Fabric studies with quick sewing projects

Don't ya love small, quick sewing projects? Using those eclectic fabric leftovers you can't bear to throw away is so satisfying! But quick projects also offer opportunities for experimenting with color, pattern, texture and different fabric substrates... without a huge investment in time or materials.

The Melba Flower Basket is an ideal quick project for experimenting with color, print and texture.

I've made the Melba Flower Basket [pattern from The Textile Pantry] many times over the years. Recently, I pulled a variety of quilting cottons, batiks, digital prints and yarn-dyed textured wovens to do studies with color, pattern and texture... and crank out a few little fabric baskets in the process.

Fabric Studies

On occasion, quilting teachers and quilt shop owners hear this question, "Can I mix _____ (batiks, wovens... you fill in the blank) with cotton fabrics?"

The answer is: "YES!" ... and these small projects are ideal for experimenting with this concept.

Selecting and pairing fabrics for the flower baskets.

Actually, many different fabrics can be used together in quilts, garments, home dec and other items. Currently, there is a trend out there where quilters are intentionally incorporating recycled clothing in their pieces. This is not a new idea, however, as generations past have applied a "make do" concept to prolong the life of textiles or for economical or emotional reasons. 

When mixing different fabrics in a single project, the maker should be aware of each fabric's properties and its fiber content so the proper tools (needles, threads, cutting tools) are used, and what stitches, machine settings and care instructions are ideal for working with and caring for these fabrics (especially if a project incorporates several different fabric types).

Fabric pairing study.

The basket (below left) is an example of combining a digital print [P&B Textiles] with a Stonehenge blender [Northcott Fabrics]. The other basket (right) combines an Australian aboriginal design [M&S Textiles Australia] with two yarn-dyed wovens [Diamond Textiles].

Left: a digitally printed fabric with a cotton blender.
Right: Aboriginal print with yarn-dyed textured wovens.

Two different textured yarn-dyed cottons were used for the outside of this basket.

Two yarn-dyed textured cottons are used for the outside of this basket.

Half Square Triangle Bonus!
A bonus of making the Melba Flower Basket is the triangles that are generated while cutting the fabric pieces for the baskets. This is another opportunity for a fabric study.

Fabric trimmings.

NOTE: the Bloc-Loc HST ruler tool is very handy for squaring up these HST [half square triangle] units.

Half square triangle units [HSTs] trimmed using the Bloc-Loc ruler tool

What to do with fabric baskets? 
I hope you give the Melba Flower Basket project (or another quick project) a try and experiment with different fabrics. Studies in color and pattern will build your color confidence and help in your understanding of what does or does not work for a project. Experimenting with a variety of fabric substrates—batiks, yarn-dyed, denim, rayon, etc.—will improve skill mastery and expedite the process with larger projects.

And, what can you do with your new fabric baskets?

Fill fabric baskets with Fat Quarters or other sewing notions.

Fill them, use them, or give them away!

Fill the baskets with sweet treats—or even doggie treats—and give them as gifts!

They make sweet, thoughtful gifts.

One-size-fits-all Christmas gifts

It's gratifying to give handmade gifts. However, it's that time of year when time is at a premium and everyone is so busy. Here are ideas for gifts that are thoughtful, distinctive, useful, fairly quick to make and are sure to "fit" anyone on your list—regardless of their size.

Mug rugs: one size fits all. 

Mug Rugs

Personalize this gift by using fabrics that reflect the likes, hobbies or favorites colors of the recipient. Mug Rugs can be coaster size or something a little bigger. Mine here is 11" x 8". I received a mug rug several years ago from Linda, one of my ATC swap participants, and I use it all the time in my studio. I smile and think of Linda every time I see it.

Pillowcases
This is one of my favorite gifts to give! Pillowcases are easy to sew for the maker and a useful gift the recipient will use over and over. She/he will think of you and your thoughtfulness every night when going to bed.

Pillowcases: make them personal with a novelty fabric

Placemats, Runners and Table Toppers

Stash-busting and improvisational piecing go hand in hand with gifts like placemats and table toppers. If you have an idea of the person's decor, search your stash for colors and styles that will complement it. 

Placemats: improvisational piecing and free-motion quilting. 

Improv patchwork table runner.

For even faster turn-around, there are pre-printed placemat and runner fabric panels perfect for these projects. Visit your local quilt shop (YLQS) and ask. The quilting and your choice of a binding will add the personal touch. 

Other one-size-fits-all gift ideas 

• quilted zippered pouches, 
• fabric grocery totes (instead of getting plastic at the store), 
• fabric drawstring bags (I use these for my slippers and shoes when I travel. Much nicer and quieter than plastic bags!).

Two more bonuses

This is a short list of one-size-fits-all gift ideas. Check YLQS for other ideas and suggestions. These projects may be quick to make, but these gift items are personal, thoughtful and one-of-a-kind. You can't get these items at the mall! 

Another bonus is for you, dear maker! You get to spend a little time at the sewing machine, practicing your free-motion quilting (on smaller size pieces). At this time of year, we need to do a little therapeutic stitching to combat all the craziness. Isn't that right, my blogger stalker??

Mug rug is pin-basted and ready for free-motion quilting.