites include lots of tutorials, my first video, and a shophop!



This DIY from Etsy is perfect if you lack time like me! I love skirts and I love short-cuts and this video encompasses both as you're shown how to make a masterpiece in one hour. Here's the link to the actual video.

This quilt has really grown on me! The squares are simple to make and yet the quilt still looks elegant.

Do you want some new patterns to try out? Here's one that I really want to try out. It's by Lazy Girl Designs and perfect for going to the gym. No more ugly duffel bags and the fabrics by Riley Blake would make it really unique!



Here's my first video and quilt! It's not done yet since I have to but the batting and back together but I'm so close! I've been getting ideas on the top-stitching and now just have to choose which to use!

Stay tuned for the update on my quilt, tool essentials, and favorite fabrics! Tell me about it in the comments below! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out our Youtube page, and like our boards on Pinterest! I hope to hear from you soon.

Quilting Essentials List - Part 1

What are the essential tools for quilting? I went on an internet quest to see what I needed to add to my arsenal. There are some things that are obvious to me because I'm not entirely a novice, but others were a complete surprise.

1. A sewing machine: This will possibly be the most expensive tool you'll purchase but obviously the most essential to your workflow. You can always borrow a machine from a friend but the convenience of having it waiting for you whenever you're free is great. I have an old Kenmore machine that is so old that there are certain needles I can't get for it unless ordered directly from sears. It's gotten me out of messes, although it does get me into a few as well. On the other hand, knowing you have to have everything set and ready to go when you get the borrowed machine will likely make your workflow more efficient.

2. Rotary cutter: Having a rotary cutter instead of just using scissors will make your life easier. I don't have one but really want one! The thing is, you'll also need a self healing cutting board. This will lessen any damage from cutting.

3. Ironing board (or at least an iron): Having your fabric nice and flat will make your cuts more accurate. I have a travel iron and small ironing board but for a while, I'd place a towel on the floor and iron on that. I suggest the ironing board but you have to do what you have to do for your favorite hobby. The image above is one that you can make with some batting and fabric stapled down. On the project I'm working on now, I somehow managed to set up the ironing board and then just cut and sewed the pieces without using it! It seemed okay but definitely a no-no! Learn from me!

4. Scissors: I have pinking sheers and sharp paper scissors that are used solely for fabric. A tip that I learned from mistakes - make sure your regular house scissors and your sewing scissors are different colors. You don't want to get them mixed up! You'll also need some small ones that are made to cut thread.

5. Seam ripper: You'll make mistakes. I make a ton of them! This is perfect for getting things to come apart and start over.

Stay tuned for the next five essential tools! Do you have one you think I missed? Tell me about it in the comments below! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out our Youtube page, and like our boards on Pinterest! I hope to hear from you soon.

~Yasmine

My First Quilt: Sewing

I sewed the first few stitches. Then some more and more! I'm really excited to finish this quilt. The decision to alternate a solid and a floral was perfect. The only regret is that I should also have made either the floral strips or the solid fabric thinner to make it less stagnent. Sadly, I can't adjust that with Photoshop.

My sewing machine is an old Kenmore that I got when I was 17. It has it's off days but it gets the job done.

Check out the video of me sewing. You can also hear my daughter in one clip talking to me and checking photos of herself on my phone! I don't know if you consider that a bonus or not. Haha.

It's one of my first videos so please be easy on me. Please leave me any tips on what I can do better next time! You can comment, email me (yasmine@fabriclovers.com), facebook, twitter, or follow us on Pinterest!

Friday Favorites: Fabric, Quilts, And Summer Fun!

TGIF! This week has been so full of work for me. The best part? I got to hang out with Beth and go over potential fabric and pattern choices for the next couple of weeks! I can't wait! We might also be getting kits for those of you like me who want to receive everything you need and not have to hunt through a store for the correct color thread.

This week I found a great article for those of you who get bogged down by stress and start feeling lost. 22 Things Happy People Do Differently gives you a guide to being happy. Some of them, like not holding grudges, I find very hard to finish but I do try to treat everyone with kindness and try to choose my true friends wisely. I think some of these are harder than others but it's a great read.

Check out Sally! She's a darling and makes super cute baby items like bibs, ties, and even fabric diaper covers! She's an amateur photographer and has been sewing for over thirty years! Love these mustache fabric bibs!

She actually made them from these fabrics (click on them for more details):

If, unlike me, your not on a diet, you have to make these! These Kirby Macaroons are perfect for a party and will be loved by all that remember who Kirby actually is. Now if only I could find fabric with Kirby on it...

On another note: I've started my quilt! Don't miss the first post and expect another one next week. any tips or tricks to share? Comment below! Thanks in advance.

