from little sprouts...
...to full bloom 'shrooms***
from monday to friday
from September to October
from kindergarten to middle school
from now to forever
***
from kindergarten to middle school
from now to forever
***
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Woodland Sewing Set Kits!
New kits in the shop! At the Creative Connection Event last week I taught a great group of women how to make my Woodland Sewing Set. For anyone that couldn't be there, I have kits available for purchase. This is my first time offering these kits and supplies are limited.Now that it's fall, wouldn't it be nice to sit and stitch a little set of woodland friends of your own?
Monday, September 26, 2011
Fab Felt Holiday Crafts Blog Tour
Starting this week you can follow along as my Craftsy.com online workshop, Fab Felt Holiday Crafts, goes on tour!
What does that mean? Every week or so through November, a different blogger will be making a project from my newest online workshop. They'll share photos of their creation and review the course for you!
This week's host is Blair of Wisecraft who has made one of the Felt Snowflake Ornament styles shown above. To see more projects, follow along on the tour to these fabulous blogs:
Week of October 3rd: A Sewing Journal
Week of October 10th: House on Hill Road
Week of October 31st: Maureen Cracknell Handmade
Week of November 7th and 14th: Stumbles & Stitches
Week of November 21st: Elsie Marley
Are you thinking that it's a little too soon to start thinking about the holidays? Well, no one likes rushing so hopefully this will be a gentle way to ease into the season. :) Special thanks goes out to my lovely tour hosts (Thank you!). I know we'll all love seeing what they come up with and be inspired to get a jump on our own holiday gift making!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
zig-ziggity zag!
Are you zany over zig-zags? Crazy for chevrons? Manic for Missoni? I am over the top about them!
I mean, just look at how happy I am in my Missoni (for Target) cardigan? This goof-ball shot was taken by Patty Young at the Creative Connection last week, what a blast! Right before my trip to St. Paul for the event, I managed to hit Target the morning Missoni hit the racks! As a lover of knitwear who majored fashion design in the 80's, I LOVE Missoni. Despite the greedy-hoarder behavior exhibited by my fellow shoppers, I managed to escape with a Missoni of my own-y! (This cardi happens to be a Girls size XL, all of the ladies' cardis were gone, plus this was $20 cheaper! For the win!) I have to say, wearing Missoni was a great conversation starter at the event! Loads of women came up to me asking questions and telling me about their Missoni moments. I know, right? Nutty! But my love of chevrons goes beyond just Missoni...
Last fall while teaching a workshop in Omaha I scored this knit skirt at a vintage shop. Love the big bold zigs! Very fresh and new looking even though I am sure it is probably from the 70's...
I created this yummy knit chevron a few years ago when I developed a series of knit looks for Kleenex. This was to be printed on the boxes. It eventually was but was recolored differently.
And of course most recently I developed these bold and beautiful chevrons for my organic cotton Stitch Collection! I'm thinking these need to be a TOTE a PILLOW and most definitely a THROW for the couch.
I'm currently sample making for my booth at the upcoming Quilt Market in Houston next month and having a great time sewing with these. I'll be sure to share them with you! Oh! and one more zig-zag surprise!
Introducing Ravel, my free quilt design, available on the Robert Kaufman website! (The instructions, by Heidi Pridemore, will be available in November!)
For my quilt design, I wanted to showcase the prints from Stitch while portraying the concept of needlework and stitching. The pattern of rows slowly "ravels" as you move down the quilt. I would love to make one of these with the chevron print on the back, of course!
These images are computer renderings and I imagine how vibrant and eye catching they will be in real life. Each of these will be made up for my quilt market booth! I. Can't. Wait!
