Friday Finds - Fabric Storage Ideas

If you feel like your 'fabric stash' could be on an episode of Hoarders then these Fabric Storage Ideas are for you.  I have a thing about organising my mess craft supplies at the moment, as I'm in the process of organising space to create (this will be a post later on, no doubt) so while I was searching for inspiration I came across these great ideas to store fabric. And seeing as it's Fabric Week around here (see My Inspiration Monday - Fabric Fixation, Tutes Cute Tuesday - 18 Fun with Fabric Tutorials and Thrifty Thursday - 24 Upcycled Fabric Scrap Projects) it was only appropriate to show you how to store  fabric using some upcycling ideas to make it look pretty at the same time.

Cot Frame Fabric Storage

DIY Over the Door Hanger

Filing Fabric

Fabric on Hangers

Scrap Fabric Storage

Fabric Organisers

Custom Cabinet Fabric Storage

Happy Organising xx

Thrifty Thursday - 24 Upcycled Fabric Scrap Projects

Scraps, scraps, more scraps!  They are no doubt, abundant in every craft, sewing or creative space everywhere. Cast aside for a rainy day, they tend to pile up quite quickly and are most often admired for their cuteness but not for their usefulness.  Here are some cute scrap fabric projects to get you inspired to start using and upcycling some of those scraps (rainy day not required) to make them useful.

Fabric Stamps Tutorial
Fabric Scrap Gift Tags
Scrap Hearts Card
Bunting Card
Fabric Envelope Tutorial
Paper Clip Fabric Bookmarks
Bunting Gift Wrap Decoration

Pippa Cuff Tutorial

Scrap Fabric Bunting Necklace Tutorial
Happy Scrappy Headband Tutorial
Fabric Button Bobby Pin Tutorial
Recycled Scrap Necklace Tutorial

How to make a Dress Up Girl game
Matching Scraps Memory Game

Alphabet Set

Drawstring Bag Tutorial

Body Outline Fabric Collage

Fabric House Tutorial
Scrappy Bunting
Fabric Scrap Spool Bunting
Ticker Tape Canvas
Scrap Fabric Canvas Art
Scrappy Bunting Tea Towel

Vintage Sheet wrapped Frame Tutorial

For more scrappy ideas check out my Fun with Fabric Pinterest Board to get inspired.

Happy Sewing xx

Tutes Cute Tuesday - 18 Fun with Fabric Tutorials

Seeing as it's a fabric inspired week around here, I thought I would round up some cute fabric tutorials for Tutes Cute Tuesday. I've tried to share tutorials of all difficulty levels.  I'm a bit of a novice sewer, and I found a few that I might even try!

There are so many tutorials out there (like in an overwhelming type of way) to get you inspired, however if you have a few favourites that you have found in your travels, please share the link below in the comments.

Floor Cushion Tutorial

One Seater Floor Cushion Tutorial

Sit Upons Tutorial

Jelly Roll Floor Pillow Tutorial

DIY Tablet Case Tutorial

Reusable Lunch Bags Tutorial

Keep your Cool Smartphone Case

Sunnies Case

Wallet-to-Tote-on-go Tutorial

Zippered Book Clutch Tutorial

Simple Clutch Tutorial

Macaron Coin Purse Tutorial

Chevron Clutch Tutorial

Snappy Coin Purse Tutorial

Bandana Bib Tutorial

DIY Reversible Fabric Box

Triangle Quilt Tutorial

Monster Bib Pattern & Tutorial

For more inspiration you can check out my Fun with Fabric Pinterest Board.

Happy Sewing xx

My Inspiration Monday - Fabric Fixation

How did your business come about?

When Lilly was a year old a friend of mine (who was a fantastic sewer) showed me (Amanda) the most adorable dress she made, and fabrics which she had recently purchased. With a nudge towards the sewing machine, she taught me how to make it. I couldn't believe how simple it was, and how pretty it turned out. I was hooked, and started spending quite a bit of my time browsing Fabric & Pattern shops online and started making babies clothes and accessories. Towards the end of 2011 (after a year of spending far too much money on fabrics) I saw that Fabric Fixation was for sale.

 I needed a bit of a challenge so I made Kelly an offer and on Christmas Day 2011 she sent me an email saying it was mine. Panic then set in as what did I know about running a business? Before having Lilly I was a Primary School Teacher, so the two were complete worlds apart. So with help via email from Kelly and help from my mum (who is an accountant) I hit the ground running and haven't looked back since.

Where did the name come from?

I bought the business with the name, but those who love fabric will understand that fabric is a fixation, it is an addiction, and we all have mountains of fabric stashed away somewhere for that project we will do some day. 

Where does my inspiration come from?

The joy I get from this business is seeing the beautiful creations that my fabric gets turned in to. I love it when customers come back to me and tell me what they have made, or email pictures. I have had quite a few customers who have never sewn before. I get these lovely emails asking for all sorts of advice and guidance, then a month or two later the photos are sitting in my inbox showing off their first projects (which are usually very ambitious). I love seeing other people's success and joy at completing a project, and that is why I do what I do.

What do you love about what you do?

Choosing fabric!! Well actually, it is extremely stressful sometimes as when Reps arrive they come armed with suit cases full of everything you can imagine. I'm quite lucky because they come and visit me at home, so I sit with a cuppa (and usually Lilly too, who I have turned into a fabric addict at the age of 4) and we spend an hour or so looking at fabric collections, deciding on which ones we like, which ones customers would like, and which ones we can actually afford. I usually make a yes and maybe pile which I then go through at least three times until I can bring it all in on budget. But it's loads of fun and the Reps are just lovely.

Where do you find time to run your business?

I do most of my work at night when the girls are in bed. I make up the days orders at night and if there is any time left then I will do a little admin work, otherwise my admin work gets done during the days that Lilly is at pre-school and Bella is having a nap. Having the Fabric Reps come to my house is a key factor in making this business work as they come when I'm home and the kids aren't a problem at all. As for my sewing, well that is pretty non existent. I do it when I can which is not often enough so I settle for loving the creations that my customers make and share with me.

What's next for you?

I'm enjoying what I do, and I am enjoying the size of my business. It's doesn't take me away from being a mum which is important for me. It's a business which my family can all be part of. I have been tossing around quite a few future plans. I think if I don't go back to teaching once the girls are both at school then I will open a fabric shop, but whether that is in Christchurch or somewhere in North Canterbury where we live, who knows? 

Source

So watch this space because you may just see some advertising for weekend craft workshops in the country side, or country Crafternoon Teas. One thing I think for certain is that the fabric will win out over teaching as who doesn't love being surrounded by beautiful fabrics every day?

Special Offer
For the month of May, Amanda is giving readers of justalittlebitcute a gift with each purchase. All you have to do is put in Just a Little Bit Cute in the comments box when purchasing from Fabric Fixation online when checking out. Easy!

You can find Fabric Fixation here...
Shop Online: http://www.fabricfixation.co.nz/
Email: fabricfixation@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FabricFixation

These are some of my fabric faves I will be purchasing this
week from Fabric Fixation...

1. Play Date - Campgrounds
2. Bird Song
3. Sweetcakes
4. Gnome Living
5. Town & Country

Happy Sewing xx

Images used with the kind permission of Amanda van Rooy