Making my own Fabric for Fabric Friday

37 comments
A week ago my friend Laura brought me this magazine as a little treat. It has several cute projects in it but one caught my eye first.I was not drawn to the fabric from the bag in the picture. But I could see the little bag was a good idea.
When I turned the page I saw this strip-pieced version was more my type. But you know me. I rarely like to use one fabric line for a project and I often think "the more the merrier".
I set out cutting 1 1/2" strips. I wanted a mix of fabrics to make a modern vintage touch so I borrowed some fabric from my daughter Natalie to mix with my fabric. And then this pile of many different fabrics above turned into . . .
this! I took 9 strips of fabric and after I joined them together it felt like I had made my own personal "fabric". Several of the strips are vintage feed sacks, some from Jennifer Paganelli's Flower Power and others from my stash. And after this set of strips I couldn't stop
So I blended these strips above. Eileen do you recognize some of the vintage fabric? You should! Months ago Eileen and I had a fabric swap. I hoarded them for a while but I'm getting brave.
And then I made more.
And still more. I have more strips cut out not joined yet. I'm not sure I want to make more than 1 shop hopper bag but you never know. I have been trying to think of other fun things I can make with my new "fabric".

My weekend list is overwhelming. So I better get started right now!

-nanette
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37 comments

MichelleB said...

Your "fabric" looks great! You have such a wonderful eye for putting fabrics together.

Eileen said...

Oh yes. There's the peach floral feedsack.. and that funky green and chartruse and brown with the roosters on part of it. Wow. You really DO know how to put fabrics together so well. That is why you are so good at what you do. :-)

Can' wait to see the bag you make up. I should be off baking cookies..

em's scrapbag said...

You make beautiful fabric, Nanette. Good luck on the weekend list. Mine is too long also.

Sherri said...

Oh, I love your new fabric! And I want to make that little bag, too! I have to tell you again...everyone at the trunk show loved your bag!!!

Browndirtcottage said...

Well, now....I'm likin' these 'homemade' fabrics!!!

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

Aren't there just too many fun things one can do with fabric? Later today, I am going to play with the oilcloth I bought on Tuesday and make a bag. I will be interested to see how it "sews". I'll be sure to let you know. :-)

Nan said...

You make the best fabric! I love the way you put colors and patterns together. It's a feast for my eyes. I think the sky's the limit on what you can create with your new fabric.

Nedra said...

I'm with you, the scrappy look is much more appealing than just one fabric line. I'm looking forward to seeing the things you will be creating this weekend.

rachel griffith said...

love it!!!
i really, really need to get my hands on that bookazine!!!

Busy Little Quilter said...

I loved that little bag when I saw it in the magazine, too. Your fabric combinations look great.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh how fun do make your own fabric, you so it so well!!!

Lindsey said...

Completely adorable...I on my way to the sewing machine!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

what fun! I love your fabric combinations.

Carrie P. said...

I like the way you make your own fabric. I know the bags are going to be cute.

Anonymous said...

Ooooohhh I want this magazine! I really like the quilted bag on the cover. And the one you're making is so cute! Your strippy fabric sets are gorgeous. You have got to have one of THE best fabric stashes ever. x

Kaaren said...

Great magazine but your fabric is even better. I need more "Nanette" fabric in my stash so I too can "throw caution to the wind" and live in technicolor.

Too awesome!

Threeundertwo said...

What a great way to use strips! I think you should make several of those little bags - so cute!

randi said...

Your bag is going to be adorable! What a neat idea for using scraps!

Betsy said...

Those are just darling.

West Michigan Quilter said...

Isn't it fun creating your own fabric. I did that when I did my reverse applique and found it so rewarding collecting the fabrics that would go together. Love your creation. You are so good with color!!

Thimbleanna said...

Looks like great fun Nanette. I chuckled when I read that you had to borrow fabric from your daughter!

Celia said...

Lovely bags and lovely magazine!
Thanks for sharing!

Michaela said...

I like your new fabric a lot. Can't wait to see the bag.

Lurline said...

Beautiful, Nanette and you sure have the fabrics - looking forward to seeing the next bag!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Jenny said...

This looks great and I love that magazine!, I mean "bookazine" Also I just wanted to let you know you can add one more thing we have in common...I have a daughter named Natalie! It is amazing isn't it. If I can ask...how do you organize your fabric. Mine is in tubs but I really can't see it as well as I would like. Have a great weekend!

Trisha said...

Love the cute fabric combos you are using!

Anonymous said...

I love the idea of making your own fabric, your so clever. I picked up this magazine last week myself. What do you think about the Sauna Bag? I thought it would make a nice gift filled with lotions, soaps etc. I'll have to try the shop bag also.
Rae Ann

Messy Karen said...

i absolutely love what you are doing with the fabrics.

Darlene said...

You do have a way with fabric. I love how it all works for you - if I took all those prints and tried to do something with them they would look awful. You amaze me!

Karen said...

Your "fabric" is awsome!!! I love the meshing of the vintage and trendy fabrics. Maybe we should have a "Strip Swap"...;)

Dawn said...

You have such a talent in putting fabrics together!! Have a super weekend!

*karendianne. said...

How fun. Love your new "fabric." What a fun weekend you have ahead of yourself.

Lori Holt said...

Yeah...homemade fabric:)
That looks so fun Nanette!
Wouldn't it be cute to make big apron pockets with it?
It's going to be fun to see your bag and whatever else you come up with........

Red Geranium Cottage said...

Love your new fabric your making. That little bag is cute, I just bought that magazine too.

Anonymous said...

For Christmas one year my friend made wrapping paper - out of fabric - then wrapped up my gift in it! It's was all randomly pieced and some of the pieces were only an inch big! I've saved it for years not knowing how to use it - it's about a yard square. I would love to make my own fabric - but probably won't start on it in THIS life! I sent you something today and because I'm just so excited I couldn't wait for you to actually get it so I had to tell you it's COMING! I hope you like it - especially the last thing in the box! Happy Easter! xo, The Other Nanette

Unknown said...

Yes wonderful "new" fabric , you can never have too much .
clares craftroom

sewtakeahike said...

ooohhh, it's going to be cute, cute, cute Nanette!! The fabrics you chose are wonderful! It makes it easier to cut into those coveted pieces when all you need is a couple inches ;)