Sewn Studio

Often when I’m cutting fabric off the bolts for customers I like to ask them what they are making. Lots of time they have no project in mind, they just love the fabric enough to take it home. I always enjoy hearing that. But once in a while, people give this answer with a twinge of guilt on their face. Like they are really doing something naughty by buying fabric with no set purpose yet. Yes, some of us are “guilty” of being fabric addicts and even going a bit overboard at times (Jessica raises hand.) But I really don’t think there is anything wrong with doing a little non-specific stash building. After all, the creative itch can strike at any hour of the night and well, we aren’t open most of those hours. When the day comes that you have sewn enough things and bought enough fabric that you can go shopping around in your own stash for that last-minute project- well, that’s a good day.

So let’s talk a little about building that well-rounded stash. Here are some general categories you can look for to fill out a beautifully satisfying fabric supply right in your own space. Now, lots of this might sound like it applies mostly to quilters because they use up a lot of fabrics in their projects. But really, any modern sewist needs a variety to choose from, whether you are into making bags and gifts, handmade toys, clothes for your kids, whatever.

Colors

I really want to get to the point where I have lots of choices on my shelf in every color. This is a rainbow of fabrics I’ve recently “stashed” from Sewn. I can see now that I definitely need more purples and greens. I have a lot of choices in the neutrals, but I’d like more browns and black/whites as well. Some fabrics have so many colors that it is hard to tell which one reads strongest. But if you can stand back and pick out the dominant color, that always helps when choosing other fabrics to go with it.

Print scale

Another thing to think about is what kind of prints you are buying. Of course, everyone is drawn to different types, but I like to have a variety in size and feel. In this shot of the Loulouthi collection, it’s easy to see right away which are the large, medium, and small scale prints. Anna Maria Horner usually does a great job of mixing those up in all her collections. Besides print size, think about the style. Do you always just go for the florals and curvy prints? Throw in some of the more graphic and geometric designs. Contrasting a fabric with hard lines against one with soft lines makes for a great looking project.

Basics and Blenders

Dots (both pin and polka) always make a great accent fabric. It’s a classic. Definitely don’t ignore this shelf when you are thinking about the color “holes” you are trying to fill in your stash. You can also find prints that would be considered blenders mixed in with a lot of collections. These would be fabrics that read very strongly as one color, and have a more subtle print. They act to “blend” between other fabrics and add some visual texture.

Solids and Neutrals

Oh how this shelf makes me happy. My solids stash is usually hurting because I use them up so fast! Snagging solid fat quarter bundles is a great way to build up supply.

Different Cuts

Speaking of fat quarter bundles, they are actually a great way to build up supply in any of these categories! And they aren’t just for quilters. The 18″ by 22″ cut is great for lots of smaller projects. (Find some fantastic fat quarter ideas here.) But if you are cutting a fabric off the bolt that is for stash as opposed to a specific project, it’s hard to know how much to get. If it’s something you love, definitely get a yard so that you have enough for a wide variety of projects. If it’s the end of the bolt and you really love it, get it all because it’s probably not coming back. If you are like me, and trying to build a varied stash for quilting projects, half a yard is a good amount. Or if you like it scrappy, get lots of quarter or third yards.

I could blather on about fabric love for quite some time… but if you really want to learn more about what to buy, how to read colors, even how to fold fabric into pretty little stacks, check out the awesome series by the In Color Order blog called The Art of Choosing- It’s really great stuff. Who could look at this organized stash and not be a tinge jealous?

All good things to keep in mind during our big sale this weekend- what better time to achieve stash-happiness? Can’t wait to see you there this Friday and Saturday!

Can you believe the gift-making time of year is looming ahead of us already? And it’s not just Christmas, there are babies coming and birthdays and an endless string of events to celebrate for my family this fall and winter. One of the best ways to get those quick quilted gifts done is by using precuts like charm packs. Charm packs contain 42 5″-squares from a certain fabric line. They are so versatile for quilting projects- you can leave them as they come and sew them into beautiful patchwork rows, or you can get fancy with other common quilting techniques. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing on all those gifts. (Or on something you just want to make for yourself!)

This is a simple half-square triangle design I am making as a Christmas quilt for my mother. I used a couple of Flurry by Kate Spain charm packs, paired with a couple Moda Bella white charm packs, all from Sewn. I like this tutorial for half-square triangles. And there is an endless variety of designs you can arrange them in. Check out these quilts for more HST ideas.

