Sewing, blogging, and creative business.
I’m very excited to have finished this patchwork Progress Pride Flag quilt. The pattern is by Bobbie Gentili from Geeky Bobbin. All of the fabrics are scraps from my stash.
This was a fun project and the finished quilt is really bright and colorful. As part of this process, I also enjoyed learning more about how the design of the Progress Pride flag came to be.
Running a small handmade business is a rather solitary pursuit. Each day I sit down at my studio desk, put on my headphones, and draw and sew for hours on end, and often I don’t talk to anyone at all. I’m an introvert so this life actually suits me well, but I recognize that connectingRead More →
I found this excellent drawing in a box of artwork in the attic saved from when Roxanne was four-years-old. I don't actually remember her making this one in particular, but I absolutely love this rainbow guy and the writing, too. A beautiful, fleeting moment in her life. And now we have Mr. Rainbow to hug.Read More →
Imagine making a baby’s first favorite toy – a soft, huggable, handmade teddy bear. This bear has embroidered features and machine-sewn arms, legs, and ears. There are no small parts that might come off, even after years of snuggling and play. And make a cute matching blankie, too, perfect for the crib and complete withRead More →
For this installment in my series about sewing softies for pleasure and profit I am focusing on gallery shows. Scattered all over the country, and all over the world really, are a select few very special galleries that show indie art. These are places that are run by people who are savvy to the onlineRead More →
This week I've been making felt hibiscus flowers for National Nonwovens' booth at Quilt Market next month. National Nonwovens produces gorgeous felt in all varieties. Last year I sewed butterflies for their booth which was a lot of fun and they kindly provided me with all the felt for my new book. It's always anRead More →
I am teaching a new workshop at Gather Here in May called, "Design Your Own Stuffed Animals." In the class we will start by sketching and then work to transform our drawings into sewing patterns for stuffed animals. You'll learn how and where to add gussets and darts to make your design truly three-dimensional. Don't letRead More →
Last week I posted about a collaborative project I am working on with Kristy of Fog and Swell. We sent eachother some fabrics that we will both use to make forest creatures and ocean creatures. Here is my pile at the beginning of last week. Kristy started with ocean and made a stunningly beautiful crab withRead More →
Over the winter I got a call from an art director who was making a print ad for a pharmaceutical company. The ad was for a new pre-natal vitamin that helps alleviate constipation and the art director was looking for a custom teddy bear that was, well…constipated. Making this bear qualifies as one of theRead More →
Simon came home from Kindergarten with this snail drawing a few months ago. I think it was a pretty slapdash effort, actually, but to me this snail had such incredible personality. I squirreled the drawing away upstairs for a future plush project. I mentioned to Simon this week that I was making a plush snailRead More →
Aren't Topsy Turvy dolls cool? Sort of creepy, but also sort of amazing! Once I started making reversible toys, I felt like I had to make this classic children's toy. I named her Trixie and Tess. Trixie is a rather stern girl, dressed in deep purple with a severe hairstyle. She is not in aRead More →