So if you've been hanging around here for a while, then you might know that Anna Maria Horner's "LouLouThi" collection is not a new collection, but at the same time, one definitely worthy of showing off.
I wanted to feature this collection at the show for several reasons...
of course, I've ranted and raved about the fabulous ribbons from Renaissance Ribbons that coordinate with this collection. I've actually added a few new ribbons that are great for summer sewing projects.
Did you happen to notice the cross stitch fabrics in the upper and lower corner of this pillow? No, I didn't spend hours before the show hand stitching this, but used fabric from Anna's "Needleworks" collection (found here and here).
This fabric is so versatile and can be used in so many ways... what's not to love? Yes, one can actually hand stitch it, or use like a normal patchwork fabric, as a border on a skirt, or pillow... I really could go on and on.
Check out the very first photo in the post again... did you also happen to notice the super fantastic bag in the lower right hand corner?... yeah, also made with the Needleworks fabric using AMH's new Art Student Tote pattern. (if I get some time, then I'll try to show you more detail)
Another addition to the LouLouThi line is this absolutely delicious Voile fabric. This is so light, buttery, and soft... if you are anything like me and have to touch everything as you walk through the stores, then this is the fabric for you! This comes in two equally as delicious colorways... sherry and forrest.
Well now, you certainly didn't think that was all, did you? More to come this week!
So, our second main featured fabric collection at our show were the fun and vibrant kitchen fabrics, "Kitchy Kitchen", designed by Maude Asbury for Blend Fabrics. 
Juicy and bright citrus fruits, colorful veggies varieties, zig zig stripes, and tangy geo wedges in fresh colors are quite the eye-catcher.
We added a small bistro table and chairs decorated with placemats, matching napkins, fabric baskets filled with herbs, pillows, and a fun carafe wrap using the coordinating collection. I found the inspiration for the carafe wrap and the fabric baskets here.
Of course such fun fabrics lend themselves perfectly for a patchwork apron, matching hand towel with patchwork accent trim, and even a simple oven mitt. You can find the free downloadable pattern with great photos and instructions here.
So, has this left you hungry for more?
Since this year we added so much to our booth at our exhibit, I thought that it might be nice to reveal it section by section this time. My goal was to feature a few fabric collections to give visitors ideas and show what one can make with certain fabrics.
One of our main featured fabric collections was "Garden of Delights" by Jules Davis for Blend Fabrics. These fabrics are not only a tasty treat for the eyes, but have a super quality and feel. The garden themed fabric was the perfect feature collection for such a show.
...pillows perfect for a favorite wicker chair, straw garden hats with fabric accents, light and airy summers skirts, brightly accented shopping bags, and fabric baskets filled with flowers featured just how versatile this summer collection is.
These really great Gamaschen (boot covers) were the talk of the show. People just couldn't walk by without making a comment about them. I got the pattern from Smila's book "Für Dich Genäht". If you're going to get dirty, why not look good while you're doing it, right?
How could I forget about all my non-sewing customers with these pinwheels made in bright and juicy colors? Remember them from here?
This was a really super fun downloadable pattern that I stumbled onto a while back, and knew I had to make them using this collection. Really easy and with a video too! Pin cushions, jewelry stands, or sweet decorative accents in a boring corner... I'll let you decide.
So, this was just round one... still a few booth shots to show, but I figured that this might whet your appetite.
Ready for more?....
We're back!... and now I find myself looking everywhere for my desk. I'm sure it was here before I left, but finding it these days after a big whirlwind of sewing, packing, setting up, and unpacking I just can't seem to find it.I can't wait to share with you a few photos from the show, but for now a cheery Gerber daisy sends you sunny, happy greetings your way. See you soon!
Around here, if you haven't figured it out already... QUIET = BUSY.
In fact, I have been so busy that I haven't even had the chance to tell you that the reason for all the busyness is preparation for our big annual show, Park & Garden at Gut Stockseehof. Just like last year, my husband took the little guy for a "boy's weekend getaway", and all those ideas that have been floating around in my head for months finally had a chance to get made into something. Imagine this... the equivalant of one month's worth of sewing packed into four days of work. Wheh!
Sewing machine is still a hummin', but I thought it might be nice just to say "hello".
