Hi all! Today, we are back with Amy Barickman to share one of her most popular books about upcycling, a fun sewing project, AND she’s gifting you a FREE Heart to Art PDF pattern! What a great way to kick off February! You might recognize Amy as she is a long time friend of Nancy Zieman and was a frequent guest on Sewing with Nancy. They were both very passionate about repurposing fabrics and even devoted an entire episode to Amy’s classic book, Denim Redesign! If you don’t already have this resource in your library,well, you need it right now! Denim Redesign is full of projects dedicated to upcycling and reinventing the tired denim in your closet or finds from the thrift shop. From skirts to jackets to aprons, this book shows you how to deconstruct, redesign and embellish 20 different projects. Take it away, Amy! (Psst… the Denim Redesign book is available to purchase on Missouri Star! Click here!)
Greetings, everyone, Amy here! As you can tell, I love upcycling and fashion – what’s old is new again! Jean jacket applique is back – just look at that classic photo of me and Nancy from the early 90s! These two passions were brought together with my new Treasured Threadz™ Fabric Panels and Favorite Fusible Stabilizer. I created this collection with my partner Colonial Patterns, maker of the well known iron-on embroidery patterns, Aunt Martha’s.
These fabric panels are a culmination of my love for vintage textiles and passion for repurposing thrifted fabrics and preloved apparel. I’ve used my extensive vintage collection of art, textiles, and quilts to design five (!!) fabric panels for you to embroider, quilt, stitch, or collage. Recycling is a timeless theme and is so relevant today as we look at being kind to our Earth.
Launching the Treasured Threadz™ Collection has given me an exciting new opportunity to revisit my Denim Redesign book. Within the pages of Denim Redesign, you’ll notice that I highlight many projects that showcase a variety of Treasured Threadz™ panels. These authentic patchwork and collage fabric panels are perfect for denim applique and small projects, with each panel curated to seamlessly coordinate, simplifying your creative process.
If you want to learn more about Treasured Threadz™ – I recommend watching this video I made with Misty Doan on her popular show “At Home with Misty Doan!” If you would like your own copy of Denim Redesign, it is available in print on Missouri Star Quilt Co’s website. Click here to watch the video!
All five Treasured Threadz™ panels are unique, but today I wanted to highlight the Postage Stamp Retro Fabric Panel. This panel has over 150 individual feedsack prints! Isn’t that incredible? It’s been designed in two scales of patchwork and also includes some fun coordinating prints – all from vintage feedsacks! This particular panel really lends itself to creating patches and adding embroidery or hand quilting to the patchwork pattern.
In fact, let me show you some of the ways that I used it with my FREE Valentine’s Day “Heart to Art”PDF pattern. This fun and easy DIY project is perfect for covering a stain, patching a hole or adding a touch of love to a garment or accessory. Our new favorite way to upcycle a shirt with a stain (or a logo you want to cover up!) is to simply turn the sweatshirt wrong side out! We removed the ribbed neck and turned it under twice, adding a running stitch to secure the neckline. You could also use that same method to hem the sleeve cuffs or the bottom hem! This is such a great way to upcycle instead of adding clothing to a landfill.
The ‘Heart to Art’ pattern offers three sizes of hearts (8″, 5″, and 3″), catering to various project needs. Enhance your fabric with decorative embroidery or trim the heart with charming details for a delightful addition to your wardrobe, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Even better, use the heart-shaped hole left in your paper to fussy cut your fabric to exactly what you want – just like I did on this red baseball hat!
To access the free pattern and watch a video featuring my signature Decorative Patch Applique technique, just visit my Heart to Art blog post on my website, AmyBarickman.com. Just enter your email at the bottom of the post, and the PDF will be sent directly to your inbox.
Treasured Threadz™ is perfect for upcycling, but don’t forget that it’s also great for small projects like my Fold & Go Folio pattern. This small folio is a really fun project to make and is perfect for mixing and matching fabric prints. The pattern offers two sizes of folios and offers several options for interior customization, like mini drawstring pockets! It’s perfect for jewelry, sewing notions or even tech accessories. The Fold & Go Folio pattern even includes videos and a bonus LookBook with 25+ pages of fabric and styling suggestions!
For those interested in the Fold & Go Folio Pattern, it is available in print on Missouri Star Quilt Co’s website. Just click here to find it! If you would like to purchase the pdf version of the pattern, you can find it on my website or click here! Are you inspired yet? I hope so! Be sure to keep an eye on the Nancy’s Notions website for more posts from me over the next few months. Also, you might enjoy watching my 2023 guest appearances with Missouri Star!
Click here to watch my video making the WearEver Wrap in Luxe Cuddle!
And click here to watch me live with Jenny Doan celebrating National Quilting Month!
If you loved this project and are looking for more books, projects, and patterns – visit my website, AmyBarickman.com. While you are there, be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter, which is full of sewing patterns, seasonal inspiration, and fun projects for needle and thread. Be sure to stay social and follow along with me on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
Amy Barickman is a creative arts entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the craft industry. Over that time, she and her designers have released over 1000 pattern titles and published 80 books – including her most popular book – Vintage Notions. Amy has always been inspired by all things vintage and has curated a personal collection of fabrics, quilts, sewing books and patterns, notions that she loves to share. She is passionate about helping others find inspiration for handmade projects and to cultivate more joy in their everyday living through needle and thread!
Click here to read another guest post by Amy Barickman, where she discusses her AnyTime Topper!
There are so many beauties here!
Fun
I’m looking for celtic/Scottish quilt patterns and not having much luck. Any suggestions?