Floating On Cloud9

Meet the Designer | Sarah Watson

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:21:00 +0000

Yet another amazing artist to join us! {It just keeps getting better, doesn't it??} And here's a sneak peek at her first collection with us (and our first Halloween-y collection to boot!) which will be available in late July.

More about Sarah:

Sarah was raised by two enthusiastic, open-minded parents who urged her to be inquisitive and creative at a young age. When it came time to go to college, her parents wholeheartedly supported her choice to go to art school (the Savannah College of Art and Design), and major in Fibers and Textile Design.

There, she fell in love with repeat pattern design, and the idea that her drawings could go on forever, on rolls of fabric. After graduation she went to work for a large children’s clothing brand where she gained incredible experience, but lost the creative encouragement that she had known earlier in life. After three years of corporate work, Sarah turned to freelance work. She took about 6 months off to settle down and develop her new portfolio of work. This lead to many offshoot endeavors, such as wedding calligraphy, children’s book illustration and packaging design.

Children's book illustration: Sweet Coco

As a child, one of Sarah's favorite things to do was to go outside, pick a flower or weed, and bring it inside to draw. She still loves to draw flora from life, it is one of her favorite subjects. She loves weathered wood, small plants in old bottles and traditional textiles.

Hand lettering

In her spare time, she and her husband camp and hike throughout Northeast Brazil, finding incredibly inspiring scenery and vegetation along the way. Sarah always has a small craft project going, and at the moment is really loving hand quilting and stitching.

Indian Summer fabric collection (from Art Gallery Fabrics)

She and her husband’s travels can be found on their personal blog, On the Move, and personal design inspirations and studio updates happen on her design blog, Sarah Watson Illustration. Sarah's calligraphy has been featured on Brooklyn Bride, and Sweet Coco can be found on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. Sarah has two lines of fabric on the market right now, Luxe in Bloom, and Indian Summer.

Pre-Surtex Print Collections

Koi by Rashida Coleman-Hale

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:54:00 +0000

It's always fun to show off the sample yardage. Now, the hard part is waiting for it to arrive.

{It's coming in July, folks!}

Tutorial : Half n Half Pillow

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:18:00 +0000

In the Forest has such nice vibrant monochromatic accent prints we felt this project was a great way to highlight 2 sparkling fabrics at once. What's nice is that you can use fat quarters for these 16" pillows, too.

Get the tutorial download here.

Tsuru + Geranium

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:52:00 +0000

Have you caught the amazing series on Made by Rae this past week? Stop by her blog to see the fruits of her collaboration with Rashida Coleman-Hale and Karen LePage. Here's a sneak peek- but the rest of the images are totally worth the click! Inspired? You can find the Geranium Dress pattern here.

Indigo Cranes in the Geranium Dress and Indigo Old Lace on Elliot Part III

Motif Madness in variations of the Geranium Dress Part II

Indigo Feathers and great use of the border print Blossom Festival, both variations of the Geranium. Part IV

Cerulean Cranes with a bold border in Vermillion Old Lace Part I

In the Forest | Book Nook

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:52:00 +0000

We hope you enjoyed the Book Nook series! Our final closeup will be of the valance - a simple project with big impact.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Meet Our Newest Designer | Rae Hoekstra

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Bright sewing pattern star, Rae Hoekstra, swings into surface design. Look for a sneak peek of her upcoming August release soon!

Rae Hoekstra has loved fabric ever since her mom taught her to sew as a small child. She began her sewing blog, Made By Rae, shortly after leaving her job as a high school physics teacher six years ago to stay home with her first child. Her website is now a popular spot for DIY and sewing tutorials and has a large and enthusiastic audience.

Look for a special collaborative project between Rae, Rashida Coleman-Hale and Karen LePage next week on Made By Rae!

You can buy the Washi Dress here.

Rae spends her work time blogging and designing sewing patterns for digital and print release. Her patterns include the Charlie Tunic, Flashback Tee, and Geranium Dress for children and the wildly popular Washi Dress for women. She also has an extensive collection of free online sewing tutorials and patterns on her blog.

