Stop staring and start sewing!

Velvet by Amy Sinibaldi is available to order now! I just got my tracking number, woohoo!

If you've been waiting to get your hand on this gorgeous Velvet collection by Amy Sinibaldi....it's time! 12 beautiful fabrics in soft, crisp colors. So many ideas! Here it is!

 

Art Gallery makes the softest, most delicious fabrics!

AND I have fat quarter bundles!

Turning a corner toward something new

That last 18 months have been a complete whirlwind in my world as my Hipster Haberdasher etsy store took off so quickly I didn't have time to do much but sew and develop ways to streamline the assembly process in order to keep up.  I never anticipated having my focus changed so quickly from my book and patterns to more of a marketing and developement sort of direction.  Needless to say, it's been pretty exhausting and exhilirating at the same time.  It took us from fighting foreclosure to actually buying a new car this past spring.  We never imagined that happening.

(I hate having a picture-less post so here is a pic of my best seller)

Right now I'm enjoying the lull between the back to school shoppers and the Christmas rush (coming next week I'm guessing).  It's been great and I've been able to clean and bake and spend more time actually interracting with my kids.  It's been blissful.  It's given my brain room to think.

And I think I'm done with the idea of producing more paper patterns.  I'm very proud of the work I did when I got those designed and produced and I really thought, at the time, it would turn into something big for me.  It really didn't.  But it got me pointed in a direction and I believe it's a big link in the chain of life events that brought me to where I am.

So I'm heading in a new direction.  I'm not really sharing too many details right now but my hope is it will be successful not just for me and my family but will bring opportunities for so many (mostly) women who want, or need, to bring in some money but want to be home.  Oh, and it involves fabric (what else is there?).

Anyway, I have lots more to share but right now I'm just going to clean out the rest of my paper patterns and offer them at rock bottom prices to anyone.  I am completely out of the Sunny Scallop Dress pattern (still available in pdf format though) but I have a good amount of my Edith Twirl Skirt (where it all began), Evelyn Apron Skirt, and Shopgirl (and boy!) Apron pattern.

(another picture to keep it from tipping the word-to-picture ratio too much)

I'm selling them for 6.00 each which is the wholesale price.  They are 5.00 each when bought in groups of 10 (they have to be 10 of the same pattern).  If you want to buy a lot more I'm sure we can work out a great price.  They are all in my Fabritopia etsy shop.

These are perfect for classes at shops (or home) and you are free to re-sell them.  The full retail price is 12.00 but can sell them at whatever price you're happy with.

I'm planning on using any money this makes to start my new endeavor.  Back soon!

Quilt Market - it's about the people really

 We all love fabric and it's always a real treat to see the up and coming fabric collections, sewing patterns, gadgets and notions...  But the best part of Quilt Market is always, always, always the people.  We speak the same language, we understand each other, and we are all each others' biggest fans.  People come from all over the world to attend Quilt Market.  The best people ever.  I'm sure of it.  Here are just a few of them.

Bari Ackerman of Bari J. (whom I first met at market 5 years ago and now she's my local bestie!) and Jane "Quiltjane" Davidson.  I love both of these women and I'm lucky enough to get to see Bari often since we both live in the Phoenix area.  But Jane lives in Brisbane, Australia (where the BeeGees grew up!) and I only get to see her at market.  She's simply the sweetest, funnest gal and she showers us with TimTams.  I love her.

 

Here is my pal Scott Hansen stitching during school house.  I'm pleased to say he finished his project in time and then spent some time at a "Man Spa" getting all shaved and spiffed up for the rest of market.  The life of a man-quilter.  You can also find Scott on the cover of the Shirtless Man and Spicy Burrito Calendar (it's for a good cause and you can look at shirtless men, burritoes, and quilts all year!).

 

Here are Mary and Barb from Me and My Sister for Moda.  I don't get to see them as much since Mary moved from Phoenix to New Mexico (dangit).  They are always loads of fun and giggles.

 

This is Valori Wells' booth but that's Jenean Morrison cracking up about something in it.  Jenean had a great school house presentation.  Her presentations are always fun because they feel interactive (she asks questions and we ask questions and it's all a hoot).  She's the best.

