Just wanted to let you all know that my segments with Nancy Zieman on Sewing with Nancy are now beginning to air. Check your local PBS station's schedule for when these episodes will be shown in your area (#2407 & #2408). Here is a teaser trailer for the segments:
You can also purchase the DVD from Nancy's Notions as well, if you are interested. Enjoy!
October 9, 2010
September 29, 2010
Fall Preview, Part 2
Hey Everyone!
It is time for the final fall reveal and the project that took a TON of my time this summer, but I think it was definitely worth it....see what you think! I have written a 28 page soft cover book called Media Frenzy for all those fabulous media devices in your life. Now you can tote them around with some real attitude, "Serendipity Style"! There are instructions for 4 different bags in this book, along with a simple wallet and scrappy camera strap.
The madness for this book began when I purchased a digital SLR camera this summer...a Canon T1i. It was way overdue as we have been using a tiny camera for pattern covers and other shots. It is fantastic to have a camera with so many capabilities. Once I had the camera in my possession, I realized that I needed a camera bag, and not just ANY camera bag, but one that would suit my needs as well as look darn good. I began doing a bit of research to see what was available and then decided I would design my own. With a lot of thought and planning (and a lot of math!) I designed not one bag, but two! One is called the Essential Camera Bag and is for those of you (like me) who have the camera, a charger, and a few other things, but don't really need the HUGE bag to lug around. It features a comfortable adjustable strap that is designed to be worn either over the shoulder or cross body to keep both arms free without danger of dropping your precious cargo. The other is the Ultimate Camera Bag and has a ton of room for the photog who has it ALL and wants to lug it all around! Both bags are designed for the camera to rest face down inside with movable partitions to customize the interior to your liking.
Empty:
Filled with camera stuff:
The next bag is the Digital Messenger, designed specifically for an iPad or eReader. I made the interior permanently divided and padded so you can slide your digital devices in and out without worry, plus you still have the other half of the interior for your other essentials. With a divided bag, there are no worries about scratching the screen and the bag is designed with an adjustable strap to be worn cross-body....comfortable and practical, but still great looking! Everyone will want your bag!!
The last bag in the book is the GPS Destination bag. Ever get annoyed at the fact that most of these devices don't come with a bag to carry all the stuff they come with? Well, we did...so I designed a great little bag that is simple to make for carrying it around. There is even a little felt sleeve to slip the screen into so there is no danger of scratches. The best part is that you can choose your favorite fabric and make this bag a statement of style rather than just simply for utility.
To round out the book, I added a Simple Wallet and Scrappy Camera Strap. These accessories complete the bags and give you everything you could possibly need for staying organized while carrying any one of these bags....no need for a purse, just one bag and you are done! (Dig our "vintage" Pentax camera in the photo below....glad I don't have to use that one! The megapixels are seriously compromised... )
Again, this book will be available in mid to late October (as soon as it arrives from the printer). Enjoy, and happy fall everyone!
September 14, 2010
Fall Preview
Well, it is finally THAT time! I have been deep in the "design cave" and now I think I am beginning to see some light creeping in. It must be time to share some of this stuff that I have been laboring over. This sort of work is mind-numbing at times, so it has a way of making me scarce on the blog front. That seems to happen to a lot of designers. We tend to hunker down when there is a lot to do (it almost involves putting on blinders!).
As you can see from the new header, my machine has been humming. I decided to refresh the Catherine Coat a bit, so she will have a new cover. One of the variations that I decided to highlight was one that I wore with a lovely drawstring at the back waist as well as a number of buttons down the center front bodice. You might remember seeing it.....the fabric is from the first French General line with Moda. Along with the updated cover, I will be providing the instructions for the drawstring and wool roses.
The gray one in the header is probably my favorite one to date from this pattern. It is a new Moda wool and I just adore how the little wool roses turned out. It is feminine without being too over the top....reminds me of Anthropologie (LOVE their stuff!). I also decided to have a little more fun and make one from a bright coral twill (coming out in Moda's new line called It's a Hoot!). Look for it in stores soon.