Rae hosts a number of popular online sew-alongs and events on her website, including the Spring Top Sewalong, KNITerviews (interviews with fellow bloggers about sewing with knit fabric), and Celebrate the BOY. She also hosts monthly sewing meetups and teaches the occasional sewing class in Ann Arbor.

You can buy the Geranium Dress here.

Her work has been featured in Cloth Magazine, Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine and on popular websites such as Sew Mama Sew, True Up, and Instructables. She has contributed sewing projects to the book One Yard Wonders and the online magazine Petite Purls. Rae lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband and two children.

Bonsai Bag

Charlie Tunic

Flashback Tee

In the Forest | Book Nook - Cozy Corner

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:10:00 +0000

A pile of pillows is all that's required. Milk and cookies is just icing on the cake!

This jumbo square (the green variety of foam) which measures 24" x 24" x 6" was a find at Joann's and with the discount coupon was a great bargain. It's light enough for a little guy to tug around - especially with the help of a handle on the side. Double sided in Moon & Sun with Midnight Sky around the edges and Branches as handles and piping, it just invites the kiddies to dive on it.

Catherine, who sewed all these wonderful items, said it was a struggle to get the cushion into the case, which is hand sewn on (not removable)- but perhaps a nice long hidden zip the full width of a side would have made it much simpler- and certainly easier to clean should the need arise.

We topped it with a couple of pillows in Branches and Woolen Blanket. The ruffles add a touch of whimsy... even this little action hero dude can't deny they're fun.

Forest Collage Quilt by Maureen Cracknell

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:25:00 +0000

Now on our Downloads Page, you can find this beautifully rich and quite simple quilt pattern called Forest Collage by Maureen Cracknell.

Once you've checked that out you can pop over to Maureen's popular blog to enter a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of Steffie Brocoli's In the Forest collection.

In the Forest | Book Nook :: Book Sling

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:25:00 +0000

Of course, one needs a place to store one's books. This book sling is a pretty clever idea and great if you want to show off some fun fabrics - like this in bright, sunny Leaves.

To make it it's quite simple. There's a number of great tutorials on the web. We used a fancier finial rod because we had them lying around.

In the Forest | Book Nook + Lamp Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:15:00 +0000

What's a workstation without light?
And fantastical fauna?
And florescent masking tape?

Get the IKEA hack tutorial for covering a GRÖNÖ lamp found in our Tutorials & Projects section.

In the Forest | Book Nook

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:17:00 +0000

When conceiving of a project series for this whimsical collection, In the Forest, it was easy to lean towards children. The primary palette and fantastical imagery captures both eyes and imagination.

We are first met by curtains of soaring birds over a winding river and colorful forest, punctuated by bands dark green foliage.

Have a seat!

Busy at work creating Tape Art.

Sweet little cushion in Flowers and Midnight Sky.

To make this cushion, we

traced the seat
cut 2 fabrics for top and bottom
sandwiched 2 layers of thin cotton batting between
added a piped trim
made 1/2 ties about 12" long and sewed them in at the outside edges of the legs.

In the Forest | Book Nook

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:44:00 +0000

Just a little peek at the week to come! This enchanting little room will have many people wishing they were a kid again.

Destination: MIXTECA | Lounging Mat + Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:47:00 +0000

Before you go, don't forget your lounging mat! Ideal for sand, grass or the chaise. This Lounge Mat rolls up nicely and stays in place better than a towel. Plus it's wonderfully eye-catching in Textila | Azul!

Click here to get the tutorial.

Destination: MIXTECA | Carry-Ons

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:09:00 +0000

Don't forget you'll need something to carry all your gear in. Here we have The London Holiday Duffle Bag and a smashing tote. Make your luggage in Mixteca's TEXTILA and you'll never lose track of it at the airport.

Bari J's London Duffle Bag

There are so many wonderful tote patterns out there, but we're hoping to get you a tutorial for this one in the next day or two because the outer pockets are quite a nice addition and it has a nice sturdy construction. Stay tuned!

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:59:00 +0000

Our sample yardage arrived today. Know what that means? Pigeon isn't far behind!

Destination: MIXTECA | Shoe Bag + Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:50:00 +0000

Don't forget your flip-flops!

These bags can serve a multitude of purposes, too. Handy little things, they are.

