Not Your Grandmother's Yo Yo's!

Who doesn't remember those vintage yo yo quilts spread across their grandmother's bed, displaying not only her lovingly placed hand stitching, but also the various colors and textures from her scrap fabric stash?  These little circles of hand gathered fabric are a staple among vintage quilts, folk art and primitive crafts. However, some modern sewers often view these embellishments as a bit far too passe' to be incorporated among their sylish and current fashion creations. (Remember Angela from Season 3 of Project Runway and the flack she caught for embellishing all of her fashions with fabric yo yo's?)

Well, as is often the case with fashion and trends, what was old is now new again, and those who once closed their mind to the possibility of using fabric yo yo's on any of their designs are having to give these whimsical rounds of material a second look!
Modern fabrics and a fresh approach to yo yo's place the sky as the limit to how you can incorporate a touch of whimsy to your quilts, clothing, handbags and crafts while also using up your ever growing fabric and scrap stash. Plus, they're perfect for employing those fat quarters of fabric you have yet to find just the right project for.

Mixing not only colors and fabrics but also varying the size and scale of your yo yo's is a great way to create texture and add interest to your crafty creations, and no where is this more important than in quilting.

By choosing to simply stitch the center of your fabric yo yo down, allows you to add a bit of whimsy to your finished piece, and can make these little pieces appear like sweet posies among your field of fabric. Try adding a variety of buttons and beads to the centers of your yo yo's to add interest and fun to your finished piece!

Artist and designer Amy Butler, has also embraced the resurgence of fabric yo yo's as part of the modern sewing trends, and she has created a stunning and eye catching quilt featuring yo yo's in various sizes stitched upon a floral stipped base and edged in a fun and whimsical fabric ruffle. You can download the free pattern here!

When crafted out of pieces from Amy's amazing fabric collection, this quilt is a feast for the eyes and imagination! Stop by the store to see this gorgeous model on display in our quilting room!

Ready to get started crafting your own yo yo projects? Try the "Quick" Yo Yo Maker by Clover (available in the store and via mail order from Sewing Studio) This great little tool truly makes yo yo crafting swift and easy! It's also available in a variety of sizes and in floral patterns for a fun twist on the traditional yo yo circular design.