This would be a great project for a new quilter. Just sew up your charm pack, add a border, and you have a quilt top.  More details here.

This quilt is another take on the same idea, but with added sashing between each layer of squares. The instructions here use 5.5″ squares, but you could certainly use a charm pack and just adjust the sashing or finished size.

This design is a simple stacked coin quilt, which I love for babies. Add the cutesy applique or leave it off for a simpler look.

For a smaller quilted project, turn a charm pack into this table runner using a traditional snowball method. Great tutorial here.

The four-patch is another simple design that’s easy to make with charm packs. Simple instructions here.

This pinwheel quilt is another take on the half-square triangle idea. I love the graphic look of the two different sizes.

Right now in the shop we have several varieties of charm packs. There are two Christmas packs- Flurry (shown also in first photo) and Ready, Set, Snow. There is also one Trick or Treat Halloween charm pack left. (Just one!)

We also have the beautiful Summer House and Farmyard charm packs.

And the Sophie and Ruby collections are coming soon!

We now have three beautiful neutral colors of the Essex cotton/ linen blends in the shop- Natural, Putty and Flax. You may have seen this around the craft world lately. It’s a big trend now in modern quilting to use these soft natural fabrics to compliment and highlight bright prints. You have to come in and feel how lovely they really are, but until then, here’s a few ideas to get you dreaming… Am I the only one who dreams about my quilting projects? I didn’t think so

1. PTS 4 , 2. Heather Ross Mendocino Mini Quilt, 3. Linen Apron by Poppyprint, 4. UHGS Zig Zag Table Runner

I love this material for anything home decor. And a few added stitches of perle cotton really looks fantastic on it.

1. Summer Sundays, 2. Camera case, 3. Fiona Full View, 4. rain-y day

Essex linen is not just for quilters. It makes any cute little pouch or clutch look natural-chic. And I love this understated dress, lined with colorful fabric that just peeks through, and accented with beautiful teal buttons. (We also have a great variety of buttons in the shop now!)

1. potholder pass 2, 2. Japanese kitty trim, essex linen, 3. 9.365, 4. Glacial – Front

But the texture is my favorite thing about the Essex line. It just looks like something that needs to be touched. Simple. Natural. Beautiful. Come in and see it in person next to all of our bright colorful cottons. The possibilities are endless!

We’ve seen more of your projects posted this month than ever before, and we love it! The hustle and bustle of back to school and the coming change of seasons must have been a good motivator for making.

A couple of super cute bags by Pattern Patti. You can find the pdf patterns for these here!

Laminates! Didn’t Katie’s recovered vintage chairs turn out fabulous?

Heidi has been busy as always, making up clothes for her kids and birthday gift for their friends. Love her use of soft new Robert Kaufman denim.

Ruffle fabric legging adorableness. What little girl wouldn’t want these? Great job Rachael and Lindsay!

The possibilities are endless when sewing for kids. Sara made a beautiful fabric fringe decoration for her daughter’s pink first birthday party, Heidi’s made a fun car pillow for her son, Robot Inside made this owl bag, and Rachael made a laminate backpack for her daughter’s new school year.

If you’ve spent any time around our facebook page, you know that Jan sews A LOT. (Scroll down for more on Jan!) She made two more beautiful bags this month from Amy Butler patterns.

Another great bag in Cloud 9 fabric by Erin and adorable yellow Bo Peep dress by Karla. I love your model’s enthusiasm!

How AMAZING is this quilt by Nikki? She used our Moda Bella solid white, and the pattern is from a book we carry, Elizabeth Hartman’s Practical Guide to Patchwork. What a beautiful, satisfying finish!

And I couldn’t resist showing off these great messenger bags our own talented Julie made for her girls. Bag on the left is the Amy Butler messenger bag pattern, and bag on the right is out of the Oliver & S Little Things to Sew book. I love them!

Have you met Jan? She is a sewing machine! Well, not a sewing-machine… you know what I mean. We are all always so impressed at how quickly her projects pop up on the facebook page after she has come into the shop for fabric. I just love this picture of her with her dog. (I hope you don’t mind me stealing it from your facebook Jan!)

