Make yourself a really cool knitting bag!

Quilt backing. So totally quilt backing. You'd get to sleep with hot men every night (and no one would be the wiser when looking into your bedroom).

Shower curtains. The proximity to water would negate the fire danger.

Does this mean you did buy or or not? Oh, I hope you bought it. I don't know what I'm make with it either: napkins? a pillow? pajamas? It is so cool. I especially love the guy with the big hose. Tee hee hee.

Nice hoses.

Man, that's the best.fabric.EVER! :)

Pajamas.
Make yourself some pajamas.

I am thinking Apron and a really smokey BBQ. Though pajamas are good too.

I'm with the pack, I hope you bought some!
.

That is so funny! Hope you bought that fabric, even without a project in mind for it!

These firemen are superhawt, but I fear they like boys. I think you are going to have a little extra work in the MANifestation dept. Good luck, and tell us as soon as it comes true!

I'm with Sharon... knitting bag!!!

oh, Laurie ... you need it -- think of all the great stuff you could make:

* the lining for a felted purse (for the days you are burning through money)
* a cool knitting bag (for the days your needles are on fire)
* Oven mitts or pot holders(for your Sunday cooking show)
* A pretty little cotton nightie (for nights when you want to show you are hot stuff)
* If you sleep with a body pillow, it would be a great pillowcase (draping your arms and legs around a crew of young hotties would guarantee sweet dreams)
* I like the idea of bbq mitts and apron already suggested
* What about a shopping sack to take to the grocery store ... it would give those checkout girls a giggle

- the uses for this wonderful little find are limiteless! I hope you bought the bolt!
Plus I thinkit would be pretty funny just to chop it up into squares, and mix a bunch of similar coloured fabrics with it and make a patchwork throw for the couch (just picturing guests faces when they actually noticed that there were little half clothed torsos mixed in with the calicos, stripes and other scraps makes me snorgle my coffee out my nose!)

If you are making things from it - you must show and tell

I've seen the same design with a construction worker theme. I thought it was hot, and funny, until I recalled that my father spent his working life as a carpenter, and NONE of his friends *ever* looked like that. The delivery man pattern -- now THAT is hawt.

I thought that was merely a tiny print repeat, something to sneak into a July 4th themed quilt for ha-has, but...wow. That's like 1/4 scale. Goodness gracious. I want to know who 1) designed this atrocity, 2) thought there was a genuine market for it, 3) convinced accounting of #2, and 4) had the balls to actually admit to a printer to "yup, that IS the print. Mmm...yeah."
That being said, absolutely perfect for a quilt backing. Can I suggest tiny beads to accentuate the belt areas??

What if you made a bag out of it? To carry your knitting stuff in? I think that would be awesome.

I vote for pajamas!

That is awesome. I think Heddy had a whole slew of great punny ideas so if you did buy it you are good to go. Just make sure to keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.

I dunno - anything that brings hot firemen in a state of undress to your home can't be totally bad.

Oh PLEEEAAAASE tell me you bought that fabric!!!! It is fan-tas-tic! If I could find it, I would make a purse to go with the one I own that has 50's era housewives making cakes.

And I agree with the jammies idea. And the potholders. PERFECT!!!

A large pillow with the muscle definition (etc!) quilted out in 3-D. Ahem.

That has to be the strangest fabric ever.
I vote for pj bottoms. Or a grocery bag. It's a great conversation starter for the bus!

Best. Fabric. Ever!!!!
I suggest a big a-line skirt with fun mary janes on your feet.

you should have made yourself pajama pants! that would have been hilarious and rad

Is this some kind of tribute th FDNY today? I think they just might dig it.

Oh! my friend bought something similar b/c she was so amused by it. She ended up making an apron out of it. it's perfect for that!

this fabric is based upon the Village People group back in the late 70's(?) I *think* there is fabric for each person. fireman, indian, policeman etc.

I totally have the music from "Macho Man" stuck in my head...

I am with Martha in Kansas- shower curtains!

BTW - the Village People were:

Cop
Indian
Military
Leather man
Construction worker
Cowboy

No firemen...alas.

I'm voting for the BBQ apron & mitts. :) And placemats for outdoor eating!

there's a dark background version too. i bought a yard an a half of it to line a bag. heh heh.

A quilt for your grandmother? From the photos you've posted on here she looks like a fun lady would get a laugh out of it. My grandmother who just passed away in June had a life-sized carboard cut out of Clint Eastwood in her dining room. If she were still alive I think she would have loved to have a quilt with hot firemen on it!

