{Riley Blake Designs} Woven Wool by Stacy West

I've made it an unspoken goal this year to branch out in my fabric selections.  When I had the opportunity to sew up the new Woven Wool by Stacy West for Riley Blake Designs, I jumped on the chance!  This wool is pre-felted and ready to use.  This collection is full of 15 gorgeous solid colors and 10 prints.

I honestly had a hard time narrowing down my choice.  In the end, I chose the Woven Wool Dot Black.

When it arrived, my daughters were arguing over it so I guess I chose well!  I had visions of a fitted jacket to pair with a cream sweater and skinny jeans.  However, my daughter had another vision....

My younger daughter told me she wanted a longer coat so I had her browse my patterns and she lit up when she saw the School Days Jacket by Oliver + S.  I had picked this pattern as part of my prize from winning Project Run & Play (Season 23) so I was excited to try it out finally.  

I was actually a bit nervous to tackle this project, especially since I was using a new pattern and a new fabric base.  As I started sewing though, my fears were immediately eased.  The wool was so easy to work with!! I also love that it doesn't need prewashed!  You can immediately start cutting and sewing.

I lined the jacket in a cozy black fleece so it will carry her through our NC winters.  She's already told me she can't wait to wear it once it cools down here.  

Her smile says it all!!  While it wasn't my original plan with this fabric, I am glad I included my daughter in the design process.  She loves it and I finally got a chance to try out a new jacket pattern.  The wool is perfect for jackets, purses and more.  Reach out to your favorite quilt shop or online fabric store and pick your favorite colors!

What color will you sew first?   I'm thinking about trying the grape color next -- it's gorgeous!!

 

{Riley Blake Designs} Glohaven by Lila Tueller

 

My favorite fabric designer is back with another showstopping collection and it made me smile the whole time I was sewing it up.  Who can resist these gorgeous peaches on a stunning blue background?

Glohaven by Lila Tueller for Riley Blake Designs was inspired by a single peach tree in her yard and features an array of beautiful watercolor floral and peach designs.  The colorways include blue, red, yellow and white backgrounds with pops of peach, orange and greens.

The moment I saw the peaches, I knew it had to be my selection.  I envisioned a twirly, girly creation for my fruit-obsessed youngest daughter.  Thankfully, she's not allergic to the pictures of peaches!  (A couple years ago, she became allergic to all tree fruits and she loved them ALL so it's been an adjustment.)

I chose to sew Poppy by Peony Patterns because I was dying to try out that tiered skirt.  I also wanted to add the bodice flutters while my daughter would let me!  It turned out just as girly as I'd hoped. 

I love the bold contrast of the colors.  The peaches just pop off the blue -- makes me imagine that I'm lying under a peach tree and seeing the peaches against the blue summer sky. It definitely brings out the blue in her eyes too!!

Soaking in the last few weeks of summer weather.   Fall is around the corner and while temps won't cool down immediately, the days will get shorter and our lives will get busier with school.  Hopefully she'll get a few chances to wear this in the next month!  This fabric is so gorgeous and vibrant!

I knew she'd have to test out how twirly it is and trust me, this twirl is tamed down for my blog...lol  I was hoping the pettiskirt would add a buffer in lieu of the playground shorts that always go missing when we need them, but that pettiskirt joined in the fun.  HA!!  

Glohaven is now available so check your favorite local quilt shop or online retailer so you can sew some of this beautiful collection!!