bathing beauty

I have been waiting to hold Amanda's new book in my hands ever since she announced that she was writing it! Visiting her blog is a lovely morning ritual I hate to miss. We share the same passion about so many things: family, nature, creating with our hands... and, of course, an appreciation for vintage finds. I read Handmade Home from cover to cover on the day it appeared in my mail box (more accurately: into the wee hours of the night). I love how many of her beautiful projects also fit a utilitarian purpose in the home. I'm always drawn to making something that will be used right away. Our bath mat had been bothering me for months... it had seen better days. I knew the towel rug would be the first thing tried.
What I didn't know was what fabric and towel I would use. I let it percolate for a week or so and then had my aha! moment. A beautiful piece of Betz White's delicious organic fabric had been sitting on my sewing desk for almost a month. It had felt too special to cut. I have that problem sometimes.

What if I made a bath mat out of it and didn't cut it? I was onto something! I then knew instantly which towel to use. I only had one of these IKEA polka dot hand towels, but they were such a nice match. I didn't hesitate.

We enjoy baths in our home. A lot. This new mat has really been celebrated! I love how Amanda encourages you to use her patterns as springboards for your own creations. I didn't follow the exact directions in Handmade Home. I couldn't cover up any of that fabric. It was so quick and easy, makes me want to make one for the back door. High traffic areas deserve a little love and beauty, too. Thanks Amanda and Betz... you are both always such an inspiration!