Skills Yo!

Front of the new book covered in fabulous fabric!

I've been thinking about how great it is to know how to sew. It is such a useful skill! Think of all the shirts you've saved because you know how to patch a hole or sew on a button! You can create beauty from bits of fabric. I know a gal who makes specialty dog collars from our fabrics. Another gal used some Kaffe fabric to make draperies for her husband's home office. If she didn't have the sewing skills, she'd be stuck with those drab excuses for curtains they sell at Walmart! 

Another skill I learned is book binding. It is similar to hand sewing in a lot of ways. I thread the pages together and I cover the boards with fabric. It can be tedious, but definitely worth the work. This book is for my grocery shopping. 

I drew lines one page then ran the rest through my copier.
 Easy-peasy.

I know this is a little off topic for fabric... but I thought I'd share anyway. I did cover the book in fabric! Does that count? 

Once a month, I sit down for 30-45min and
 plan all the exciting things we will get to eat . 

I'm a planner... if you couldn't tell with my crazy monthly menu. I don't always stick to it perfectly, but it does help me plan my weekly shopping trip better. 

This is what my old book looks like. I bring it with me to the store and I roughly calculate what it will  cost me before I get to the register.... which helps me resist impulse purchasing those double stuff oreos that call my name oh so sweetly.  

This system has helped me dramatically change my food choices and spending habits for the better. And I just wanted to share it all with you. Hope you don't mind!

How do you use your AWESOME SKILLS to help you and your family?

By Cassie Grace

Books and Fabric are Some of my Favorite Things!

Exciting New Books vs.

Plain and Traditional Books

You may not know this, but I'm also a bookbinder. I sew the paper together, attach it to a cover and all that jazz. It's a lot of fun and I can custom make my own calendars, journals, and sketchbooks. The only downside is the very boring, but very sturdy book cloth that traditionally covers books.

Well, I've found a imported japanese cotton that is heavy enough to cover my books, but not as heavy as most home decor fabric. It has a funky, fun print and I'm excited to see how it holds up. The next project will be to make removable book covers with the laminated fabrics.

You can see more of these kinds of fabrics here: http://www.fabricworm.com/patterns.html

By Cassie Grace

What are some unusual uses you've found for your fabrics?