10th Anniversary Giveaway

The Modkid 10th Anniversary Celebration is here, and it is huge!!!

In October of 2008 I released my very first fabric collection at the International Quilt Market in Houston, TX. The collection was Andalucia for Michael Miller Fabrics. I had a small booth and had brought with me a few dresses sewn in the fabric to display alongside sample quilts that other people had graciously made for me (since I'm not a quilter). Those dresses were my own designs, self drafted in my kids' sizes so they could wear them after I returned. Well, little did I know that not only were attendees going to love my fabric designs, but they were going to literally beg for sewing patterns based on those self-drafted garments they saw. MODKID was born that weekend, ten years ago! I came home after the show with a true purpose. I began drafting my first four sewing patterns: Lil Chef, Frida, Emma and Kyoko. They were truly a labor of love. The following Spring, I debuted those 4 patterns at the Spring Quilt Market and the company as it is today, grew from that point on.

Fast forward 10 years, and I now have 20+ fabric collections, 150+ sewing patterns (in paper and PDF formats), 5 books, and several designer notions. I am also incredibly lucky to have aligned myself with some pretty amazing companies to work with. I truly could not be happier! I am currently a Licensed Fabric Designer for Riley Blake Designs, an author for C&T Publishing, a Contributing Artist for Silhouette of America, a Creator with OLFA and a Brand Ambassador for Baby Lock Sewing Machines.  I couldn't have done it all without the love and support from my family, my sponsoring companies, and most importantly ALL OF YOU! 

So I would like to show my appreciation to you and celebrate this momentous occasion by holding a HUGE GIVEAWAY with amazing prizes from yours truly and our sponsors. Check out the three grand prize packages below and find out how to enter this giveaway at the end of this post. The first prize even includes a Baby Lock Zeal Sewing Machine!!

In addition to the giveaway, we are having a celebration SALE. Coupon code MODKIDTURNS10 gets you 40% off your entire purchase through the month of October. Code expires October 31st, 2018 at Midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You must be a legal resident of one of the United States and at least 18 years of age.  NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram. The giveaway will run from October 15th until October 21st. The three winners with be selected at random.

Club Havana Blog Tour

We official introduced Club Havana back in May with the backstory behind the fabric design. Well, the fabric is finally starting to arrive in shops, and we have a few bloggers lined up to share some inspiration.

Becca of Sunflower Seams is up first on the tour. Becca used these vibrant Club Havana prints to update her daughter's bedroom. The pillows lend such a breezy, coastal feel perfect for a girl's room.

Be sure to head over to Sunflower Seams for the free pattern links to create your own.

Look for more Club Havana inspiration ahead!

July 2  Sweet Red Poppy

July 8  Coral + Co

Introducing... Club Havana

I am over the moon excited to introduce you to my newest fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs, called Club Havana.

This line was inspired by a vacation we took with my extended family last Summer to celebrate my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary. My mom is Costa Rican and my dad is Puerto Rican, but one of their bucket list items has always been to go to Cuba, so we had to make it happen. I loved Cuba so much that I knew right away I needed to turn those scrumptious colors and vibrant imagery into some wearable art.

Once you step off the boat onto the streets of Havana, one of the most striking and memorable things you'll see is the abundance of American classic cars painted in bright, fun colors that are cruising the streets. These are called "Boteros" and are mostly used as taxi cabs for tourists or more affluent locals. Of course, I couldn't resist taking a few dozen pictures.

As soon as I saw these cars, I knew that I wanted this line to have a rougher, more "hand drawn" look & feel, much less tight and vectorized than all my previous lines. I started doing some rough sketches in Photoshop, and I immediately loved the result...

The "Boteros" print was born, and the rest of the line took shape from that point on.

I drew the rest of the line, including lots of florals, some happy pineapples, a very tropical IKAT print and a rounded cross, using the same loose hand drawn style as I had used for the Boteros print. View the full collection here.

This is truly one of my favorite lines I have ever drawn because it came from a place of happiness and love.

