Sweet Shoppe Designs

I have ostensibly been collecting fabric for this trip to Hawaii since the fall of 2019.

Some of the pieces I'm using for this project have been in my stash since before our last trip to the Islands - like the beautiful abstract ocean-print cotton I bought in February 2018 for that trip, but ended up not using - and others were purchased for my stash because I loved their vibrant colors and they've just been waiting for the right project.

But I began purposefully purchasing fabric with our Kauai trip in mind in late 2019.

Sly Fox Fabrics announced a pre-sale on Modal Jersey, a lightweight, silky knit that breathes in the heat. I remember thinking it would be perfect for Island-wear, and I had visions of palazzo pants and swishy sundresses. So I ordered it in six colors, a total of 21 yards; when it arrived, I laundered it, folded and rolled it into bundles, and gently placed it on my fabric shelves, excited to cut into it later in the summer.

And then, the pandemic happened. Travel to the islands was cut off for quarantine. And our November trip was cancelled.

Of course, I didn't stop buying fabric with Hawaii on my mind. I knew we'd eventually go back, and honestly, it made me feel hopeful each time I ordered a new swath of fabric - like that future trip wasn't just wishful thinking. Hope was something we all needed amidst those dark days of the pandemic. Mine just happened to come in one yard increments.