Also referred to by some people as “unique” prints, “fun” prints and such. However, I prefer the term “conversational” prints — they do sort of break the ice, no?

Some people run far from these obvious prints, but I like them a lot. The fun and unexpected element is obvious; a “slice of life” depiction on what we wear? Fashion should be fun within the boundaries of taste. Those are my thoughts. What do you think?

Tailor mice, relaxing on the job:

Raise the proverbial hand if would you would wear this lovable print in silk crepe; the sewing mice remind me of those talented critters responsible for Cinderella’s ball gown. So again, would you wear it? Not as a lining where it’s hidden, but outward as a fashion fabric? I would and will. This was found at my fashionista sewing group’s fabric-swap. There’s not much yardage there so I will have to be appropriately creative.

How about Scarlet?

Spoiled, bratty southern belle, literary heroine Scarlet O’Hara is the focus of this print; I made this dress in the early aughts for the ASG Conference in Atlanta decades ago. Get it? Atlanta and Scarlet? However, I wore it just once with a white cardigan, because the bodice did not look right on me. The dress has been saved for an overdue refashion because I love this 100% cotton.

New York, New York?

I love a city print! This one depicts New York, and there’s writing which is totally legible. I still do not know what to make with it — but it better be soon. I mean, if not now, when?? It is lightweight silk crepe, and was purchased in New York from a well known store (not Mood) whose name I have forgotten — yeah it was that long ago.

Currently sewing:

At first glimpse this print can read as a painterly abstract, that notion is quickly dispelled. It’s a slice-of-life in a high-rise. Can you spot the balcony plants? And, the laundry hanging off the balconies? So relatable. This “high rise” (I’d love to rename it “tenement”) print tank dress is awaiting a neckline finish and hem. It’s rayon knit and once completed, you’ll see it right here. So stay tuned. You can find the fabric online at Sew Much Fabric.

Are these “conversational” prints?

I do not deem these prints “conversational” because of the close repetition (tessellation?) which reads: flowery type of print — in spite of being teacups, hats and sewing notions — a “slice of my own life”. These three are quilting cottons. I mean, I’m a tea drinker, and I’m a sewing freak which elicited a visceral response to them, resulting in their addition to my stash. Will I ever use them in a quilt? If a garment, what will it be?

So, I pulled out all these prints from the stash after starting to make the “high rise” dress, obsessing about them all over again. That’s stash-fabric life — pull out, obsess, put it away, forget about it; rinse and repeat…..

Samina