 

Here is Vanessa Christenson of V and Co. in her booth over in the Moda corridor.  I like Vanessa.  She's chipper and kind but spunky.  Oh, and beautifully talented.  My kind of gal.

 

 Here is my friend (and neighbor!) Heather Bailey chatting with some gals at her booth.  Sometimes I run into Heather when I schlep up to the corner market here at home but there's something fun about getting to chat at Quilt Market.  It's a special event and we are both wearing makeup.

 

The Modern Quilt Guilt Meet-up is always loads of fun and another opportunity to run into some great folks.  Here are my homies Christy Fincher of Purple Daisies, LLC (her business with her mom Sharon Schamber) and Alyssa Lichner of Pile o' Fabric, and Bari.  They are all my local friends and for some reason it's just exciting to get together at market even though we can get together at home any time.

 

Here is Camille Roskelley and her cute husband Jarom.  I always wonder what the husbands think about having to stop and pose for pictures all the time.  Jarom looked like he had it all figure out by the time I came around for a picture.  Camille is a warm, fun gal and she gave me some great Disneyland advice (we're both fans).

 

Here are Alyssa Haight Carlton and Jacquie Gehring giving away prizes (lots and lots including a baby lock serger!) at the MQG Meet-up.  They were very popular that night.  I didn't win anything but that did not lower my opinion of them in any way.

 

And Scott again (check out those new sideburns from his man spa visit) chatting with the ever nice, Kate Spain.  Two nice people have a nice (I'm sure of it) conversation (while being stalked by me).  Nice.

 These are just a few of the people who make market worth the trip (and expense).  I've never met a mean person at quilt market (well, maybe just one but I've banished her from my psyche).  The folks are just as friendly as they are talented.  That's why it's worth going.

 

Quick Quilt Market Re-cap

Fall Quilt Market 2013 in Houston was a whirlwind of busy, buzzing activity.  Fun, exhilaration, exhaustion, late nights, sore feet, blissful fabric foray.  This time I went with my BFF (best fabric friend) Jamie and I think we hit all the high spots but it still didn't feel like enough time to cover everything (yet I was so glad when that plane took off homeward bound).

Here are some highlights: 

Heather Bailey's booth was stunning and took the 1st prize spot for a single booth.  It's a great accomplishment considering she and Isaac were planning a double booth and had to buzz-saw it down to a single size just a few days before market began.  This stunning paper pieced butterfly stole the show.  Heather's newest collection is Lottie Da and it's her first quilting weight collection in awhile and it's classic Heather with it's vibrant colors and fresh flowers.  And the best part is she's got another collection coming out at the same time!  True Colors is a collection by Heather and 3 of my favorite designers Joel Dewberry, Jenean Morrison, and Anna Maria Horner.  I'm thrilled to see all of it and I think you'll love it just as much as I do.

 

Here is a better look at the whole booth.  So pretty.

 

Here's a better look at some things made from Lottie Da.  You're going to love it!

 

The Aurifil booth was a fresh slice of The Price is Right with the putting greens everywhere.  Get the ball in the hole and the prize is a nice spool of their very awesome thread.  I tried twice and tanked both times.  It's harder than it looks.

 

Tula Pink's booth was classically funky, especially with those stars on the floor.  Her new collection is called Fox Field and the colors are out of this world.

 

Here she is at her school house presentation.  Such a quilt!

 

Here is Kay Whitt's bright and beautiful booth.  She's got a load of new Serendipity Studios patterns being released right now but the Jordan Jacket is my absolute favorite.  

 

The girls over at Marie-Madeline had another darling booth (which they stuffed into a van for the 10 hour drive with themselves, their grandparents, and their luggage!).  Run over to their blog for some great pictures so you can truly appreciate the cuteness.  They are the sweetest gals and their patterns are absolutely wonderful.

 

And some of the biggest news was the launch of Cotton & Steel by RJR Fabrics.  It's the brainchild of the folks at RJR and designers Melody Miller, Rashida Coleman-Hale, Alexia Abegg, Kim Kight, and Sarah Watts.  Watch the video here (you'll love it).

 

Here is Sarah Jane Studios newest collection (and newest baby in the "boy tent"!) called Wee Wander and it's a very special and whimsical collection.  Horses, fireflies, and stars.... another must have.