So how do you feel about zig-zags? Have I won you over or over saturated you? :)
I mean, just look at how happy I am in my Missoni (for Target) cardigan? This goof-ball shot was taken by Patty Young at the Creative Connection last week, what a blast! Right before my trip to St. Paul for the event, I managed to hit Target the morning Missoni hit the racks! As a lover of knitwear who majored fashion design in the 80's, I LOVE Missoni. Despite the greedy-hoarder behavior exhibited by my fellow shoppers, I managed to escape with a Missoni of my own-y! (This cardi happens to be a Girls size XL, all of the ladies' cardis were gone, plus this was $20 cheaper! For the win!) I have to say, wearing Missoni was a great conversation starter at the event! Loads of women came up to me asking questions and telling me about their Missoni moments. I know, right? Nutty! But my love of chevrons goes beyond just Missoni...
Last fall while teaching a workshop in Omaha I scored this knit skirt at a vintage shop. Love the big bold zigs! Very fresh and new looking even though I am sure it is probably from the 70's...
I created this yummy knit chevron a few years ago when I developed a series of knit looks for Kleenex. This was to be printed on the boxes. It eventually was but was recolored differently.
And of course most recently I developed these bold and beautiful chevrons for my organic cotton Stitch Collection! I'm thinking these need to be a TOTE a PILLOW and most definitely a THROW for the couch.I'm currently sample making for my booth at the upcoming Quilt Market in Houston next month and having a great time sewing with these. I'll be sure to share them with you! Oh! and one more zig-zag surprise!
Introducing Ravel, my free quilt design, available on the Robert Kaufman website! (The instructions, by Heidi Pridemore, will be available in November!)
For my quilt design, I wanted to showcase the prints from Stitch while portraying the concept of needlework and stitching. The pattern of rows slowly "ravels" as you move down the quilt. I would love to make one of these with the chevron print on the back, of course!
These images are computer renderings and I imagine how vibrant and eye catching they will be in real life. Each of these will be made up for my quilt market booth! I. Can't. Wait!So how do you feel about zig-zags? Have I won you over or over saturated you? :)
Monday, September 19, 2011
Announcing Fab Felt Holiday Crafts!
It's that time of year! Announcing my new online workshop for the holidays: Fab Felt Holiday Crafts! You may be familiar with the Felt + Stitch Holiday Workshops that I've done for the past 2 years. This time I've developed a brand new workshop with Craftsy.com to bring you my course in high quality HD using a specially developed user friendly platform.
Wanna see the trailer?
I'm super excited about how it turned out! In the course I teach everything you'll need to know about felting using thrift store sweaters and craft felt. I share all of my favorite tips and full video instruction on how to make 7 festive projects suitable for gifts and decor:
More about Craftsy: Craftsy, a new online crafting community, offers courses dedicated to crafts such as sewing, knitting, quilting, crochet, jewelry, etc! These affordable online courses allow you to learn at your own pace, access materials and videos when you need them, ask your instructor specific questions, upload progress photos, participate in online discussions with other students, and so much more. You can access your course from your home computer or any mobile device that is connected to the internet. And because your access never expires you have the ability to continuously go back to re-watch videos, go over class materials and read comments for as long as you'd like.
So if you've ever wanted to take a class with your favorite crafter or learn a new skill but can’t seem to find the time or a location close to where you live, online workshops are a fabulous way to accomplish this and all from the comfort of your very own home.
Fab Felt Holiday Crafts just launched end of last week and I can't wait to get started, answer questions, and see what everyone makes! Hope to see you there!
Wanna see the trailer?
I'm super excited about how it turned out! In the course I teach everything you'll need to know about felting using thrift store sweaters and craft felt. I share all of my favorite tips and full video instruction on how to make 7 festive projects suitable for gifts and decor:
- Snowflake Ornaments (4 different styles!)
- Scrappy Felt Garland
- Character Wine Sleeves
- Whimsical Felt Gingerbread House
- Felty Fir Trees
- Felted wool sweater slippers
- Poinsettia Brooch and Gift Topper
Sign up using this link to receive $10 off the cost of the course!
I've also got a blog tour lined up in the coming weeks to show you the specific projects made by various bloggers around the web, so stay tuned for that!
