Often, when I first get up in the morning, I like to enjoy my coffee while browsing fabric at some of my favorite online sources. Seeing what's new and what's coming gives me inspiration for future Sew4Home projects. Sometimes, I have a design in mind and search for the perfect fabric. Sometimes I see fabric and it spurs a project idea. A few weeks ago, we made a wonderful and amazingly easy patchwork throw from Circa 1934 by BasicGrey for Moda using a layer cake containing forty-two 10-inch squares. It went together so quickly, I thought I would make up a few for three upcoming gift-giving events. I have one I keep by my computer. It keeps me warm and I don't feel a need to notch up the heat to overcome the morning chill. I'm sure that throw has more than paid for itself in reduced heat bills! Today, I'll show you what I've picked for my three easy-to-make gift throws while browsing at Fat Quarter Shop. This is a frequent stop for me, and a fabulous source for pre-cuts.

First, if you didn't see this adorable Circa 1934 throw, go here to see how easy it is to make with pre-cuts. And, drum roll please.... ZERO waste.

We used everyone of the 42 layer cake squares to patchwork the front. A random bunch of button-jar buttons secured the layers, but you could also do a simple tied quilt which is my plan for these three throws. If you want to learn more about pre-cuts, our friends at Fat Quarter Shop were nice enough to write Jelly Rolls to Layer Cakes: A lesson in Fabric Pre-Cuts for Sew4Home last year... layer cakes, fat quarters, charm packs, jelly rolls, and honey buns. They sound good enough to eat, but are all specifically-sized cuts of fabric.

My Pre-Cut Picks

1. Layer Cake Throw: Valentine Gift

Always & Forever by Deb Strain for Moda will make a welcome gift for Valentine's Day or any time you want to remind a special someone how much you appreciate them. What a happy way to get cozy!

Always & Forever is available as:

• Fat Quarter Bundle

• Petite Fat Quarter Bundle

• Charm Pack

• Jelly Roll

• Layer Cake

• Yardage

• Also available is a sweet Tablerunner Kit by Debbie Taylor for It's Sew Emma

Go here to see all of the prints.

2. Layer Cake Throw: Friend's Birthday

Urban Cowgirl by Urban Chiks for Moda seems like an odd choice for my friend who seems to have no cowgirl in her at all, but the fabric caught my eye for its vintage coolness. This is a significant birthday for my friend and I think she will love this throw. She has a houseful of beautiful old furniture passed down from parents and grandparents, as well as a stunning collection of vintage pottery. I can picture this throw draped over her loden green velveteen sofa.

Urban Cowgirl is available as:

• Fat Quarter Bundle

• Fat Eighth Bundle

• Charm Pack

• Jelly Roll

• Layer Cake

• Yardage

Go here to see all of the prints.

3. Layer Cake Throw: Bridal Shower

I picked Flora by Lauren & Jessi Jung for Moda because not only is it beautiful, it happens to coordinate nicely with the future bride's colors and outdoor theme. I'm going to size this one larger so it's big enough for two, so I plan to mix in a very-affordable Bella Solids layer cake.

Flora is available as:

• Fat Quarter Bundle

• Charm Pack

• Jelly Roll

• Layer Cake

• Yardage

Go here to see all of the prints.

Finding Fabric

If you see a particular fabric online you like, you can check your favorite fabric source to find out if they have it in stock or can get it for you. Be sure to look at our Shopping Directory for our fave sources. You can also try Googling the fabric name along with the designer's name or the design house, for example: "Flora" and Moda Fabrics. Prints from older collections can sometimes be found on Etsy or eBay. If you love a fabric, get it while you can. Because, like fashionable apparel, popular fabrics come and go; at some point, even the most amazing fabrics are no longer in stores or online.