Tag: april rhodes

 Observer Fabric Tour >> Quilted Envelope Clutches

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It’s here!  It’s here!  The Observer collection by April Rhodes for Art Gallery Fabrics has finally made it way to shops and I’m so happy to show you my projects on the #OBSERVERfabrictour.  In true fashion, April does not disappoint.  These designs come from her own eyes and what she has seen both physically and mentally.  My favorite print is Aerial View…mainly because it was inspired by Columbus, OH (where we both live) and just shows how little we are in such a big world…

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I was very fortunate to play with the early strike-offs for this line, and you can view my other projects in this previous post.

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I’m kicking the tour off with these fabulous oversized Envelope Clutches.  Ever since I had swatches of these fabrics in my studio, I was trying to think of what I wanted to make as a personal project.  These curry and sulfur colors mixed with sand and copper play SO well with the indigos, grey-blues and navy.  I fell head-over-heels with this palette and have plans for a dress in Overshot Gold.  With that in mind, I thought a trendy Envelope Clutch would be perfect in the Shard colorway.

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As a modern quilter, I continually try to show the rest of the world that patchwork and sewing are still “cool.”  Sound familiar, friends???  I thought combining the sophistication of (faux) leather with a simple block would be the perfect marriage of current Boho-Gypsy love and traditional quilting.

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This was initially going to be a one-off creation just for myself, but the sneak peeks on Instagram created such positive feedback, that I knew I HAD to write a pattern for all of you. EDIT:  Tutorial can now be found HERE. 

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Working with the envelope design, I used a simple half log-cabin pattern to work with the flap’s 90 degree angle.  I used a 2.5″ fussy-cut square from the Homespun Praxis and used various 5″ (or longer) x 1.5″ strips to make a 28″ panel.  The panel was then trimmed to 5.5″ wide.

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The pieced panel was then sewn onto a coordinating AGF Solid Smooth Denim with right sides together. They were turned out and pressed.  The results are clean even edges which are then top-stitched down onto the (faux) leather.  I used Gütermann upholstery thread which provides a nice raised look and slides well through the leather.  Washi tape was used as the quilting guidelines since pen and chalk can smear.  I followed the lines of the piecing  to create additional texture and add more design detail onto the clutch.

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This Envelope Clutch, although oversized to carry a lot of stuff, still needs the basic features of any bag.  The lining is made out of Treadle Tradition with a generous sized pocket using a 9″ metal zipper from Zip It Zippers.  Metal zippers add that extra professional look I just love.

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On the opposite side of the lining, I added simple slip pockets.  These are unlined, using leftover leather so there is no fraying.  They were sewn down with unfinished edges.  I just made sure one pocket was the proper size for my cell-phone…priorities, right? 😉

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Metal snaps were added and now I’m ready to hit the town with my chic boho clutch!

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Sewing through faux leather can be a challenge on many domestic machines.  So I wanted to come up with a similar style Envelope Clutch which is MUCH easier to sew.  This design is shown in Speck Stardust and utilizes some fusible fleece with just a single panel of raw-edge faux leather.  I love how this print color reminds me of a perfectly worn pair of jeans and the leather match my favorite fall booties.

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I wasn’t able to find upholstery thread to match this vinyl, so I used Gütermann Sew-All polyester.  This slides through the faux leather really well and still provides a great look and quilting texture.  I changed up this quilting design to make some fun cross-hatching.  ‘Slow and steady with the walking foot kept the lines straight and even.

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With this version, I added a wrist strap using hardware from Emmaline Bags and scraps of both the (faux) leather and Speck Stardust.  Using half fabric and half leather is easier to work with rather than trying to sew through multiple layers of leather.

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The D-ring was added to the front of the clutch rather than sewn into the side.  This provides the option to be hidden.  It also doubles as a spot to hook your keys.  The lining was made from Indigo Shadow Solid Smooth denim and I created the same zipper pocket one side and two slip pockets on the other.

