MODKID Studio Featured in Homespun Australia

We are so honored to be featured in the August 2013 Issue of Homespun Australia, in stores now.

This is probably the most beautifully-written article about us ever written, and I know you probably can't read it from these little snapshots so, with Homespun's permission, I have uploaded a PDF of the article if you'd like to check it out.

See it HERE.

It talks about our journey from crowded basement studio to our 2,800 sq. feet Historic Downtown location, and how we furnished and decorated this large empty space. I also give some tips and tricks on how to set up a studio on a budget (because, believe me, I know all about that!).

I would like to thank the folks at Homespun Australia for the beautiful feature and urge all our Aussie friends to run to the store and grab this beautiful magazine!

Fall 2010 MODKID Pattern Reveal
(brace yourselves, this post is HUGE!)

It's finally here! Thank you all for your patience the past few months as I hinted here & there about the upcoming patterns. Launching into women's wear was no easy feat but thankfully I was armed with a wonderful team of pattern testers and studio assistants to make the ride seem less terrifying. And this time around I even employed the help of a handful of awesome photographers to help with pattern covers and inspiration galleries (do check out their links if you're in their area!)

So, without much further ado, I present to you Penny and Maddie, for girls sizes 2T to 10 (yes, TEN!) and their women's versions, Penelope and Madeline, in sizes XS to XL... our new line of mommy & me sewing patterns on pre-order status now, for delivery on the 3rd week of October.



Cover photo by the fabulous Dawn Bergeron, of Dawn Bergeron Photography.



Penny is a laid-back and comfy shirt or dress for girls designed especially for the beginner sewist or for the confident sewist just beginning to sew with knits. There are only 3 pattern pieces to cut and assemble, so it goes together without a hitch! You will have loads of fun embellishing this simple dress or tunic with appliqués, ruffles and trims or adding fun variations like an empire waist, contrast sleeves or a ruffled hem — detailed instructions for these looks included on pages 5 & 6. For that perfect “mommy & me” look we have a women’s version of Penny, called Penelope (sold separately).

I seriously gasped when I received these photos from Stephanie Lynn Photography of her adorable daughter, Ryleigh, modeling Penny's View B with empire waist variation.



Just look at this face... here's a few more shots to swoon over.



Meli of JamClothingCo. never disappoints with her wonderful sewing skills and breathtaking photography. And of course, her daughter, Ava, is such a cutie! Here she is wearing Penny's View A...



...and Penny's View C with contrast sleeves.



And of course, you may remember this picture of Sydney from her first day of school... she's worn this dress so many times, it's now in "play" condition. ;)



Now on to Maddie...



Cover photo by the fabulous Dawn Bergeron, of Dawn Bergeron Photography.



Maddie is the perfect little everyday skirt... easy to sew, easy to wear and with enough design combinations to have a different look for every day of the week. Use all of your favorite designer prints by adding contrasting pockets, ruffled trims or mock wraps. Best of all, with the addition of a couple of suspenders, your child can wear her Maddie skirt as a super cute Summer dress.

More amazing photos from Stephanie Lynn Photography... (and way more on her blog)





And check out this Flora & Fauna version from Debbie Peasley of Bridget&Co. LOVE IT!



Sydney is modeling the dress version of View D. She absolutely loves it!



Drum-roll, please! Here are the women's versions of the patterns...



Cover photo by Dawn Bergeron, of Dawn Bergeron Photography.



Penelope is a feminine and comfy shirt or dress designed especially for the beginner sewist or for the confident sewist just beginning to sew with knits. All views feature a rounded V-neck with tiny gathers at the V for added charm. Choose between a short cap sleeve or a longer, kimono sleeve. You’ll be sure to find a perfect fit with 5 sizes (from XS to XL) and 5 different lengths (for petite and average heights) to choose from. Because of the stretch in knit fabrics and the unique sleeve shape, the bust size on Penelope is very accommodating. For that perfect “mommy & me” look, check out our girl’s version of Penelope, called Penny (sold separately).

My mom sewed up this gorgeous Penelope View B and my sister, Caty, modeled it for us. How awesome is this?!?



