principles of fabric selection

I’ve been dreading this blog post because it means we’ve come to the end of my Principles of Fabric Selection series. But I know many of you have been waiting to hear what I have to say on this topic, …

Next time I do a series of principles like this, remind me to list fewer principles! I feel like we’ve already addressed this principle in the course of covering some of the others, so I’ll make this a quick post. …

When you read the words “traditional print,” do you think boring, dark, and dull? Actually, a lot of contemporary prints are based on traditional prints, and they aren’t necessarily boring or dull at all. In fact many designers start their …

Fabrics within a collection are made to coordinate with each other. But who said you have to stick within a collection and follow someone else’s creative vision when you’re selecting multiple fabrics for a garment? I think it’s fun to …

Regarding our last post about the principles of fabric selection, one commenter asked an excellent question: “In all of the examples you’ve chosen, the solid is at the top and the print is on the bottom. Do you think it’s …

Let’s say you find a print you really love, but you’re a little nervous about using it for a child’s garment. Maybe it’s a large, bold print. Maybe it’s very bright or multi-colored. Maybe it’s both. You’re afraid that by …

As a rule, most quilting fabric collections are comprised of a group of prints that are intended to work together. There is a formula to assembling a collection like this, and most groups work around one central print that holds …

I think this outfit is tremendously successful. I adore it. This 2 + 2 blouse and pleated skirt is understated and tremendously elegant while still wholly appropriate for a child. If you had run across these fabrics at your local …

I’m a professional designer. But when my daughter walks into a room wearing one of my designs I would much prefer to hear someone say, “What a beautiful child,” than “What a beautiful dress.” That preference sets the whole tone …

Every season at Quilt Market, the show’s organizers sponsor a series of Schoolhouse presentations for shop owners who are interested in learning more on topics of interest to them. This season, Oliver + S led two Schoolhouse sessions. One of …