Know someone graduating soon? This article is the perfect guide for what not to get! I stick with gift cards for grocery stores. Although not attractive or romantic, anyone who graduates will need money to pay off student loans (if graduating from college) or money to live off of in school (high school going onto college).

I've never made a bucket list. I've made to do lists full of sad faces and hopes of having free time to just sew, draw, or paint. But now, I've decided to create one! Stay tuned next week to see my Summer 2013 Bucket List! Meanwhile, here's how to make (and print) your own!

Has anyone been redecorating? I haven't had too much time for more than rearranging, and being donated a length mirror as well as new dining table. I read this article and it really made me want to buy some lovely paint, build some shelves, and install new carpeting! Well maybe not the carpet, but close to it!

Remember, your projects or store can be featured on our blog! Just email me at yasmine@fabriclovers.com, tweet us, like us on Facebook, or check us out on Pinterest. We're looking forward to see all your creations!

Telas, Un Video, y Mi Primera Cobija

Ha sido una semana muy ocupada! Tenemos nuevos tejidos, he comenzado a hacer una cobija, arregle los sitios web y e estado haciendo otros trabajos de diseño. Pero me encanta estar ocupado. Me mantiene fuera de problemas! Ja ja.

Este video fue publicado en nuestra página de Facebook. Es perfecto para los principiantes. En él se explica cómo se puede empezar a coser sin mucha experiencia.

Aquí hay una foto de mi manta. Voy a estar cosiendo este fin de semana y pueden esperar un video! Míren como yo hago algo hermoso o aprender de mis errores. De cualquier manera, es una aventura!

Decidí hacerlo en tiras y sólo uso dos tonos para el interior: una sólida y una tela con flores. Me encanta esa tela de flores. Es perfecto!

Hemos recibido nuevas telas y patrones y realmente me encantan! Aquí están mis favoritos.

Este es mi tela de coser número uno. Me encanta el color rojo brillante y los cráneos encantadoras y divertidas! Es perfecto para el día de los muertos. La pueden encontrar aqui.

Mi segundo favorito es éste con la virgen. La decoración de este tejido es muy divertido y colorido. Me encanta el diseño graphc en él. Lo pueden encontrar aqui.

Hay muchos más, pero no estoy aquí para aburrirte con mis telas favoritas! ¿Por qué no me dices que te gusta?

Siempre puede ponerse en contacto conmigo a través de correo electrónico a yasmine@fabriclovers.com, Twitter, e incluso Facebook, o Pinterest. ¿Tiene proyectos que le gustaría compartir o tutoriales que encontró muy útil? Envíame el enlace o imágenes! ¡Gracias!

Featured Crafter: Sally's Crafts

The mustache trend is still going strong and no one knows it better than Sally from Sally's crafts. Offering a range of baby items like fabric diaper covers to bibs made of mustache fabrics, Sally knows what a hip new mom wants!

Sally describes herself as a mom and grandma who loves to craft. Having crocheted and sewed for more than 30 years, she's recently discovered the art of photography.

Looking through her store, I found the perfect bibs! I would have loved using this when my daughter was younger! These are made of 100% cotton from Fabric Lovers. I never thought to use the pattern like this but it's a perfect fit!

The black and white one looks so classy but my true favorite is the colorful mustache print. The repetitive and colorful pattern is perfect for any baby and their spills!

Having recently purchased fabric from Fabric Lovers, Sally had this to say:

"I really am in love with this fabric. Real easy to work with, and its my favorite of the Geekly Chic mustache fabrics. Order came very quickly too! I will be back for more! Thanks again!"

Follow Sally on Etsy or like her on Facebook!

Want us to feature your projects? Send me an email at Yasmine@FabricLovers.com.

You can also follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, follow our Pinterest, or just stay tuned for more! From fabric to patterns to tutorials, we're here to share ideas!

~Yasmine

My First Quilt: The Cut

At first I was kind of worried. Second-guessing myself as I prepped to cut this beautiful fabric, I finally just took a breath and did it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a complete novice when it comes to sewing, but my specialty is simple bags and throw pillows. Not quilts.

I think I was more stressed about cutting a bunch of fabric then realizing that it was the wrong size but once I drew out my rudimentary map (check out Facebook for the crude map), I just took the plunge.

The flowers were a little larger than I imagined so I decided to cut the vertical strips of fabric a little wider. I first marked where I was going to make each cut, taking care to add for the seem allowance, and breathed a sigh of relief as I double checked everything to be the same size.

The more I look at the floral patterned fabric the more I love it! It's pink (one of my favorite colors) and a modern take on the floral that can sometimes feel old.

I did realize why everyone I had spoken to had suggested a rotary cutter. It would have made life so much easier! maybe even my own craft/design room! But, baby steps for now...