Melissa Baker tested and models View A below...



Emily Parks is modeling View F... I just adore that ruffled hem!



And, Carol Plaster is modeling View A, photo by Noelle Studios Fine Art Photography.



And last but certainly not least, I present to you Madeline...



Cover photo by Dawn Bergeron, of Dawn Bergeron Photography.



Madeline is the perfect little everyday skirt... easy to sew, easy to wear and with enough design combinations to have a different look for every day of the week. Use all of your favorite designer prints by adding contrasting pockets, ruffled trims or mock wrap panels. You’ll be sure to find a perfect fit with 5 sizes (from XS to XL) and 5 different lengths to choose from. For that perfect “mommy & me” look, check out our girl’s version of Madeline, called Maddie (sold separately).

Carol Plaster is modeling View D, photo by Noelle Studios Fine Art Photography.



Emily Parks is modeling View B, photo by Dawn Bergeron, of Dawn Bergeron Photography.



And my mannequin, Lola, sports a stretch denim version of View D.



Hope you all enjoyed the fashion show. If you're attending the International Quilt Market in Houston this month, please come see us and these wonderful new designs in person at Booths #931-933. Retailers and distributors, our Fall 2010 Line of sewing patterns is currently on pre-order status and will be delivered at the end of October on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stay tuned for more new & exciting announcements coming up in a few days... yes, folks, it's that time of year again! :) xoxo

Meet Em & Em

I finally did it. I don't know what in the world possessed me to think that I, all by my little lonesome self, could handle putting out a new line of sewing patterns 4 times a year, designing a new fabric collection 2 times a year, writing a book and several magazine articles plus traveling around the country several times a year for trade shows, exhibits and lectures. All of that, in addition to all the mommy/wife duties that on their own could easily fill up a day, would eventually drive anyone into the looney bin. Well, I started seeing the signs all too clearly. You know, like when you say something and the other person looks at you strangely because you just said the same thing like 2 minutes ago? Or like when you tear the house apart looking for your glasses... yes, the ones that were on your head the entire time!? Or like when you keep missing appointments or forgetting to pick up groceries, etc. because you just didn't write it down visibly enough and... out of sight, out of mind!? I could go on and on, but you know what I mean.

So, I finally took the wise advice from my mom (and from everyone who gazed upon my crazy-eyed, sleep-deprived, over-caffeinated face in the past several months) and got some help. No, not a shrink, although that's not a bad idea either. Help came in the form of Em & Em.

The original idea was to hire one assistant. Someone who could come in for a few hours a week and help with various studio tasks, like sewing samples for the book... and for the new patterns... and for Quilt Market. Like helping me organize said studio, since lately it was looking more like this than like this. Like helping me with photography and photo staging for the book. Like assembling test patterns and fabric bundles for my testers, then helping me with pattern edits. And... and... and...

The list of roles and responsibilities just kept growing. As we conducted interviews and looked at everyone's schedule it was painfully obvious to us that we needed more than one assistant. Enter Emily and Emalee (both pronounced the same way). No, we didn't hire them because it was fun to say Em & Em. Believe me, it gets quite confusing at times.

Emalee and her cute, cute hairbow:



Emily and her new trusty sidekick:



Emily and Emalee are both Seniors at Illinois State University in the Apparel, Merchandising and Design Department. They both presented us with portfolios that blew our minds and resumes that went on for miles... geez, I don't remember working that hard when I was in college! But best of all, they both showed a positive attitude, a willingness to work hard and an inherent desire to learn new skills. Sold!

Both Ems jumped right in and started working on their first day...





Little did I know that I would gain more than a little help around the studio when I hired Em & Em. I also got a sounding board and fresh set of eyes for all my crazy ideas, a new babysitter that the kids adore (we desperately needed that!) and some gorgeous models! Yes, folks, you heard it here first! You will be seeing a lot more of Em & Em in the covers of my new women's patterns, out next month!

Now... it's back to work! Or maybe I'll take that much overdue nap now.

Behind the scenes...

