How To Wear a Change of Heart Skirt

To celebrate
The Change of Heart Skirt 

having been immortalised in it's very own stop-go-animation

I am offering the pattern
with free shipping 
to anywhere & everywhere
for the next 2wks 
just use the COH code at checkout

and for those who would like to do some creating of their own 
here at the Studio 
these are the next lot of dates 

Fridays
9th & 14th May
or 
23rd & 30th May
9:30-2:30
$290 

The Change of Heart has proved to be a very popular Skirt
due to the good fit, being fun to make & flattering to wear
and here's some we prepared earlier.

Kimono REinvent

Hindsight is a wonderful thing

a before shot of this REinvent would have meant I probably wouldn't have to say anything 

about the talent behind Inges vision & execution

of this the best-Kimono-REinvent-to-date

Kimonos are notoriously tricky to play with

due to the meticulous hand stitching & layers of folded fabric

not to mention the dense weave silk

which seems to repel pins & machine needles 

While keeping the integrity of the orginal garment intact

Inges courageous & curious creative spirit

coupled with her love of a challenge

and a little help from the 
Change of Heart Skirt pattern

meant turning a gorgeous yet unwearable garment

into a stunning very wearable two piece outfit

was a success

and the friend who gave her the Kimono in the first place

wont be getting it back!

Making your Mark with a Change of Heart

By combining fabrics & trims to her exacting standards

Ellies latest Change of Heart Skirt 

is a statement

that

life's too short not to dress how you want

and if people are going to stare

make it worth their while

...have I mentioned how much I love my job.

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...

Why I shop where I shop...

Yesterday was the wettest day we've seen in Perth for over 12mths and I decided to go check out the Craft & Quilt Fair at the Convention Centre - for the first time - on the train.

The train trip was sooo easy, can't believe I've never done it before - I'm definitely doing it again.

Why would you sit in traffic, crawling for miles, when in 20mins & $1.80 later, you're there.
I need to get out more!

Denise from Hot Possum is the first stockist of my Change of Heart Skirt pattern. 

The patterns, along with her new quilts & homewares were launched at the Perth Craft & Quilt Fair and being as I'd never been to one before I wanted to check it all out - especially wanted to find out if she'd sold a pattern.

How gorgeous is Denise and look at her handiwork - not just the skirt but all those quilts & cushions - she created them!  

 Here's a closer look at her and the Change of Heart Skirt patterns!

Much to my relief & surprise she had sold more than one pattern, in fact they were selling like hot cakes - YeeHaa!

This vintage trunk of fabric was also disappearing at an alarming rate.

I had a really good look around, taking my time to wander up and down each aisle.
It was a quilters wonderland. The fact I'm not a quilter didn't stop me from finding something to buy.

 It was on the trip home when I stopped into the local Op Shop that I found my sort of treasure and was reminded that this is why I like to shop where I do.

  

 

The Desigual skirt was $4 and the Roisin Dubh top was &2.50.
They're destined for the filing, until I determine what they're going to be best in - I'm already thinking the skirt will look amazing in a tunic or coat....

I wonder if you found treasure this week and where you like to shop.

It's Finished & For Sale!

Not sure how to announce this because it's big, it's huge, it's the biggest most enormous undertaking I've ever undertaken and I can't quite believe it's finished!

It's like announcing the birth of a baby -
it didn't take as long, it was however nearly as painful but totally worth it!

Producing my own range of simple, stylish, interesting patterns
for interesting people with style who like to keep it simple has been a dream for a very loooong time

and once I get over the enormity of this one I'll get right onto the rest.

 Should you decide to purchase & create your own Change of Heart Skirt you will receive in your beautifully presented pattern package,
9pgs of detailed user-friendly instructions & diagrams,
for a semi fitted A-line Skirt, which features a reversible front panel - essentially it is
two skirts in one!
There are 5 sizes to choose from - from Barbie Bum to Goddess Glutimous and I have explained the best way to find the best fit.
In fact I've explained all sorts of things - 15yrs of sewing workshop experience has given me an acute understanding of what needs to be said & what doesn't.
I have aimed this pattern at the intermediate beginner through to the advanced sewer. 
If you have a basic understanding of the workings of your sewing machine and a keen interest in creating while learning new skills, then you're half way there.
My background has meant that some of the techniques I have shared in this pattern are industry shortcuts which will ensure you achieve a professional finish.

If you're still unsure take a look at the Skirts that have been created by myself & students and
I'm confident you will have as much fun & find it as addictive as us - if you make 1 you'll want 3!

Shop

Lap Zip Tutorial.....& another skirt!

I made another one, only this time not for me - this one will be worn at the Perth Craft & Quilt Fair by the lovely Julie, while she helps Denise out on the Hot Possum shop/stall selling gorgeous fabrics, quilt packs and 

my Change of Heart Skirt patterns!

 

 While stitching the Zip into the skirt I did a tutorial on how I insert a Lap Zip, being that this is how I ask for a zip to be inserted into most Sew Outside the Lines™ projects.

I think I can...I think I can....

 To anyone who may have glimpsed me in the past week dashing between the house and the Studio, clad only in my new Mothers Day Dressing Gown, it's okay I'm not sick, although I could be close to a nervous break down as I attempt to turn a dream into reality!

I'll feel better about sharing more next week, once they're in the bag - literally!

but wait...there's more!

   Not only have Change of Heart Skirts changed my life, by combining my old love of REinventing with mens ties I'm now making accessories to go with them!

 

I conducted a Tie & Zip workshop during the week and wanted to wear stuff that reflected the topic I was going to spruke about for 3hours.

Also with my new look short 'Do' which I'm allowing to show it's true colours (grey), chunky neck adornments seem to be my new fascination.

I don't wear jewellery often (I bought a watch last week - first one since I was 12) and as much as I admire frill & froth on others I'm not a frilly frothy sort of girl, so I was nervous walking out in this however the response was positive and the more I look at this photo the more I like it.

The top is REinvented from pants using mens ties for the straps - the back is folded and shaped lower than the front forming a sweet little bustle effect.

 My interpretation of a Rose on the front of the Skirt is made from a tie - unpicked and stitched to shape.

I haven't a full shot of the reverse side of the skirt however this detail shows how I potato printed a doily to give it interest.

Back to the Bib Necklace (correct terminology is always important), this too was made using a mens tie - unpicked and rolled to shape with scraps of fabric machine embroidered to shape before being stitched, along with buttons, onto a doily back.

Now all I have to do is find it so I can wear it again!

Update: Found it and wore it the next day.

More images of the REinvention I wore it with over here.

Change of Heart Skirt - an Obsession!

This is my third Change of Heart Skirt and with a number of others in the 'good-to-go' stage, I'd call it an obsession.

I used Echino fabric for one side of the wrap and vintage floral dress fabric for the other, the A-line skirt is suiting fabric.
The suiting and floral fabrics were both Op shop finds which when I thought about it helped to balance out the cost of the Echino. Not that I gave the cost that much thought however I wanted to mention this so I could lead onto skiting about the vintage fabric.

Back when you still found decent treasure in the oppies I found this 20m length of brand new

1950's floral cotton fabric. Like a lot of my vintage fabrics I rarely use them, they sit filed, waiting for their moment in the sun, don't get me wrong they're not ignored, I pull them out occasionally - admire them, stroke them, turn them around - before deciding they're not quite right for whatever I'm working on and REfile them.

I was thrilled to have finally found a use for this one - only 19m to go!

The next Change of Heart Skirt workshop

The Studio

30th April & 1st May

2-6pm

$135