Let's talk about stretch, baby!

Clearly I must've run into the textiles genie at some point because Michael Miller just granted me my biggest wish yet.... KNITS (a.k.a. stretch fabrics). For as long as I've been sewing clothes I've wanted these. I would've been happy with any cute, great quality and affordable knit, but... cute, great quality and affordable knits with my name printed on the selvedge? Pinch me because I must be dreaming!

Check these out! We have the ever so popular Mod Blooms and Mod Dots from Andalucia in the aqua colorway, which was originally cut from the quilting cotton collection, but that's OK because they are much better suited for this! We also have 4 glorious colors of Blossoms from Flora & Fauna. In addition, Michael Miller has also produced 3 of their adorable house prints, Carnival Bloom, Elvira and Scandi Chirp. Now, watch that drool... you don't want to ruin your keyboard!

KNITS-printed designs

What, you want coordinates? Ask and you shall receive. We have dots, solids and stripes (OH MY!) in every color combo imaginable!

KNITS-dots-solids-stripes

All of these are produced on 100% cotton interlock, which means they won't curl on the edges like the lighter weight jerseys do. It also means they have 50% stretch, which makes them perfect for just about any project... t-shirts, dresses, leggings, yoga pants, skirts, you name it. I'm even planning to make some pillowcases and sheets for the kids... oh, how soft would those be?! :)

And speaking of making stuff, I have been in absolute sewing heaven these past few days! I love how versatile these are and how fast I can make an outfit that looks almost store-bought! True story: before we left for Florida a couple of weeks ago, I sewed 8 (count them: EIGHT!) pieces of clothing in a span of about 12 hours... with breaks in between!

I made this dress for myself (no, I didn't make Jon's t-shirt, although I totally could've!)

FL-VACA-2010-40

Would you be interested in a pattern for this dress, with several options of course? I've been avoiding designing women's patterns for several reasons, but the knits might just push me over to the other side. They are so forgiving so you don't have to mess with those pesky darts & such. If you ladies want this pattern, I can make it happen... for the Summer release.

I also made several pieces for the kids to wear:

FL-VACA-2010-59

knits5

knits6

knits4

And, of course, to commemorate the release of the knits, I have designed 2 children's clothing patterns that will debut at Spring Quilt Market, May 21 - 23, 2010.

Abigail is a sweet a-line gored dress with 2 length options and 2 sleeve options.

knits11-abigail

knits13-abigail

Maya is a 2-piece set (ruffled shirt and yoga skirt) also with 2 sleeve-options and comes with a dress version.

knits14-maya

knits15-maya

knits16-maya

My testers have been having a blast playing with the new knits and patterns. Although you are welcome to use any of my photos for promoting my items on your site, please do not use my testers' photos without their written permission.

This one is from Melissa Baker (love, love, LOVE this picture!)

knits17-meli-maya1

And how cool is this shot from Kristen Hallagan.

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An adorable version of Abigail from Anna Garner. Photo courtesy of Jamie Erwin Photography.

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And last, but not least, this sweet Abigail dress by Jennifer Moore.

knits19-jen1

I'm sure you want to see the pattern covers, so here they are...

1-abigail-cover-6x9

1-maya-cover-6x9

Yes, they go up to size 8! :) All new patterns will be available for pre-order in a couple of weeks, so they are not up on our website yet.

For all questions regarding the knit fabrics, please contact Michael Miller Fabrics.

For any questions regarding the new patterns, or to be added to our mailing list, please contact Jon Young at jjyoung@modkidboutique.com

I'm anxious to hear your thoughts! Please share. :)

**UPDATE** Kathy Miller just posted the full knits group on her blog complete with SKU#s and print names. Check it out!

100 comments:

  1. My thoughts? Gorgeous, awesome and I can't wait for it all! And, yes yes YES to women's knits patterns!!

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  2. Who do I have to bribe to get some of those knits NOW!? ;)

    It's all beautiful, the knits, the patterns, everything.

    Cannot wait to get my hands on those knits! I've been borderline stalking your site for more info on them since you first mentioned it. :)

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  3. Amazing! I've always avoided knit patterns, since there's no cute knits around - buy you are changing all of that!! Congrats

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  4. So fun! Congrats on the knit line and for finally getting to let the cat out of the bag! :)

    So glad you were able to mix in all of those fun dots and stripes, too.

    Great Job!