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Ironically, this design also fits my laptop.  So with the fusible fleece, this Envelope Clutch can be used as a laptop cover.  The pockets are great for cords and small headphones.

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I know I’ll be rocking this clutch out on the town with the girls though….

What’s on your project list with Observer?

 

Make sure to stop by April’s blog to get the up-to-date schedule with 6 weeks full of dreamy inspiration.  The line-up of bloggers is quite impressive 😉  If you need even more ideas, head to Art Gallery Fabric’s Observer Lookbook….you might even recognize someone’s name in there 😉

#ObserverFabrics #ObserverFabricTour #ArtGalleryFabrics #WeAreFabrics

 

Sew On,

Cristy

Observer Fabrics Preview

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Have you ever seen something out in the wild, and wondered how pretty it would be to freeze that shot and frame it forever?  It’s that moment that is just SO good, you take in that extra long gaze and lose yourself a little…  Well when you’re April Rhodes, you take that extra step into permanence and create Observer fabrics.  It’s a collection of patterns seen out in the world…through the eyes of Miss April, herself.

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It is such an honor to sew with an unreleased collection.  The initial reveal is always exciting, but I love to hear about the inspiration.  That’s why it’s so wonderful to work with April…as we collaborate together, I get to hear the story behind every pattern and every color.  With all of that information, it then allows me to dig a bit deeper in my design wheel well.

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I was immediately inspired by the Homespun print.  It is based off of April’s love of weaving and fiber arts.  The 24″ x 24″ (finished) quilt is paper-pieced  to make every angle and line as sharp as can be. It utilizes mainly 1.5″ strips, making it very scrap friendly.

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With Observer, the prints are either monochromatic or duotone and this quilt was designed to really show off the contrast by using the colorways, exclusively, in each quadrant.

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As you get closer to the fabrics, you can see the little hints of metallic (yaaas!)  With this collection, April incorporated silver which looks amazing against the deep blues.  It’s always hard to photograph metallic, but you can see it in Triangle Tokens and on the Speck Stardust.

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The background is Art Gallery Fabric’s Premium Linen Blend in Soft Sand.  It is such a great texture and color to make the design and colors pop.

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With so much negative space in the piecing, a random application of matchstick quilting was in order using Aurifil 2310. The areas were split into quadrants, like the quilt design, itself.

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The backing was pulled from April’s Wanderer collection.  Wandering Lands Mineral was the perfect print which really complimented all the tones in Observer and it shows off the quilting beautifully.

Stay tuned…this quilt pattern will be available closer to Observer‘s release in August!!!

 

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April asked if I would help make some baby leggings as well and how could I not?!?  Ya’ll know babies are my business and LOVE the opportunity to make itty bitty gear.  These leggings are made with Overshot Gold in knit and they are so amazingly soft.  The pattern for the pants are from My Childhood Treasures.

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I drafted a pattern for the hat from an old one I have.  Make it Love it has a great tutorial and pattern which is similar.

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As an added detail, I used the selvage from a woven print on the back of the leggings.  It’s a great way to make a little tag so you know the direction of your hand-made garments.

Aren’t these clothes just perfect for the little bohemian in your life?

 

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Last, but surely not least, is my mini quilt hoop (measuring about 2.5″ lengthwise.)  Making these quilt hoops has become one of my favorite projects and I cannot help myself when I have such amazing fabric laying around.  I love tiny (who doesn’t?) and love being able to use up every little scrap.

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Of course, I used Dandelyne hoops and chose an oval to make a piece based of the main quilt I designed at the top of the post.  A little gold embroidery thread made this hoop extra special and I love how it turned out.

I hope you enjoyed my little preview of Observer which is due out in August.  Make sure to check out the full collection here.

Do you have any plans for these fabrics?  Please let me know!  I have a few already planned….maybe an envelope clutch, dresses for my nieces, shirts for my boys, and dresses for myself….I could go on and on!

