We began our 2015 Swatch of the Month back in January but neglected to write about the swatch and share pictures here on the Journal. Many of you reached out to let us know that you missed these posts. We heard. We listened. And herewith, our February post (and the slightly late January below).

Here’s what February has in store for me:

February 1 – Super Bowl Sunday. Watch the Puppy Bowl with Maggie instead.
February 2 – Groundhog Day. (Note: Groundhog Day movie marathon on television)
February 3 – Full moon. Literally anything can happen.
February 7 – National Send a Card to a Friend Day
February 14 – Valentine’s Day
February 17 – National Act of Kindness Day. I will buy lunch for some guests at the Factory Café.
February 22 – Downton Abbey finale (It’s a guilty pleasure. No apologies.)
February 24 – Start seeds: broccoli, cauliflower, peas

Make time to begin February’s Swatch of the Month—backstitched reverse appliqué. For a detailed description of this technique, view page 97 of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design.

You can experiment with different versions of reverse applique: traditional reverse appliqué, beaded appliqué, outside reverse appliqué, or any other technique that suits you.

OUR DESIGN CHOICES

Fabric – 100% organic medium-weight cotton jersey
Top layer fabric color – Dove
Backing layer fabric color – Baby Blue
Stencil – Angie’s Fall
Treatment – Backstitched reverse appliqué
Textile paint – Pearl Grey
Embroidery floss – Light Grey

And aspire to some projects from last year’s series here:  The DIY Swatch Tote, DIY Swatch Pillows, or the DIY Clutch. As you complete more swatches, consider the DIY Book Cover or DIY Swatch Wrap—or come up with your own project.

AND (OF COURSE) JANUARY:

January began the year’s Swatch of the Month project with our most popular technique—reverse appliqué—using our Large Polka Dot stencil. This technique is described, with detailed photographs, in Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, on pages 95-98. You can also view this previous post for additional instructions and tips.

OUR DESIGN CHOICES

Fabric – 100% organic medium-weight cotton jersey
Top layer fabric color – Navy
Backing layer fabric color – Dove
Stencil – Large Polka Dot
Treatment – Reverse appliqué
Textile paint – Pearl Slate
Button Craft thread – Navy #13

Follow along on social media and on our Journal with the hashtags:
#theschoolofmaking
#swatchofthemonth
#buildawardrobe2016