Sometimes a single image can have a transformative effect on your life. At least it can on mine. My older daughters are now 7 and 9-years-old. They are aware of what I do, that I sew and write books and write a blog. They come into the studio while I’m working and ask, “Can I…
Archives for August 2013
Free Plush Pattern: Tiny Kitty
Meow! Tiny Kitty is here to say hello. She fits in a tea cup! Sew her from a single pattern piece. Yep, she’s made from a circle. So simple. Ready to make one? Here we go! Gather your supplies. Faux fur scraps are perfect, but fleece or wool work, too. If you don’t have safety…
Why You Should Create Projects for Magazines
I have a pattern in the newest issue of Sew-It Today magazine. This pattern is three little easy-to-sew felt animals: a bear, a bunny, and a kitty. This issue hits newsstands next week and I’m super excited that my project is on the cover! I like Sew-It Today because it gets down to business…
Let’s Talk Process: A Blog Hop
Today I'm excited to be a part of a blog hop all about the design process. Eight designers have come together to talk about how we turn new ideas into new things. Designing is a highly personal process, and it's somewhat mysterious, too. It's really special to have this chance to show you how it…
Six Months of Softies Is Complete!
Guess what? The final Six Months of Softies pattern is here! Look at this wonderful assortment of softies, each one designed by a different indie designer. Being a part of this club has been a great experience, both as a designer and as a participating member. I've sewn five of the six patterns and I…
10 Podcasts to Listen to While You’re Crafting
Charlie gave me an iPod for my birthday six years ago and I cried when I opened it. “I don’t have time for this! Why would you think I would ever be able to listen to something on headphones when I’m home taking care of little kids?” I rolled my eyes, crossed my arms, and…
Awesome Handmade Toys: Michelle Jewell of Finkelstein’s Center
Before we jump into today's post I want to invite you to something new. I've recently created a private Facebook group for people who design sewing patterns for toys and dolls. It's called the Softie Designers Forum and it's already amazing. This is a place to ask all those detailed questions about pattern templates and…
Reflecting on What Makes Designs Sell
I have a pattern in issue 29 of Mollie Makes. It’s a punk and pretty topsy turvy doll (I call them Roxy and Rachel). The idea for this doll came from the magazine’s editor and it was fun to have an assignment. I spent some hours studying British punk girls and the fabrics they wear,…
Applying Concepts from Contagious by Jonah Berger to Creative Businesses: Making the Private Public
This is the second in a series I’m writing about Contagious: Why Things Catch On, by Jonah Berger. This book is truly excellent, steeped in research and yet easy to understand. I recommend getting a copy. In these posts I’m working to apply the theories in Contagious to creative businesses. You can read the first…
How to Make a Fleece Bow Tie
Every boy doll needs a dapper bow tie. In just a few minutes you can turn a few leftover scraps of fleece into an awesome softie accessory (or hairclip…or brooch). Ready? Let’s go! Gather some supplies: all-purpose thread a few pins a pinback or hairclip (if you’re so inclined) one piece of fleece that’s a…