I've also got a blog tour lined up in the coming weeks to show you the specific projects made by various bloggers around the web, so stay tuned for that!
More about Craftsy: Craftsy, a new online crafting community, offers courses dedicated to crafts such as sewing, knitting, quilting, crochet, jewelry, etc! These affordable online courses allow you to learn at your own pace, access materials and videos when you need them, ask your instructor specific questions, upload progress photos, participate in online discussions with other students, and so much more. You can access your course from your home computer or any mobile device that is connected to the internet. And because your access never expires you have the ability to continuously go back to re-watch videos, go over class materials and read comments for as long as you'd like.
So if you've ever wanted to take a class with your favorite crafter or learn a new skill but can’t seem to find the time or a location close to where you live, online workshops are a fabulous way to accomplish this and all from the comfort of your very own home.
Fab Felt Holiday Crafts just launched end of last week and I can't wait to get started, answer questions, and see what everyone makes! Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
I'll be seein' ya...
At least I HOPE I'll be seein' ya this week at the Creative Connection Event! I leave tomorrow for three days of creativity, socializing, connecting, inspiration and general spirit lifting!
My bags are almost packed and I am ready to teach my Woodland Sewing Set and my Reversible Bucket Hat classes. And more good news, Robert Kaufman, my fabric manufacturer, is generously giving me some bits of Stitch fabric to share with class participants!
Last year was such a treat to meet so many inspiring women, I'm looking forward to an even bigger more exciting event. I know it's a little last minute, but if you're any where near St. Paul Minnesota, you should come!
Things will be a little quiet on the blog until next week. (I'm not so good at blogging on the road, but we'll see.) Just know that very soon I'll have some exciting news about my upcoming online workshops!
See ya on the flip side!
P.S. PDF Patterns for my Woodland Sewing Set and Reversible Bucket Hat are available in my etsy shop!
My bags are almost packed and I am ready to teach my Woodland Sewing Set and my Reversible Bucket Hat classes. And more good news, Robert Kaufman, my fabric manufacturer, is generously giving me some bits of Stitch fabric to share with class participants!
Last year was such a treat to meet so many inspiring women, I'm looking forward to an even bigger more exciting event. I know it's a little last minute, but if you're any where near St. Paul Minnesota, you should come!Things will be a little quiet on the blog until next week. (I'm not so good at blogging on the road, but we'll see.) Just know that very soon I'll have some exciting news about my upcoming online workshops!
See ya on the flip side!
P.S. PDF Patterns for my Woodland Sewing Set and Reversible Bucket Hat are available in my etsy shop!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thursday, September 08, 2011
proto-tie-ping
I'm once again in the throws of prototyping new ideas for my Make New or Make Do™ sewing patterns. Quilt Market is in about 7 weeks (gulp) and I hope to have 3 new patterns to add to the collection by then. Ahem.Right now I am experimenting with the "make do" version of a handbag design by repurposing some vintage neckties. My husband gave me a wonderful stash of ties that were his father's. These ties span many decades and my husband has fond memories of his dad wearing them. I can't tell you how many happy emails I've gotten over the years from people sharing projects they've made out of sentimental pieces of clothing (sweaters, flannel shirts, neckties,etc.). The end result is a meaningful handmade item stitched with love and memories. Talk about warm fuzzies.
I'm so happy that I found a fresh way to use neckties in my sewing and I plan to share it with you in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out this inspiring Flickr group full of necktie projects! Plus this little water bottle sling tutorial in my archives.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
a different *stitch*
Thanks so much for your kind words about my upcoming fabric line! I'm so happy you share my excitement and I loved hearing which prints and colors spoke to you. Helpful information as I work on future collections!
Now I'd like to share a project I did for a different *stitch*...that would be the fabulous Stitch Magazine. The Fall 2011 issue is on newsstands and as always it is full of amazing ideas and projects. It is my absolute favorite sewing magazine.
You may remember my curly cashmere scarves that I blogged about last year. I received several comments and emails asking me about the technique I used to achieve the curly-twirly-girlie effect. Now's your chance to read all about it with all of the how-to details.
