Fabric Inspiration for A New Year of Projects

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson

As we gear up for the New Year, my pants are a little snug, my home could use some cleaning, and the list goes on an on, but I've never been one to make official resolutions just because it's January.  Who needs a list of reminders to feel guilty about and pressured to achieve?

My New Year's plans are to 

Enjoy today

Love on my family

Grow spiritually

Have fun

Learn from my mistakes

and

Get Inspired for A New Year of Projects!

The Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater collection from Moda has caught my eye.  Hmmm, I'm envisioning a tote bag Thirty-One style knock-off in some of these fine prints.  Think Liz shared a free pattern and tutorial for this hobo bag.  Can you see it in these fabrics?  Now that I've told all of you my plan (that sounds like something an evil cartoon character says...enter maniacal laughter), guess I have to actually make it!

Source: Moda

This sample is just a small taste of a lovely collection.  Go check out the others at Moda Fabrics!



Source: Bassett Furniture

How do you soften a giant leather sectional?  Pillows, Pillows, and More PILLOWS!

After almost nine years with our original living room furniture, we bid it adieu and moved on to the world of a leather sectional.  I knew such a sectional would be the most practical for our busy family of 5 in terms of comfort (did I tell you the seats recline?), durability and ease of cleaning, but I had my doubts about style for fear it would look like a bachelor pad.  After six months with the sectional, I have to say I'm sold.  It's so comfortable for snuggling up on family movie nights and it still looks clean! 

We've added a rug and some accessories, but we are lacking in the pillow department.  (Our living room doesn't look quite as finished as this sample pic above).

Can you guess what I plan to make first in 2013?  That's right, pillows.  I've been dreaming of some linen numbers, but I think I'll get my feet wet first with something from the Metro Living collection from Robert Kaufman.  This collection comes in a multitude of color palettes, from soft and neutral to bold and bright.



These are some of the fabrics I may try in our living room.  Go check out all the different colors!

Now that I've shared some of my inspiration, it's time to get started.  If you need me, you can find me hunkered down at the kitchen table (aka my sewing room) after all the littles are in bed.

What projects do you have planned for the New Year?  Anything got you inspired?

Happy Creating!