Fabric fancy

Ikat seems to be everywhere these days. I saw this ikat-inspired fabric and instantly knew it needed to become pillowcases for a good friend's birthday present. Although, I must admit, it was very tempting to keep it for myself. Which reminds me, when am I going to make a set for my bed?!

I picked up these three fabrics below during a recent jaunt to NYC with my CFF. The colours are so vibrant, the patterns so unique. By Westminster Fabrics, it's inspired by the Victoria & Albert Museum of decorative arts and design in London. At home, I decided napkins would be a great way to show off the fabric. Back at City Quilter, I didn't have a plan. I just picked three fabrics I liked and got a yard of each. I wish I found four, since a set of three napkins is kinda weird. Or maybe innovative?

Sewing mitered-corner napkins is a nifty trick. But a damn lot of ironing. Combine lots of time at the ironing board, a sweltering day and a stuffy craftroom and things start to heat up. The result: no-pants sewing. The added advantage is that errant threads don't stick to bare legs. The sweaty sewing session was totally worth these lovely napkins with smart little corners.