No matter if you consider yourself a sewer or a quilter, the best item we have to work with are our fabric choices!  The availability and types have grown SOOOOO much over time it cannot even be explained in words.  For a time it was the sewers used the different or exotic type of fabrics where quilters ONLY ever touched the cotton variations.  There was no crossing over to the other side of the spectrum.

However today there is no difference between the two groups now and it is awesome!  We talk with each other now and have learned much.  We have even figured out that if we understand how the fabric functions we can use it for anything!

So lets start looking at the types of fabrics that are out there and available to give our creations life and personality.

These are just my top choices that are available whether you are a sewer or a quilter.  For me it is very dangerous to go into a fabric store, and my husband gets scared I will never come back out! Hey everyone has their vices and yes this one is mine.

When I look back on the items I have made and designed over the years, you can definitely see the change over to more exotic prints and the ways I fit them into my products. 

I encourage EVERYONE to take the time to slowly walk around a fabric shop and see what comes to mind when you look over a fabric you would never think to purchase, TAKE THAT CHANCE!!!

I hope this list helps in your next projects and the fabrics you choose.  And if you do take hat slow walk through a fabric shop, take a picture and let me see what you bought and what you are going to create!

Cover your World in Fabric Everyone!!!

~ Desiree

This video demonstration was recorded during the West Michigan Quilter's Guild's show in October 2014.  The instructor is Nancy Roelfsema and she is the President of this Guild Show.

I encourage everyone to check all these videos out, they are amazing at some of the techniques other crafters use and the designs they have created - very INSPIRING for everyone!

Be on the look out for our future designs capturing this technique.  until next time everyone, ENJOY!!! And please if you should try this technique or even if you just feel like sharing, leave a comment!  I love to see what inspires everyone out there!

Remember - Cover Your World in Fabric!!!

~ Desiree
Made at Home Quilts ...and then some!!!

Inspiration is all around us everyday, as long as we take the time to understand it!  Whether we are taking a walk or trolling around the internet, inspiration can take many forms depending who is seeking...  But we also cannot confuse this wonderful means for creativity with EXACT duplication! (for another blog post)

Inspiration is something I NEVER take for granted.  It is the force that shines through my designs today and will continue...  Inspiration can be in many forms and it can depend upon the creator as to how that take it in.

We use to be able to take inspiration from our everyday life and what we saw when we ventured out into the REAL world.  Today, we are all about technology and inspiration bent to its will.  As did myself and my fellow artisans, but I also feel we have grown in our designs because of the change!

Inspiration can be found in Pinterest, Instagram, and yes even Facebook! Searches within these medias become the trigger for something great in our creative world.  Blogs are another great resource! We can be inspired through someone's vision on how they see their trade.

But I am still that creator that must step out and enjoy the world (when I can of course), whether I am walking around the block or paging through a magazine (yes and actual magazine, not an electronic reader!). No matter where I am I always have a pad a pencil with me. I am constantly jotting down a word or a quick sketch of something that just POPs in my heart! My husband truly enjoys it when we are out to dinner and I start doodling on a paper napkin, I think that is why he does not take me to a restaurant with cloth napkins anymore!!!

                                    Someone else once said "Take the time to smell the roses..."  !!!  

I say take the time to NOTICE something.  There is a lot in our world we are missing because we are too busy focusing on our phones. 

Even if it is just for a moment to step outside of your front door and close your eyes... listen --- something will INSPIRE you!

Let me know what inspires you! Leave a comment!

~ Desiree
Made at Home Quilts ...and then some!!!