Sewing Inspiration: fabric

The Muse. Anyone who has tried/failed/succeeded at being creative has had brushes with the Muse. Something that inspires you to action, something that makes you say "wow". Like most creative-minded people, I've tried my hand at a number of things, from writing to drawing to graphic design. What I always found to be lacking (in addition to any skill, ha!) was the Muse. When I began sewing, I felt like I'd finally found the perfect thing: fabric. It's plentiful, it's beautiful, it's varied, it's ever-changing. It's easy to be inspired by something that fits that description!

Girl Charlee (no longer available)

The best thing about fabric is that it's a two-way street. Sometimes you may see a textile you just love, but not know what to make. Other times, you'll see something you want to make, and then fabric will help you accomplish that vision. 

Girl Charlee (no longer available)

My fabric choices tend to be all over the place. I realized recently that I was attracted to a LOT of knit stripes. But exactly how many of those do I need?

Girl Charlee (no longer available)

When you're able to identify what appeals to you, and why, I think it helps you to be more selective. I may respond to stripes stripes and more stripes, but intellectually I know it doesn't make a lot of sense to keep buying them. It certainly won't expand my horizons or teach me to challenge myself with something different.

Emma One Sock (no longer available)

I also know that I tend not to buy solids. I find them to be somewhat boring when compared to all the fun patterns available. But in reality, solids are the most versatile of all fabrics. Whether you need a small accent, or a great basic like a black cardigan, you wouldn't get too far without solids in your wardrobe.

Hart's Fabric

Since I do have a one year old daughter, I am blessed to be able to indulge on whimsy. There are many fabrics that I could never pull off for myself, but AB can happily oblige.

Girl Charlee (no longer available)

Jo-Ann's

In the end, fabric is my favorite part of sewing. I love taking something as basic as a sheet and constructing it into a beautiful, functional item. It's the epitome of creating.

Mood