Anyone ever get stuck and can’t seem to find a vision when designing? Me too! It’s always easier for me to start with a few tricks to get me started.

Find inspiration. I knew the fabrics reminded me of all those pins I’ve been drooling over on my Mid-Century Modern Pinterst board so that was definetly my inspiration.

Write down every idea or design that pops in your mind!  This one is important. I can’t stress this enough. I do this for my writing also. Even if you don’t think that idea will ever become something you create. Sometimes just one thought/picture/word can catapult creativity. I kept a mini notebook next to me on the couch along with the fabrics. I came up with several ideas, all of them involving a kitty.  If you don’t write or sketch your ideas, you will forget them!

Keep a visual in your sight, for instance your fabrics you’re working with. Now, I know this is kinda sadistic if you’re stuck in a design rut, but trust me…outta sight, outta mind. And that’s bad if you have a deadline! I used my portable desin board, which is just a cardboard moving box from U-Haul with a piece of batting pinned to it, to aide in this process. I pinned all my fabrics to it with my ideas and made labels to remind me what goes where, placed it next to my television, which forced me to constantly look at it, and proceeded to hem & haw over it another week.

You’ve decided on a direction, now go for it! Nothing changed on my board for that whole week, so I knew it was what I wanted to make. At least the basic idea, which included the kitty, tile counter top, and the button clock.

Once I started sewing, I told myself the story. What’s kitty staring at the clock for? Cocktail time, of course! It’s five o’clock and she’s a Cosmo Kitty! So I added a couple of martini glasses.

And everything sorta fell into place. Embellishing is my favorite part! After quilting the background, I raw edge appliquéd. I added real clock hands to the clock, along with the buttons and embroidery detail to the Cosmos.

You’re finished? Well you know what that means, right? Put your feet up and enjoy your own Cosmo while you admire your hard work! Here’s my favorite Cosmo to get you started…I’m sure it’s five o’clock somewhere.

Ice cubes
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces cranberry juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
Fresh cranberries and lime wedge

Cheers y’all!