The first time I worked with Fleet & Flourish was actually last fall when I was sewing up samples for my friend Maureen's Quilt Market booth. Back then I was enjoying the challenge of seeing how far I could stretch the smaller pieces of strike-offs that I had to work with to make as many bags as possible. This time, it was a thrill to have the entire spectrum of prints on hand in the bundle that she sent me, and while I was sorely tempted to make a quilt, I decided that it would be better to sew something I really desperately needed: an iron cover.
Though we often think only of making sewing machine covers, I've found that my iron can get just as dusty and lint covered as my machine. As I was looking through the pages of Natural Patchwork by Suzuko Koseki -- an absolutely gorgeous book which I highly recommend -- it suddenly struck me that, with just a few changes, her adorable tea cozy (shown right there on the cover) would make a fabulous iron cozy.
It took only one afternoon to sew this together, and I couldn't be happier with the finished project. I kept the patchwork front, using slightly larger rectangles, and used a favorite print on the back. The cover is not only a perfect fit for my iron, but it also lies flat when not in use. I can slip it into a drawer while I sew and then pull it out again when I need it.
Maureen is such a talented designer. I feel like all her projects -- whether they be her fabric collections, quilted projects, or felt creations -- are such a clear reflection of her own style: a lovely mix of bohemian, romantic, and country with just a touch of fantasy. More than anything, you can see her heart in the designs, and this is what I love the most. I'm so honored to have the chance to work with her fabric.