One of the very first German blogs that I stumbled onto after I made it into the blogging world was Sandra Monat's blog, Herzenart. How could one not be in love with her quirky and super fun Vikings, knights, and British guard softies that would absolutely thrill and delight kids of any age? This past year she also came out with her own ribbons, and I fell in love with one of her projects that she made with them. (As you very well know with my love for ribbons, I'm always looking for fun ways to use them)
I adjusted the pattern a little bit to add this bright aqua accent band since my ribbons are not as wide, but I couldn't be more pleased with the result. Sandra did a guest blogger series on whip up with her pin pouffe tutorial. You should really check it out... a really great tutorial for a quick and easy ribbon project that would be perfect as a gift or just something nice for yourself.
So, I promised to show you more from my ribbons, and I intend to deliver. This second colorway actually happened somewhat by accident, but I'm glad it did. We had originally planned to only have the ribbons made in the light and dark blue colors, but later on found out that for practically the same amount of money, we could split the colors. Of course, it kicked out our original release date, but I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I have really enjoyed working with the softer, more feminine spring colors.How about a closer look?...
I decided to combine the soft spring green and fresh aqua's with a couple fabrics from one of my all time favorite fabric collections, "Weekends", from Erin McMorris to make a sweet little cosmetic, sewing bag, or whatever else one can dream to put in it. What a perfect way to add that extra little something.
So, what are your spring time projects this year... cleaning, creating, or relaxing?
You may remember a while back, I shared just how easy it is to turn a pretty ribbon into a bracelet. So, with my new ribbons, I decided to put a little twist on it to make a pretty little bookmark as well... so, so easy! I layered the ribbons, stitched them together, added ribbon crimps to each end, and a few charms. Done.
I just love these sweet little tulip charms. I thought them to be very fitting for my "Dutch" themed ribbons. I have to admit that I would love to visit Holland during the tulip season. I would think that is much more fantastic in real life than I could imagine. Hmm... something for my "one day I'll..." list. What's on your list?
So I thought that I would share with you a little more about the process of designing my own ribbons, but first, how about a closer look at them and then a couple projects?
As a young girl growing up in the U.S., it was always my dream to visit Europe... so romantic with it's long and full history, beautiful buildings and architecture, and wonderful cultural influences. Who would have ever thought I would one day end up living here?!? But of course, one has ideas of how things are in other lands, which may or may not hold true. And while I have not visited Holland (yet!), I suppose that this design reflects what I imagined so long ago to be a sweet little Dutch girl working in her garden. I felt like the blues, reds, and oranges were in keeping with traditional colors, and that is how I ended up choosing them for this first design.And now for a project idea... from there, I simply took the design and blew it up, then used it as a template for this sweet pillow applique. Of course a few of my ribbon accents, and done.
So, if you have stuck it out with me through the long, dry silence, then perhaps this next post might make the wait now worthwhile. Since December of last year I have been working on a little project that has consumed the majority of my creative time... and now I am finally ready to share it with you! So without further ado, let me introduce you to Sweetpea Designs... my very own ribbon designs!
Quite honestly, this probably might have never come to pass without the encouragement of a friend. How is it that sometimes an outsiders prospective sees things so differently than the one on the inside? So, one little statement got my wheels turning... and here we are now.
With all that being said, the whole process took a little longer than what I had first thought. Tweaking the design, selecting colors, waiting for samples, finding alternatives for funny shades of greens or blues, then more waiting. Then the final decision... and of course more waiting. Perhaps this project has made me a little more patient than before... Tja, who are we kidding, the waiting almost drove me crazy.... so, would you like to see more?
(O.K., so you might have noticed a couple Amy fabrics mixed in there, but I think it still works)
... so I thought I would combine a little booth snapshot with a fabric reveal. I really love these super fresh blues... so perky and cheery. Berries, leaves, butterflies... delish!
Isn't this trendy, vibrant coral color as equally delicious. Oh, listen to me carry on... one would think that you could actually eat this stuff. Well, I guess it all depends on how you look at it.
Happy weekend!
(O.K., so you might have noticed a couple Amy fabrics mixed in there, but I think it still works)
... so I thought I would combine a little booth snapshot with a fabric reveal. I really love these super fresh blues... so perky and cheery. Berries, leaves, butterflies... delish!
Isn't this trendy, vibrant coral color as equally delicious. Oh, listen to me carry on... one would think that you could actually eat this stuff. Well, I guess it all depends on how you look at it.
Happy weekend!