 

Happy Stitching, Friends!

Cristy

Hello Bear Triangle Quilt

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One of my dearest friends is expecting and I knew I wanted to make something very special for her.  The Hello Bear collection by Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery Fabrics came to mind immediately…especially, since I just made the Dwelling Quilt with it.  It’s whimsical and playful with such a soothing palette…and best of all, it’s gender neutral!  My girlfriend wants to be surprised with the baby’s sex, so I chose colors that could go either way.

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On Black Friday, I picked up several Sizzix Quilting dies, including this 4.5″ Isosceles triangle one.  I made one other triangle quilt awhile back and definitely cut off all the tips as I pieced the top together. There is such a striking look with all the triangles and I knew getting a die to help me cut my fabric would help me keep the point intact!

I have a paper-crafter friend who bought a new Big Shot for herself awhile back.  She then sold me this one for less than half the price….score!  I initially just wanted to use it for paper but quickly found out about the fabric dies.  These are a bit pricey, but I’m hoping to add to the collection as I scout out good sales.  Let me know if you ever see one 😉

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Since there is a finite width to the Big Shot, some pre-cutting is needed to fit the fabric on the dies.  But since I could cut up to 4 layers of fabric in one turn, this was still the faster way to go.

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The die gives you the perfect notches to make piecing SO much easier and more accurate.  I’m pretty proud of these beautiful points (above!)  And did you know, you don’t have to trim after piecing?  That’s the winning feature for me because I despise trimming.  That is probably my least favorite thing to do…

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To add more texture and variety to the Hello Bear fabrics, I used Robert Kaufman Essex Linen in Indigo.  You can also see some solids from Art Gallery’s Pure Elements and I added a splash of Bound from April Rhodes.

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The finished baby quilt is 40″ x 40″.  I quilted along the triangle edges to not distract from all the fun forest creatures you can see here.  This was such a fun quilt to make as I tried out my new Sizzix “toy”….but it was more special because this is going to such a dear friend.  <3  I can’t wait to see her baby wrapped up in this quilt!!!

 

Happy Stitching,

Cristy

 

 

Bohemian Fringe Cross-Body Bag


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If you haven’t noticed already, I’ve been really getting into bag-making.  I’ve used leather (both faux and real) and now I get to add some suede into the repertoire.  Ever since I got to play with Bound Fabrics for Spring Quilt Market, I’ve had my eye on this Macrame print.  I’ve been meaning  to make a bag with it ever since the line came out, but you know how selfish projects just get pushed to the side for others…  When Art Gallery Fabrics announced a Bound Fabric Bag Challenge, I knew it was my time to finally make my purse!

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I was inspired by a bag I saw in Banana Republic.  It had the fun fringe on the side and was a generous size for a mama-on-the-go.  The only thing it lacked was an interesting print to make it really pop.  April Rhodes‘ Bound Fabrics were the perfect options for this style of bag.  She creates optimal Bohemian Chic designs.

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Initially, I wanted a lighter camel colored leather for the fringe and strap.  I stopped by Tandy Leather here in Columbus to see if they could help.  It turned out large pieces of suede were on sale that day and how could I beat $20 for the skin?  I could have easily spent way more on the idea I had in my head.  It’s good to be flexible and I am SO happy with the results!

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For the construction of the bag, I use Pellon Thermolam and SF-101 to give some structure, but still allow for that slouchy-relaxed look that comes with Boho style.  For the interior, I used Diamond Cloth Cereus and added a nice big pocket with a brass zipper.  Although they are not as smooth as plastic zippers, I just cannot pass the opportunity of using a beautiful brass one.

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On the other side of the interior, I added a small pocket for my smart phone and an extra pocket for all the other small knick-knacks I bury in my purses.  I’ve learned that I need the phone pocket most of all in bags….especially since I like these over-sized styles.  ‘Having this one tiny feature alleviates a lot of headaches trying to find my “life-line!”

