Just Another way to use Valli & Kim Fabrics

Back when I was afraid of color, I bought myself some dusty olive green curtains. Don't' get me wrong. They're a nice neutral, but….BORING!!! Living in apartments that won't let me paint makes for very bland living rooms. 

While I still live in an apartment with white walls, we have bright frames and art on the walls. I've got an area rug that is a deep rich green and splashy pillows to boot. Still, my curtains are dreadfully plain. So I decided to dress them up a bit with some rosettes (another pinterest.com inspiration). Don't tell, but I totally used a hot glue gun instead of hand sewing them. Sacrilege, I know, but a huge time saver. And while my flowers are also neutral colors, they are very texturally interesting and add a focal point to my curtains. All in all, not bad for an afternoon's work.

By Cassie Grace

A March Medley of Classes

Hey Ya'll! 

I was sick all last week. Must of been something that's going around, but I'm feeling much, much better and I have to say I'm pretty excited for March. We have a good variety of classes. If you didn't catch the Beginning Sewing or Quilting last month, it's starting up again in March. We've got a class on those fabulous Poof-Pillows and a class on that classic hexagon pattern called "Grandmother's Garden." (Isn't that just a perfect project for spring??!!!) 

Be sure to call or come on in to sign up!

Cassie Grace 

Ps. If you want more info just click on this link: www.valliandkim.com/classes

Pps. We can't wait to see you in class!!!!

Spring is Coming!!!

Wasn't today beautiful??? Seems like spring is just around the corner, which is perfect because we have a great class coming up. Skirts! I can think of nothing cooler (both in temperature and awesomeness) and the skirt in springtime! 

The class in on March 3rd, at 10am for only 35 bucks! Call or come in to sign up!!

Modern Day Tapestries

http://victorian.fortunecity.com/eliot/452/tapestry.html

I love hanging quilts and art quilts. That may be part of why I  like Valli & Kim's so much. They've got quilts on the walls and hanging from the rafters. And I was thinking the other day that quilts are like a modern day version of Tapestries. Just think back to castle dwelling times, with drafty winters and little light. Those Tapestries indicated wealth and status while helping to insulate those cold rooms. So next time, when your spouse gives you that stern look for buying so much fabric, just tell 'em the quilts you're making are just a symbol of their magnificence and power!

How do you display your quilts?

By Cassie Grace

Sewing Explosion

My world has exploded! I've very recently discovered paper piecing and OH MY GOODNESS! I'm amazed at the intricacy and accuracy of it all! I learned the basics at my little church quilt group and when I got home I looked up free patterns online to practice on. WOWZA! My new favorite sites are: 

http://www.fourtwinsisters.com/

(animals, objects, people, symbols and so much more)

http://www.fandominstitches.com/ 

(This is for geeks like me…aka Harry Potter, Doctor Who and Lord of the Rings)

http://piecebynumber.com/index.htm 

(Nature, Stars, Holiday Designs and more)

This is my first one. I may have goofed and forgot the stem......

I spent one evening just downloading free patterns. These designers are ridiculously AWESOME! I hope I can get good enough to make a few designs of my own someday. 

Ode to Sewing Classes

"Oh, magazine article,

How you tempt me" I gripe.

But what a pickle,

I don't know how to sew it!

To my swift rescue come

Valli & Kim's Store.

My skills begin to blossom

With all the classes I explore.

"Ha! Project, you are defeated!"

I wear my p.j.'s with pride.

Only now, "I am tempted 

by pinterest.com..." I sighed.

Fellow sewing aficionados, we have some GREAT classes this month! We have Embellishment Class by Valli tomorrow. Sew Therapy on Friday, Boxed Cushions next week and the Zippy Strippy Cosmetic Bag! And that is just February! For more info: http://www.valliandkim.com/calendar

By Cassie Grace

Customer Spotlight: Dian Sierra

Our customers are the best! Ya'll are always bringing in interesting and cool creations. Dian came in for a class and her interesting hair piece caught my eye. It turns out she has an Etsy Shop! She sells more of these flower head pieces and totally cute aprons with fabric from Valli & Kim! But I was also curious about her process...

What do you do with the fabric when you get home?

When I get home with my fabric, I ooh and ahh over it again and put it up with the rest of my fabric. I am a self admitted fabric hoarder (not like the scary tv show), but I love putting lots of patterns together anytime I work on a project, so it's great to have a bit of selection on hand.

Tell me about your shop. 

Hey Muchacha is an eclectic mix of things I make and love. I decided a while ago I could not be put in a box as a sewer, or painter, crafter, a glitter aficionado (I love me some glitter), or artist. I love to experiment with all and take my big fat perfectionist work ethic with me on everything I try to do. "Handmade Pretties to Tickle your Fancy" is my business slogan and I keep it in mind with everything I make. If I squeal out of excitement when a project is coming together, I know I have something good!

Any current projects your excited about?

Yes!!! Color color color! Spring and summer are my favorite times of the year, so I am working on bright happy accessories. I am also working on pushing my funky meter up. I love to dress up, and having that certain something that takes your outfit to the next level. Just like a cherry on top... A funky glittered cherry!

If you'd like to see a more in her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/heymuchacha

Please keep bringing in your awesome projects people! We love to brag about you! 

By Cassie Grace