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  5. Oh My!!! I get so tired of searching for the perfect knit fabrics..... my search is done!! When and where can we get these beautiful fabrics? :)

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  6. I love the knits--so bright and fun. However do you think you could ever make the sizes go larger than an 8. My girls tend to be tall at younger ages but I still like them to look like little girls and these patterns are just too cute.

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  7. SO AWESOME!!! I love knits and those new patterns are just calling me. Yes to women's patterns too. It's all just gorgeous!

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  8. Anonymous1:25 PM

    Yes. Adult. Yes. Children. Yes. Knits. I'm so happy!

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  9. I am drooling over here! SO SO gorgeous Patty! and Yes, Yes and YES to the woman's pattern! You pretty much summed up my fears w/ women's patterns regarding those pesky darts and ensuring good fit. I can't wait to see those knits in person! I haven't been this excited about fabric in a long time...great job!!!

    And those girls dresses are so much better for summers here...and I love that with knits and kids clothes, you don't have to iron! Yay!

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  10. SO MUCH FUN!! loving them all!

    YAY!!!!

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  11. Oh, and CONGRATS!!

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  12. Amy Belmont1:32 PM

    Thoughts, oh my goodness, my mind is spinning! Those knits are too fabulous for words and the addition of the dots and stripes just throws the whole line over the top!! An emphatic YES to the woman's pattern.

    The only thing that makes me sad is that even thought your pattern sizes are growing, my daughter is growning even faster. So many would make beautiful and modest tween outfits.

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  13. Awesome Patty! You always do such great work!!! Lovin' the knits! Can't wait to get my hands on some!

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  14. Gah!!! I got a serger for Hanukkah but haven't been able to find any knits to play with that I love. I need yards and yards of ALL of these!

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  15. This takes my breath away! I can't even tell you how excited I am. Cute knits are so hard to find. I'm so glad you got your wish so we can all benefit. Yay!!!

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  16. I love them!!! Where and when can I get some!!!???

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  17. omg...so great!! love the knits, and the colors are so perfect for this time of year!! can't wait to get my hands on some so i can make my niece some fun stuff!!

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  18. biiiiiiig OMG, i stared alot infront of my tablet to see the collection, its amazing and wounderful, OOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGG

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  19. I'm speechless! I love it all! And thank you for making the Aqua colorway - my oldest dd's fave color of the moment and the patterns go up to size 8 - YES!!! Of course you'll be the death of me as I'll have to hide all this spending from my dh.

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  20. Oh my!!! Gorgeous! Can't wait to play!!! :)

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  21. Anonymous2:13 PM

    LOVE the knits! I can't wait to get my hands on them. I'm envisioning all sorts of great pieces to make.

    Fab printed knits are hard to find, keep 'em coming!

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  22. Oh. My. Goodness! LOVE them! I've always loved your patterns and the solids and stripes to coordinate are perfect! I'm hopeful I can master sewing with knits once and for all! Some skirts would be great for my trip to Europe this summer...and yes please on the knit dress pattern!

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  23. SO in love with these! can hardly wait for them to arrive!

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  24. Hannah2:15 PM

    Oh No am I ever in trouble! I love knits and love those patterns!!! My husband might ground me for all the money I'm going to spend : )

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  25. Oooooh! I'm so excited! Of course, I have NO idea how to sew knits - have only worked with quilting cottons and comparable... hope these come with some guidelines for those of us new to knits.. Thanks for sharing!

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  26. YES to women's knit shirt patterns!
    YES to the knit fabrics... so cute!
    YES to the new kids patterns!
    LOVE it all!!!

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  27. Wahoo... PJs for me! Serger with coverlock ready to go! Now to find color coordinated thread?!

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  28. Gorgeous. I do not have a seger, would I still be able to make those adorable dresses?

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  29. Oh yes! I want that dress in that same fabric. Pretty please make us a pattern! PJs too! So glad my mom has a serger!

    Congrats!!!!

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  30. I could not be more excited about these knits! Love the dresses, but I really need a size 10 or 12 - is there not a market for that? I hate to have to size up a pattern myself...

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  31. Hurray for cute knits! and please knit patterns for women. maybe i'll get brave and actually finish something for me.

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  32. WOW Patty, when it rains...it pours! I love that all kinds of goodness is pouring on you! You truly are a talented woman and I hope that everything continues to get bigger and brighter in your future!

    I LOVE knits! I'm SUPER excited that I'll be able to purchase some knits in your prints!! SUPER excited!

    Um,,,totally LOVE the new girl pattners. I'm sure my 5 year old will too!

