Three Things : Fabric (& a giveaway)
(Unikko - Orange, Mirabelle Red (Alexandar Henry), Alfie Barkcloth (Yellow))
One of my favorite parts of my recent creativity travel was working with fabric in my projects. I have been playing with bits of it with my sewing machine and starting to collect small pieces here and there (haven't gotten into any clothes sewing yet).
Here's a fabric layout I made in Christina Lazar Schuler's class at Inspired called Textile Anthology (check her Etsy store for available kits):
She talked about making an entire album of fabric pages (the one above is 8x8). I like that idea and I also love that this sort of page can just go in my regular albums as well (put it into a page protector or add grommets to fit to your album rings).
So why fabric? I like to think of it in the same way I think of pattern paper - a decoration. A bit of color. The cool thing about fabric is that it also lends texture to your project. We can all use a bit more texture in our lives. Fabric can be added to a layout with adhesive or stitched on by hand (I actually really liked the process of hand-stitching the photo on the layout above) or with a machine (quick and easy). Try using it in place of patterned paper on your next project. It's also especially great for covering chipboard albums.
Currently I am storing my fabric pieces in my metal shelf:
Here are three of my favorite sites for checking out fabric include Sew Mama Sew (love searching by color), Purl Soho (especially loving their contemporary collection), and Repodepot. You can also search etsy for vintage fabric sellers like Shabby Vintage Mom who has some cute bundles of vintage fabrics.
The giveaway today is for Donna Downey's newest book Fabric Scrapbooking. It's very much a project-based book with step by step instructions and supply lists to walk you through each project.
To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment below. I will close comments and pick a winner on Wednesday night around 7pm (April 23).
Nice creative idea. I am expecting a baby and I would love to be able to make fabric albums of my family leaving far away for him. As they say in the song: "wouldn't it be lovely?"
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Hi Ali and everyone! Ali-thank you for the chance to win. Ohhhhhhh, I love Donna's books.
I recently began to make fabric books. I transfer my photos to computer fabric...easy peasy. Then I sew or paint or whatever the covers and pages. I love to embellish my pages with my sewing machine and hand stitches..beads, buttons...hey maybe I should start a blog and share...hmmmmmmmmm? There are printer inks now that can withstand washing. How cool is that. Transfers to fabric can be done in a variety of ways. Hey Donna, Ali...want me to help you guys teach a class? I need someone to teach me how to start a blog. Ali-you are an inspiration...Thank you.
Chriss
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I love the idea of making fabric album... I will try :)
CIAO from Italy
manu :))
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i love the idea of a fabric album. so tactile. great ideas, as always ali.
cindy
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between you and Donna you really are the most inspiring people that I read each day.
Sharon x
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i could use some inspiration!
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The fabrics look so lovely! Great inspiration!
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hey ali!
i've always used BITS of fabric - never occurred to use the whole darn thing, and i do love sewing on a page. thanks for the inspiration!
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I got a new sewing machine as a wedding gift and I have been dying to use it. I'd love a copy of Donna's book.
Thanks for the inspiration!
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I love the idea of a fabric mini album. Thank you for the inspiration -I will have to try it soon!
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I never win anything but since I have nothing to lose, here I go! :) I'm recovering from hip surgery, and have been enjoying your blog. have a good day!
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I have a brand new sewing machine sitting idle just waiting for this book!!!
-mom2h
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I'm lovin fabric too. I just started a canvas project inspired by Donna (of course) and would love to get my hands on one of her books.
thanks Ali
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Love it. Love to try it. :-)
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I would love that book. You always have the best ideas.
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Can you believe how many comments there are! I like the idea of mixing it up with some pretty fabric although it may be tempted to join the others in my quilting stash.
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I would love that book. You always have the best ideas.
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What a cool book! It helps to see the inside when you're browsing on the web. Thanks Ali for an awesome share!
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Thanks for the eye candy!
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i love to use fabric on my pages because not only it is beautiful, but it is unexpected! thanks for the Purl Soho link - i had already scoured Sew Mama Sew and Repro Depot!
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LOVE donna's books
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almost nothing better than a donna downey idea book....
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I LOVE fabric!!! I sometimes buy 1/2 yard and fold it like you do and add it to my ever-growing piles. LOVE LOVE LOVE! I frame my favorites or stretch them on a canvas and hang on the wall. Fabric is art in my house! Thank you for the giveaway - always fun.
Wendi
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While living in Japan, I got some fabrics which I've used for my Japan album. Would love to see more ways to use fabrics. Thanks Ali
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OOh, aaah!! My mom gave me a sewing machine for Christmas and I'm excited, but a bit nervous to start using it.... This would be the perfect project to get started on.... you always give me something new to think about!
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