I plan on alternating the pink and floral pattern. originally, I was going to alternate between all three, the floral, pink, and green. But after seeing them side by side, the green, although lovely, would look better on another project (hint, stay tuned!).

Please, if you have any tips, let me know! I'd love to feature any thoughts or even mistakes you've made. We can all learn from each other, as corny as that may sound.

Stay tuned for updates on my sewing. I'll be uploading videos, pics, and status updates each week! Follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook, Check out Pinterest Boards, or send me a message at yasmine@fabriclovers.com. Have projects you're working on? Send us a brief summary and photos!

~Yasmine

Friday Favorites: Quilts, Fabric, and Thirst-Quenching Drinks!

A tutorial on binding a quilt! Easy to follow and great pictures at each one so you don't get confused. It comes courtesy of Diary of a Quilter.

I just learned what a Dresden is! Man, you quilters have it going on! Check out this video on how to make this incredible piece.

Here's my favorite quilting fabric this week! It's called Geekly Records by Riley Blake. Really cool for those that still remember what the pattern actually is!

We don't have a back yard, rather, it's just a small patio with a few plants on the sides. These ideas from Cup of Jo are perfect for any yard. Simply use the images and ideas as a jumping off point for your own yard, even if it's as small as mine!

It's hot. And this is what I'm dying to try. This lovely drink idea comes from A Beautiful Mess. The Dragonfruit drink can be made without alcohol and, although it looks complicated, it's actually quite a simple recipe. Give it a try and send us pics!

 

 

 

 

 

Our first attempt....we will make it better !!

How to get Inspired

There's no surefire way to get inspiration but there are things you can do to obtain that spark of creativity. Most of these tips require you to step away from whatever it is you're working on. You've been staring and thinking about your sewing project or quilt pattern since you woke up, it's time to give your brain a break!

1. Go for a walk, anywhere. You don't need to be in the woods, a park, or farm to get inspired. Wherever you are, stand up, shake it off, and walk it off. Stop thinking about how to rearrange your quilt fabric and give your husband a hug, walk around the yard or neighborhood. not only is this great exercise, but it'll clear your mind!

2. Visit a store. I'm kind of a shopaholic but sometimes I just need to drink some coffee and walk around stores. Check out some fabric or clothing. Laugh at what some folks are wearing as high fashion. Again, get your mind off of the project! Look at colors, textures, and patterns.

3. Can't get up and just walk away to another location? Browse online, either on your phone or computer, you can find lovely things to look at. Check out blogs on photography, fabric, or fine arts. Look for apps, like Pinterest, to help inspire you with imagery.

Got a great way to get inspired? Leave them in the comments for the rest of us to learn! Remember, you can always comment, like us on Facebook, Twitter, or even email me at yasmine@fabriclovers.com. I hope to hear from you soon!

My First Quilt: Fabric Decision

For the past few days we've been waiting onthe results of our polls for which style I should make my first quilt in! Drum Roll Please! The style of quilt will be: Floral! Thanks to everyone who voted on our Facebook page!

I decided to go a bit modern with it and chose three different fabrics. One of the solids is the Kona Baby Pink Solid and the other is the Honeydew Solid, both by Robert Kaufman. The floral is the Pink and Khaki Daisies. These will be sewn in strips rather than squares to make it easier on me. I will also do a wave pattern going down. I'm really excited but kind of nervous too! What if I mess up?!

I guess that's what seam rippers are for. I bet there will be mistakes but I just have to keep telling myself that it's a learning process and that maybe the next one will be easier. Hopefully!

I also recieved a great pattern from Hemma Designs! You should check out the available collections, they are all quite lovely.

Do you have any tips for a novice quilter? What mistakes did you make on your first quilt? Do you still have it? Let me know and if you send photos, I can feature your first quilt alongside mine! You can also share the photos with us on our Facebook page or Twitter.

~Yasmine

Friday Favorites: From Fabric to Cookies and Everything in Between!

Thank goodness it's Friday and although I'd love to start the weekend right now, there's a few favorites I just have to share with you!

You want to see a guy who can sew his own pants from scratch? Take a look at Peter, author of Male Pattern Boldness and sewing extrordinaire! You can see the entire process from hemlines to button holes. I've never tried sewing pants of any kind but have heard from others that it's hard to get the right fit.

I rent a small townhouse and although it's lovely, there's only so much I can do with the walls. So I've been looking into wallpaper that can be removed without leaving gunk. I coincedently found this post by Joy on A Cup Of Jo. These patterns are amazing and even if done on one wall, it will certainly become a statement piece!

I'm on a diet, but seeing this recipe for Lemonhead Cookies is making me rethink that choice! A Beautiful Mess brings this simple and delicious looking recipe to us, and maybe, just maybe, I can come up with an excuse to make some! I can't wait!

