Hey! I have a few exciting media events to share with you! First up is my appearance on the show Cultivating Life on WGN America. I show the host, Sean Conway, how to make a duck cloth picnic blanket. It airs this Sunday, May 2nd at 11:30 am EST. (check your local listings!) Or, you can watch the full video of my segment here:
Duck Cloth Blanket from Cultivating Life on Vimeo.
You may remember my post about visiting Sean’s beautiful gardens last year. Yup, it was a whole year ago that this piece was shot. The coolest part for me is that I was able to make the project for the episode out of my very own Family Cottage print, Picnic Floral. How ’bout that! Be sure to visit the Cultivating Life website for all sorts of inspiration and my project instructions.
***edit: I just want to add something here about the picnic blanket video. After watching it again, I realized that one of the coolest features about this blanket was edited out. As you saw, there is a webbing strap that wraps around the blanket when stored. But the strap has a dual function! After the picnic, toss your book and your frisbee, etc., into the center of the blanket. Loop the strap through all four D-rings and draw them together, gathering up the blanket around your gear. Throw the strap over your shoulder and you’re outta there!***
Next up on May 2nd (busy media day for me, no?) is FaveCrafts blog talk radio! This will be a live interview by host Tiffany Windsor. Did I mention it was live? Yeah, so it’s live and everything. Who knows what will happen! All I know is I will be speaking about repurposing, one of my favorite topics!
Well, there went April, that was a fast 4 months of the year. Speaking of time flying, how is it that May 1st marks my 4 year blogiversary? Or that May 6th is my 15 year wedding anniversary? I don’t know, but suddenly I feel like I have a lot of celebrating to do!
I love reading your blog and I really enjoyed the video. I’ve been eyeing some duck cloth at my Hobby Lobby store and now I know what I’m going to make with it! Good luck on the live talk show!
Denise
Hey Betz,
Every time I that picture of you I look at your shirt, then I look at my purse. Is that a Liberty shirt? Or is the print just crazy similar to the print Liberty used on their Target goods. Either way, awesome shirt!
Ali
Alexa,
Yes, my shirt is a Liberty print a la JCrew from about 2006. And yes, it is very similar to the Target one although I prefer mine!
Thanks,
Betz
Congrats Betz! You are such a pro on my fave show, Cultivating Life, which is the perfect showcase of your awesome organic fabric. Happy Blogiversary & Anniversary!
Cheers,
Lisa
Thanks again, Betz! Using D-rings to secure the picnic blanket is genius! I never would have thought of that!
Just got the new slip ons I ordered from Zazzle for my daughter (12). She loves them! They’re adorable.
I love the picnic blanket…I have to tell you I am always taking lunch to my husband out in a field somewhere and we end up sitting in the grass, me fighting away bugs so you can bet I will be stitching one up really soon…such a simple idea but one I never gave any thought to! thanks! sharon at farm and fru fru
Another great project, Betz. You didn’t even seem nervous!
That is such a great project. I’ve been on the hunt for a picnic blanket but now you’ve actually made me want to make my own now. It was very nice to see you in action too.
Happy anniversary, blogiversary and good luck on the radio!
Cool blanket idea! How much duckcloth did you use for that one? Thanks!
Mustang65,
1 1/2 yards of 54″ canvas/duck cloth. Written directions are here:
http://www.cultivatinglife.com/Duck-Cloth-Blanket.html
Thanks!
Betz
Look at you, so multi-media! I am super impressed! Was it fun? I took a class at Gaston College in North Carolina to learn how to use the Felt Loom. Do you know much about it? Excited about the pre-felting possibilities, then wet felting the pre-felt. I will share some of the product with you once I receive the machine. Congrats on all of this exciting stuff going on in your life.
Jen,
It was fun, thanks! I don’t even know what a felt loom is, please share when you experiment with it!
Betz
Congrats on your interviews, blog anniversary and wedding anniversary…more good things are coming your way..
Heard you on Favcraft radio – great segment
All you ideias are lovely. Congartolations from Portugal !
Your duck cloth picnic blanket it wonderful! I love your fabric, and what a great idea to gather it all up with the crap inside when you’re ready to pack it in! Thanks for posting the video!