Showing posts with label mug mats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mug mats. Show all posts

Monday, May 10, 2021

Using a Passion as Sewing Inspiration


Each person who sews and creates often finds that the creativity for what they sew comes from their own passions, or the passion of a friend or family member.  The following pictures share some passions and loves of some friends and family members - and hopefully will suggest some inspirations to other sewists to create some unique and meaningful items for themselves or others.


Gifts do not need to be elaborate - it is the connections and meaning embodied in each gift that make it special.  The detail of the monogram was the key in making this simple cover for a diary.

Nothing consumes this young athlete's time more than playing baseball.  This quilt recognized his love.  The quilt was a substantial investment in time and $$; but well worth the delight it brought to him.

A simple gift, but the fabric acknowledges the familiarity and attention to detail to show that you really did create the gift with the individual in mind.

The fabrics here make for an entirely different focus and acknowledges a family joke (the flamingoes) that will bring a smile to the two who share the joke throughout the year.

Sometimes a gift can honor a professional passion and serve a very practical use.  This tote not only recognizes this professional's passion for sharing information about Laura Ingalls Wilder but gives her a thematic way to carry her handouts, and small demonstration items used in her presentations.

The parents of this young child are passionate about documenting the experiences in his life.  An annual photo album includes pictorial representations for experiences he has during the year.  And throughout the year  the memories continue to be meaningful as items such as the pillowcase (and book) are shared and used over and over.

This gift for a new baby honored both the father's passion and the mother's side gig.  Many other themes could have been used, if one had known the nursery theme, and so forth but without that knowledge this theme seemed to have a fun connection.


Choosing to make a meaningful connection can bring both a fun search for fabric and a way to connect it to a friend's passion.  Rose is known for her cooking and her hospitality so the apron and tea cups were just the connection to make to her name.

Using a panel highlighting a special character, object, or motif is a quick way to share a passion.  One does not always need to use the fabric as someone else dictates.  These book panels can be used as stand-alone quilted pictures.

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These sewing projects were all inspired by a passion or love for a particular activity or motif that someone special possesses.  While these examples tend toward the home decor or accessory line; inspiration for clothing can be built on interests as well.  Consider a garment in a recipient's favorite color, or showcasing an interest - perhaps a cover-up apron for a chemistry teacher (using fabric with the table of elements); or recycle a thrift store item to contribute to the conservation efforts of your community.   Look forward to a special occasion and zero in on a special dress to be worn and make a coordinating accessory to go with that special dress - perhaps a faux fur cape with a lining to match the dress, or an evening purse to accent the dress; or a tie or vest for a companion.  

What's the passion (or love) that inspires you?

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Cite this article: 
McElmeel, Sharron.  (2021, May 15).  Using a Passion as Sewing Inspiration.  Green Frog Gifts (Blog).   http://bit.ly/inspiration-sewing.




Monday, October 8, 2018

Camouflage in the Kitchen - Not Your Usual Decor

Kitchen Decor - Camouflage in the Kitchen

The request was to make some valances for the kitchen windows, a table runner, some place mats and whatever else...

So what colors or theme do you want for your kitchen?  Apples, chefs, pineapples, red, blue???? The answer "camo."  Me: "Camo?"  Yes, he wanted camo.  Not military camo, but more the duck hunting camouflage type.  So the hunt was on (pun intended).  I found this "Camo Ground Cover Tan Fabric."  It was just what was needed.  So  the next question was, "What color/s can I put with this to give it a little pop?"  I immediately got a phone call, "What do you mean, color?  If you put in color it would not be camouflage."  I could only use the colors that were in the camouflage material: browns, tans, ....  In the process, I discovered what he really wanted was a table topper not a runner for his breakfast nook table -- another fabric and set of place mats and so forth would include the table runner, but not this project.  So, here's what came about for his camo kitchen.












All were a "hit" including the potholders with the ducks flying over the pond, despite the "no color" mandate.  Fun success.
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Enjoy sewing creatively.
Visit Greenfroggifts on Etsy for the latest choices.Order cookie cutters, aprons, and baker's cloths from Green Frog Gifts -- unique gifts -- many $10.00 or under.