DANG! Why is it suddenly so HOT in here??? =>

It really depends on the type of fabric, how does it drape, is it woven or knit, and obviously fiber content. However, my first thought was pajama bottoms. A throw pillow could be fun, or a bathroom curtain. There are some great ideas in the comments.

Ooh la la! Eye candy fabric!

I found some eye-popping beefcake construction worker fabric and made a great apron from it. The trim I used for the straps, ties and facing was fabric with all kinds of rulers on it.

And I bought similar beefcake pin-up type cowboy fabric that I made wacky pajamas from. Not to mention a dozen other pajamas I've made from funky, funky 50's prints - the bigger the graphic, the better pajamas they make.

I particularly like "Mr. Broadway" with his pants open...(mmmm, should not have these thoughts at work...)!

Wow, Laurie, I'm gonna have to get me some of that fireman fabric, though! I predict more pajamas in my future...with matching pillowcases!

Thanks for making our day!

My first thought was pajamas. But you know, if you DID make curtains, and your house DID catch on fire, then you could actually MEET FIREMEN. Just sayin'.

My first thought, when seeing that fabric, was boxer shorts.

I am with Martha - shower curtain!

It reminds me of a conversation with my friend Steve at an antique show which took place in a fire house.

Steve: OMG here come the firemen, look at their outfts!
Me: Gear Steve, it's called gear.

I absolutely think you should make jammies with the fabric. So delicious!!!!

Hahahahahahaha! I can think of a few of your past houseguests that would LOVE pillow cases out of this fabric!!!

My suggestion: Stretch a portion of the fabric on a frame and hang it over the stove in your tiny, perfect kitchen! Then, when you're frying green tomatoes, the firemen will be watching over you to prevent a grease fire...kind of like Saints!

that fabric is AMAZING. just AMAZING. haha

True, curtains made of that fabric might indeed bring on a house fire, but what better way to attract hunky fireman than to have a fire AND play the role of adorable damsel in distress? And what else do firemen do? Rescue kitties in distress from trees and such? Hmm... though I must agree with Martha, shower curtains/water proximity might ease the negativity. LOL! Unbelievable fabric design. Obviously not found in the kiddie section.

I like the pajamas suggestion. And as Janice mentioned, Alexander Henry Fabrics also has a Cowboy Hunks:

http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Item--i-AH-6477-A

and Heavy Construction Workers:

http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Item--i-AH-6729-A

in the same style. I wish I could find some better pictures of these. By the way, the firemen fabric is apparently called "Ready for Action," nudge nudge wink wink say no more!

Totally obvious. Make an apron. You're a "cook" like I am. Sometimes fires may happen. Why not just go with the theme?

One of my friends has a sundress made out of the construction worker version of that fabric. She wears it to class all the time. It is amazing.

OMG!!! That is some AWSOME fabric. PLEASE tell me you bought some of it. I think the firemen would look great in the bathroom or as HOT knitting bag.

Pajamas or a shower curtain are awesome suggestions. Or a jeep-top!

I bought it and this is what I did... http://donnazchaos.blogspot.com/2008/07/summer-of-sewing-has-begun.html also got some 'biker babe' fabric and made some stuff for my boyfriend. :)

Why not make the aforementioned apron and oven mitts, napkins and placemats AND DONATE THEM TO YOUR LOCAL FIREMAN. It would show that a) you have a sense of humor, b) you are completely heterosexual, c) you are a risk taker and d) you support their trade and services. You might even meet the man of your dreams.

so wrong.

I second pjs that no one else every sees but make you giggle every time you put them on.

The sad part about that print is around here guys that look like that only like other guys.

@Ellen Bloom - said to stretch some over a frame and put over your stove - they will also be an audience for your one-woman cooking show! (Crazy Aunt Purl's Drunk, Divorced and Covered in Hot Firemen!)

The owner of my old LYS in Tucson has similar fabric only it's cowboys in chaps and underwear and no shirts. She DID make curtains out of it - for her craft room. She's in her 50's! Her husband thinks they are a riot!

Definitely an apron. And one for me, too!

I like all the ideas mentioned here, but the important thing is that I hope you bought some, because you need this fabric. If nothing else you can keep it in your fabric stash and pull it out to look at now and then.

First - Heddy - AWESOME suggestions!
Second - great story that perfectly goes with this fabric:
Fireman saves kitty after fire, by giving CPR!!!
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080910/NEWS/809100334

Project bags. Maybe it will find you some sexy fireman to knit for.

