So maybe Chambray isn't a new obsession per say, but, it has been seen all over the runways for the Spring/Summer 2017 fashion shows.  And for good reason since it's the perfect alternative to denim + is super comfy - those are just facts.

WHAT IS CHAMBRAY?

Chambray is often confused with denim.  But, it's actually denim's light-weight cousin.  It's a cotton fabric that combines colored yarn (in the warp or top of the fabric) and white yarn (in the weft or back of the fabric), which is actually the same manner that denim is woven in.  However, Chambray is a plain or sometimes crisscross weave whereas denim is a diagonal weave.  In plain English that means that Chambray is a lighter, airier weave that exposes more of the white yarn in the top side of the fabric.  Whereas denim is a dense, tight weave (and therefore heavier) that keeps the white yarn on the back side of the fabric - giving it a darker color than any Chambray.

WHAT TO MAKE USING CHAMBRAY

We know that Chambray has the appearance of a lightly colored denim and that it is a little bit heavier than basic quilting fabrics, but, not as heavy as denim.  So the question becomes - what can you make using Chambray?

The answer to that question is pretty endless.  You can go traditional and create a top like the one pictured above or you can get creative with it and create nearly anything you can think of for your Spring/Summer wardrobe.  Think: button up shirts, dresses (both flowing and structured), pantsuits, pants, and even shoes (Espadrilles look amazing in Chambray).

WHAT ABOUT HOME-GOODS USES

Can Chambray be used to create home-goods?  Of course!  It is perfect for tablecloths, napkins, pillowcases, duvet covers, and yes - especially aprons.  It is tough + durable while staying soft + comfy, which, in my opinion makes it ideal for a workhorse apron.

Washed Chambray will give you a similar wrinkled look of linen,.  As I'm sure you've seen all over Etsy and Pinterest, that wrinkled look is crazy popular these days.  So, with that in mind, I am thinking that a revamped bistro apron or gardening apron would be the perfect style choice for Chambray.  Mix it with pops of color - sparingly or all over for an unexpected surprise.  Like the soft pink seen in the image above. 

NUTSHELL RECAP:  WHY CHAMBRAY IS THE PERFECT DENIM ALTERNATIVE

• It's lighter than denim, but a bit heavier than standard quilting fabrics
• It's generally 100% Cotton (not a blend)
• It's durable - weighing in at 4.9 oz. per square yard
• It's soft and non-scratchy fabric + will only get softer with each washing
• Its composition makes it more versatile than denim + can be used for clothing and home-goods alike

What do you think of Chambray with pink?  I have tons of ideas swirling around and can't wait to share the end result with you!

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Top Photo of Chambray: Fancy Tiger Crafts

For some reason I have loved this fabric combo for years.  It made its first appearance in our shop when we were still selling the Jessie Apron.  I think the pops of animal print in the main Santa fabric are just fun - and a great way to add a little of an unexpected pop.



This fabric can be purchased at Hobby Lobby - and if you catch it on a sale, snag a bunch of it to make your family and friends some awesome aprons!  If you want to make this exact one, you can snag the Jessie pattern in our Etsy shop. 

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Jessie Apron Pattern + Tutorial by Bambino Amore // Wild Santa Jessie Apron by Bambino Amore

Christmas is the perfect time to really get creative with your fabric combos - it's almost like Halloween all over again, except with a sweet twist as opposed to a scary one.


Like this custom Gingerbaby apron that we made for a clients little one and her friend.  We began with a light brown gingerbread background for the body of the apron and added some white icing up the middle in the form of white ruffles on either side of a middle panel.  Inside that middle panel we added bright green braided trim + buttons in red and green.  The crisp white icing bias around the bodice was topped off with red ricrac and a sweet red bow.  The traditional red + white striped fabric ties the whole look together in the underskirt and the ties.


What do you think of this fabric combo?  It's a nice spin on a traditional gingerbread, isn't it?

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Last Two Photos - client thank you photos.

There is something special about this time of year, isn't it?  The air turns crisp and chilly while the house gets decorated with leaves + pumpkins.  The smells coming from the kitchen are both spicy and sweet - a beautiful juxtaposition of the season itself.

This month's fabric inspiration comes directly from this juxtaposition.  The vanilla bean half apron is the ideal hostess apron, although I wouldn't recommend cooking in it as it's a creamy white KONA with a crochet lace overlay.  We'll do a tutorial for this apron if you'd like - just drop us a comment below letting us know!     


The two aprons above feature vinyl iron-on appliques that I made and cut on my Cricuit.  The combo of the spice and vanilla colored KONA cotton with the pumpkin colored skirt with golden pin dots is topped off with golden trim along the waistband.

What do you think of these three combos for Thanksgiving?  Do you have a favorite?

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Aprons by Bambino Amore - found at Bambino Amore