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All of the hardware is from Emmaline Bags and adding the rivets were not as difficult as I thought they would be.  It’s important to have a good leather punch and the right anvils for the job.  The guys at Tandy Leather helped me get set with the right supplies.

Like with my Cargo Duffle, I used Gutterman Top-Stitch thread to make my straps.  I just love that  professional look of the thicker thread.  It takes time to work out the tension, but worth it in the end!

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If you get the chance, can you please help me with the Bound Challenge?  You can head over to Art Gallery’s Pinterest board here.  If you “heart” my post, I will earn a point and then if you “re-pin” it, I will earn an additional point.  Please make sure you do so through Art Gallery’s board so the “hearts” and “re-pins” are recorded.  ***Update: Contest is over*** Thank you so much to all who voted!!!!

The prizes will help me keep a stock of fabric and notions so my projects and posts can keep coming to you 🙂  And you know I like to giveaway too…..

Crossing my fingers (and zippers!)

Cristy

***This post may contain affiliate links for which I may receive a small compensation upon your completed purchase. These help keep the site up and running.

Macrame School with Natalie Miller

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Macrame School
This past weekend, I had the ultimate fiber arts experience with famed Aussie artist, Natalie Miller.  I took a 3-hour Macrame Wall-hanging workshop and it was all here in beautiful Columbus, OH.  Honestly, I still can’t believe I had the chance to take this class without having to leave home!

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Natalie resides in gorgeous Kangaloon, Australia and has the most visually delicious Instagram feed.  It is filled with colorful images of her home along with all of her amazing weavings and macrame.  You can even pick up all the supplies you need from her online shop…which includes her hand-dyed wools!!!

I initially discovered this class through my friend, April Rhodes.  She co-hosted with Sam Van Der Puy and Michelle Parson to organize  these workshops. April is a big fan of macrame and suggested I follow Natalie on IG….I’ve been drooling over her work ever since.

Unfortunately, two days of classes overlapped with my family’s trip up north to Lake Leelanau, MI.  I really wanted to try tapestry weaving…especially with the wool roving (swoon!) but they were both on Friday and Saturday.  Luckily, I also wanted to try macrame and decided on the wall-hanging course.  My house is still in need of serious decor even after 5 years of habitation….so this was perfect!

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The workshop started with (a bellini!) selecting the colors of 100% cotton rope shipped directly from Natalie’s supplier in Barcelona, Spain.  In addition to natural rope,  we were asked to select one more color…and boy, they were all calling my name.  It was hard to select one.  I ended up with a navy…a safe neutral that would stand the test of time.  After everyone had their turn, there was ample leftover rope so I was able to select an additional color. *SCORE* I selected a warm mustard to go with my vision and was not disappointed at all.

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We learned basically three knots and the different variations of them to create our own design.  I’m still trying to get over the fact that macrame is based on only a few knots!  Who knew?!? I stayed with a bunch of square and diagonal half hitch knots on mine.

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Natalie brought us some macrame “bling” to sauce up our hangings.  There were choice of wooden and copper pipe pieces.  I selected the smaller copper ones to add some bold contrast.  I thought after my pegboard, I was done with the hardware store…but now I have another reason to go!

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Many of us were able to finish with some time leftover.  While we were enjoying our bellini’s and snacks, Natalie broke out a bonus project for us….bib necklaces!  These all use the same knots as our hangings but we used different “fabric” rope instead. Some of my classmates chose an almost shoelace (but thinner) rope and I selected a thick recycled jersey knit for mine. Can you say, “scrap buster project?!?”  I’m in LOVE!

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Wow….what a day…I’m still reeling over the fact that I got a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from such an amazing artist and person.  Most importantly, I learned macrame was WAY easier than expected!  I want to make more of these wall hanging and necklaces in the future.  Yes, I totally snagged a frame (IKEA clothing rack) from the workshop too 😉

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Still knotting on a Macrame Cloud,

Cristy xx