REinventing for the First Time!

     Bronwyn hadn't done a lot of sewing before we met. 

(Dress REinvented into cropped Jacket)

Fortuitously she came along to what turned out to be the last Learn to Sew workshop I would conduct at the Freo Art Centre, where she diligently worked her way through the 7 projects in the 

Basics & Beyond pattern.  

(Jumper Wrap)

Since then, Bronwyn has joined a Change of Heart Skirt workshop, is booked in for a Splice Skirt workshop and experienced REinventing for the first time with a group during the last All Day Saturday Workshop.

I don't as a rule focus on one students talents however I'm making an exception here because Bronwyn is proof that it's of no consequence how experienced you are with a sewing machine or not, 

with a desire to create you can't help but succeed.

(REinvented Shirt)

A fresh batch of dates for REinventing at the Studio:

All Day Saturdays

(2days)

10am-3pm
$175

1st & 8th October

All Day Sundays
(2days)
10am-3pm
$175

10th & 17th July

7th & 14th August

21st & 28th August

18th & 25th Sept.

And then there were Three...patterns!

Got a cuppa - this could take a while...

I'll try & keep it brief ...

When I first started conducting Learn to Sew workshops at the Fremantle Art Centre, students would copy my Vilene patterns, for the projects I had designed.

 I decided early that the projects needed to appeal to first time sewers (those who had never seen a sewing machine before) and those wanting to enhance existing skills, so I created the
LTS Basics & Beyond Pattern which consists of 7 projects;

Journal Cover, Satchel Bag, Quilt, Liza Top, Liza Pants, Button & Zip Cushions.

The LTS Basics & Beyond pattern is now a paper printed pattern, however at the moment it's still only available to those attending workshops.

As students progressed through the projects and gained confidence, developing more advanced skills, it was evident that they needed another project to stretch them.
Being a workshop environment, where time is of the utmost importance, I required a project that would appeal to a wide audience, while giving each student the ability to create a garment as individual as they are.

I've always believed if you can stitch a straight line, insert a zip & sew a buttonhole you can create anything with your sewing machine, so after adding a few other essential techniques, like attaching bias binding and stitching darts, the Change of Heart Skirt was born, along with the workshops of the same name.

(The first Change of Heart Skirt I ever made)

These workshops have proved to be one of my most popular and 7wks ago a REinventor I hadn't seen for 8yrs joined a group. Denise owns & operates Hot Possum and 5mins into the workshop she tapped me on the shoulder and ordered 50 skirt patterns!

(CoH Skirt Workshop - Nicole, Jennifer, Michelle, Denise)

 I said yes.
It then took 2wks to turn a 1 sided A4 sheet of basic instructions into a 13pg detailed A4 book(let).
It helped having a dead-line - they had to be ready in time for the launch of Denises new quilt patterns at the Perth Craft & Quilt Show.

(Denise wearing one of her CoH Skirts behind her stand & the patterns, at the Perth C&Q Fair)

During the past 7wks I've achieved the same thing with the Splice Skirt & the Piece of Cake Frock and would like to apologise if your pattern isn't folded very well - folding at 2am is tricky!

The inspiration for the 3 designs have come from various sources however the idea for the Piece of Cake Frock came directly from a REinvention I created earlier this year.

(REinvention inspiration for the PoC Frock)

This pattern seemed to take the longest to complete because during these 7wks my soul-mate/computer guru decided to take a job as faraway from me as possible, leaving instructions on how to use Illustrator - hahaha was what I said (no it's not) and on his return he sorted out that which I couldn't.
I would also like to mention at this point the pain I went through in naming this particular pattern and the angst I felt because it's such a simple design.
Names for me are very important and like naming my children, naming the patterns has proved to be as thought provoking - they have to live with these names for the rest of their natural life -
it's a huge responsibility.
When it came time to send the pattern off for the final print I was embarrassed by its simplicity and I thought seriously about putting a zip in the back, just to make it seem more worthy of being a fair-dinkum pattern. I'm glad I didn't coz it's perfect as is, simple after all is best - in fact if I was to change the name I'd confidently call it the  
Perfect Piece of Cake Frock.

