For The Sports Fan

.
Monogrammed pillow covers, sports themed pillow covers, appliqued pillow covers!  Client driven requests have been a marvelous path to this current life of mine, but I really don't have anything else to talk about here.  Reading through my favorite blogs, I want to be part of the interesting writing crowd and try to move beyond my studio routine, but only the latest pillow cover comes to mind because, well, that's what I do.  I am off to Atlanta again in October, though, for the Country Living Fair and to hang out with best friends.  I might have something fun to discuss then.  It is crazy to think that a year has passed, especially because, other than a day trip to Charlotte in February and two trips to the fabric mill in the last two months, I haven't left town since I came back on 10/24/2011 from Atlanta last year.  It is stunning how my daily work schedule consumes my whole life.  Seems to be all or nothing.  Not sure how to fix that.  
.

.
On the other hand, out of that "time investment" comes new products for the shop and new plans to be relevant in the handmade market and internet presence as trends change.  

Always looking for more masculine items to offer, a sports themed idea has been developing.  Tailgaters and football lovers are always hungry for their team colors all over the place, but that can get overwhelming on the home decor.  These designs might scream "my team!" to the sporty guy, but his colors and cheer are cleverly disguised in current home dec trends like chevrons and color block items.  The lady of the house knows she got to give him some say in the decor, but set on a background of lovely fabrics, team colors are easier to fit into the family room and bedrooms.  
.

.
Color block pillow covers in team colors and then monogrammed or personalized for the sports fan in your life will be a great gift for the upcoming holidays and just in time for any bowl game celebrations.  The idea works for fabric storage buckets tote bags and any number of useful but tastefully designed sports themed items.  

Heather Ross Lightning Bugs Happy Camper Fabric Find

.
A friend recently introduced me to a South Carolina fabric mill that has sales for the public every so often.  Yesterday was my second visit to load up on the twills that I use to create pillow covers in the calicodaisy shop.  

As I was passing by the quilting fabric section, what did I see?  A bolt of Heather Ross Lightning Bug fabric.  Though a fan of her designs and the darling quilts and items I've seen made with her fabric lines, I've never ordered any, as by the time I think of something to create with it, generally the fabric is already sold out.  
.

.
Anyway, immediately I gave my daughter a call and had her google the line:  Heather Ross Lightning Bugs and Other Mysteries - Happy Camper Vans in blue.  We discovered that it is out of print, so I purchased the five yards on the bolt.  

Last evening, I spent some time researching the prices.  Craziness.  I asked advice from a couple of quilting blog friends and a vendor I purchase from regularly, and they were kind enough to reply.  One suggested ebay, but I know I would be obsessed with watching the auction, so I listed the fabric in the calicodaisy etsy shop in both half-yard increments and FQs.  The FQs are a little below the going rate, so the option is more affordable to someone who wants just a bit more.  

With two kids in college and the tuition bills to go with it, this Heather Ross fabric might prove to be a good find.  Please tell your friends who love some Heather Ross.