What's more fun than felt fish?

Not much!
I had so much fun making these little critters. I started out by cutting small felt circles to create the fish scales. Cutting the circles wasn't the easiest thing in the world, but I do like the look:

 

 

I then decided to try using small felt squares to create the fish scale pattern. I sewed the tiny squares in an alternating pattern to a piece of muslin. I found this great coordinating chevron-style cotton which I think works really great with the diamond pattern. I overlayed the felt square pattern onto the chevron fish and cut the squares the shape of the fish.

 

Here's the final product!

 

I'm trying some other combinations in citrus colors and I found another great cotton fabric for the fish. Watch for this project coming soon!

 



Nautical Shabby Chic Runner

I just finished this runner and really like how it turned out. It's made of natural burlap, woven with jute and appliqued with  gauze-like linen waves. I wanted the look to be very raw and all natural looking.

Here's how it was made:

I started by measuring and cutting my piece of  burlap. Then I created a paper template of waves, pinned it to my gauze, which I had backed with a fusible fabric stabilizer, and cut it out.

I then pulled out a couple strands and wove in a piece of jute the full length of the runner on each end. Taking a large embroidery needle, I wove in a couple strands of an off-white burlap for some contrast.

Next step was to pin the applique waves in place. And, with my machine set at a very small, tight zig zag, I sewed the applique to the runner. This was a bit tricky with all the twists and turns.





Last, all the edges were zig zagged to lock the weave in place so it will not unravel. I then apply a light starch with a hot iron to flatten and add body to the material. The look is just what I was after -- shabby chic, beachy, nautical and natural! Hope you like it. It's for sale in my Etsy Shop, www.etsy.com/shop/Floatinteriors.

Anchors Aweigh Collection

It's been super hot here in Michigan. We had visitors over the weekend and spent a lot of time on the boat/beach. But on Sunday, I elected to hide inside and enjoy the AC and finish up this project. I found this cotton ticking and matched it up with a bright red 'suede' material. I then hand-stitched these vintage anchor appliques on to the pillows. Yes, hand-stitched. No iron-on when using vintage appliques. I found the appliques online at a vintage Etsy shop.

I love the pop of red on this simple stripe.