    YES PLEASE!! I know I'm not the only one who would LOVE for you to make a summer dress pattern for women. I will beg if I have to!

    Thanks for always being such an inspiration!

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  33. What exciting news and what a great post! The pictures are fabulous and show the details of the new patterns so well.

    As I said in my email last week, I see you on the cutting edge (yes, pun intended) of designer fabrics. You've wanted knits...and so have so many of us...but you made it happen!

    So looking forward to getting to meet you at Quilt Market, and grabbing some of these knits. I see about 5 different color versions of Maya in my future!

    Please, oh PLEASE start on the women's patterns. PRONTO.

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  34. Nice! I love knits! I can live in this fabric all year. It fits well, travels even better. Lovely selection.

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  35. Anonymous3:52 PM

    I love these, but SOOOO wish your sizes went up past an 8,(maybe to a 12) especially when you are using knits, as this is so popular with tween girls. Now that your own girls are getting older, I'm hoping you will consider it ;)

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  36. WOW, so you guys like knits? Just a wild guess there! ;)

    For those of you wondering, yes you can sew them together with just a sewing machine, no serger needed. My new patterns come with detailed instructions on how to do so.

    Also, I have a whole page dedicated to just hem finishes, from the most professional to the easiest/quickest.

    Michael Miller is taking orders now, so all you retailers asking when they're available, please contact your sales rep.

    Fans... ask your favorite store if they'll be carrying the new MMF knits! Put the pressure on! LOL!!!

    Thanks again for the great comments!

    patty

    p.s. I'll get cranking on that women's dress/shirt pattern for the Summer release... thanks for the enthusiasm! :)

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  37. Great knits are impossible to find...can't wait for them to be released! They look so great!

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  38. Anonymous4:40 PM

    cannot wait! designer knits will be great. it is so hard to find cute knits.love it all

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  39. Patty, they are absolutely gorgeous!@! Can't wait to get my hands on them. I wanna get some for my shop. Can I get on a pre-order list?

    Hugs,
    Gina
    gina@fabricsilove.com

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  40. Those are gorgeous! I hope I can get my hands on some soon!

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  41. Patty!!! These are so great! Beautiful knits are so hard to find and I can't wait to get my hands on these beauties! THANK YOU!!!

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  42. Yay KNITS!! That Abigail dress is so cute! I'll definitely be ordering that! Looking forward to getting ahold of some of that beautiful knit fabric of yours!

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  43. Oh my goodness! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! My favorite thing to work with is knits. I will be getting those patterns as soon as they come out!

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  44. WAHOO!!Patty these are great!!!!! I am so excited for the new fabrics and the new patterns!!! I am loving the mod blooms in the teal colorway. And the dots and stripes are to die for.
    I only wish I could make it for quilt market. Maybe fall.

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  45. Wow! So cute and timely....I'd love to have the Abigal dress in adult size. I would buy that in a heartbeat. Love your designs and colors! Just Scrumptious!

    Angie

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  46. WOW!!!!! You could tempt me to leave my quilting passion and go back to sewing clothes! You are amazing. This whole post is inspiring! Keep it up - you are doing great!

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  47. Wowza!!! What eye candy! I absolutely will be one of the first in line to buy these yummy knits and patterns. I think these will get my new serger out of the box, pronto.

    A women's pattern by you would be top of my list as well!!

    You are amazing, and I love, love, love those aqua colorways!!!

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  48. Looove the knits and the patterns. Pretty please do the women's pattern, too. I always find tons of cute stuff for my daughter but fun stuff for me is few and far between.

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  49. Oh my goodness!! I want every single one of those knits and patterns, and I want them now! Not being greedy or anything. :) You just made my heart sing.

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  50. Very interesting that knits are back in town, but it will make sewing clothes for real people so much easier....I remember when there was only polyester knits...now we will have BOTH and in such wonderful colors!!!!!

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  51. Oh WOW! I love the knits!! And the patterns! I am so glad you are doing all of it!! Woohoo!

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  52. ugh oh I am in serious trouble now!!!!

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  53. Yes, we want a pattern for us too. (Please go up to XL.) I cannot get over how many knits you have. I have been stalking your blog waiting and boy it was so worth it. Thanks so much. It will be a busy summer sewing for me.

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  54. So so SO cute! Quality knits are so hard to find that are appropriate for older girls (aren't so babyish). LOVE these! and a mama pattern is a must. Nothing better than a comfy knit dress or skirt.

