Kauffman, Moda, Benartex and friends

Welcome to my fabric stash. Here I will showcase some of the highlights from my growing collection of textiles.

It began at the start of 2008 as a couple of fat quarters in a shoe box.

Since then, I've developed a keen fabric addiction which I've since been feeding via eBay, my local fabric store and not so old clothes.

The following is from the True Friends Collection by Nancy Halvorsen for Benartex.


I picked this up in my local fabric shop about a month ago. I love the glorious powder blue which combines so well with the small peach roses. There are small anecdotes to friendship which look like simple swirls from a distance. On closer inspection, one can learn that 'it takes a long time to grow an old friend' and 'the flowers of true friendship never fade'.

Slightly cheesey, but the feeling that sewing gives me is one of simple creativity annd femininity. In this day and age, I know a great deal of emphasis is put on feminism and women's rights, but I also believe we should not be ashamed to indulge in the talents which make us what we are.

I've used this fabric to make a small make up bag, a couple of panels for my growing quilting project and I plan to make a larger bag. The density of the pattern lends itself well to small items, given the detail of the print.

Next we have Fruit Cocktail Aqua Glass for Chloe's Closet for Moda


I got an amazing deal on this fabric from the USA via eBay. I love the Moda fabrics, especially those which are reproductions of older prints like this one - a reproduction of a 1930's print. I enjoy imagining what this fabric may have originally adorned during that time.

I have made a few book sized bags from this material which look mamzing! The print is so bright and colourful that I hope it will encourage spring to hurry up and arrive! I am considering making an a-line skirt from this fabric as it is similar to many of the bold prints seen in the High Street, such as Monsoon.

As this blog grows with my sewing skills, you will notice a developing theme...owls! I fell in love with the following Kauffman fabric, in part due to the wonderfully simplistic shape of the birds, but also the retro colour pallette. I really like the autumnal hues of brown, yellow and orange. I will be using this to make a couple of bags as gifts, and possibly a skirt if the pattern isn't too overkill (and assuming bold retro prints will still be in favour come the Fall).


Amy Schimler for Robert Kauffman - On a Whim

Next may I introducePorcelain by Lynne Wilson for Moda. I selected this material to make a top with. It will be the first time I follow a pattern, so I'm a little nervous, but also excited at the prospect at making my very first item of original clothing. Stay tuned to see how it goes!



This is from RJR Fashion Fabrics and is called Great Lakes, Great Quilts: Reproductions from Michigan State University Museum


This pretty lilac print would make gorgeous curtains, but sadly my sewing skills don't stretch that far at present! I've used it in a couple of quilting panels and cushion covers.


I love these owls! I got this material from eBay and I think it might be Japanese. I've made a small bag which I use carry my lunch to work. The print is retro, and very fashionable at the moment, almost remniscent of the products available in Paperchase. I have noticed a few envious eyes sneaking glances at it!

There is nothing like knowing you are wearing or using an item which is totally original and the sense of satisfaction from making something yourself is why I enjoy sewing/creating/fabrics so much.