These 2 patterns had to be done & dusted in time for the Sydney Craft & Quilt Show.
I love a dead-line and have known for a long time that I do my best work under pressure!

(Packaging patterns in the Studio)

 I was compelled to contact Denise not long after she'd received the last of the patterns, thanking her for helping to make my dream become a reality, her response was, 'sometimes life sends you the people you need in your life when you don't know that you need them' - hallelujah!



For those of you unable to get your hands on a copy of the patterns because you're a little old fashioned like myself and like to physically hold and look at something before parting with your money then go ask your favourite fabric store to contact me and get them in!
If you're in Sydney this week and you especially want the Splice Skirt pattern you'd better hurry because Denise left a message this morning and she's afraid there wont be any by tomorrow!
The other options are my online shop and Denises.

Description: a semi-fitted A-line Skirt, with a relaxed fall, attached to a reversible Front Panel - essentially it's two skirts in one.

Suitable for: intermediate beginner- advanced sewer. Suitable for REinvention applications.

Pattern Package contains: full sized paper pattern in 5 sizes (8-16). 13pg detailed instruction booklet with diagrams, glossary and fabric layout guides for fabric with & without nap.

Description: a multi-layered flared a-line skirt, which is stitched & cut to create a textured finish. Finished garment sits around the midriff, with side zip opening and bias binding waist.
Suitable for: intermediate - advanced sewer.
Pattern Package contains: full sized paper pattern for 2 skirt variations (horizontal & vertical - refers to textured finish) in your choice of size (8-10, 12-14, 16 or 18). 8pg detailed instruction booklet with diagrams, glossary and fabric layout guides for both bias & straight grain cutting options.

Description: relaxed fit, easy-wear sleeveless, shaped Empire-line Dress in 2 lengths (Frock & Tunic), featuring boat-neck styled front Bodice & cut-away back neck, featuring 2 comfort pleats in the a-line skirt section.

Suitable for: beginner - advanced sewer.

Pattern Package contains: full sized paper pattern for 2 variations in length (Frock - longer, Tunic - shorter), in 5 sizes (8-18). 9pg detailed instruction booklet with diagrams, glossary and fabric layout guides.

All you require to succeed with your Sew Outside the Lines™ pattern 

is a desire to create, 

the curiosity to look a little further 

and the courage to step outside the lines...

 These three members of the family are just the beginning...

Have your Cake and eat it!

The Piece of Cake Frock pattern

is so named because it is,

a piece of cake to make...

 

  and wear,

 the simple silhouette means you can be creative with your fabric choices...

 

layer it for any season...

and

 

 be comfortable eating as much cake as you want knowing you'll still look & feel fantastic!

You could be like me and put your 'Cake' on, look in the mirror and exclaim

"I probably wont wear anything else!"

So far I've worn mine 4 days straight with different tights, boots, jeans, cardigans & skivvys - might be time to make another one!

Now the little Sew Outside the Lines™ family of 3 is complete and available

in my new

Shop!

I probably should explain what's inside each pattern package

and I will,

in the next day or two,

when I've had time to catch my breathe and REacquaint myself with my other family. 

Can't pick a favourite!

Exciting things are happening round here at the moment and I have so much to share but like anything that's really yummy, you want the experience to last a while so I'm metering it out spoonful by spoonful so you can savor the moments with me - or not!

(Denises short version of the Splice Skirt)

These are the Splice Skirts created during our fever pitched sewing session at the Studio on Wednesday.

I can't decide which one I like the most because everytime you make one of these it's different -

and there lies my dilemma - I love different with a passion!

(Kaffe Fasset Fabric)

 

These Skirts, along with the other garments available in the Sew Outside the Lines™ range of patterns, will be worn by the girls, while they man the Hot Possum stand during the Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair. 

(Julies Splice Skirt)

Denise is Hot Possum and she is the very reason my patterns are a reality - I'll save those details for another time!

(Denises first Splice Skirt)

 Not only will my patterns & kits be available to purchase from the Hot Possum stand, Denise has her own range of funky, bright & fun Quilt Patterns and a huge range of gorgeous fabrics - 

she has a great eye for colour & pattern combinations.