I think you should make a PETTICOAT to wear under the occasional skirt or dress!

Attracting hot stuff, indeed!

I agree with Elena about the sexual orientation of these particular firemen -- I mean, did you look at that hydrant on the right side of the photo?

But it's still great and you should definitely buy some.

I have that fabric as well as the one with the hot contractor handymen. I bought both by the bolt and keep making things to keep around the house and annoy visitors. Pillows, cases, bags, a couple of quilts, a stuffed doll (yummy) cut out of the image of one particularly hot fireman, and a dog bed. Up next will be a toaster cozy and maybe a sewing machine cover. :-)

That would make a great apron.

Hawt pads!

Whatever you do, you must buy this. Of course, I will be in New York in two weeks, so if it's still there, I will be getting some. Don't know what my Hubby will think about it....

Oops, wrong garment district. :-) Color me embarrassed!

Wow, I never get finds like this. I would have bought at least a couple yards, even if I did not know what to do with it yet. It would be a great practical joke to play on someone, make them something serious out of it and give it to them as though you dont see what is funny. But I am mean that way :-P.

Is that really underarm hair I see?

Sept 11th is a day for fireman..they are all heroes!

That is funny! So, Laurie, you must tell us that you bought some.

And I agree about the pajamas.

How funny! It reminds me of my New York firemen calendar. Every month a new yummy guy. I would make curtains out of that fabric and never look back.

OMG! I want that fabric!

I'd make seat cushions out of the fabric to make my bum feel all warm and cozy ... and I'm sure the firemen wouldn't mind a little booty. lol

Potholders are good...but hey, there's no fire depicted, so maybe it would be good as curtains anyway??

Is the fabric wide enough for bedsheets?

I'm just thinking of something simple to make. Really. Cross my heart.

That fabric also comes in Sexy Cowboy, Sexy Policeman, and Sexy Construction Worker themes. Seriously.

Pajamas would actually be cute.

Is it me or does the guy who looks like he's taking his pants off have a belt on his underwear? I've clearly been looking at this for too long.

So funny....

I once got severely admonished on a Disney-related message board for not knowing how to spell "dalmatian."

I've been waiting seven-point-nine years to pass on the humiliation. ;) Thank you; I can rest easy now.

And I would totally make a barbecue grill cover out of that fabric.

Upholster/slipcover a good TV-watching wingchair with a couple of throw pillows; stretch a panel over canvas/frame for the wall; collaborate to auction if off (at an already-existing event, like a golf tournament, fish-fry ((I know, probably not likely in California ... but back here in Mason-Dixon territory ...)) to support your local fire department or its charities. Our local department has had fund-raisers for the families of two firefighters who died in the line of duty last year.

Shower curtain.
Place mats.
Apron (1950's style)
Bulletin board cover.
Oh, the possibilities are endless!

hmm, all these guys are not only practically hairless but white . . . I have nothing against white boys, but how about a little diversity in our ridiculous fantasies?

In any case, totally great fabric, but obviously geared towards the male gender . . .

Heh heh heh - see more at http://mochimochiland.com/weblog/2008/03/male-stripper-fabric/

Laurie, you crack me up. Thanks for the giggle.

Quite simply the best blog ever.

I was in a fabric store today, and didnt see anything as cool as that.

I collect model fire engines and anything related to firefighters. (I wanted to be a firefighter when I was a little girl)

I'll have to go visit a couple of other fabric stores and see if I can get a few yards of that. I could make some interesting "pillow quilts" (basically a fabric sandwich...two 1yd pieces of fabric, with 1yd of 100% cotton batting inbetween. Makes nice baby blankets)

Just for your edification. . .there are a few types of this same sort of public-works-art-from-the-Depression illustration of various types of brawny men--cowboys, construction workers, a few others. They are hilarious. One of my son's friends was sporting a pair of pj pants made from the construction worker fabric at a church overnight (don't ask; raising money for Heifer International) and her grandmother (and minister's wife!) had made them for her!!!!

Ah, firemen! They are hot! I dated one back in my late 20's and I have to tell ya I used to wake up in the middle of the night, roll over and wrap my arms around his waist because HIS ABS WERE STILL A TIGHT SIX PACK EVEN IN HIS SLEEP! Sigh.

I got a 4 yards of a similar fabic with hot Cowboys on it and sent it to my Mother to make me a quilt. My Aunt owns a quilt store in Northern Ontario and all the little old ladies who sew there just love talking about which one is thier favorite even the Minister of my Moms church. So go ahead and make a quilt for your Grandma I am sure she woould love it.