... at the studio. This past Tuesday I had the pleasure of welcoming the ladies behind the amazing publication Where Women Create into my home and it was an experience I will never forget. Jo Packham, WWC editor, originally called me while I was vacationing in Florida last week and since I didn't recognize the number on my caller ID I almost didn't pick it up. But alas I did and, oh my gosh, I'm so glad I did because the schedule was t. i. g. h. t. and I probably would've been dropped if I hadn't picked up the phone when I did.

Less than a week later I had three wonderful women in my home and we had so much fun talking fabric, patterns, kids, art and life in general.

Below, photographer Dana Waldon shoots one of my Andalucia upholstered chairs and a couple of my Marieliz purses.



After the shoot, we relaxed for a bit in the living room before they headed back to Chicago to continue with their busy schedule. From left to right, photographer Dana Waldon, WWC editor Jo Packham and Jo's assistant Gina.



Where Women Create is a quarterly magazine that celebrates creative women and their inspiring workspaces. I am incredibly honored and flattered to have been chosen to be a part of it. My feature will either be in the February or May 2010 issue. I'll be sure to let you all know as soon as I know! But in the meantime check out Where Women Create in stores like Barnes and Noble, Borders, Michael's & Hobby Lobby. Or you can subscribe on their website. You may even see a familiar face or two in this current issue. ;)


And while you're at it, you can become a fan of WWC on Facebook and also follow them on Twitter. YAY!

My Studio

It took us a little bit to get it to this point but I'm finally ready and excited to show you guys what we've been working on for the past few weeks... the MODKID Studio! I apologize in advance for the lighting. This is a basement studio with only one smallish window so natural lighting is practically non-existent and studio lighting is hard to position when you have so many elements to block the flow of light.

Anyway, ready for your virtual tour? As you first enter the room, you see this:



The cutting table is the piéce-de-resistance. I dreamt it up one night and Jon made it happen for me. We took two Expedit bookcases from IKEA, turned them on their side and butted them together to create the base of the table. That was the easy part. The shelves are hollow at the back which is great because I can store long items that span from one side to the other. Then I told Jon I wanted a 1.5" gap in between the tabletop and the base to store flat pattern sheets and other large paper drawings. Jon built me a tabletop out of MDF with dry-erase board on the top (perfect for jotting quick measurements or notes!) then mounted it on top of the bookcases with two 1.5" spacers in between. PERFECT!

Here's a closer look at the cutting table:



As you walk toward the back side of the table, you see a better view of my fabric shelves (which are just two Billy bookcases from IKEA side by side) and a little sneak peek of my sewing table.



Around the other end of the room is my extra long sewing table. Believe it or not I used to have these 3 machines on a table that was about 1/3 shorter than this one. Now that I've been working with this much elbow room I have no idea how I ever sewed anything before. From back to front you see my 31-year old Bernina Record (my prized possession), my BabyLock Imagine serger and my White SpeedyLock serger (always set to the rolled hems function). The table and chairs are also from IKEA (yes, we shop there a lot!)



Turning around and facing the other side of the room, you get the left side of my cutting table. Here is where I store all of my sewing supplies... anything from cutting tools, to interfacings, tracing papers, you name it. I also have several bins that hold ribbons, fabric scraps and miscellaneous office supplies.



On the far right of the studio is my computer desk. This is an old desk that I purchased back in Orlando 10 or so years ago and has moved with me from house to house and State to State. It does the job. My new MacBook Pro sits up there on the half shelf and is hooked up to a 24" Cinema Display because this old lady has failing eyes and needs to see things BIG on the screen. The sweet little red task chair is from (you guessed it!) IKEA. (By the way, this is my interim chair until I can afford to get my dream chair. Hopefully my back won't be broken before then.)



Adjacent to my computer desk you will find this colorful little bookcase which houses some of my favorite things: sewing books, trade magazines, music CDs, kitschy toys and collectibles. Everything is at arm's reach in case I need to reference something or just play...



And last, but certainly not least, is the most comfortable spot in the studio. I have fallen asleep on this couch many a night when I'm just way too tired to get my butt up the stairs to my own bed. But, hey, I'm not complaining...