Enough about Catherine.....let's talk skirts! I am releasing a new mini-book for fall called Fashion
Formula Skirts. There are NO PATTERN pieces, people! These lovelies are based totally on mathematical formulas that I have worked out FOR you so you can concentrate on playing with fabric, then looking fabulous in your new creation. I think you are going to love these. There are three basic constructions and lots of different looks (wouldn't you be disappointed if I hadn't exhausted all of those options??). I think you will be pleasantly surprised by all the wonderfulness of these varieties. I sort of surprised myself on a few of them...just sayin'!
Last on the clothing front but certainly not least is a new tunic. This is Priscilla....featuring princess seams, and large bell sleeves that can be three different lengths. I designed this beauty to wear with leggings or at knee length with fun tights, boots, or heels (or a great combo of these....do it up to the max!). This is a wonderful way to showcase the fun new prints out there. And don't worry about cotton clinging to your tights or leggings....remember something called a slip? Just buy one of those on the cheap and slip it on underneath...that cotton will hang beautifully and swing with your every step.
Feast your eyes upon these and know that they will be available in early October. I know...it seems like a long time, but it will be here before you know it. They have to do their time at the printer before they come to you!
Stay tuned...there are bag previews to come, and I must say...they are fabulous! Can't wait to share....
Happy Sewing!
As you can see from the new header, my machine has been humming. I decided to refresh the Catherine Coat a bit, so she will have a new cover. One of the variations that I decided to highlight was one that I wore with a lovely drawstring at the back waist as well as a number of buttons down the center front bodice. You might remember seeing it.....the fabric is from the first French General line with Moda. Along with the updated cover, I will be providing the instructions for the drawstring and wool roses.
The gray one in the header is probably my favorite one to date from this pattern. It is a new Moda wool and I just adore how the little wool roses turned out. It is feminine without being too over the top....reminds me of Anthropologie (LOVE their stuff!). I also decided to have a little more fun and make one from a bright coral twill (coming out in Moda's new line called It's a Hoot!). Look for it in stores soon.
Enough about Catherine.....let's talk skirts! I am releasing a new mini-book for fall called Fashion
Formula Skirts. There are NO PATTERN pieces, people! These lovelies are based totally on mathematical formulas that I have worked out FOR you so you can concentrate on playing with fabric, then looking fabulous in your new creation. I think you are going to love these. There are three basic constructions and lots of different looks (wouldn't you be disappointed if I hadn't exhausted all of those options??). I think you will be pleasantly surprised by all the wonderfulness of these varieties. I sort of surprised myself on a few of them...just sayin'!
Last on the clothing front but certainly not least is a new tunic. This is Priscilla....featuring princess seams, and large bell sleeves that can be three different lengths. I designed this beauty to wear with leggings or at knee length with fun tights, boots, or heels (or a great combo of these....do it up to the max!). This is a wonderful way to showcase the fun new prints out there. And don't worry about cotton clinging to your tights or leggings....remember something called a slip? Just buy one of those on the cheap and slip it on underneath...that cotton will hang beautifully and swing with your every step.
Feast your eyes upon these and know that they will be available in early October. I know...it seems like a long time, but it will be here before you know it. They have to do their time at the printer before they come to you!
Stay tuned...there are bag previews to come, and I must say...they are fabulous! Can't wait to share....
Happy Sewing!
September 1, 2010
Sewing Challenge!
Fiskars is doing a sewing challenge for this month, which is National Sewing Month. You can read all about the rules here on their official Facebook page (so you have to belong to FB to participate!). You have all month and you could possibly win a new pair of scissors or a $50 gift card to Walmart!
Be sure to read all about Rebecca's jacket, pictured below. She made the Mod Jacket from my book as one of the inspiration projects for the challenge. She actually stayed under budget to make the jacket and I think the fabric is fabulous!
Be sure to read all about Rebecca's jacket, pictured below. She made the Mod Jacket from my book as one of the inspiration projects for the challenge. She actually stayed under budget to make the jacket and I think the fabric is fabulous!
That's about it for now. My sewing machine has been REALLY BUSY since my last post. My fingers have been also, as I have been busy writing instructions for new stuff on the computer. I am hopeful that I will have more to share with you soon...maybe some teaser photos of the new designs.
