Although Chloe didn’t make a quilted or patchwork vest for her husband, some of the tips she gives for changing the basic pattern to fit a particular idea, size, or amount of fabric on hand should help if you want to be creative in your sewing.
Check out her post, Altering Vest Patterns, at Tangled Thread.
At one time in my quiltmaking career, I designed and made quilted, appliqued vests for children.  I sold these individually, as well as supplied them to stores throughout the country.  I learned to alter patterns and designs to create original vests and to make them on …read more

Noreen at Hankering for Yarn tagged me for the 7 Random Facts Meme, in which I list seven facts about myself.  I also was tagged at my Home Biz Notes blog and have listed seven there.
So even though I’ve listed seven facts at Home Biz Notes, I’ll see what information I can provide here that may be somewhat different, yet randomly related to quilting.
1. I began sewing at an early age, first doll clothes by hand with my grandmother (Nanny) and then an apron on a treadle sewing machine under the guidance of my 4-H teacher (Aunt Mary).
2. My quiltmaking began …read more

What a fascinating idea….creating a yo-yo “memory” vest, consisting of these little shirred circles from fabrics given by friends and family.  Noreen at Hankering for Yarn shares her love of yo-yo’s, dating back to her grandmother’s friend, and shows us pictures of the “memory” vest.
Yo-yo’s have a place in my life, too.  I made exquisite bits of fabric art with my daughter.  Together we created yo-yo Christmas tree decorations one year.  Currently I have a bag of yo-yo’s in my closet and must find a project for them.  Noreen has inspired me!

Do you have something special you make in the world of fabric/fiber art?  Do you have a technique that’s unique?
With so many quilters, what makes those stand out who are getting name recognition and orders for their work?  This is not to say there isn’t a market for any quilting, but finding something that is your specialty may help you develop your place in the quilting world.
As I evolved along the quiltmaking trail, I discovered quilted and appliqued vests for children.  (I made them for adults only on special order because I didn’t find themarkets for them in stores.) 
Actually I …read more