Kristl Pelz: October 2010 Archives

We are loving some cotton prints this week. You may know that I am on a campaign to educate the world that cotton prints (quilting cotton) are a high quality broadcloth fabrication that can be used for apparel as well as quilting. The colors stay true wash after wash, and are easy fabrics to sew with. If you really can't stand ironing, I would steer clear. They are going to need a bit of a press to look their best!

Vickie has a couple of collections this week that she'd like to point out. The Irving Street Flannel collection by Erin McMorris has its vibrant colors, and is great for both girls and boys. She also loves Aurelia's Journey.  2011 marks the 150^th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. Aurelia Bevins witnessed the events leading up to the war and over a period of years and created a sampler quilt of 44 blocks reflecting the history of the time. Aurelia's Journey includes fabrics from several Civil War collection including Twelve Oaks and Civil War Classics.

Andrea is in a retro chic mood this week. She is loving the collection All My Heart this week by Amy Schimler for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. It's a cute collection of hearts that do not like your typical valentine. Andrea says, ''This retro chic collection has an overload of brightly color hearts!  I think it would be perfect for making cool tote bags!''

Lauren is feeling pretty colorful this week as well. She has chosen a couple of floral prints from the Richloom collection in our Home Decor Category. Lauren says, ''This

week I am loving Lucy in Licorice and Wizard in Garffiti from Richloom. I think they are sassy yet sophisticated!'' They are both home decor prints that are suitable for everything from draperies to slipcovers and pillows. Check out everything Richloom has to offer.

Have a wonderful fall weekend! Kristl

Fall is officially here, and I for one am ready for a change. Despite the fact that it will be 85 degrees in the Beautiful South today, I am wearing my new grey boots. The salesman helping me in the shoe store asked me if I was sure I didn't want the brown ones. I told him confidently that I definitely wanted the grey boots even though I was questioning my decision as well. As it turns out, grey is very neutral in my wardrobe, and I will wear them often. Take a little fashion risk this season. I'll bet you find you made a sound decision despite the initial pang of throwing  practicality to the wind.

So, in the spirit of my new-found fashion bravery, and the fact that I want you to be a little brave as well, let's take a look at what I love this week - Soft Skin Faux Leather. It is a lightweight vinyl with a white flannel back. You will line a garment made from Soft Skin Faux Leather. It meets a few of this seasons trends: metallic and leather. Vests are still a fashion staple held over from last year, and I think this fabrication would make a cute vest. It would also make great trim on a jacket, or a cute handbag or clutch.

Vickie loves the Storybook VII collection from Windham fabrics. Vickie has been working on our Reproduction Quilting fabrics, and this collection fills the bill. She likes the fact that the collection ''tells the story of young Tim and Sue. How Sue rescues her brother Tim from the apple tree.'' The retro colors are appropriate for children's clothing as well as serious quilts in a reproduction style.

Shannon has been perusing our Home Decor books lately. Shannon is about to be a newlywed, and is joining two households. The book she loves is Material World: Home Decor Projects for the Fabric Obsessed. ''This book has lots of unique ideas for home décor! With a new husband and a new home, this little book is perfect for satisfying my need for crafting and decorating!'' Shannon is an accomplished apparel sewer and also loves to crochet. I look forward to see what inspiration she uses from

this fantastic home decor book.

I hope you find some inspiration in what we love this week!