Frugal Festival this Sunday in Los Angeles

Most people who sew and craft tend to be on the frugal side. We appreciate the beauty in simple things and hate to throw anything away. We recycle instead of throwing away - whether that means giving it to a thrift shop or a friend, waste isn't in our vocabulary. If this describes you, then Sunday, July 26, in Woodley Park is a Festival just for you - Frugal Festival. Everything is FREE! So bring your unwanteds - anything and everything. It's a giant give and take and a chance to discover a new treasure.

As a loyal Swapper this is my kind of festival!

The Fabric of Our Lives

I am very lucky to have two sisters who I enjoy spending time with. Unfortunately, they live far away. But this past weekend we all got together at the big sister's new house for a visit. The oldest, Patti, lost her house in a tornado last year so she was very excited to finally have a new home. I know she lost many personal things in the tornado, many with sentimental value. Like clothes and quilts and old patterns and even favorite jewelry. We take these things for granted until we lose them - I call it the Fabric of our Lives.

Quilting is a time honored tradition that lets you bring fabric to life. Whether you use scraps from fabrics that have a meaning or buy fabrics that you enjoy - it doesn't matter. What matters is the time and love you put into creating the quilt.

Anyone can quilt and if you haven't tried it before, get going! Our DVD, A Simple Quilt, is a beautiful five piece block called Looking Thru a Window.

On our trip to Patti's we toured the countryside and enjoyed a few Barn Quilts! Hope you enjoy them too and remember, life is short, spend the time with those you love.

Swap Success - Thank you all volunteers and participants

Saturday's Swap was a huge success - over 260 participants came downtown LA to the California Market Center to create new from old. The DIY spirit and the recycle craze is well entrenched in LA. Thank you everyone! Enjoy some photos. And a link to KB, our applique guru's, flickr page here.

Swap O Rama Rama - Saturday, July 11, 2009

Bring your clothes and $5 to the
Swap O Rama Rama this Saturday
at the California Market Center.

Twelve design stations with sewing
machines, felting machines, silk
screening, fabric paints, glue guns and more.

Reduce, reuse, refashion!