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;
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;
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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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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| (The first Change of Heart Skirt I ever made) |
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| (CoH Skirt Workshop - Nicole, Jennifer, Michelle, Denise) |
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) |
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) |
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.
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.
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...
Hi Jody, Jules and I grabbed a cuppa and had a read, that is the most wonderful blog post I have read in awhile....and yes they are selling like yummy hot pieces of cake.......
ReplyDeleteSmiley-face while happy-dancing around the Studio!
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm having trouble remembering all the disasters that seemed destined to derail this little plan of ours now that it's a happening thing - bless your cotton pickin' socks!