PATTERN WORKSHOP

Hey, I'm just checking in to say hello!  I've been working behind the scenes on a few projects that I can not wait to share with you.  The most obvious project is the new blog design.  mingo & grace is headed in a new direction, so I wanted to change the platform so that I could keep all of the new features under one umbrella.

My favorite part of creating a garment is pattern drafting - I find it very relaxing.  However, it takes up a lot of space in my workroom. With this course, I can now draft directly into my computer.  I made these pattern blocks in no time.

I've been busy taking Lauren Dahl's Pattern Workshop Creating PDF Patterns: From Sketch to Sale course and I can not say enough great things about this course.  Lauren is such a great instructor, I feel like she is holding my hand walking me through each step. Her teaching style is very laid back, which I find helpful with such a technical course. 

I must admit, I was a little intimidated by the course.  Even though I have experience in graphic design and pattern drafting, I had never used any Adobe programs.  I just didn't think I had time to learn a new  program.  Luckily, Lauren includes Intro to Illustrator and Illustrator Essentials with the course.  Not only will you learn how to draft your own patterns digitally, you also learn everything you need to know about Adobe Illustrator to get you started right away. 

The course is AMAZING.  Lauren has really done a great job putting Pattern Workshop Creating PDF Patterns: From Sketch to Sale together.  The course is so much more than just learning to digitize your patterns.  Lauren includes courses on pricing and marketing your patterns and surviving the pattern testing process.  The content never expires so you can learn at your own pace.   One of my favorite features is the Pattern Workshop Facebook page.  The group is only for students of the course and we have our own little community to ask each other (including Lauren) questions. 

I've never really considered myself a fashion designer but rather someone who understands garment construction and enjoys pattern drafting.  I've been sewing for 20 years so, creating my own sewing patterns is the next logical step for me and with this course it is finally becoming a reality.   Check out the Pattern Workshop Creating PDF Patterns: From Sketch to Sale, you'll be happy you did.

SPRING 2014 TRENDS & IDEAS { BATIK }

Back in November Jess, of the Sewing Rabbit asked her 2013 Sewing Rabbit Team to create a top secret project that may be featured in a Spring Trend & Ideas LookBook for Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores. I don't think I read the entire message before I replied YES! Jo-Ann's is my only source for fabrics locally. When I can't get into the City (NYC), Jo-Ann's is my go to place for fabric and notions. I can't wait to go into the store to show the ladies at the cutting table what I made!

There were 5 trends to choose from, and I choose Batik. I knew I wanted to mix patterns and textures for this challenge but I also wanted to make something that I could actually use. My house is a grey and brick box, so I try to incorporate color and texture through accessories. I thought fabric baskets would be a great option for holding magazines and throw blankets.

This project is a great scrap buster. The Batik baskets were made of an assortment of canvas, faux leather, burlap, brightly colored tribal fabrics.  The more prints the better.   Download the tutorial page from the Jo-Ann's website  here.

I think I actually squealed out loud when the inaugural issue of the Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Trends & Ideas LookBook was released. My mom kind of gets, I have a blog. I know she is not sure why, or what it is for, but she "gets" that the baskets that are sitting next to the couch that I made are now featured on Jo-Ann's website.

PERFECT PATTERN PARCEL 1 { CONCERT TEE }

The Perfect Pattern Parcel was created to offer sewist like you and me,  high quality Indie Designer PDF Sewing Patterns and an opportunity to make a charitable contribution to children's education. Sounds like an awesome idea right?  Well it gets better.  The creators of the Perfect Pattern Parcel are allowing you to dig deep into your pockets and name your own price for all 5 of these patterns.

 I sewed up the Lady Skater for myself (LOVE IT), but I wanted to make something for my momma since she is the very first Indie Designer I know and just so happens to be a retired pre-school teacher. (see the connection)  When I was little, I remember my mom staying up late sewing her fashion designs into the wee hours of the morning.  On the weekends, she would go around to local nightclubs/bars to sell the garments and accessories she made out of our family van - creating her own pop up shop.  I remember a time when she let me sleep in the back of the van while she sold the garments she made, she was a rock star, people would line up just to buy her garments.  

I know my mom loved sewing and creating, but she also did it to earn extra money to make ends meet. Just remember, when we support indie designers, we are supporting small, mostly women owned, businesses, essentially providing money for a women to support her family. So shop small, it will make you feel all warm and fuzzy in side.