Editor: Alicia Thommas

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 03:00

This month, Sew4Home kicks off a new monthly feature: Love That Fabric! Finding the perfect fabric for a project is immensely satisfying and often the difference between so-so and so-fabulous results. We look at a lot of fabric when planning S4H projects, and reluctantly have to bypass gorgeous collections because we just can't use them all. Each month we'll post a few new fabrics that really caught our attention and had our project wheels turning. They are all 'stash-worthy' – fabrics worth owning for their future possibilities. If you love them, get them while you can. Because like fashionable apparel, popular fabrics come and go; at some point even the most amazing fabrics are no longer in stores or online.

Hedgehog

Shown: first column

This adorable collection is from Michael Miller Fabrics. The colors have a warm and friendly retro feel. Tiny hedgehogs, owls and lovebirds coordinate with the Amber Erin Stripe... that stripe really grabs me with it's stitchy charm. The feature fabric is Hedgehog Meadow (shown in the group above) with happy hedgehogs in a variety of colors and poses; it is just cute, cute, cute!

This fabric collection is perfect for children's room décor and clothing. But, consider the Erin Stripe for a much broader range of uses from quilt bindings, throw pillows, an accent trim on a pillowcase, and... how cheery would cafe curtains be made from this fabric.

View in the full collection here.

Heavenly Peace

Shown: second column

Textile designer Verna Mosquera of Free Spirit brings us a delicious new collection 'inspired by the colors of Pink Poinsettias, Noble Firs and Silver Bells.' While this collection sounds like it's intended for holiday sewing, I wouldn't have seen it that way had I not read their description. It's a stunning mix of toile, paisley, diamond, stripes and plaid with some small vintage florals. It feels appropriate for any season of the year. The blend of color is soft and pretty, and the addition of the silvery gray is original and lovely with the vintage pinks and greens.

This collection has such a romantic feel, it would be wonderful in a master bedroom and welcoming in a guest room. Mixing the toile with the plaid or diamond would make striking curtains. The fabrics are so diverse and interesting, a simple patchwork quilt using a mix of colorways would be jaw-droppingly pretty. Free Spirit is also offering a free download for their Heavenly Stars Quilt made from this collection.

View the full collection here.

Hunky Dory

Shown: third column

This new collection by Chez Moi from Moda is wildly popular. It's just out and already rapidly disappearing from fabric shop and virtual online shelves. If you want this fabric, do not wait! The colors and shapes of this collection are soft and gentle and very inviting. The two shown above are going into my personal stash. There are several colorways in addition to the Blue Sky shown; each equally lovely: Mellow Yellow, Sparrow (a soft warm gray), Groovy Green and delicious Peppy Pink .

This is a home décor site, so I won't even mention how bewitching a summer dress would be made from this fabric. How about a lightweight summer patchwork duvet with easy big patches – you'd sleep with a smile on your face. And a simple group of pillows made from various fabrics from the line would add a sweet, summery feel to any room.

View the full collection here.

Willow

Shown: fourth column

Willow is from Alexander Henry Fabrics. This textile design studio is known for having some unique and interesting collections, and Willow is no exception. There is Willow Grove, a little hilly village were I want to live someday, Willow Wren with colorful birds and tiny bird houses, Willow Shroom is a field of friendly mushrooms, and two versions of funky fruits and berries: Willow Orchard has a large design and Willow Berries is a smaller version of the same print. This collection has an enchanting Scandinavian feel.

First thing that came to mind was how whimsical this collection would be used in a kitchen. I'd love to make a Willow Grove retro-style apron, a Willow Orchard fruit-covered breakfast tablecloth with charming Willow Wren cloth napkins. Its storybook appeal makes it a terrific choice in children's apparel as well.

View the full collection here. There are a several color options for each fabric so be sure to click on a fabric to see all the choices.

Finding Fabric

If you see a particular fabric online that you like, you can check your favorite fabric source to find out if they have it in stock or can get it for you. You can also try Googling the fabric name along with the designer's name or the design house, for example: 'Hunky Dory' Moda. Prints from older collections can sometimes be found on Etsy or eBay.

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

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Hi panda13 -- there are so many possible sources for fabric, it's hard to list them all. If you like to shop in store, we recommend going to the independent fabric stores as they are more likely than the big chains to carry the best selection of unique fabrics. If you like to shop online, there are tons of sources. FatQuarterShop.com is one of our favorites, and they provide quite a bit of fabric for our projects. Searching in Google or your favorite search engine for Michael Miller or the actual fabric collection name will yield a big list of online options. We also like Hawthorn Threads and QuiltHome.

April 06, 2010

panda13 said:

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Love these fabrics..but where do you buy the Michael Miller stuff at? can't seem to figure that out.