 

The Iza Pearl booth was scrumtious and sunny.  Those spunky handbag patterns are from Schlosser Designs.  Great stuff!

 

And Anna Maria Horner has another rich and colorful fabric collection.  It's called Dowry and you will love this as much as you love her other collections.

 

That's it for now.  More pictures coming.  Keep on sewing!

Pants are so 5 minutes ago.

With skirts like these I'd just throw away all of my pants.  Shelley over at Elsie's Girl is cranking out such beautiful skirts from my book The Essential A-Line that she's nearly brought me to tears.  Check them out!

 

This fabric is amazing and Shelley used the Basic Skirt pattern for this one.  It just goes to show you, with great fabric even the most simple garments look fantastic.

 

Here is another Basic Skirt but she added a bias tape hem (pg 41) and that small detail really adds a big punch.  Again, great fabric = great garment.

 

And I love her version of the Patchwork Skirt.  In the book I gave instructions for continual 5" squares but Shelley took it to a new level by using her own patchwork pattern.  I love the fact that she didn't stick strictly with the book since my whole goal was to just offer a smidgen of inspiration for folks to run with (it worked!).

 

And look at the fabric in this one!  This is the Layered with Bias Hem pattern and she knocked this one out of the ballpark.

 

And I'm just thrilled that Shelley is going to teach a class using my book as the curriculum!  I can't wait to see what her students come up with.  

Rolling out a new pattern! Just in time for the holidays too!

I'm so excited to finally launch a new pattern!  It's been a couple of years since I've released a new pattern and I've been so busy I haven't had time to put my pattern ideas together and get them ready for use.  I'm taking advantage of the slower sales season (before the big holiday ramp up) to get some things out for my sewing friends.

Here is my new "Tech-Style" (say it a few times and it will make sense) PDF Pattern for the iPad and Kindle!  I've sewn and sold more of these on etsy than I can count and still get requests for them but, as with many of my patterns, I got tired of making them so I retired the design with the intention of making them available as patterns.  I currently sell the version with the pocket but the ruffled one got old for me.  I still get requests and since you are welcome to use my patterns for individual sales, you are free to put some out there for the folks who still want them (just give me credit for the design).

The pattern (instant downloadable PDF) includes two styles, which I haven't seen in any other pattern (plus the ruffle is my own original design) so it's a great value at $8.00.  Right now it's in my Fabritopia Etsy shop but I'll be making it available through pattern sites soon.

 

Here is a sample page so you can get a look at some of the illustrations.  All the pages (9 total) except the cover are black and white (and grey) so it's very easy on your printer's ink.  There are over 40 detailed illustrations.  I really cringe when I have to print a lot of colored pages so you'll like this if that's a concern for you too.

 

 

Here is a close up shot of the ruffles.  They really are so feminine and soft looking and since they're cut on the bias there is no hemming needed for the edges (but they never unravel).

 

It looks beautiful in solid fabrics too.  This is just a nice tan linen and it's a more classic look than the printed fabric.

 

 

And one of the best parts....it includes dimensions for the regular iPad (fits those with speck covers as well), mini iPad, and every version of the Kindle from it's first release up to the current release.  If you have a differnt type of small device there are such a variety of dimensions in this pattern I'm sure you will find a size that fits.  You will be set for one of a kind Christmas gifts with this pattern (and it doesn't take much fabric at all).

Let me know if you're as excited as I am!  If not I'll try to understand.  

If you're interested in using the pattern to make things to sell and need some ideas on how to price them just contact me at jona@fabritopia.com. It's a great way to make some money, especially with all the holiday shopping and boutiques just around the corner.  

I glue and you should too

Well, I finished my Holiday in London Duffle Bag just in time for Disneyland and it's gorgeous (I'll share soon).  I started with the outside pockets and instantly knew I wasn't going to be happy with them the way things were going.  My houndstooth bias fabric was crooked on the piping and the pattern on the pocket fabric was at a slight, but obnoxious, angle.  Sometimes I can overlook these things but I just knew this was going to make me crazy if I didn't try to do a better job.

Here's a close up of what I'm talking about.  See how the houndstooth pattern is different on at the end than in the middle?  Argh.  And those little green diamonds on the pocket are not all in a straight row.  It was definitely a job for the seam ripper.  And some glue!