So let’s get to know her a little better. How in the world does she find all that sewing time?!

First thing you sewed:  shirt at age 15

Where you sew: I sew at my house in Columbus, my aprt in Cincinatti and my cottage in Michigan (I have 4 machines and a serger) and I always have a machine with me

Favorite designer: I LOVE anna griffin!

Who do you sew for: I sew for my granddaughter, daughter and friends (at one time I embroidered 1000 [yes one thousand] linen hankies for an interfaith celebration in Orlando fla – they were gifts for the attendees)

When do you sew: prime sewing time is evening and most times duriing the weekend!

Top of your “to sew” list: duvet cover, 2 skirts and 3 purses . This is my next 7 day list.

Favorite TV Show: burn notice

Thanks Jan! I always love to get to know our customers a little better.

Keep sending us your projects on facebook and flickr!

Today we are excited to bring you an interview with Kathy McGee of Hemma Designs, an independent pattern maker. Her fresh and functional patterns have been all the rage at Sewn this summer, especially her Ilsa Bike Basket, which people love to make with our widening selection of cotton laminates.

Now I’ll let Kathy take it away and tell you more about herself and her designs…

First off, tell us a little bit about yourself. (where you live, family, what you like to do when not working. etc.)

I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota with my husband and dog Denali, also known as The Spud. When I’m not working on Hemma Design patterns I’m usually working on our 1950 house (something always needs to be painted, fixed, updated), gardening, or using friends as guinea pigs for my latest cooking attempts. I’m currently obsessed with The Swedish Table by Helene Henderson. If I could choose my last meal it would include salmon, creamed new potatoes and dill.

Tell us about your sewing background. How did you get started sewing?

My grandmother and mom taught me to sew, knit, crochet, and embroider when I was a kid. I’ve always been drawn to anything involving textiles and making things. I knew in 2^nd grade that I wanted to be a clothing designer when I grew up and I ended up going to the Rhode Island School of Design and studying apparel design.

How did you first make the transition from sewing into designing patterns and how did Hemma Design begin?

I worked in the apparel industry for several years designing everything from children’s clothes to women’s accessories, and home accessories. I had often thought about what it would be like to have my own business and what that would look like. Since I love to sew I wanted to share my enthusiasm with other people and maybe even inspire them. I decided to design patterns because it was a way to incorporate all the things that inspire me: Scandinavian design, Minnesota light, landscape and plants, bright & cheery colors, useful & fun accessories.

On your website, you talk about being inspired by where you live. Could you tell us more about that and any other sources for inspiration?

Oh, I guess I jumped ahead – see above!

Other influences: I love simple, graphic prints with a folk tradition like Japanese, Hawaiian, or Finnish prints. I also look to traditional, functional accessory designs for inspiration, but I like to put a modern or fun twist on it. I like accessories that make me smile.

What’s your typical work day look like as a pattern designer and small-business owner?

I usually try and get business stuff taken care of first thing in the morning so that I can work on new patterns for the rest of the day. Sometimes I’m sketching and drafting, sometimes I’m sewing samples; sometimes I’m sitting at the computer all day drawing the pattern and writing & illustrating the instructions.

(photo by Faith of Fresh Lemons Quilts)

What has been the hardest thing about starting your own design business? What has been the most satisfying?

The hardest thing has been doing everything on my own and keeping myself motivated and focused on a daily basis. It’s a lot easier when I collaborate with other people and get family and friends involved.

The most satisfying is when I meet customers and students who are as into sewing as I am. I think we all feed off of each other’s creativity and there’s something very nourishing and exciting about it.

Are you working on any new designs or exciting projects now?

Yes, I’m always thinking about what’s next. I usually work on one pattern at a time, but have a sketchbook with all sorts of ideas.

What kinds of fabrics are you most drawn to?

Any natural fibers.  Right now I’m really into linen and felted wool. Also, I like oilcloth because it really lends itself to more structured accessories.

What do you carry in your bike basket?

Veggies from the farmer’s market, library books, wallet, house keys. If my dog was smaller I’d put her in there. (Hmm… new pattern idea?)

Thanks so much Kathy! I always like to hear the stories of creative entrepreneurs like you. And if you developed a doggie basket pattern, I’m sure we would carry it.

