Talk Crafty To Me Dedicated to all things handmade

There’s a fantastic tutorial over at sew mama sew for a handbag made from a fat quarter. So simple and easy you can make one to match every outfit.

For those of you who aren’t quilters or don’t know what a ‘Fat Quarter’ is here’s the basics.

Most quilt-weight cotton is 44″ doubled over on a bolt. A yard is 36″, which means that a regular quarter-yard ends up being one long skinny piece measuring 9″x44″.

For a fat quarter, you typically cut half a yard from the bolt and then cut along the fold leaving you with two pieces measuring 18″x22″. Or one full yard cut into quarters.

Basically a fat quarter offers you more flexibility, especially when dealing with large prints. Many shops sell pre-cut fat quarters with coordinating solids making them super easy to work with. If you haven’t previously worked with fat quarters, once you do you’ll start seeing the endless possibilities for them.

Spring is just around the corner and I’m trying to get you inspired. If you thought yesterday’s paper flowers were easy, why not step it up a notch and try some fabric ones. Pick your favorite fabrics in coordinating colors and make yourself a bouquet.

Check out this easy tutorial courtesy of Laurie Cinotto.

Why not brighten up your gloomy winter day, by making your own paper flowers. This super simple project takes only about 5 mins and is sure to brighten any room. Add them to twigs or branches for an instant bouquet or simply throw them in a bowl.

Originally created by Martha Stewart, Wendy from DoziDesign has whipped up a quick tutorial. Head on over there and start making flowers to your heart’s content.

^{Pictures from Dozi & Jen Elisebeth.}