I use glue for some of the steps when I'm assembling laptop covers for my Hipster Haberdasher store so I always have Elmer's purple glue sticks around.  I took everything apart and then ran the glue stick down the length of the bias piping fabric.  I quickly (it dries pretty fast) set my piping right in the middle and then folded it over carefully, making sure the houndstooth pattern was perfectly centered.

 

 

 

A quick re-stitching with my incredible new piping foot (you must get one of these if you don't have one already) and I was set.

 

 

 

I trimmed my green fabric to make sure the pattern was perfectly straight and then glued the piping in place.

 

 

More glue, and then I set the other half of the pocket in place over the piping.  I ran over the whole glued area with my iron really quick to set in nicely and then sewed it all together (using my phenomenal new piping foot, dang).  I didn't use a single pin to hold it together!

 

 

Perfection!  This made me so happy!  I know most folks wouldn't have ever noticed the lack of accuracy (I can hardly see it in the pictures) but that wasn't the point.  I knew I could do a great job if I improved my prep work and had good tools (the glue and the piping foot).

This is such a great pattern and the sew along videos by the designer Bari J. are a must before starting.  She covers the use of glue so much better.  I used the glue stick because it's what I had on hand but, with the right tip, you can get a much cleaner, detailed stream of glue.  More on that later.  Keep on sewing!

Skirts! They're popping up everywhere (not literally)!

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book yet run over to Sew 4 Home because they're doing a give away and have a nice review.  I love the folks at Sew 4 Home and I'm tickled that they included my book (and the correct pronunciation of my name, thank you Liz!) on their blog since, technically, a skirt is not a home project.  They're drawing a winner on the 31st so don't wait too long!

 

My friend Jemellia made a gorgeous version of the Basic Skirt using Anna Maria Horners Field Study fabric.  This is a great example of why fabric matters.  Something as simple as the Basic Skirt looks amazing because she picked amazing fabric.  Jemillia has a great eye for combining sewing patterns with the perfect fabric and you should definitely follow her blog.  See the hearts?  She loves it (and so do I!).

 

 

Here we are together at Quilt Market in Portland.  I'm wearing the Triple Ruffle version of the skirt but I turned it into a Quadruple Ruffle skirt by adding another tier.  You can even make this one a Quintuple Ruffle skirt if you want to keep going.  I really love this skirt and have to send it back to The Bernina Connection since I offered to make it for a store sample using their fabric.  I'll wear it one more time and then say farwell to it.

 

 

 

Here is another great book review by Katie at Swim Bike Quilt.  Again, the Basic Skirt which looks fantastic with this fun fabric.  Super cute!  And great blog!

 

 

 

And here's the skirt I made for Bari to wear in her fabulous booth at Quilt Market.  I don't usually sew for other people (so don't bother asking) and this made me nervous.  But I pulled out the pattern from my book (which I found out was printed smartly and perfectly, whew!) and using the measurements Bari gave me, created this darling Contrast Pleat version of the skirt using her gorgeous Bijoux fabric.  I was so relieved and proud when I saw how great the fit was!  Plus those boots knocked it out of the ballpark.

 

 

 

So far I'm pulling in 5 star reviews on Amazon and will probably cry when a lower one comes in.  But, the part that really makes me happy is a lot of really new beginners are using it and finishing with skirts they are proud of and didn't have to pull their hair out to get through the process.  Whew!

 

I'll be making more skirts and posting them soon.  I've just been busy enjoying summer with the kids and working on my little Hipster Haberdasher business here.  Back to School time is crazy with kids needing covers for their laptops so be sure to stop by if your child is running off to college (or high school) with a new laptop!

So, like I was saying....

Sorry.  I seriously just got tired and dumped all of my Quilt Market pics into flickr (see them here).

I've been sewing a lot and the fun part is that lot's of it has been fun sewing (as opposed to business sewing which is tedious but having money is fun so there's that....).  Last month we got to escape the Arizona heat by driving to California for the wedding of the middle son of our best friends ever.  I was so happy to make the bow ties for the groom and his guys and a necktie for the grooms dad (who officiated the wedding and was the best man at our wedding nearly 27 years ago).  Don't they look great?  I used my bow tie pattern and this tutoral designed by Georgia Solorzano at Puking Pastilles.  It a great pattern and I highly recommend it.  The fabric is a poly/taffeta type and it was great to sew with and I loved the finished look.  I'm so used to working with quilting cottons that I wasn't sure how this fabric would work.  It worked great it turns out!

