Flower Power!

I've had some wonderful fabric swatches for a few weeks. Just small pieces, nothing to lay a pattern piece on. I'm certain a quilter would have known just what to do. But, a quilter I am not. At least not until today. My daughter calls this dress her quilt dress. And she loves it.
The fabric swatches were given to me by a dear friend and fabric designer, Jennifer Paganelli. You probably remember me mentioning her before. I simply love the lively and vibrant patterns she puts into her fabrics. They are so suited for my little girl, and me too. I'm planning to get my hands on some pieces for myself very soon. You can see more of Jennifer's fabric designs at her website and blog http://www.sisboom.com/ . You can see some of the fabrics in use in items in her website shop. Also, make sure to browse her blog and look, in the photos, at all of the ways her fabrics are used.

By the way, if you just love her fabrics and want some for yourself. You are welcome to email me. I just may be able to get some for you. This week, Lord willing, I will become an online retailer for Free Spirit Fabrics, the company that manufactures Jennifer's Designs. We're starting small. At this point, I'm planning to collect "wishlists" from others and then place my orders when we get enough requests for a particular fabric pattern.

Oh, and yes, this pattern will come up before summer gets here.

Ribbons and Bows Jumper: I'm so excited about this one

This little dress is so much fun. It has so many possibilities, also...ribbon, trim, ruffles, banded hemline. And the color combinations of fabric and trims are endless. It can be worn as a sundress or jumper, or even made shorter for a cute little top. The fabric in this version is from a fabric designer I just found....Jennifer Paganelli. You can find her, too, at http://www.sisboom.com/ She designs for Free Spirit Fabrics. You won't find her fabrics at a chain store. You can find them at a quilt shop or online. They cost a bit more than chain store fabrics, but this time, I will say it's worth a few extra bucks. This piece of fabric was in the mail for a couple of days and had very few wrinkles in it when it arrived. And, those wrinkles were gone within a few minutes of unpacking. They are 100% cotton and amazing, not to mention the prints. Oh well, maybe this is just me finally finding out the difference between designer fabrics and "not". I had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer this week. She's a great lady. When you visit Jennifer's site, make sure you tell her I sent you ;). I told her I'd be spreading the word.

You will see this design up within a couple of weeks.

And....in a day or two the A-line skirt will be posted and ready for purchase.

Happy Sewing!!!