So kitschy! I love it.

A shower curtain! It would have made a PERFECT shower curtain! Center one of those totally hot babes on it...or would it creep you out to always have a hot, naked fireman staring at you as you got in and out of the shower? LOL

YAYYY! I found a similar fabric and was at a complete loss as well! http://becspace.blogspot.com/2008/01/sound-alarms.html
I ended up making an apron...
http://becspace.blogspot.com/2008/08/is-it-hot-in-here.html

Who comes up with this stuff???

I kind of love that you posted that on 9/11. This year I didn't see the usual gloom and doom remembrances of that fateful and tragic day. This is a nice tribute to the brave men who fight fires and put their lives at risk. It's nice to see them in a fun way on such a day as this.

These "Hunky Mens" prints have been out for a few years now.Nice that someone in their design department is catering to both boys and girls.
QUILTERS HOME magazine's editor Mark Lapinski featured one of them in a recent past issue.For more VERY entertaining and fun quilting/sewing content check that Mag out. It's SEW not your mothers quilting magazine ( unless your Mom is cool like mine! heh)

Maybe you could just have a small fire. Nothing wrong with luring the mega hot firemen over to your place now is it?

I'm thinking you should make some knitting project bags with this. Then you could combine two favorite subjects with one delightful, umm, "package". :)

That is some GREAT fabric! Totally looks like something you could make fabulous pajamas out of.

Or an apron, like someone suggested? How about homemade hot pads/oven mitts? You know, because of all the heat? They'd make great gifts :)

Ahahaha! I love it, if only for the kitsch! I'm glad someone else noticed that oddly "suspicious" fire hydrant, though.

Millionth-ing pajamas. This MUST be pajamas.

Is it me or do they all look like different pictures of the same fireman?

AHHHH! This is already my desktop background at work! I found it on ReproDepot .com. It makes for a great convo when people walk into my office, start to say something important and serious, and then see this.

I picked some of this fabric up to make something as a donation for our yearly local volunteer fire dept fund raiser. I asked a couple of wives if any of our firemen had six packs like these guys had,,,,they LAUGHED! "They've got six packs,,but not that kind!" I made a pillowcase and hot pad,,,should have bought more fabric!!! Someone suggested the "Stack & Whack" or 4 patch posey,,,but sadly,,I didn't get enough of the fabric for that. Can you imagine the kailidascope designs you would get off that fabric?? Fun!

Pajamas, definitely. For a top and bottom, you'd need about five yards - I've got a great basic pattern from Vogue I've made eleventy million times or you could just make the pants (3 yards) and use a plain T-shirt as the top. Long pants makes a good spring/fall pair in that cotton.

I LOVE Michael Levine! I went there a few weeks ago with Frank and spent $200! Which is why I try to only go once a year!

Another good source for novelty prints - flannel for pajamas, especially - is www.equilter.com - they even gift-wrap the fabric you buy in tissue paper and write you a little thank-you on your order form. I bought the cutest fabric that has little skulls on it, with knitting needles for the crossbones. It's called Knit Pirates. I've got 3 years and I have no idea what to do with it.

I'm doing a lot of sewing and knitting these days. Are you SURE we're not related???? Positive? Can Frank and I adopt you?

Ah, to be a dalmation . . .

(I vote for pj bottoms, too)

Oh definitely pajamas!!!!
Who wouldn't want to sleep with hot firemen every night :o)

Oh good. Comments are still open, so I can share this:

SAN DIEGO — Four San Diego firefighters are suing the city government for damages because they were allegedly sexually harassed while participating involuntarily in the 2007 gay pride parade.

The four say they were ordered to drive their firetruck in the three-hour parade even though firefighters at previous parades had been subjected to catcalls and sexually suggestive comments by parade watchers. The trial begins Monday.

City Attorney Michael Aguirre, representing the city and the Fire-Rescue Department, says riding on a firetruck during the gay pride parade is no different from other public-relations duties that firefighters do as part of their job such as taking firetrucks to schools.

-- The Los Angeles Times

I think they need to be secret firemen. Make a duvet cover and use it for the bottom side, or a tote bag and use it as the lining. That way only you know it's there, but you can peek whenever you like!

I go with the Shower Curtain idea, too. Way more fun than one of those tranparent plastic ones with giant tropical fish on it.

I'm not in Los Angeles, I'm in Colorado Springs. Where can I get some of this fabric???

I'm not in Los Angeles, I'm in Colorado Springs. Where can I get some of this fabric???