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  55. I'm in love!!! I can't wait-it's so hard to find nice quality knits where I live & I've given up on ordering as I'm always disappointed in the quality.The pattern are so cute & if you're venturing into women's, please consider the tweens-I'm so at a lost for patterns for girls in the 10-14 age and these knits would be perfect!

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  56. p.s. YES, YES, YES!!! on the women's pattern.

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  57. Patty - Do you even have to ask if you should have women's patterns too?

    I absolutely LOVE the knits. They are some of the best I've seen. Seriously!

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  58. As a quilter only, I don't use knits(but believe, me, I
    ve ben trying to think of how to incorporate them!), but could you (or the good folk at MM!) PLEASE consider making those aqua colourways of the mod dots available in quilters' cotton - or flannel? Pretty please? I would promise to be your first customer, but am sure there would be a huge queue, and someone else might beat me to the front of the line!

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  59. love them to bits, I know we won't be able to get them down here in Oz so will have to shop online for some of these lovely morsels. Love your new patterns two I will be in line for those as well.

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  60. omg! Love them all. thank you for making knit now!!

    and pattens looks great

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  61. Patty....I definitely NEED those cute knits and patterns :) I SO HEART a good knit :) I'm trying to de-stash but these are adorable!

    GREAT WORK!! Hook me up!!!

    Take a bow Jenn

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  62. Kathleen G11:54 AM

    I am drooling over knits AND the idea of sewing something for myself!! You are the bomb, Patty! Congratulations on your new line. I can't wait to buy the new patterns and yay for size 8! Tween patterns are next, right :)

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  63. This is AWESOME!!!! I have to have it ALL! The knits, the girls patterns, AND the woman's pattern. Yes, yes, yes, PLEASE make the woman's pattern!

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  64. Jan Richards2:58 PM

    The new knits are so cool. I have been wishing for decent knits for years to sew for our grandgirls.
    Love the new patterns and I too would like to see women's patterns from you. Just made 2 Frida dresses for the youngest grandgirls
    and they are so cute. Both our daughters were very impressed with
    the design. Thanks for all your work to add great designs for kids.

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  65. Love love love the prints and the patterns. Can't wait to get my hands on them. Love working with kints and have found that is all I work with most of the time!!

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  66. YeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaa!!!

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  67. I would love some womens'-sized patterns.

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  68. OH MY GOODNESS PATTY.........

    I could not sleep last night thinking of all the stuff I can make with these wonderful knits. I just started working with knits in the fall and LOVE THEM. I am so glad there are more to choose from now and STUNNING COLORS. LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM ALL. thank you thank you.....

    Please make the womens sizes as well I am so tired of my daughter looking good and well you know mom is always well someday...LOL...

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  69. Anonymous12:40 PM

    Wow! What an amazing time for you!! I just wish all those amazing knits and awesome patterns were available now! I have 3 birthday parties coming up in May and I wish I could use these!! Thanks for keeping me excited and interested in sewing. Its so much work to drag everything out,but now I can't wait!!!

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  70. Anonymous12:43 PM

    And I wanted to ask... what is the difficulty of these patterns? and the knits? I haven't even thought about attempting knits. But these are so gorgeous I have to give it a try:)

    Awesome job!!!

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  71. Just wanted to pop in real quick and thank you all for your wonderful comments.

    For all of you who are apprehensive of sewing with knits, no worries!!! Sewing with knits is a breeze! Even easier and faster than woven cottons. All of my patterns come with basic instructions and lots of detailed diagrams and pictures so even a beginner can tackle them! :)

    patty

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  72. I am so happy to see your knits coming out. I love the colors of your wovens for summer dresses. But my daughter, loves the comfort of knit and picks those to wear more frequently. There is no where else you can find those great, vibrant colors in knits.

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  73. Oh my! Yes! We love to use knits and have only one company I'm satisfied with. Your's are absolutely gorgeous, and for me too! Yeah!!!!!!
    When you know which stores will carry them, can you let us know? My usual sources for your fabrics are quilt shops, cottons only.

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  74. I have been looking for cute knits, forever! I am so glad to see those.

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  75. Thank you so much!! This just makes my day!!

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  76. ooooo yes!!!!!! Thank you!

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  77. Anonymous3:44 PM

    I would sure love so see some of your patterns in bigger sizes...maybe up to a 12 or 14. My older girls love these styles as well but not even my 2nd grader can get into an 8 anymore. And I'd like a few patterns for me too:) Looooove the new knits...Yippy!