I hope you have had a bit of time to yourself to do what you enjoy (hopefully a stitch here or there....)
Happy Sewing!
August 16, 2010
Come to CityCraft!
Hello Everyone!
It is HOT here in Texas. The August sun is cruel and I am doing my best to stay inside and get some much needed work completed! You will be glad to know that I am working hard on designs for the fall release in October. There are lots of goodies to come and once I start sewing and stop writing the instructions, I should have a little to share with you on what I have been up to.
Tomorrow evening (Tuesday, August 17th) from 7-9PM, I will be at CityCraft in Dallas. I will be showing the samples from the book and signing copies. It will be a great evening, so I hope you can stop by and join the fun.
CityCraft is the coolest new fabric shop...a sewing lounge, actually, with lots of fabric goodies, patterns, notions, etc. Located just off the Tollway behind the Inwood Theater at Lovers Lane, they are in the middle of the action...lots of good eats and shopping! Callie, the owner, is young, vibrant, and one smart cookie! You can read more about the shop, the classes they offer, sign up for the newsletter, etc., here. She is also on Facebook and posts often with the latest from the store, so be sure to become a fan!
Here are some photos of the shop that I took last month during my visit. This will give you just a small taste of the style of the shop.
Lots of gorgeous fabrics:
The front window:
Hmmm, this dress looks familiar!
and of course....THE BOOK!
Happy Sewing everyone!
August 10, 2010
Feeling Chatty?
I wanted to check in with you all and let you know that I will be the special guest at an online chat this Thursday evening at 8PM CDT (9PM EDT) with Fiskars. To learn more about this event, read their blog post here. To join the chat, click here and you will be directly connected with the chatroom.
I will be answering questions about my design business as well as my new book, Sew Serendipity. We will be giving away 2 books and some fabulous Gingher products, such as thread snips, 6" shears, and a needle threader. That's a lot of free stuff for one hour's worth of chatting!
So mark your calendars and join the fun! Hope to chat with you then!
Happy Sewing!!
I will be answering questions about my design business as well as my new book, Sew Serendipity. We will be giving away 2 books and some fabulous Gingher products, such as thread snips, 6" shears, and a needle threader. That's a lot of free stuff for one hour's worth of chatting!
So mark your calendars and join the fun! Hope to chat with you then!
Happy Sewing!!
July 27, 2010
Sewing Challenge
I just wanted to give everyone an update on the sewing challenge that has been going on over at the Muse of the Day and Possibilities blogs. Carolina and Alicia decided to sew the tunic dress from Sew Serendipity and post their findings as they went along. I am thrilled to say that they have both finished their dresses AND they fit! They are both very pleased with the results. Both are new sewers, so I am even happier that the tips and instruction I gave in the book helped them to be so successful. This is just what I wanted the book to be able to do....provide excellent instruction for people new to sewing and still satisfy the needs of the more experienced too!
Be sure to visit both blogs for more information on just how it all went with Carolina and Alicia on their respective blogs. I was especially moved by Carolina's post, as she does a comparison between making a muslin and traveling to a downtown area that is unfamiliar, but how with careful planning it can become a wonderful means of discovery. I certainly could not say it better myself, and coming from a happy customer makes it all the more special! Thanks to these two special ladies who decided to take this sewing journey!
On another note, be sure to check out our fan page on Facebook if you haven't already. Lots of happy customers are posting their projects and I try to add photos from various happenings around here pretty often. Don't miss out on all the fun!
Happy Sewing!!
Be sure to visit both blogs for more information on just how it all went with Carolina and Alicia on their respective blogs. I was especially moved by Carolina's post, as she does a comparison between making a muslin and traveling to a downtown area that is unfamiliar, but how with careful planning it can become a wonderful means of discovery. I certainly could not say it better myself, and coming from a happy customer makes it all the more special! Thanks to these two special ladies who decided to take this sewing journey!
On another note, be sure to check out our fan page on Facebook if you haven't already. Lots of happy customers are posting their projects and I try to add photos from various happenings around here pretty often. Don't miss out on all the fun!
Happy Sewing!!
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