Three Creative Things | no. 1

Sharing the things I create is just as fun as making them! I enjoy writing full-length blog posts and tutorials about my slipcover work so you can get an indepth look at the how and why.

But my small slipcover and home sewing projects rarely make it to the blog. Neither do most of my new finds, favorite resources, and inspiration. There simply isn’t enough content for each topic to fill an entire post.

So, today I’m launching a monthly blog series just for the small projects and related newsy bits. I call it Three Creative Things. This is where I will share a quick look at what I’m working on, what I found, and what I’m inspired by.

Here are my Three Creative Things for February: a five-fabric slipcover, indigo cotton-linen prints, and encouraging words for makers. Enjoy!

What I’m Working On

I’ve been hanging onto a few special pieces of fabric for several years: a natural brown and cream cotton herringbone, a rustic natural brown linen, and a cream and taupe linen herringbone awning stripe. They are gorgeous, unique, and exceptionally well-made.

I purchased each one as a sample cut with the hope of someday combining them with other fabrics I have on hand to create a color-blocked slipcover for one of my armchairs.

Well, that day has come. My five-fabric slipcover is in the works and the pin fitting is looking good! Stay tuned for the finished results.

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What I Found

I’m jumping for joy!! Premiere Prints is now printing a select group of patterns on their 11.5 oz cotton-linen slub canvas. It’s the same 95% cotton/15% linen I used for this washable slipcover.

This is very exciting because I almost never find a heavyweight, natural fiber print suitable for everyday slipcovers.

I purchased several swatches in color Navy from their Cozy Cottage and Botanical Bliss Collections. The patterns I show below are familiar classic designs in an inviting shade of indigo reminiscent of a pair of well-loved blue jeans. These are feel-good prints — happy, casual, and comfortable.

Pattern names as follows:

• Gingham Moonlight Florence White
• Benny Moonlight Florence White
• Ticking Moonlight Florence White
• Pima Moonlight Florence White
• Osamu Moonlight Florence
• Early On Stonewash Florence Natural
• Violetta Stonewash Florence Natural
• Noah Stonewash Florence Natural

Premiere Prints showcases all of their collections on their to-the-trade website, where you can view each pattern, colorway, and the fabric specs even if you don’t have an account. To view pricing, you will need to open a business account or shop their online retail store.

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What I’m Inspired By

On days when my creative energy feels depleted, I spend time in nature to walk, sit, observe, and rest my mind. Then, I rewatch Floret owner Erin Benzakein’s beautiful film about her flower arranging creative practice.

She explains that by regularly engaging in your creative activity, you practice it. You will learn new things, try different approaches, experience frustration and failures, have big breakthroughs, and steadily get better at your artistry and craft.

Erin’s advice: Let go of any agendas, make a big mess, and look for the beauty in the process and small details.

Everytime I listen to her encouraging words, I’m ready to return to my slipcover making practice with renewed energy and fresh ideas.