Women in the Sew

From where or whom do you get your inspiration?  Yes, the beauty of nature, your family--especially kids, history, an event,  current or past trends of clothing or interiors -- or the simple pattern of a newly introduced fabric, a vintage button  or the color of that yarn you just bought.

During the weekend of the 11th at the ICE show here in Atlanta, I had the pleasure of meeting and showing along side several amazing women who are all brilliant artists and designers and who have created some very successful businesses. We chatted craft, business, kids, multi-tasking, the King of Pops (see Jessica Swift's blog for more info on that delicious subject). I found their humor, hard work, their varying aesthetics, their talent and openness completely inspiring.  This week I've been working on the theme of my winter 2011/2012 collection.  More to come on that subject as I solidify my designs.

I also met Deborah Moebes owner of the fabulous fabric studio Whipstich, and Ellen Lucket Baker whose blog TheLongThread.com boasts 75,000 visitors a month!  Talk about inspiration--both these ladies have recently published a book.  Deborah's book, Stitch by Stitch, is a lovely companion for those who make clothing, and focuses on garment constructing techniques. I don't know about about you, but I can get in a rut using the same techniques, sewing the same thing over and over.  

Ellen's book 1-2-3 Sew features 33 unique and simple projects that allow you to build your skills as you progress through the book. This past Saturday I went to Ellen's book signing and took a class she taught on one of the projects in the book--making a clutch.  Ooh la la.  You should see what I can do now! 

 

Deborah and Ellen at the ICE show.  Thanks for the inspiration ladies!

My Prints Charming Has Arrived!

This little bird is waiting for me!

I few weeks ago I posted about the Australian dynamic print duo Cath and Kirsten at Prints Charming--I ordered their book and was waiting on it with bated breath. Well those sweet gals read my post and sent me one of their coveted project kits!  So now I am perusing through one of the best craft books I've gotten my hands on (do I sound biased?) and drooling at the sight of my kit waiting for the most opportune time to start my project--probably after all the festivals and markets--during my summer vacation.

Prints Charming is a treasure trove of 40 holiday, children's, and home projects--the photography is beautiful and abundant.  It's a wire-bound hard back that lays completely flat when open--very useful when your hands are immersed in something. My favorite chapter is the one on screen printing.  Cath and Kirsten teach the technique they use in their studio with step by step, clear and easy instructions. I am NOT an instruction manual reader--my brain truly shuts down when I am forced to read one--I learn by doing.  Don't tell me what to do--show me!  And that's what their book does. The book's instructions are written really as if they are chatting with you, providing lots of side bar tips. The piece-de-resistance is the small back pocket which includes a pattern for almost every project.  If you are like me, I trace my favorite patterns and save the originals folded nicely in their envelope.

A pocket full of patterns!

Thank you ladies for sharing your beautiful work in a beautiful book!

Cheers!