Now we want to share the Hemma love with you! We are giving away any one of Kathy’s 7 great patterns. Just leave us a comment telling us which you would pick. We will draw a winner next Thursday, August 11 at noon, giveaway open until then.

Pictured up top: Ilsa Handlebar Basket, Karin Laundry Room Patterns, and the Sigrid Oilcloth Market Bag

Pictured farther down: Marta Studio Bin Pattern, Annika Market Bags, Lilla Handlebar Basket, and the Eva Sewing Basket.

It’s the end of another great month at Sewn, which means it’s time to show what you’ve been up to. Keep those projects coming on the facebook page and the flickr group. We know all that fabric we cut is turning into something gorgeous, so don’t be shy!

It has been so exciting to see our summer beginning classes maxing out week after week. We love helping our community gain a new set of skills and have fun doing it. Look at this group’s gorgeous results!

Check out Emily’s little home decor makeover using some of our Joel Dewberry prints. Beautiful isn’t it? And no, we didn’t just pull this picture out of some classy design magazine.

And Heidi, as usual, has been cranking out the Oliver & S patterns. On the left is the Ice Cream Dress, and on the right is an adorable kid-sized messenger bag from the Oliver & S book we carry, Little Things to Sew.

Jan wins most productive! She stitched up a dress in an Anna Griffin print, a beach tunic in Tula Pink’s Prince Charming, (pattern also from Sewn) Amy Butler’s pleated purse pattern in some Parisville fabric, and an Oliver & S Family Reunion dress… Just listing all that made me tired!

Robert Kaufman’s helicopter print is popular this month as well. Heidi made another messenger bag for her son, and Kyle Lynn made crib bedding for her soon-to-arrive baby. She also used some of our Modern Workshop and Loulouthi fabrics in there. Adorable!

These last couple of items were made by Rachael- a dress for a her daughter and a top for herself in Anna Maria Horner’s Innocent Crush line. Rachael has been a big supporter of Sewn from the beginning, but somehow she still hasn’t come in on a day I’ve been working. Even so, we’ve gotten to be cyber-friends through the Sewn facebook page. (See? You really need to hang around there more!)

She graciously answered a few questions for me so we can all get to know her better. I’ll be featuring one of our “regulars” each month on our project round-ups here, so be sure to make them all feel welcome. (You know, like tell her in the comments that she is totally wrong in her cheese choices, or that you often skip vacuuming in favor of sewing as well.)

First thing you ever sewed: Technically, it was probably a square of fabric with one seam (likely sewn wrong sides together, even!) that I thought would be a beautiful barbie dress. Beyond that, interesting question which I was actually just thinking about this week… when I first got my very own sewing machine, I started about five projects simultaneously… the majority of which I still have in plastic bags in a tupperware container in the basement (accompanied by yards of the horrible material I actually used to pay money for).  I do recall finishing a little girl’s dress, a simple jumper that featured a winnie-the-pooh border.

Where you sew: Technically, in my bedroom. I have my sewing machine set up on a table I got from my grandmother (they don’t make things like they used to, right?) and an ironing board that folds out on the back of the closet door. Of course, I also cut fabric on the kitchen table, pin things together and lay out patterns on the living room floor, and keep a large supply of fabrics, notions, etc. in both the upstairs closet and basement. Long story short, when I sew I pretty much take over the whole house. I’m sure many can relate.

Favorite fabric designer: Ooh. Really tough one. I really go back and forth on this. Top three (in order for the moment): Etsuko Furuya, Joel Dewberry, Anna Maria Horner. I reserve the right to fall in love with something new and change my mind. Also, I’ve been coveting lots of screenprinted Australian fabrics lately. Haven’t actually ordered any yet, though.

Who you sew for the most: My daughters, though I’ve been trying to catch up with making more things for myself lately. I’m also lucky enough to have a great wealth of fabulous friends and family who are always helping me come up with new ideas of things to make for them.  Occasionally, they even pay me  and it’s always really flattering when someone I don’t even know buys something off etsy.

Prime sewing time: 8-11pm. after kids are in bed, before I completely pass out.  During the week, at least… on weekends it really just depends when inspiration strikes (usually when I should be vacuuming or something!).

On the to-sew list: Custom baby hats for some friends expecting twins using an edited version of this prudent baby pattern and a big project… i’ve partnered with loveworn of cincinnati to make a version of the imagine gnats dollies out of upcycled t-shirts; the goal is 20 dollies by mid-August.