Click here for the tutorial.

Destination: MIXTECA | Tablet Case

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:21:00 +0000

Some of us would enjoy a vacation free from technology, but for those of us who can't bare to be separated, having a fancy case is in order.

This iPad case was created by Fern Fiddlehead. A bargain at twice the price considering how quickly we received it, how beautifully it is made and how perfectly it fits. However, if you're keen to make your own, here's a couple of links from One Shabby Chick and Sew Mama Sew.

Destination: MIXTECA | Jewelry Roll Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:11:00 +0000

We all know how important it is to protect our baubles! And, of course, we need options! So, bringing a vast array of jewelry is completely natural. So today we have a fabulous roll to keep delicate items compartmentalized on your journey.

Click here for the tutorial.

Destination: MIXTECA | Open Wide Zippered Pouches

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

We're on the brink of spring, but for many summer days can't come fast enough and travel to exotic locales is on the agenda. And even if they aren't, one can dream, can't they?

Our Destination: MIXTECA series will bring you travel-related sewing ideas and some tutorials of our own. Today we'll start with the ubiquitous zippered pouch. We liked this tutorial from Noodlehead for her clever sizing and easy to follow directions. Perfect for just about every necessity.

Pack your neon nail polishes and get ready to fly!

Meet Our Newest Designer | Eloise Renouf

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:53:00 +0000

If you're someone who pokes around Pinterest or Etsy, it's likely you've come across Eloise's gorgeous designs at some point. We're developing a range slated for the last quarter of this year. We. Can. Not. Wait! {we're thinking some canvas, as well}

Eloise Renouf began her career as a fashion print designer for studios in both London and New York. In 2000 she established her own stationery company, Eloise R Designs, designing and publishing greetings cards for sale internationally. Alongside this she created giftware ranges for a leading UK gift wrap manufacturer, and undertook design work for organizations such as Unicef. She now designs and sells her own range of limited edition prints and fabric accessories, and teaches part-time on the Fashion/Textiles course at Nottingham Trent University. She also undertakes commission and licensing work for homewares, stationery and illustration. Recent clients include Target, The Land Of Nod, Uppercase Magazine, Betty & Dupree and Quarry Publishing – her first book “Twenty Ways To Draw A Tree” is due for release in May this year.

She lives and works in Nottingham, England, with her partner and three children, surrounding herself with as much nature and mid-century design as possible!

Eloise's Etsy Shop - brimming with beauties!

Out this May from Quarry Publishing

Notebook for Betty & Dupree

Lamps for The Land of Nod (selling NOW, go get one!)

Target Gift Card

Coming Soon | GeoCentric II

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 14:38:00 +0000

More canvas goodness coming your way! We're re-running 3 of the most popular prints from our GeoCentric and infusing some freshness into this summer's delivery with 3 new prints in 3 new colors.

GeoCentric canvas expected June '13.

In the Kitchen with Tsuru | Bordered Dishtowels + Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

As promised, and unfortunately the last in our In the Kitchen with Tsuru series, we have Patchwork Bordered Dishtowels. This is a great project for using scraps of fabric. The use of 100% linen here is an exceptionally nice option because of its absorbent and lint-free qualities.

Click for Patchwork Bordered Dishtowels tutorial.

In the Kitchen with Tsuru | Bordered Apron

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

This lovely Patchwork Bordered Apron is a pattern directly from Rashida's I Love Patchwork book. It's so lovely we made coordinating dishtowels and we'll show you how we made them tomorrow.

Koi by Rashida Coleman-Hale

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:58:00 +0000

Yesterday while we were at QuiltCon, Rashida gave a preview of her next collection, Koi. Check it out on our site. And even more big news: we'll be doing 3 of the prints in voile. Shipping in July.

In the Kitchen with Tsuru | Placemats & Tipped Napkins + Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Engel Bencsko) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

These two projects go hand in hand with one another. A spin-off of the Pot Holders we featured earlier this week, but made in an impressive 15" diameter size! Same pattern, only bigger. Along with the mats we have a very simple linen Tipped Napkin with coordinating Tsuru patterns to match each placemat.

Click for the Tipped Napkin* tutorial.

*Note: Image shown is slightly different from project directions.