summer projects

Isn't this adorable? Made from my stash of cotton prints, it's a summer tote I whipped up for Amy's new issue of Inspired Ideas, a collection of crafty projects for summer. 

When I started pulling fabrics for it, I first chose a striped ticking for the roof flap. The horizontal lines really resembled a roof pattern, but then I thought, nah, that's too predictable. What else is in this monster pile of scraps? That brown and white jumbo floral surfaced instantly. Looked nothing like a roof, but there was something unexpected about it that took the edge off the sweetness in the pinks. (Me and my pink houses!) And now it's my favorite part. I don't know where it came from, but someone washed it many, many times before cutting it up, giving it that lovely worn softness and just the right drape. Reminds me of summer dresses my mother wore in the 60's.

Other projects in my studio include this one below. I entered a coffee-themed contest at Spoonflower with this fabric design. If you have a minute, I would so appreciate your votes in the next few days! Use this link, scroll through the entries (strong competition!) and click mine when it appears on the page. 

Wouldn't it make a cute kitchen apron? Good project for another studio day. Here comes August!

 

Comments

[connie freedman]

OMG! the bag is darling! it will make for a great article.
I've voted, very cool the fabric would make cute coffee can sacks, tea cozy's, coffee covers, trim on kitchen towels and of course your apron! we are in our cabin in colorado and i have almost finished my "love" banner we started in what? jan, feb... it's looking great I have signed up for your banner class again! at TCC.
enjoy, connie

[Lena]

Oh boy, I think you just solved a little problem for me with this cute house bag. My young neice has asked to come for a crafting day at my home, and I've been trying to come up with a fun, but slightly different, not too challenging project to work on with her. This is perfect, Charlotte. Thank you.

I like the fabric too!

[Karen B]

This was fun and I love your design! Hope you win!

[Laurie]

I do love that little house project -- saw it the other day in the new magazine! I enjoyed your story about the roof.

[Jeanne]

I saw your adorable house tote project in Amy's new e-magazine. So sweet and a great way to use up all those scraps in our fabric stash.
xo
jeanne
P.S. I voted for your "coffee" fabric over at Spoonflower. I looked at them all and I liked yours the best. I liked how you didn't use the predictable color of brown in yours.

[Cherie Wilson]

Darling house pouch! Amy has outdone herself again....and you, Dear Charlotte!
You totally have my vote for your fabric design....I have been smitten by blue and red since Mary's Home Companion workshop (Pam K's cigar box project) and your CARE project for Japan....trying to come up with a little blue and red corner for my Half bath and laundry entry. I am thinking a swatch of this fabric as a ruffle on a hand towel!! oh yeaaaaaah!!!! Add a stitched mug to that and voila! Thankyou for the fun:) Oh joy!

[Troy Louise]

Love your little house bag. The roof is fun & unexpected. Also, voted for your coffee fabric - wow there were a lot to look at. Hugs.

[Tiffany]

I agree with you... that fabric would make a wonderful apron... hope to see the pics when finished ;)Tiff

[erica]

What cute stuff! Love your fabric!

[corrine]

I voted, I tweeted, I liked. Great stuff as always Charlotte...xox Corrine PS the studio is now real! www.sparkledaysstudio.com

[Heidi Meyer]

Love the darling house bag!! The the coffee fabric too!

[littlecoffeebeans]

I missed the chance to vote but I wanted to tell you that I LOVE the fabric. My last name is Coffee so I'm biased :) Is it for sale on Spoonflower? I'd love to grab a yard!