Quilting Inspiration by Denyse Schmidt

A few years ago I rediscovered my love for quilts and all the comforts that they bring. My curiosity and interest came in the form of the book Quilt by Denyse Shmidt. Her modern take on quilt patterns, color pairings, and simplicity really resonated with my love to create something functional, timeless, and authentic. Around the time I picked up this book I also happened to have a collection of tee shirts, in similar neutral colors of cream, white, grey, and tan that I had a feeling would all pair well together. So fueled with inspiration by this book and a season of Project Runway, I set off into my first quilting adventure. I posted about the finished project a few years ago and included some of the lessons I learned in the process. Patience, finding beauty in the flaws just to name a few. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat and I can't wait until inspiration strikes again! Which makes me curious to know, have you ever taken on a long term project that was so worth the wait?


* First Photos & Patterns by: Denyse Shmidt
* What's In Your Toolbox Interview by Design Sponge

Crafty Girl: Gift Guide

 1) Cross Stitch iphone case     3) Crafter's Guide to Taking Great Photos     5) 2012 Skinny Calendar
 2) MyFonts gift certificate       4) Sewing Classes from The Needle Shop    6) Amy Butler Patterns

Pattern by Orla Kiely

 All Photographs found in Pattern.

I poured through this lovely book by Orla Kiely called Pattern as soon as I got it home and since I've
been totally inspired by the BYW e-course I'm currently taking, I thought it might be a good idea to parallel how other successful creative's work and how they are influenced to keep creating fresh and new ideas into the world.  Orla Kiely is one such influential designer with a hugely successful global brand that started out with handbags and has since expanded to include accessories, travel & homeware (you might have seen some at Target), and a womenswear line.  Despite how big her brand has grown in size, it was refreshing to read that her ideas come from practicing new ways of learning to see the world around her. By discovering what you gravitate towards in shape, colors, moods, and themes, you start to develop a confidence in your own preferences which trains your eye to be a more critical editor.

"Inspiration is always the beginning of the design process. Next comes the research phase, where you delve into it all in more detail, gathering information of various kinds and trying out ideas in sketches and drawings." I've included just a few of my favorite patterns and photos from this book, but it truly is a great visual resource of inspiration and a wealth of information about building and sustaining a brand with new ideas that have a lasting impact.

Inspired By: Digital Paper Packs

Inspiration for me can come from anywhere at any time. But lately I seem to be filling my virtual folders with these digital paper packs. With such a great mix of color, pattern, and textures it's not easy to choose a favorite. And that's okay, really because at these price points you can say yes to just more than one! Yay!! All you need to add is paper and ink to the printer of your choice to start adding pops of stylish color to anything that you can decorate paper with . Such as candle holders, frames, inspiration boards, the inside of cabinets, canisters, file folders, and even furniture. Oh, and may I suggest Modge Podge as a great adhesive tool. It's a great adhesive and sealer in one that will make any paper application to just about any surface virtually effortless. Happy printing :)

Loving: Alphabet Letter Freebie

The lovely duo behind Two Brunettes have fun Alphabet banner letters for you to download over at the Ruffled blog. Simply download each letter, print, punch holes on each corner and hang with twine or ribbon. Oh, and it even includes a heart to us as a space! I plan on making one for my nieces 9th Birthday coming up in June, she'll love it almost as much as I'll enjoy putting it together for her. Enjoy!

Color Crush

Today I am feeling totally inspired by some color and pattern! My current color crush has to be yellow and teal together! Which is why I had to share these pretty lovely wallpapers created by the oh so creative talented Free People. I am part of there Flickr group and I love everything they create and share there. What colors have you been crushing on lately?

{Textile Republic}

Textile Republic is a unique interactive community. Founded by Kimberley and Brian Osborne in the spring of 2007 to promote the work of aspiring textile designers across the globe. Textile Republic not only presents a forum for designers to show off and display their talent, but also provides them with a real chance to earn money for their designs. Every 4 to 6 weeks Textile Republic will select the most creative and popular (based on user voting) patterns to be printed and will be used to create a line of fabrics, clothing, wallpaper, stationery, and other merchandise. Designers whose patterns are selected to be printed and sold by Textile Republic receive $1,000 cash for their design and a 5% royalty on profits. They are currently seeking design submissions for their upcoming competition entitled, "Preppy with a Twist" that ends December 1st, 2008. Here are a few samples of what designers have already submitted. I couldn't think of a better way to start off a new week than with some healthy design competition!

Photos & Designs by Textile Republic}

{Book Wishlist}

I am overcome by all these great patterns & designs from the Simply Pattern book from Victionary. Its a great collection of patterns that are showcased on fabric, products, interiors and installations in this book. Which makes it a definite pick for my book wish list. Any recommendations for tasty eye candy design/type/illustration books like this one?

{Photos by Victionary.com}

{ New Fabric Finds }

Just bought these two lovely fabrics from Etsy seller Above All Fabric. I can't wait to get started on my next sewing project with the help of these Amy Butler freebie hourglass pillow patterns! I heart Amy big time, can't you tell ;) Click on her pillow pattern photo to get started on your own!

{ Amy Butler Free Patterns }

Since being bit by the sewing bug I've been on the lookout for more sewing projects and excuses to keep me tied to my sewing machine with Project Runway episodes playing in the background (a great source of inspiration, by the way)! I've always loved Amy's sweet and playful patterns and mix of fabrics. I'm excited to have found a few projects that can be completed in a weekend afternoon or two. I love the cute silhouettes paired with vintage wood frames,the hourglass pillow patterns are sure to jazz up any cozy resting place and you'll be excited to tote your business cards with your cute and handy business card keeper! Check out Amy Butler's website to download these and many other free crafty sewing patterns. Ready...Set...Sew!

{Images provided by Amy Butler.com}