Why Pinterest Is Basically Your New Creative BFF Let’s be real—Pinterest isn’t just for planning dream weddings or saving recipes you’ll never cook (guilty). It’s a goldmine for creatives, designers, makers, and all-around visual thinkers. Whether you're dreaming up your next collection, redecorating a space, or planning a passion project, Pinterest is like that friend who always knows what looks good—and isn’t afraid to show you. So, why should you care about Pinterest? Because it's not just a social network—it’s a visual search engine. You can explore styles, color palettes, textures, and layouts from all over the world, right from your screen. Think of it as your digital mood board… that updates itself every day. And if you’re a fabric-lover, DIY dreamer, or full-on sewing enthusiast? Pinterest is basically your happy place. Sewists, this part’s for you: Pinterest can be the starting point for your next me-made outfit. Here’s how: Start with ready-to-wear inspiration.Use Pinterest to browse retail looks you love—from street style to runway to everyday influencers. You can search for specific pieces ("linen jumpsuit", "boxy blouse", "maxi wrap dress") or even full outfit vibes ("minimalist fall wardrobe", "coastal grandma chic", etc.). Then find the perfect sewing pattern match.Once you've pinned a look you love, it’s time to reverse-engineer it. What’s the silhouette? The construction? The fabric? Use those clues to hunt for a sewing pattern that mimics the style—but made by you. (Bonus: You get to pick the fabric.) Use Pinterest’s visual search tool.Did you know you can click on any image and search for visually similar ones? It’s an underrated tool for finding pattern inspiration or alternate versions of a look. 3 Ways We Use Pinterest at Fabric & Flow: 1. To build mood boards before creating anything Before any new product shoot, collection drop, or branding decision, we scroll through boards full of aesthetic magic to set the tone. It’s a total vibe check. 2. To spot trends before they hit your inbox Pinterest is where trends start. Whether it’s earthy color palettes, statement prints, or soft minimalism, we’re watching it unfold there first—and weaving it into our fabric and content planning. 3. To connect with you (yes, you) We’re always updating our Pinterest with curated boards of ready-to-wear looks paired with similar sewing patterns. Whether you’re hunting for your next sewing project or building your dream wardrobe, we’ve done the legwork to help you go from inspo to “I made this.” Want to start pinning like a pro? Here’s a mini challenge: 📌 Create a board for your next sewing project.Call it whatever you want (we like “Color Crush” or “Closet Goals”). Then, go wild—pin outfits, patterns, fabrics, color palettes, and textures. Try searching for looks you’d actually wear, then imagine how you could make them yourself. Before you know it, you’ve got a full visual game plan—and a whole lot of motivation. Ready to get inspired? Start scrolling (and sewing) with us:👉 Follow Fabric & Flow on Pinterest

Why Print Placement Matters We’ve all been there. You’re walking through a store, glance at a garment, and bam — there it is. A flower, a circle, a bold graphic... sitting right there. Dead center. Unintended bullseye. The kind that makes you do a double take (and not in a good way). Print placement might sound like a small detail, but once you notice it — there’s no unseeing it. And if you’ve ever cut your pattern pieces without thinking about where the print falls, you know that pit-of-your-stomach feeling when you realize what just happened. Let’s talk about how to avoid those moments and make your fabric work for you, not against you. Directional vs. Non-Directional Prints Knowing whether your fabric is directional (where the design has a clear top and bottom) or non-directional (design works in any orientation) is key before you start cutting. Non-directional prints are a dream for sewists. Why? Less fabric waste and more flexibility in layout. You can often flip pieces to make the most of every inch - like Summer Slice. Directional prints like French Botanicals, require you to be more mindful. Every piece needs to be cut facing the same way — especially if it’s a garment like swimwear or dresses where top and bottom matter. But here’s the fun part: even technically non-directional prints can have a "best" orientation. Pattern Placement: Make or Break Even with a non-directional print, placement can make or break a design. When you’re working with larger-scale or bold prints, you want to highlight the fabric — not hide it or create visual distractions. Case in point? Let’s talk about two of our favourite swimwear prints: 🌿 Leaf It to Me Think cool, abstract botanical vibes. It’s technically non-directional, so you can flip it any way.But... it honestly looks best vertically. That flow? Chef’s kiss. It’s stunning on a one-piece swimsuit, especially when you take time to place the pattern to show off the print’s movement. Trust us — it’s worth the extra thought. 🏺 Casa Blanca This one’s all about bohemian elegance with earthy tones and a bold scale. Again, vertically-oriented layout gives the most striking impact. Casa Blanca sings when allowed to take center stage on a one-piece. Fabric Grain and Stretch Considerations When working with stretch fabric (like 4-way stretch swimwear), you get even more flexibility. Some prints don’t have a strict grain direction, which means more creative freedom and less waste — win-win! Still, if you're fussy cutting or matching stripes, patterns, or motifs, remember:👉 You’ll need extra fabric.But oh — when those stripes line up just right? Cue the angelic chorus. Pro Tips for Smart Sewing with Prints: Always lay out your pattern pieces and visualize the finished garment before cutting. Use a full-size printout or make a mockup for big prints. Consider the visual impact zones (center front, bust, seat, etc.) and avoid placing big motifs where you don’t want attention. When in doubt: step back. Squint. Does the placement work from a distance? Final Stitch: Celebrate the Print Prints are powerful. When thoughtfully placed, they can highlight your shape, tell a story, or add that extra wow to your project. Whether you're working with something abstract like Leaf It to Me or something bold like Casa Blanca, take a few minutes to plan. A little intention goes a long way — and helps you avoid any hello-look-at-my-bits surprises along the way. Want to see more swimwear-ready prints?Browse Our Swim FabricsOr check out Leaf It to Me and Casa Blanca directly and start planning your next masterpiece!

Guess what?! We’ve got some exciting news that’s going to make your online shopping experience even better (and your wallet happier). We just lowered our free shipping threshold from $199 to $150!  That means more free shipping, more savings, and fewer reasons to abandon your cart. Win-win-win. Why the Change? We heard you loud and clear. $199 felt like a big commitment, especially when you're just a few items away from hitting the free shipping mark. So, we’re making it easier (and faster) to qualify for free shipping – because honestly, who doesn’t love seeing that magical “Free Shipping” note at checkout? What This Means for You: Save More, Spend Less – Now, you only need to hit $150 to unlock free shipping. No More Overthinking Your Cart – Add what you love and check out with confidence. More Frequent Orders – Shop in smaller batches, more often, without paying for shipping each time. Our Promise to You We’re all about delivering more value with every click. Lowering our free shipping threshold is just one way we’re working to make your shopping experience smoother, easier, and more rewarding. So go ahead—fill that cart. You’re closer than ever to free shipping bliss! 💡 Pro Tip: Want to stay in the loop on future deals and updates like this one? Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on socials. We’ve always got something brewing... Thanks for being part of our amazing community. Happy shopping—and enjoy that free shipping!