Freezer paper changed my life as a designer. Seriously! I know that’s a sort of dramatic statement, but I’m standing by it. I first heard about freezer paper from Mimi Kirchner. In 2006 she published this post showing how she sews really detailed doll hands and fingers by machine and from that point on I’ve…
Should Sewing Patterns Be Certified?
If you’re interested in becoming a sewing pattern designer it’s easier now than it’s ever been. You can learn the skills you need, create a design, test it, and then sell it directly to consumers without a huge investment in formal schooling, software, or printing and distribution. There are online classes in pattern drafting, grading,…
Podcast Episode #46: Rebecca Ringquist
On today’s episode of the While She Naps podcast we’re talking about embroidery with my guest, Rebecca Ringquist. Rebecca is a Brooklyn-based visual artist and designer. Approaching the technique of embroidery as a way of drawing, Rebecca has taught hundreds of people new ways of making marks on fabric with thread. Rebecca has a design…
Book Review: Retro Mama Scrap Happy Sewing by Kim Kruzich
I admire designers who have a signature style. When you see their work out of context you immediately recognize it and know it’s theirs. Their blog, their patterns, their business cards – everything they make – is part of an overall aesthetic. Kim Kruzich is one of those designers. When I think of Kim I…
Favorite Business Tool: Pocket
Kari Chapin asked me recently, “What’s your favorite business tool?” I answered immediately: Pocket. I love Pocket. There’s so much to read online right now — so many videos to watch, and blog posts to read, longform articles about interesting topics to explore — and I rarely have long chunks of time to get through…
Craftcation 2015
I’m writing this post on the plane flying from Los Angeles back to Boston after a weekend spent at Craftcation. This is the first conference I’ve attended that’s related to the work I do now. It was a sacrifice for my family for me to leave for four days and I want to first say…
How to Keep Blogging When You Really Don’t Feel Like It
It’s pretty easy to start a blog, especially when you’re excited about it. Brainstorming names is fun! Deciding on a platform takes some work, but it’s still pretty neat. Making a banner? Fun. Before too long your blog is set up and you’re ready to write your first post. The whole thing might take a…
Bear Sewing Patterns for the Six Weeks of Love for Softies Contest
The Six Weeks of Love for Softies contest over at Sew Mama Sew is in full swing. Take a look at all of the entries that have been submitted so far. The contest is running through April 5 so there’s still time to whip up a softie (or three!) and enter to win. Categories include:…
Looking Out For Ourselves
A few days ago I got an email from a member of the marketing team at F+W Media, a major publisher of craft books, asking if I’d consider reviewing Kim Kruzich’s new book, Retro Mama Scrap Happy Sewing. I love Kim’s work. She’s a meticulous sewist and a great designer with a focus on softies…
Why “Where’s Your Inspiration?” Isn’t a Good Question
I snapped this photo on Wednesday night. It was 8:24 pm. I’d just finished wiping down the kitchen counters and sweeping the floor. Josephine was tucked into bed. Simon was in her pajamas and Roxanne had just headed upstairs to take a shower. I had put down my laptop and my many legal pads and…
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