I don’t think I have ever mentioned here that I have been sewing samples for my friend Allie of Indiesew for the last year. I remember when she emailed me about it, I couldn’t respond fast enough because really, who doesn’t love working with a super great lady while also sewing fun patterns. If you haven’t checked out their website you should head there now, I will wait…
It’s pretty fantastic, eh?
We all have those clothes in our closet, the ones we made that we like but just don’t love. The fabric is great so you just can’t quite get rid of them but goodness it isn’t working for you. Back when I was pattern testing I made a bunch of clothes that for the purpose of the test were great, but because the pattern is usually refined through testing, what I ended up with might not have the final edits incorporated. This left me with clothes that I didn’t love.
For my entire adolescence and adult years I have been very self conscious of my body. I can look at a picture and pick apart the ways that I don’t look good. I bypass the fact that I love my smile or the way a shirt looks on me, I am simply blinded by the flaws. Since starting this blog and specifically my pattern business I am looking at pictures of myself all the time. Sometimes I look at them and think DAMN I look hot, but other times I see the hint of a muffin top through my shirt or how wide my hips look and I get down on myself.
I love when a pattern can be made as written but then also use it as a springboard to so many other looks. I have felt from the beginning that Ballard is just that, a great pattern on it’s own but with endless possibilities.
When I was sewing a sample for the Ballard Stitch Kits we were in the middle of a ridiculous heat wave and the thought of putting on a 3/4 sleeve top to take pictures seemed like torture. It was then I realized why not just make the Ballard sleeveless. With a couple basic modifications to the instructions as written you are left with a totally different look.
What more could you ask for than leaving the husbands and kids at home and escaped to a cabin on the water for the weekend with your girlfriends and fellow co-op moms. As we loaded up into my friends van with far too much food and alcohol I just couldn’t be happier with the group of friends that I have here in Seattle, these ladies rock my socks off, they make this motherhood thing so much easier.
Brace yourself people you are about to relive all the amazing selfies you saw of me during the last month. I am pretty selfied (not a word but I am totally going with it) out!
Hard to believe that I made it through the entire month wearing at least 1 handmade piece of clothing every day. I never expected to remember to actually do it every day, but I am so glad I did because I got some real insight into my style and current wardrobe.
My newest pattern, Greenwood, is pretty much the perfect basic piece. Not only is it an all around great tank top, but it is also a wonderful layering piece through the seasons, and the foundation for so much beyond a basic tank top.
During testing a few of my amazing testers began to come up with some hacks or add-ons they would like to see with the Greenwood as the base. As soon as the idea of turning the Greenwood into a maxi dress was brought up I knew I had to make one, who doesn’t like a comfy knit top with a long flowy skirt.
Thank you all for such a great response yesterday to my newest pattern, Greenwood, I was seriously blown away. For those of you who entered the giveaway on the Betties blog, the winner has been chosen so if it wasn’t you click over to the shop and get your copy of the pattern before the price goes back up on Monday.
Today I am excited to share with you the many amazing testers that helped me with this pattern, they made this pattern even better that where it started. Seriously they were amazing! Seeing a pattern on all shapes and sizes helps you realize this pattern really is for almost everyone.
I am so excited to be joining Swhetty Betties Aspiring Designers Challenge again. These challenges are just what I need to get my butt in gear and release my pattern. It’s easy to have a pattern sit on your computer just waiting for a few things, trust me I have at least 3 patterns in various stages of completion on my computer right now. The pattern I am releasing today, Greenwood, is the first pattern in my new collection Straight Stitch Basics. This is the most ‘me’ pattern I have made to date and I am really quite excited about sharing it with all of you.
