Couldn't wait to dig in…


When the voiles arrived night before last, I couldn’t wait to dig in–I ran out the door to teach my class and had to actually tear myself away from playing and unfolding and running my hands through them.

Last night, during our staff meeting, all of us continually returned to the stack of bolts, passing our palms over the almost impossible buttery softness of this fabric. Like many retailers, I think I might’ve been a little concerned that when these fabrics arrived, our clients wouldn’t really know what to do with them, but the honest confession is that they feel so dang good that I almost don’t care: more for me! OK, not really, because we have 450 yards and that might be too much even for me (just barely), so by rights I ought to share, but I will truly, truly enjoy cutting each and every order of this fantasticness.

Voile has primarily been used as an apparel fabric, and has the most gentle, drapey hand you can imagine. It folds itself across your skin like an embrace, and every move you make caresses you. I mean it. A blouse? A summer skirt? Just imagine. Think of a long-sleeved top under a winter sweater: your secret soothing comfort to get you through awkward family gatherings. Or maybe you haven’t had a nightie in a long time? Here’s your chance to bust out your lace and skinny elastic and put together something really luxurious.

But Anna Maria has done all of us a tremendous service: by bringing us this coordinated collection, she’s offering us a chance to bring voile far beyond the realm of clothing and into the rest of our lives. What about the simple jewelry pouch from One Yard Wonders? Such softness will take good care of your treasures. Or a lingerie bag for the washing machine? My delicates have never had it so good. Maybe a sachet for after those undies come out of the wash? What better gift for the someone who has everything?

For my part, I couldn’t wait to dive in and get started:

All those other ideas will have to be put on hold, because in the car yesterday, I had an light bulb moment, and know exactly where my first cuts will be heading. Another peak tomorrow of progress made–maybe you can guess where I’m going with this? As you think it over, check out the Little Folks charm packs we’ve custom cut over in the Whipstitch shop!

Happy crafting, all!

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  • Karen
    December 10, 2009 at 8:18 pm

    Are these fabrics sturdy enough for a quilt?

  • Deborah
    December 10, 2009 at 8:20 pm

    Oh, absolutely! In fact, Anna Maria had a number of quilted projects on display using these, and they are DREAMY. So, so soft–with a thick batting, they'd be a wonderful soft winter quilt, but I see them with a lighter flannel as a summer bed topper. They really are a dream to work with!

    Hope that helps!

  • Wendyb
    January 3, 2010 at 2:03 am

    Hi! Just catching up on your blog! Love the stack of new fabrics. looks like heaven! I’ll start following you and visiting your shop!
    Thanks, and please feel free to take a look at my new blog if you have a chance, http://www.ThatSeamsFun.com
    Happy New Year, WendyB