Shopping as Muse?
Have you ever been out shopping and thought, That would make a great pattern! If so, you aren't alone.
Going shopping means you're hit with a lot of inspiration all at once... and not only for the project you've gone out for. Bring a notepad to jot down what you see!
Going out to shop for new home furnishings can be enjoyable, especially if you are in the mood for it. I've recently bought a new house that is twice the size of my previous one; so that means a lot of remodelling and decorating while we fill up the new rooms and get everything fixed up.
Here are a few places you'll find great ideas for creating your next patterns:
1) Clothing Stores »
Are you a sewer? You can spot the latest fashions and modify your patterns to match them. If you aren't up to that, you can still find inspiration in the accessories that accompany the clothing: make your own belts, earrings, wrist wraps, and hair ties.
2) Home and Garden Stores »
These stores offer unlimited ideas! In the ceramic tile center, look for quilt block ideas (the Bright Hopes pattern, which includes a partial seam, is easily made with tile). Even carpeting can provide you with fabulous ideas -- diamonds, squares, and triangles fit together as in quilt blocks; and tesselating patterns allow you to see new ways to fit blocks together. Circles, hearts, and flowers can form new applique patterns. And speaking of flowers, visit the garden center for exotic ways to bring botanicals to your original patterns.
3) Bed and Bath Stores »
If you are redecorating, you may be able to make your own designs that match what you buy. Choose a waste basket with a simple printed pattern, for example, and incorporate that design into a quilt, pillow, wallhanging, or framed embroidery work.
4) Fabric Stores »
Not only is the selection jaw-dropping, you can get a gander at the latest patterns and techniques through the displays along the walls.
5) Grocery Stores»
If you visit one of these as regularly as most people do, you might be rather jaded about finding something interesting in there, let alone something to get excited about. But if you are looking for ideas for your kitchen, you can choose a fruit or vegetable -- for example, an eggplant -- and select the colours that match it. Paint your walls purple, use tiles that are purple and green, make hotpads, towels, artwork, or clocks using matching colours and images of the eggplant itself. Quilted table coverings or runners can incorporate eggplant applique or colours that match the paint.
Where do you find your inspiration? Most people don't go looking for their ideas, they are hit with them at the least opportune time. Make it a habit to carry even a small notepad so you can jot down your ideas as they come to you. And try looking at the most ordinary things as ways to inspire your sewing and needlework.
