A yard of fabric doesn't seem like much, but you'd be surprised at how far it stretches. "One yard is ideal for small projects," says designer Lotta Jansdotter, who sells her fabrics in one-yard blocks.

 

Each yields a variety of bite-size accents; in our case, five book jackets, a garden tote, or two cushions. The creative potential is limited only by your imagination.

 

Swedish-born Lotta Jansdotter began her design career nine years ago by screen-printing pillows. Today her designs grace ceramics, textiles, stationery, and more.

 

Her distinct organic look blends natural beauty and urban chic: geometric forms or scaled-down checks float across aprons; abstract flower buds open on a thank-you note.

HOW TO GET IT: One-yard Lotta Jansdotter fabric blocks are $35 each and available by calling 415-409-1457 or by visiting her Web site.

www.jansdotter.com