February at Eternal Maker

I've chosen blues for this month's choice from sponsor Eternal Maker inspired by the hottest fabric range at the moment, Outback Wife.  This is a range of cotton barkcloths by Cathi Bessell Browne who you may know from Instagram as Gertrude Made.  The stories behind the prints are inspired by women Cathi knows and can be found on her blog- see Elaine's story as an example.  The fabric itself is slubby, medium to heavy weight but the weave is quite relaxed so the drape is good.  My first thoughts for barkcloth are dresses, skirts and jackets.  It's also perfect for bags (tote styles would work well), purses and home decor - curtains, pillows etc.  It can work for quilting but it needs simple bold designs and bigger shapes as it is a fabric that frays easily and the seams can be bulky.  See a stunning of a quilt which mixes Outback Wife with other fabrics here and a free pattern at Ella Blue, the manufacturers of this fabric range.  Outback Wife is available for pre-order in lots of colours and it's likely many of the prints will sell out before it arrives in May.  Eternal Maker are stocking the full floral range, Anna spoke to Cathi at the Stitches trade fair last week and couldn't resist all the prints!  The range was developed slowly and included handpainting the floral designs so although it is an expensive purchase it's hard to resist at least a small cut and at 150cm wide, that might help soften the blow.  I've chosen some quilting cottons too and some Nani Iro double gauze, so hopefully something for everyone.

From main picture (left), then clockwise.

1. Kristen Blue, Outback Wife.  Cathi has also designed a pattern for Simplicity including her signature dress style. It hasn't reached the UK yet but I would imagine they are just waiting for the seasons to change. 
2. Plumes, turquoise, biology by Sarah Watson for Cloud9 Organics.  Quilting cotton.
3. Bindi Wife, Outback Wife barkcloth
4. Seedlings in Aqua, Loominous, by Anna Maria Horner for Free Spirit Fabrics, woven yarn dyed cotton. 
5. Elaine, Purple, Outback Wife barkcloth.
6. Chambray Stripe Polo blue by Mas D'ousvan, gorgeous colour chambray fabric, suitable for quilting and clothing
7. Triangle Blue rayon double gauze, By Naomi Ito for Nani Iro, Kokka.  Rayon (lyocell) cotton blend. 
8. Mary, Blue, Outback Wife barkcloth