I sewed a little...

...this weekend and it felt great! These gorgeous Lantern Bloom fabrics by Laura Gunn had been burning a hole in my new fabric shelves and I'm so glad I finally figured out what to make with them. It needed to be something that showcased the gorgeous painterly designs like a canvas. First I made myself the skirt on the far left Friday morning and took it for a test drive when I met some friends for a late lunch. It was super comfy and fun to wear!



Then Saturday morning I decided to make some for the girls. They picked their own fabric combos. How fun is that?! I hemmed mine with some coordinating bias tape I had sitting around the studio but for theirs, I decided on a contrasting rolled hem and I *LOVE* how they turned out.



The extra wide shirred waistband makes for a super comfy fit... never too tight, never too loose! These will be great for our Florida vacation in a couple of weeks! YAY! :)



Also, earlier in the week I made myself some patchwork curtains for my new studio. In case these fabrics look somewhat familiar to you, yes, these were made using the rejected strike-offs from Mezzanine. We always pitch lots of colors and even subtle variations within the colors. Some may have a cream ground versus a white ground. Some may just have a darker green tone than others. There's even full colorways that may be experimented with that never make it to the final round. This is pretty much the only way we can see how the finished product will look. And then the toughest part comes... the guillotine!

I always have a soft spot in my heart for the so-called 'rejects'. I truly love all of them, so here goes my tribute to the almost-Mezzanines...



I'm not sure if this curtain will stay in the studio or if it will make its way into another naked window in our house. I'll make my final decision next week before the full studio reveal. :)

A little bit of this. A little bit of that...

Boy, it's been a looong time since I last blogged. I apologize! But see... I've been a little busy. Guess who showed up last week? The Sophie & Sydney patterns that is! Yep, I won't repeat the picture here on the blog, but just know that our house once again looked like this and this (maybe a tad messier, LOL!)



We spent days taking patterns out of big boxes and putting them into smaller boxes... or in some cases, bigger boxes, depending on the size of the order. And the rest of my week looked a little like this...



and like this...



and like this...



Sooooo, if you're looking to purchase the Sydney & Sophie patterns, they will be up on my consumer site soon, but for now, please check out our lovely retailers at the bottom of this page (Retailers: if your store link is not on here yet, please shoot me an email and I'll add it a.s.a.p.). Lots have already received their shipments and have them up on their site for purchase.

[WARNING: This post is about to get really random.]

Remember when I broke up with FaceBook a while back? Well, we've decided to be just friends. I did make a promise to spend more time getting to know FB better so I took the plunge and started a FaceBook Fan Page for MODKID. Hey, that's making an effort, right? Please show your support and join us! :)



Let's see, what else is going on? Have you guys checked out Kristen's Etsy store lately? That crazy lady's been at it again! And this time she's created a whole new collection of sweet twirly skirts all made out of Mezzanine. Aren't these fun?




Oh, my day was brightened last Friday with this lovely flower arrangement. Isn't it sweet? Nope, it's not from Jon. ;) It was from this sweet lady.



Thank you, friend! It's still holding up well and beautifying my new studio. What? New studio, you say? Yep, Jon and I decided to do a little heavy lifting and rearranging this past weekend. The MODKID studio now takes over almost our entire basement and I am just LOVING all the new furniture & details (and the spacious quarters!). If you follow me on Twitter, I did upload a few crappy iPhone photos of the computer station, new cutting table, fabric shelves, etc. but for the rest of you, here is a sneak.



I will be sewing up some curtains today and hanging up some artwork. We also need to attach some spacers to the bottom of the tabletop on the new cutting table. I want a little area underneath the tabletop where I can store pattern pieces and other large, flat papers. Ooooh, so many ideas swimming in this crazy head of mine.

Give me a few days and I promise to give you a full reveal of the new studio space... it'll be like a virtual tour. I'll show you every nook & cranny and give you sources and background info on each piece.

Until then...

P.S. This just in... in keeping with the "random" theme and all: check out my interview at Fat Quarter Shop's THE JOLLY JABBER!