So I went a little Crazy...

Anyone who knows me well, or has been to my house much knows that I have a number of weaknesses.  I love carbs in almost any form.  I can not eat just one piece of chocolate.  I make a huge mess when I cook.  And I am addicted to fabric.

If I go to a fabric store, I can not come home empty handed.  Two years ago, I made a New Years resolution to not buy any fabric for 1 year.  I lasted about 3 weeks.  I simply love the colors and patterns and textures.  I also can't stand the idea of not being able to find a print if I don't buy it right then.  And therein lies the rub. 

My husband Mike, really likes this bow tie, and wanted me to make a traditional tie for him from the same fabric so all of our boys could match.

 

Unfortunately, I had only purchased a quarter yard.  Enough for a few bow ties, but not nearly enough for a men's tie.  I had purchased the fabric for the tie at a great little fabric and quilt shop in Hills Iowa called Inspirations back in November.  I couldn't find it online, so I decided I needed to head back and see if they still had any.

So, my really cute neighbor across the street also happens to sew and quilt.  I mentioned that I needed to go back to Inspirations, and she said she would happily come along. 

I live in Iowa City.  It is a small city and half of the population are students (Or at least it feels that way.)   There are very few fabric shops in the area that have much inventory.  JoAnns is your main choice, and it's pretty small.  Home Ec. carries several great lines of fabric, but their shop is small and as such, the inventory is limited. 

So, if one wants to purchase fabric and have lots of choices, one must be willing to travel. 

Fortunately, Hills is not too far from Iowa City.  It is a tiny midwest town, and just happens to have a great quilt shop.  (and a nice little bakery attached!)

I began to search for Mike's requested fabric, but to no avail.  It simply had all disappeared.  I couldn't even find the coordinating fabrics.  Fortunately, there was a large assortment of wonderful spring fabrics and new lines I hadn't seen before.  I was forced to limit myself to 5 different prints all of which will make great mens ties and cute bow ties.

As I was getting ready to check out and pay, I asked about Mike's print.  The owner of the shop directed me to the sale corner, which I had somehow missed.  Everything was 1/2 price and although Mike's print wasn't there, many of the coordinating prints were!  I simply couldn't resist!  I threw all caution to the wind and bought another 5 prints!

Now I have more great fabrics to make into coordinating sets for dads and sons! 

Good thing the boys are back in school so I'll have time to work on all of these new projects!