…and favorite appetizer: Cheese… particularly Manchego.

We have some uber-creative and busy customers at Sewn, and we love it! You can keep up with more of Rachael’s crafty endeavors on her blog. The girl is really making me want to tackle making myself a top  :)

It started innocently enough with a phone call from our Robert Kaufman rep this morning.  I expected his call–most salespeople in the fabric biz mark time between Spring and Fall Quilt Market visiting their accounts–but I wasn’t quite prepared when he said, “How about this afternoon?”  Since he’s based in Michigan and clearly was in town, why not?  I had half an order prepared already, anyway…

Fast forward 3 hours later: hundreds of fabric samples spread out on our classroom tables.  Every shade of the rainbow, every possible style you can imagine.  We’re talking fabric heaven.  Which is the hardest part of my job, really.  Sifting through to pull out the cream of the crop is tough work, but somebody’s got to do it, right?  Customers coming in and out of the shop ooohed and ahhhed as the piles grew larger.  I couldn’t help myself.  Kind of like the Indian buffet down the street, but without the empty (delicious) calories.

So what made the menu?

Finally, some great boy fabric!!

In addition to these fun prints, we’re adding more great sewing basics to our racks.  While quilting cottons make up our main diet, we’re adding a little variety, especially useful for those of you who sew garments.

Essex Linen in Natural, Putty and Flax
All the rage in quilting these days, this is a gorgeous cotton/linen blend at a really affordable price.

Fine Wale Corduroy
Just in time for back-to-school and holiday (better start now!) sewing, soft 100% cotton 21-wale corduroy in 15 colors!

Lightweight Batiste
Just right for lining clothing, in white, cream and black.

Carolina 1/8" Gingham

And for dessert, 12 fruity colors of 100% cotton woven Carolina Gingham!  A staple I’ve been wanting to get into the shop for months–IMHO this is the nicest gingham out there, with nicely saturated colors and beautiful hand.

Most of the basics and many of the prints should hit our shelves over the next few weeks, though a few won’t be in for a while.  We’re also expecting many new collections from other designers over the next few months, so keep an eye on FB and the blog for updates.

And for those of you who’ve been waiting patiently, I received a phone call earlier this week that our long-awaited ECHINO order is on its way.  Here’s a little taste–

Echino Nico 2011

It’s the middle of July and it is HOT here in Cincinnati. Like so hot you sweat on the trip from your front door to your car. So hot you’ve considered a GI Jane hair style.  So hot you don’t even want your shorts touching your thighs… So of course, you need to make a summer skirt! I meant to make a few at the beginning of the summer, but I let other projects take priority (i.e. sewing for my kids.) I say it’s time to sew for ourselves, and there is still plenty of hot sticky summer left.

These are our top ten favorite skirt tutorials. No, not for your cute little girl, for you!

First the easy-breezy elastic waist varieties:

1. Anna Maria Horner’s beautiful Flirting the Issue Skirt includes lining.

2. The Freshly Picked version is the perfect skirt for beginners- simple construction, good practice sewing fabric directly onto elastic, and pockets.

3. Love the big gathered pockets on MADE’s skirt.

Extra details at the waist dress things up a little:

4. This Stand & Deliver skirt would be gorgeous in some of our light weight voile.

5. Love the way this Pinwheel skirt has that added layer of pleats cascading down the front. We have the perfect eyelet trim for this.

6. This cute Paper Bag Skirt tutorial includes great instructions for putting in a zipper.

7. This skirt has the paper bag look as well, but with an elastic waist and a little more swing.

These skirts could keep it casual or dress it up in the evening:

8. Yet another great pocket style from Running with Scissors. Also learn how to shir the waist.

9. I love the scallop hem on this one. And it’s reversible!

10. A great fitted style from Noodlehead, inspired by vintage pyrex.

And don’t forget the great adult skirt patterns we carry at Sewn. Each of these have enough options to keep you outfitted for the next three summers!

1. Amy Butler’s Barcelona Skirts 2. Athena and Calista skirts 3. The Bella Skirt 4. The Emaline Skirt 5. It’s a Wrap Skirt

We want to see your SEWN skirt creations, so don’t forget to send us your pictures. Happy summer skirt sewing