 

The beautiful bride wanted a tulle garter which I'd never even heard of (kids these days!).  The one she really liked was 92.00 (yeah really) so I went to work trying to recreate the look and it was truly fun.  I searched high and low for the lace embellishment and found something sort of similar.  I dyed it with a combination of tea and grey dye from Dharma Trading Co. and got this great taupe color.  Then I trimmed it down to a reasonable size and added some little beads for a touch of bling.

After a little practice here's the finished garter.  That was fun!  I gave her the practice one for tossing.

And here I am with my honey and his own snappy bow tie.  Life is good folks!

To market! And a give away!

I'm absolutely scrambling to finish one last skirt here.  My flight leaves in 10 hours and, as usual, I'm last minute frantic.  Quilt Market is this week and the best part is it's in Portland, my home town.  I have to give a presentation on my book in front of dozens of folks and I'm not ready for that either.  But, oh well.

I'm happy to take a second to show you some of the stuff I've been up to and give you a chance to win something amazing.

Here is a closeup of the combination of fabrics in my skirt made out of my friend Bari J. Ackerman's gorgeous new Bijoux collection (in stores now!).  The colors are so rich and the fabric is incredibly soft, like lawn.

And here is my skirt and Bari's skirt.  They are both from patterns in my book The Essential A-Line.  Hers is the Contrast Pleat pattern (pg 79) and mine is the Contrast Layer pattern (pg 60).  Cute, right?

 

And look at the great give away Bari is having!

 

Bijoux has started shipping to stores, so soon you'll be able to add a little bit of her to your life. But right now, this very moment, you can enter to win a giveaway! Bari is giving one lucky winner a bundle of 10 Bijoux fat quarters. This giveaway has a quick turnaround, so be sure to enter right away. You'll have 24 hours to enter, and I'll choose the winner, randomly, on Thursday.

This group of blogs has already had their drawing but please visit them to see their beautiful creations made from Bijoux, and be inspired.

May 8: Melanie Dramatic
May 9: Sew Much Like Mom
May 10: 100 Billion Stars
May 11: I'm Doing Stuff
(mother's day, no stop on the 12th)
May 13: Imagine Gnats

 

Check out these blogs the rest of the week for more chances to win a gorgeous bundle!

May 15: Mommy for Reals
May 16: Olive and Ollie
May 17: Pile O' Fabric
May 18: Sally's Angel Works
May 19: JM Maxman

Back with a winner soon and then lots of great pictures from Quilt Market (it's going to be great!).

The post in which I ask for a favor....(quick)

Quick!

 Run over to Stash Books Blog to win a free copy of my book!  Only 2 more days!

That wasn't the favor.  This is...

A couple of years ago I took a portfolio of my designs to quilt market in the hopes of snagging a contract with a fabric manufacturer.  I was thrilled to tears when I recieved a contract nearly 2 months later.  I was not so pleased when they changed their minds and I had to chase them down to find that out.  Fortunately I got a real contract for a book at the same time so that helped comfort me and keep my busy for awhile.

Well last week I happened upon this contest on the We All Sew site.  I figured "what the heck" and submitted some of my original designs and a few I've played around with.  The grand prize is a chance at a fabric contract and a stunning new Bernina 710.  Frankly I want the machine more than the contract but don't tell anyone.  I wouldn't mind winning the running up prizes which include Kim Kight's wonderful book A Field Guide to Fabric Design (but since I already have it I would share it with one of my blog readers and it's a great book!) and some cute patterns.

Anyway, this contest has brought out my fierce competetive side and I thought I would ask for help in kicking some pants over there.  All you have to do is re-pin my picture (using the links on each of them below).  If you want to delete it next week after the contest is over my feelings won't be hurt one bit.  The contest ends in two days.  Thanks for playing along!  I promise I won't ask any more favors until next time.  :)

Here's the link for this one:

 

And this one:

 

And this one:

 

And this one:

 

And this one: (which may be my favorite)

 

And this one:

 

And this one:

 

And this one:

 

And this one:

 

What do you think?  

Thank you!  Jona