I introduced Flare Fabrics earlier this year. Since then, they’ve expanded their fabric selection to include some gorgeous yarn dyes, like Essex Linens and Kaffe Fassett’s Woven Collection, plus many new Batiks! I’ll admit, I hadn’t had a chance to play with Batiks much, but Marlene sent me a couple to try out and I really like them.

Things I learned:
Batiks don’t have a wrong side- how cool is that?!
They have a crisp feel to them – I like it!
They are true works of art; check out this video I found on the Robert Kaufman site.

Marlene also wanted to share with you, my readers, so she’s offering up a giveaway of a fun 1/2 yard bundle including 2 Essex Linens and a Batik of your choice for one lucky reader! There’s also a discount for everyone, read below for details.

Here are some of my favourites from Flare Fabrics:

While I’m sharing my favourites, check out the selection of yarn dyes:

I chose the Espresso and Nautical Essex Linens and asked Marlene to pick what she thought worked with them, Here’s what she sent:

I love the Autumn colours in the Timeless Treasres one, and I thought the Hoffman one really matched the understated elegance I was going for with the Essex Linens I chose. The pattern I used only called for 3 different 1/2 yards, but I decided to use a bit of each of the 4 fabrics.

Recognize the pattern? It’s the Noodlehead 241 Tote! This was the very first PDF pattern I ever bought, and I really love making it. It’s suitable for a beginner, but not too simple to bore an experienced bag maker. The best part about this bag is that it’s perfect for mixing up different fabrics. I used the subtle colours for the exterior and made the lining a bit more fun with the batiks.

I had some fabric left over, so I used it in another bag. I used Michael Miller’s Painter’s Canvas from Flare Fabrics for the lining in the new Blue Calla Freesia Foldover. Have you seen the assortment of Painter’s Canvas at Flare Fabrics?! Get yourself a rainbow! I love these in place of solids. I think the bright lining with the elegant, muted exterior is a perfect balance.

That half yard of Espresso Linen went pretty far, so I made a Blue Calla Clematis with it too! I paired it with another Painter’s Canvas from Flare Fabrics again. The Painter’s Canvas works perfectly as a blender in quilting too.

With the rest of the Nautical Essex Linen, I think I will turn it into a men’s toiletry case. The fabric has such a classic look to it, it could be anything really!

Did you know? Flare Fabrics offers free shipping on Canadian orders of $75 or more, and US orders of $150 or more! It is truly a one stop shop, offering interfacing, notions, bag hardware, and even kits!

Flare Fabrics is offering a generous 15% off your purchase with code OKAPI-15
This discount is valid for the entire month of December!

Attention US readers: with exchange right now, your dollar goes much further at Canadian shops, don’t shy away, check out the deals!

For your chance to win a 1/2 yard bundle of Nautical Essex Linen, Espresso Essex Linen, and a Batik of your choice, leave a comment below telling me what you’d make with the bundle. Want a bonus entry? Comment again telling me your favourite item offered at Flare Fabrics (leave a separate comment for bonus entry). Contest closes at 11:59 pm PST December 8, 2015.

Contest open to Canadian and US residents only