Check out these awesome quilting fabrics! It makes me wish I could go see the ocean! Well, maybe someday. Right after I learn how to swim! The nautical theme would be perfect for sewing a small skirt that would go under the bathroom counter (to hid all the detergents and cleaners). Click on the images to find out more!

Pacific Reef by Michael Miller

Under the Ocean by Jason Yenter

Ocean Life by Jason Yenter

As always if you wish to contact me, you can do so through here, our Facebook Page, Twitter, or by emailing me directly at Yasmine@fabriclovers.com. I hope to hear from you soon!

~Yasmine

FabricLovers.com Offering Unique, Fun and Novelty Sewing Fabrics has a New Owner/Operator

(PRBuzz.com) May 9, 2013 -- FabricLovers.com is now offering innovative and unique fabric from well known, popular fabric manufacturers. The fabrics offered on the site are all made from top quality 100% cotton, while the quilt patterns and sewing patterns are from well- known designers. FabricLovers.com also plans to expand many of their current lines including organic fabric, children's prints, music prints, religious and inspirational, as well as Latin and Mexican inspired fabric. Their goal is to provide a great selection of high quality quilting and sewing fabric at competitive prices.

Although there are many sites that offer fabric by the yard, selection of unique and designer fabric is limited at best, without being affordable. FabricLovers.com strives to provide only the most unique and creative fabric designs for all types of sewing projects, including quilting. Giving customers a convenient shopping portal for all their project needs is important to FabricLovers.com. The site offers fabric by the yard, fun , novelty fabric as well as beautiful basics for any special project.

With FabricLovers.com's long years of service, many consumers have found utmost satisfaction with their offered sewing fabric and quilt fabric. According to Sharon in California, the fabric she ordered from FabricLovers.com was beautifully wrapped and delivered in a speedy manner. Karen of New York also thanked FabricLovers.com for delivering the fabric she ordered because apart from delivering it fast, she also got high quality fabrics, which were wrapped safely and securely. For that reason, she highly recommends FabricLovers.com to all other consumers who want to purchase quality fabric products.

FabricLovers.com is a premium online fabric store. Founded in 2007 in California, the online retailer has been purchased by Beth, from Columbus, Ohio. The excited new owners of FabricLovers.com have a goal of maintaining a five star customer service level, in both English and Spanish. Another objective is to bring in a number of new unique fabric patterns, as well as other new product offerings.

FabricLovers.com offers everyone a unique and fun quilting and sewing fabric which can't be found elsewhere. The online retailer will also sell patterns from the well-known designers including Hemma Design, Jaybird Quilts and Lazy Girl Designs. Fabrics that are manufactured by In The Beginning Fabrics, Riley Blake Designs, Cloud9, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Michael Miller, Red Rooster, Alexander Henry, as well as many more will also be featured on the site. FabricLovers.com does all this while offering shipping of their items across the United States and other countries worldwide.

For more details about quilting fabric and the exceptional products FabricLovers.com offers, simply visit www.fabriclovers.com or you may send an email at info@fabriclovers.com to get direct response.

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Contact: Media@Fabriclovers.com
Company: FabricLovers.com
Address: Columbus, OH USA
Telephone No.: 855-MY-QUILT
Website: www.FabricLovers.com
Email: info@fabriclovers.com

Floral Decor Inspiration for Your Home!

Although my tastes have always run a little on the girly side when it comes to clothing, being married to a guy that likes a more modern style means my house is less floral and more nuetral with simplified lines. No filigree here! But if I had my way, at least one room in the house would be girly! Check out the inspiring images brought to us by Belle Maison.

I adore the wallpaper and the crisp white linens. In my house, white quickly gets colored on by my two-year-old, but hey, I can dream. The key here seems to be wide open windows, otherwise it just looks like great-grandma's house. I jsut wish I were able to have more fresh flowers in the home rather than just candles that mask the fact that the house is upside down with toys, design books, magazines, and the occasional cheerio in between the cushions of the sofa. Ha, I said occasional...

Here's some fabric to inspire your girly side! Try and make a quilt or even a little girl's dress! My daughter is a total tom-boy and hates dresses unless we tell her she gets candy after putting it on. Typical two-year-old!

I love this pattern because, although it's floral, it's also modern and fun. Not in-your-face-pink. Did I mention it's organic?

This one is called Garden Magic and is absolutely gorgeous! The fabric offers a more realistic look versus that graphic floral above.

This last one is "Pink and Khaki Daisies by Jennifer". Really pretty and would make a lovely skirt!

Have you made, worn, or decorated anything girly? Let me know and send us a pic!

~Yasmine