For years I avoided fabric stores. I didn’t own a sewing machine, so while window-shopping was enjoyable, I resisted buying fabric I couldn’t use. My mother sewed for me occasionally, so I did get new fabrics for curtains and pillows from time to time, and I always loved choosing fabrics for clients. This past Christmas changed things: my mom gifted each of my daughters a sewing machine.
SCORE! My own sewing machine!
Technically neither machine belongs to me, but one of my daughters still lives at home when she’s not at school, and her machine sits on her desk. That means I can borrow it and pretend it’s mine. Having daughters has its perks—I can “borrow” their tools and get started. With a sewing machine now in the house, the world of fabrics feels wide open and I’m excited to explore it.
If you follow me on Facebook, you might know I’ve been holding onto a few favorite fabrics for about 16 years. I’ll share a photo of how I used that fabric years ago, where I first found the inspiration, and how I plan to use it now. I’m thrilled because it’s a beautiful fabric that still feels timeless—I still love it. I’ll post that update soon.
Combining fabrics sets the mood for a room. Don’t hesitate to experiment until a combination inspires you. Start with a small print, add a larger print, include stripes, checks or polka dots, mix light and colored backgrounds, and add solids. Try different mixes until something clicks. Fabrics don’t need to “match” perfectly to look cohesive—have fun and trust your instincts.
I’ve been browsing online fabric shops and saving swatches of pieces I like. I plan to create an inspiration board with those swatches to narrow down a few options for upcoming projects. I haven’t found every piece yet, but I’m enjoying the search and the creative dreaming.
I’ll update this post later with the sources for the fabric samples—I’m sorry I didn’t include all of them originally. I’ll track down the remaining details and share them when I can.
Do you enjoy playing with fabric and imagining the possibilities?
Fabrics shown in the top inspiration board:
(I’m still locating a few source links and will add them when I find them.)
Lower left: Waverly Trellis
Lower right: Waverly Small Talk Mint Julep
Center: Richloom Cornwall
Left middle: Akamai Turquoise
Top left (red coral): Coral Cascade
Right stripe (blue/brown/green): Boat House Stripe