(Change of Heart Skirt)

And as if that wasn't exciting enough...
I am soooo pleased & relieved to announce that I managed to put to bed the 3rd member of the Sew Outside the Lines™ pattern family, in time for the Sydney Quilt & Craft Fair.
I've hinted at this one previously and will officially introduce her to you tomorrow!

Here's a sneaky look...

Oh and I've decided I do have a new favourite Splice Skirt - it's the short version (first image) because I don't have one - yet! 

Sewing with my new Besties!

 Denise & Julie from Hot Possum arrived at the Studio yesterday morning, with sewing machines, metres of fabric and loads of enthusiasm,

 for a whole day of creating garments from the new Sew Outside the Lines™ patterns.

We made Splice Skirts, Change of Heart Skirts and the new Piece of Cake Tunic & Frock,

so they can wear them,

while selling the patterns & the fabrics

at Denises Hot Possum stand

during the Sydney Quilt & Craft Show!

Below is a sample of a Splice Skirt Denise created - I'll share more tomorrow because the few shots I got of yesterdays creations (in between seaming zips & stitching darts) are worth their own post and besides I've got chores to do - I'd rather be here but needs must, being as I'm a one-trick-pony again!

The Pearls of Sussex Street

I think I should explain something about my name.

My first name is Jody, my middle name is Pearl and my surname is Lange.

Up until I started doing REinventing Workshops at the Fremantle Art Centre, 12yrs ago,
the only people that ever called me Jody Pearl,
were my Grandfather when I was little and Dan from the day I met him.

It was 12yrs ago, that the then course co-ordinator at the Art Centre
started advertising my workshops under the title 'Jody Pearl',
it wasn't at my suggestion, she just did it.

Initially I was a little uncomfortable because up to that point
only two people had ever addressed me in this way
and it has caused some confusion & minor irritation to others over the years.

There is nothing sinister or untoward happening here
 Jody Pearl is my stage name if you like.
It is my name, I inherited it from my Great-grandmother.
 I like it a whole lot, so will continue to use it
and besides if it wasn't for the Pearl in my name,
articles like the one that was written up in the Property section of todays Sunday Times
wouldn't have the same impact.

We all think it very funny
and after the week I have had it was almost enough to make me laugh 'til I cried!

Another Splice Skirt

Here's another one...just like the other one...

 

only different.

The Splice Skirt pattern package comes with two skirt options (Vertical & Horizontal), in your size - well it will, when I get them folded!

Contact me for purchasing details - if you have a bricks & mortar shop or a floating around in cyber space shop and would like to stock my patterns, that would be nice! 

Splice Skirt Photoshoot with a Twist...

This past week has been a blur of prickly little disasters, all involving & threatening the burgeoning pattern designing & producing career - I look forward to that day when I can sit back & laugh about it. 

With some trepidation I asked the teenager to help out with some photos of the Splice Skirt - needed for the cover of the same.

 

 

 

 Not only did she turn a frown upside down, she came up with a whole new way to wear the Skirt!

Why I shop where I Shop - I like a bargain!

I didn't realise Textile Traders was purely a WA establishment, that the Eastern states don't have them - a win for the most isolated city in the world!

I've been known to take advantage of the TT 'Buy 2 get 1 Free' sales in the past however not on the scale I did this week.

 I've got plans for skirts, lots of skirt, lots of different skirts...and frocks!

The trouble with Textile Traders is that Spotlight is never far away - usually just around the next corner. Spotlight doesn't have the sales that TT does, however they have the groovy bias binding that TT doesn't. 

Not this time though, instead I found more fabric and this panel - $5!

 I didn't realise how big the teapot was until I got home and unfolded her - she is soooo going in a skirt.

I seem to have been spending alot of time on Facebook recently, thanks to the canny Denise from Hot Possum - like I need another distraction Denise! 

There's some amazing stuff going on out there, in cyber world, like people selling fabric on-line - I know you knew that - it's me that takes a while to catch up.

  It was this fabric that caught my eye at Earthgirl Fabrics. I've lusted after it for awhile, having noticed in a boutiquey fabric shop I occasionally pop into.

 

 I purchased a few fabrics from Earthgirl and with free post as part of the deal I had a win.

I've always liked the saying, 'She who dies with the most fabric wins' but now I'm not sure my kids would see it that way.

Hope you found some bargains this week...