I had been toying with the idea of a mobile project and our adorable bird pattern seemed the perfect fit. I knew it would be gorgeous! What I hadn’t expected, though, is how some tree branches and a few carefully placed eye-hooks would transform this project into a work of art!

This would be a welcome addition to a baby’s room or a great project for a baby shower. A single bird would be a whimsical way to highlight favorite prints around your home. Since all this birdie takes is two pieces of fabric and a needle & thread, it makes a great travel project. There are many possibilites, plus they’re just so darn cute!

Let us help you get started on your flock! Handsewing is relaxing and rewarding and a small project like this is a great way to learn. This a free pattern from Spool, and we will be offering demonstrations on how to stitch these little guys throughout the summer. Enjoy!

P.S. You can now download a pdf of this pattern from our sidebar. If you’d like to share your finished birds, we’d love to see them! You can join our flickr group here. Have fun!

Olive Rose is the latest line from Freespirit designer Valori Wells. Using nature as her inspiration, she abstracts the line and color to create vibrant designs with electric hues. These fabrics inspire you to get creative!

We have been on a handbag kick here at Spool and one of our favorite patterns is the Swing Bag fom Amy Butler. The shape is so darn cute and it’s simple to stitch together. Michael sewed this one up in an afternoon! It’s also reversible which gives you the chance to use more than one of your favorite fabrics. Purses are the perfect vehicle for bold pattern and color that you may not normally choose for your wardrobe. The pink hibiscus fabric from the Olive Rose collection instantly stood out to me and the matching stripe is such a fun contrast. Just looking at this combination puts me in a cheerful mood!

It’s baby shower season, everyone! Are you ready? Consider making the newest arrival to your circle a handmade gift. Babies need lots of blankets and you can create this one in under two hours. I chose one yard each of 2 fabrics: Ginger Blossom for the front, which to me could be for a boy or girl, and Organic Fleece for the backing. Beware, this fleece is so soft you may find yourself wanting to keep this blanket for yourself!

After trimming down the fabrics to the same size, about 36″ x 42″, I used the Inside Out Rectangle Method to make the blankie. Then, I marked diagonal lines across the quilt about 4″ apart. Using a simple embroidery stitch on my machine, I followed the lines and quilted the peices together. Done! If your machine doesn’t have embroidery stitches, a straight stitch in a coordinating color thread will be just as pretty. Or, if you have more time, you can hand quilt or embroider the layers together.

New moms will love this gift and it’s quite likely to become baby’s favorite blankie!

Tina Givens new line Zazu ( so fun to say!) is a unique mix of rich colors and whimsical hand drawn lines. Watercolor painted roses grow over pen & ink chandeliers to create an imaginary world full of creativity. Perfect for the fresh start of a new season!

I asked Aimee to take one of my favorite fabrics from this line, a pretty yellow chandelier print, and make the Pleated Beauty Handbag from Bend the Rules Sewing

. I have long admired the romantic style of this bag, and thought it would complement the vintage feel of the fabric. Aimee chose the turquoise rose fabric to peek out from beneath the pleats, and it works beautifully. I can just see putting on a pretty dress, popping all your essentials into this purse and heading out for a gorgeous sunny day in the park.

This project is great for beginners, as are all the ideas in Bend the Rules Sewing. Simple patterns are wonderful for highlighting exciting designs like Zazu’s. Get creative and have fun!

Oliver + S is a new pattern company that specializes in children’s clothing. We love that each piece is simple and wearable with a charming, vintage feel. This is a four pattern collection, but there are several variations within each one to allow for many adorable wardrobe combinations.

Aimee made the Party Sundress and Playsuit (my favorite!). She used Michael Miller Organics for the bodices and little gingham pants and Denise Schmidt’s Katie Jump Rope for the flowery skirt. The oranges pop against the calm neutrals of the Organics and keep with the retro look. So sweet!

Baby clothes are fun because they go quickly, and you can try new sewing techniques on a smaller garment. This would be a perfect project for a beginner ready to expand their skills. Really, the cuteness factor alone is enough to give it a try!Enemy at the Gates buy

Craig wanted new, Springy throw pillows for Loop. Craig loves Kaffe Fassett fabric. Aimee got to work.

My Year Without Sex rip

Loop’s sofas are a lovely shade of green that complement Kaffe Fassett’s palette perfectly. Using 3/4 of a yard each of three Kaffe fabrics, and one Amy Butler stripe, Aimee created these fantastic pillows, using one of her favorite blocks, the Pinwheel. She used a sky blue Shot Cotton for the borders and backing. I love how these contrast with the sofa, but look as though they belong together!

The end result is playful and bright, just like Loop, and Craig was thrilled. Great job, Aimee!