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  78. Simply awesome! This is when I wish I did have a girl, so that I could make these fabulous outfits! Don't think my boys would dig the lovely fabric!

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  79. Anonymous11:11 PM

    What lovely fabric!! I can't wait to get some quality cotton interlock! It is too much to ask what pattern you used for the t-shirt dresses you made the girls for your trip?

    Linda

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  80. Oh My! These knits are wonderful! I could not believe it when I opened your blog! How exciting to have your name printed on the selvedge. I just emailed Michael Miller and placed a huge order. Your patterns look fabulous, and the samples are beautiful. Thanks for the great inspiration and for helping provide us with domestic knits
    Linda
    AllegroFabrics
    LilyandEbony

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  81. t's always wonderful when an industry catches up with the needs/wants of a consumer! I've been sewing over 20 years and never was able to find cotton, cute knits that weren't too babyish or too old for me. These are perfect! Sigh.... I could go on and on about how it is YOU who has driven this market, how we've been scrounging around the bottom of the back of fabric shops for cotton knit over runs of manufacturers.

    Looks like we've been heard and it's only going to get better! Thank you so much!

    Nutmeg
    Material Mama Podcast
    http://materialmama.typepad.com/blog/

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  82. WOW!!! Gorgeous colors & prints! So excited!

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  83. LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!!!!

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  84. OK... a few more questions to answer:

    The t-shirt dresses are my own pattern. I used the same pattern I drafted for the girls and for my own dress. It will be part of a future line... patience! :)

    Tween sizes... it's all in the plans, just have to do it! LOL!

    Last I heard the fabrics are being pre-sold right now to retailers through Michael Miller Fabrics. They will ship in Mid-May and should be available for purchase at your favorite retailer by the end of May or beginning of June.

    I will try to post a list of retailers that carry the knits here on my blog.

    Thanks again!

    patty

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  85. Wow!! Patty, so exciting! I have never tried sewing with knits but now I can't wait to try! I love the aqua colorway of Andalucia too. The patterns are adorable as always, bring it on baby!

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  86. Anonymous7:55 AM

    I am so excited for both the patterns and Knits. I can't wait to purchase them. I will be stalking your site for the pre-order of the patterns.

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  87. Patty, I am so happy for you! Oh, and happy for ME too because I'll get to sew with these lovelies! Yes, yes to the womens' dress pattern, can we see what the rest of the dress looks like? Jen

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  88. Anonymous1:28 AM

    So cool ... I hope the fabrics make it to Europe :D

    If I ever have a wish free and you grant it I will hope for KYOKO as an adault pattern :D

    Abigail will be in my eyes so far ;)

    Best wishes for Luxembourg

    Simone

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  89. Great news Patty! Congratulations on your new knits and patterns ~ they are beautiful!!! :) Can't wait until they are available to purchase!!!!

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  90. That is awesome Patty! I love your knits :)

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  91. Where and when can we get this gorgeous knits?

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  92. love it all!

    one knit question though...i've been told that you have to use proper "ribbing" knit fabric to finish sleeves and necklines...it looks as though you have just used the knit fabrics for those also. so i'm assuming they work fine?

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  93. Popping in to answer a few questions:

    Tie Dye Diva... the dress looks like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/modkid/4478582127/in/set-72157623741017596/ but I will offer several options in the pattern... probably 2 or 3 sleeve lengths and 2 or 3 dress/shirt lengths.

    lindaharre... the knits should be in stores by the end of May. If you are wanting to purchase them wholesale, they are available through Michael Miller Fabrics right now.

    make it perfect... yes, rib knits are perfect for neck and sleeve bindings and also non-elastic waistbands but the 100% cotton interlocks work perfectly for those too. You just wouldn't want to use a lightweight jersey for such things because they don't have enough weight or substance so you'd end up with a wavy neckline or a loose waistband. The interlocks have great elasticity so they hold their shape and they are heavy enough to work well for bindings & such. Great question! :)

    patty

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  94. Carrie Britt6:43 AM

    ABSOLUTELY want the women's pattern!!!!

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  95. I love the fabrics, All I can do now is to study how to knit. thanks for sharing.


    -mikee

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  96. Wow These dresses are very nice but i like these girls they are looking very cute.


    Smith Alan

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  97. Wow, nice post,there are many person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post.Thank you for sharing to us.Please one more post about that..

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  98. BHN International is one of the best online Store shop for wholesale stretch and non stretch woven fabric in Los Angeles since 1995.

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