Would you like your own copy? I have an extra from the publisher that I would be happy to send you (US addresses only, please). Leave a comment and contact info and I'll randomly pick a name this Friday, September 9th. [Comments now closed, thank you!]
Good luck!
P.S. If you're interested in submitting your own projects to Stitch Magazine, there's a great article on how to do so over at Sew Mama Sew.
Now I'd like to share a project I did for a different *stitch*...that would be the fabulous Stitch Magazine. The Fall 2011 issue is on newsstands and as always it is full of amazing ideas and projects. It is my absolute favorite sewing magazine.
You may remember my curly cashmere scarves that I blogged about last year. I received several comments and emails asking me about the technique I used to achieve the curly-twirly-girlie effect. Now's your chance to read all about it with all of the how-to details.
Would you like your own copy? I have an extra from the publisher that I would be happy to send you (US addresses only, please). Leave a comment and contact info and I'll randomly pick a name this Friday, September 9th. [Comments now closed, thank you!]
Good luck!
P.S. If you're interested in submitting your own projects to Stitch Magazine, there's a great article on how to do so over at Sew Mama Sew.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Introducing Stitch
Happy September! I'm happy to be back to regular blogging after my August Break. And what better way to start with a full reveal of my upcoming organic fabric collection, Stitch!
As I mentioned back in my sneak peek, I am thrilled to be partnering with Robert Kaufman to offer my first coordinating quilt collection printed on organic cotton sheeting. The fabric will be available in stores this November...just 2 months away!
Created with flickr slideshow.
I couldn't be happier with this collection! It just feels so *me*. How 'bout that? And the fabric is dreamy to sew with...soft hand, nice heft but not too weighty. And did I mention it's printed on GOTS certified organic cotton? Oh yeah! That's what I'm talkin' about!
And speaking of sewing...here's a little sneaky peek of an upcoming addition to my Make New or Make Do™ Sewing Pattern Line, sewn up in Stitch! This bag's got tricks...but more on this later when I release my new fall patterns at International Quilt market in October.
Whew! It feels so good to put this all out there. I cannot wait for the fabric to be out in the world for people to sew with, being made into who knows what! I'll keep you posted on availability and I may even have a little give-away sometime soon, n'k? ok.
If ya wanna, go back and read the backstory of how this all came to be!
As I mentioned back in my sneak peek, I am thrilled to be partnering with Robert Kaufman to offer my first coordinating quilt collection printed on organic cotton sheeting. The fabric will be available in stores this November...just 2 months away!
Stitch is inspired by all types of stitchers and the beautiful handiwork created by them. My Grandmother's knitting, my Dad's needlepoint, my Mom's sewing...all of the needlework that's ever been a part of my life influenced this group. Stitches and textures from crochet, embroidery and crewelwork and more are interpreted as bold and graphic motifs.
The first color palette is Garden:
Warm and sunny with bright blue skies and deep brown soil.
Warm and sunny with bright blue skies and deep brown soil.
The second color palette is Lagoon:
Fresh and cool, with lush greens, teal and misty gray.
Fresh and cool, with lush greens, teal and misty gray.
I couldn't be happier with this collection! It just feels so *me*. How 'bout that? And the fabric is dreamy to sew with...soft hand, nice heft but not too weighty. And did I mention it's printed on GOTS certified organic cotton? Oh yeah! That's what I'm talkin' about!
And speaking of sewing...here's a little sneaky peek of an upcoming addition to my Make New or Make Do™ Sewing Pattern Line, sewn up in Stitch! This bag's got tricks...but more on this later when I release my new fall patterns at International Quilt market in October.
Whew! It feels so good to put this all out there. I cannot wait for the fabric to be out in the world for people to sew with, being made into who knows what! I'll keep you posted on availability and I may even have a little give-away sometime soon, n'k? ok.
If ya wanna, go back and read the backstory of how this all came to be!
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