I’m thrilled to finally share Balboa, my second collection of 29 new patterned linen fabrics, created in collaboration with Robert Kaufman Fabrics in Los Angeles! This collection was inspired by my explorations into the world of textiles, featuring pattern motifs that echo Anni Albers’ weavings, Sashiko mending techniques, endless spools of cotton thread, and traditional woven baskets from around the world. The color palette is drawn from my life in my new city: San Diego. Lots of beautiful blues, sandy tans, and even a little green. I named my first fabric collection for the Arroyo Seco where I’d hike in LA, and Balboa is named for the park that’s just blocks from my new home — a beautiful place of inspiration in my daily life.
I was excited to collaborate with a few of my favorite makers to create sample projects for this collection! I worked extensively with Meghan from Then Came June to mock up her gorgeous quilt patterns with Balboa fabric. The quilts above are called Meadowlands and Double Mountain.
My friend Kristyn sewed up this cute Gemma Tank from Made by Rae, and I’m in love! Gonna make so many tanks with Balboa for those late summer heat waves. She also sewed some Noodlehead wallets for me, which I’ll be sharing over on Instagram soon!
I designed a special quilt for this release, which I called “City Blocks.” It will be available to download for free from the Robert Kaufman website once the fabric begins to ship to stores later in the Fall!
The marketing team at Robert Kaufman created this beautiful Cora Bag from Sotak Handmade out of the Spools fabric in Chambray. Such a dreamy tote for all your crafty gear.
Balboa will begin shipping out to fabric stores later in the fall. If you’re excited to sew with Balboa, let your local fabric shop know, so they can order it! Sharing the love for this collection is the best way to make sure it ends up in more fabric stores near you.
I’m so excited to see what other makers will create with these new fabrics. The biggest thrill of releasing a new fabric collection is seeing my work take on new life as creative sewists make something new with my designs. If you create something with Balboa, tag me on Instagram, and use the hashtag #balboafabric!
