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).
I would love to have Donna's book. I really like the fabric with orange flowers at the top of your post and the way you have your things organized with the metal shelves and baskets. So neat!
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Ali,
Thanks for your continual inspiration. Donna's book sounds wonderful and what great timing. I am currently working on my childhood album and I can think of so many cool MOD fabrics I can use being a 70's baby! Thanks for the giveaway.
Lizzette
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I've been eyeing Donna's new books and would love to win this one!
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I've been itching to use fabric, ever since you posted the weekend challenge to make a book with fabric cover for valentines day. I did that project and have wanted to do more fabric projects since, I'm just a little intimidated. This book would be a great tool to get me going with favric crafting!
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OHH Luv your layout. This is something I think I would like to explore.
Thanks for the chance at a great giveaway.
Rose
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I just ordered some fabric squares to make a mini album with. Would love to see what Donna created. As always, keeping us inspired!
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I love the softening effect of the fabrics.
It would be great to win the giveaway ...
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A fabric album, what a good idea. So many ideas flooding my brain right now! However, we are about to move so most of my scrap stuff is packed. I would love to win a book, so I could scrap by osmosis. :)
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I absolutely LOVE your blog and all the ideas you share. I have even copied a few and made gifts for my scrapping friends. Thanks a million for all you do.
Sarah
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I am totally in fabrics and sewing these days. it combines fatastically with scrapbooking!
Linda
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Hey Ali
I read your blog daily...Fabric has always fascinated me...the color, the textures,the designs and the things that you can make out of them. I am just begining to sew few things for my home by reading books and getting plenty of inspiration from internet. Would love to have the book and expand my possibilities of sewing and using the fabric scraps for scrapbooking.Thankyou
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Ooooh...I love the idea of making my own fabric covered books! Count me in!
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Hi Ali, all i can say is WOW!!! I'm a quilter as well, and I love the vintgage fabric you pulled out to show. I've never thought mixing them both together...and the fact that you pulled out orange (my ultimate fav color) just makes me want to whip something up. I love how you put two things together, unseemingly related, and yet make it work. THAT, MY FRIED, IS INSPIRING! Thanks for sharing.
Alice
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I have been drooling over this book for a few days now!! I love reading your blog!
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I love the way you play and create with fabric. It's so inspiring!!
Thanks!
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This is the week from hell. Is it possible that such a wonderful thing as winning could happen? Dear God, I hope so!!
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Pick me!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michele M
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WOW...lots of comments. I love your blog, Ali. I read it just about every day. I also have all of your books. Love the last one. Hope I win!!
Lydia, Columbus, ohio
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Hi Ali,
I LOVE the idea of mixing paper and fabric. You just brought back a memory for me....When I was young, my dad used to get sample fabrics from his clients. I used to make dresses for myself using the fabric and cray paper!!!!! Wish I saved them.
PS Love the way your fabrics are stored.
Lisa;P
Long Island, NY
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I actually have a lot of scrap fabric around the house, I never really thought of using it for scrapbooking. Donna's book looks great, I just recently started reading her blog.
Thanks!
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Hey Ali,
I've started trying out fabrics in my albums after being inspired by donna's stuff featured on her blog. It's so cool to see what scrapbookers are doing with fabrics. I love to see creative ways to refresh our scrapbooking traditions.
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Absolutely with you on the fabric kick! I just rediscovered a box of fabric from my quilting phase in the garage after our house move and am excited to go through it over the weekend and put it out where I can see it. Soulemama is such an inspiration in this area - has me yearning for sewing at the most inopportune times:) Love the colours and patterns in the pieces you can see in the picture. Greatly anticipate a photo of a clothing creation to inspire us all!
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so much to do with fabric! now we've got twice as many places to look (scrapbooking paper and fabric store!)...whoo hooo!
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I'm so hooked on your blog. It's great for things like this to get me thinking outside that box I find myself all to often in.
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love this idea! thanks for all the inspiration, ali!! :)
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