One of the best ways to learn to design your own sewing patterns is to sew from other people's patterns. The more patterns you use, the more you learn. Sometimes I go long stretches just doing my own design work and forget that this is true. Last week Betz White sent me a copy of…
Archives for November 2012
Awesome Handmade Toys: Jennifer Muskopf
The post is part of an occasional series called "Awesome Handmade Toys." These posts feature toy makers whose work I think is particularly fresh and inventive. You can see previous posts in the series here. I also pin toys to my Inspiring Softies pinboard on a regular basis if you're looking for more inspiration. I…
How to Repair a Stuffed Animal: Restuffing
This post is part of “Animal Hospital: Intensive Care for the Intensely Loved,” an occasional series in which I show you how to make common repairs on your child’s favorite stuffed animal. From straightforward fixes, like sewing up a burst seam, to more complex repairs, like replacing paw pads and reattaching jointed limbs, my intention…
Brand New Handmade Birds in the Shop Today!
I'm very pleased today to have a set of six brand new handmade fabric birds in my shop! Each bird is one-of-a-kind. Pair a bird with an autographed copy of my book, The Artful Bird, for a very special gift. You can find birds and books in my shop today. Thank you so much for…
Six New Handmade Birds Are Nearly Ready
I've been hard at work this week sewing a limited edition set of birds. Join me Monday morning for a very special Cyber Monday release! There will be six birds in total and no two are exactly alike. A bird paired with an autographed copy of my book, The Artful Bird, would make a lovley…
5 Simple Tips for Writing Sewing Patterns Your Customers Will Love
This is a post I wrote for the November 2012 Craftsy Designer Newsletter. Sewing a project from a poorly written pattern is such a frustrating experience. Instructions that are error ridden and hard to follow can make you throw your hands up in frustration, leaving you with a pile of wasted materials and hours of…
Make It Rain: How to Drum Up Business When You’re a One Person Show
If you read craft blogs (and you do, because here you are!) you’re bound to watch as other crafters get great opportunities. One just got a book deal. Another has an article coming out in a big quilting magazine. Someone else has their work in a new gallery show and she secured a licensing deal…
Book Review: Storybook Toys by Jill Hamor
I first knew that Jill Hamor was a good toy designer when I saw the Lisa and Corduroy set she made on her blog. This doll and bear so perfectly capture the nostalgic sweet look of Don Freeman’s illustration I was really blown away. It’s simply stunning work and I’ve been reading Jill’s blog, bybido,…
Free Christmas Sewing Pattern: Pickle Ornament
Today is National Pickle Day so it seemed only fitting that I give you a free pattern for a Christmas pickle ornament. Why a Christmas pickle? It seems to be based on some sort of German legend that has perhaps been debunked. I don’t really know. But what I do know is Christmas pickles are…
More Topsy Turvy Goodness
I needed a little respite at the end of last week and was looking for something fun to sew. I decided to make another Tess and Trixie Topsy Turvy Doll. This time I chose yellow and red and I gave Trixie a very stern, downturned mouth and Tess very perky, upturned pigtails. Here are two…