Fabric Audition: Palm Springs

It's been a while since I've posted a fabric audition on the blog, but I'm hoping to share at least one or two of these each month from now on. Along with a curated stack of fabric, I'll be sharing a Pinterest board of photos to go along with the theme as well as a project made from the auditioned prints. I always enjoy auditioning fabrics, and adding these last two steps to the process has been so much fun!

Audition Stats (top to bottom): Barcelona City Map in Saffron by Zen Chic for Moda, Essential Dots Black on White by Moda, Modern Home Little Leaves by Monaluna, Nicey Jane Picnic Bouquet in Tangerine by Heather Bailey for Free Spirit, Sun Print Feathers in Onyx by Allison Glass for Andover, Botanics Foliage in Tangerine by Carolyn Friedlander for Robert Kaufman

Today's stack is inspired by the sunny shades of Palm Springs, that famously lovely desert spot located just over an hour away from where I live. I've had some wonderful vacations there with family and friends over the years. The heat is intense, but beautiful views and great food make up for it. You'll find some fabulous examples of retro design there too, several of which you can see on my Palm Springs Fabric Audition Pinterest board.

I decided to make a simple striped pouch from this audition. These prints look great with yarn dyed Essex linen in leather, and I love the orange Aurifil thread that I used to quilt the front and back. The pouch is lined in the floral Heather Bailey print which is such a happy thing to see each time I open that zipper.

I have more fabric auditions in the works as we speak, but feel free to let me know in the comments below if you have any themes or color palettes that you'd like to see me tackle this year. If I put something together with your idea, I'll be sure to give you and your blog a mention in my post!

The Navigator's Clutch

**Update: You can now find the tutorial for this clutch here!

It seems that every time I travel, I have no place to put important maps, lists, and memorabilia that go along with the journey. Instead I usually end up with several different bags in the front seat which I'm constantly rooting through, trying to remember where I put this or that. This year I was determined to sew something for myself to take care of that problem, and here it is: the Navigator's Clutch.

I designed this clutch to be a catch-all for the things that I need to have up front with me next to the driver's seat. Not only is it a great place to put the pamphlets and small treasures that we collect while we're on our trips, but it also can hold the gear that I like to use when I'm not the one driving: a Kindle, ipod, or cell phone.

At 16 by 9.5 inches in size, it's large enough to hold my essentials, but not too big to carry around in place of a purse if I don't want to just use it for storage once we reach our destination. There are pockets inside for a journal, a pen, and any maps or papers I need to bring with me. I also included an outside pocket with a velcro flap for any small objects that I'd rather not lose.

All of the fabric for this clutch is designed by Denyse Schmidt from her Daisy Mae, Aunt Edna, and Meadowlark collections. I love the way these prints coordinate with each other in such a bright, happy way.


I'm so excited to use this on our family road trip at the end of the month. Arizona, here we come!

Linking up to Ellison Lane Quilts' Summer Sewing Contest, Sew Modern Monday, and Manic Monday.