Next, I would like to share with you some sewn samples made with the Club Havana advance yardage. I knew I had to make a Stella Purse, because this is the very first pattern my mother designed for MODKID, many years ago. It's a very structured bag with a modern look and feel. It features a zippered panel closure with one outer pocket and two inner pockets.

I also made a pair of Natalie & Nate rompers because I wanted to showcase the sweetness of the Pineapple and the Boteros prints together...

Our dear friend, Maryanna Powel, of Marvelous Auntie M, sewed up this gorgeous Houndstooth Quilt using the 6 color ways of my Rounded Cross print. How fun is this?!?

And last, but certainly not least, the 3 color ways of my Pineapples print was selected to be printed in a super soft Jersey Knit, and I am beyond thrilled about it because I LOVE sewing with knits!!

Courtney Davis, of Sweeter Than Cupcakes, made the Modkid Malibu Dress for her oldest daughter and a Laguna Summer Top with Spring Break Shorts for the youngest. The result is the perfect sister set!

Introducing: Primavera by Patty Young

I am over the moon excited to introduce my newest quilting cotton fabric collection I've designed for Riley Blake Designs titled, Primavera.

It was late January 2016 and I had been mulling over what the theme of my next fabric line would be for what seemed like days. When it's freezing out (I live in the frigid Midwest), I usually design bright, warm, happy fabrics, so I knew I wanted to do that again, but hadn't quite settled on any concrete ideas yet.

The night of January 28th, I had a bout of insomnia, as usually happens when I have a deadline looming. When I finally fell asleep, I dreamt about grasshoppers. It was such a vivid dream! And confusing as well, because I probably hand't seen a grasshopper in months, or at least since my last trip to Florida, which had been a while ago.

When I woke up, I looked up the significance of grasshoppers in dreams. Wikipedia said: When grasshoppers appear in dreams, these have been interpreted as symbols of "Freedom, independence, spiritual enlightenment, inability to settle down or commit to decision".

That last bit resonated with me and made me chuckle, given my current state of mind. So, I said to myself, "That's it, I'm drawing a grasshopper today!" And that's how this little dude came about.

Believe it or not, this little dude sat on my computer screen for a few more days all by his lonesome because I didn't know how he would fit into a fabric line. Eventually, I created a funky damask and sort of camouflaged him in it. 

I loved it, but still didn't know if Riley Blake would, So, I started drawing some flowers and other complimentary prints to show Riley Blake, still not knowing if my friend, the grasshopper, had a place in the line. By then, my creative juices were flowing beautifully. I was drawing, picking color palettes, and drawing some more. When I finally showed Riley Blake my concept for the line, I did not include my Mad Hopper. I'm not sure why. Maybe I was afraid they would find him odd or scary and kill the whole thing. This was my initial pitch, which Riley Blake accepted immediately.

When I finally had the whole line drawn out, my Mad Hopper found his place and I submitted him along with the rest of the prints, still thinking in the back of my mind that there was a possibility he would not make it. But he did!!

I named the line "Primavera", which means "Spring" in Spanish, as a nod to my Latin heritage, my desire for warmer temperatures, and my friend, the Mad Hopper.

I hope you love it as much as I do! The Primavera fabric has started shipping already, so it will be available very soon (if not now) in most independent fabric stores and online fabric retailers. 

It is available already on Etsy and at Hawthorne Threads.

Here is some inspiration to get your creative juices flowing (see end of post for a coupon code for any of these patterns).

Courtney sewed a Julia skirt and a Penny top for her youngest daughter, Tandy. This was for a pattern cover re-print. She used the Main Print in Teal for the skirt main fabric and the Paisley in Pink for the underskirt. The flower appliqué on the Penny shirt (template included in the Julia pattern) is made with the Paisley print in Green and Pink.

Courtney also made this adorable Dakota top for her oldest daughter, Avery, using the Tile in Tangerine print from Primavera. Learn how she made and attached the tassels in this easy tutorial.

And lastly, I made this modified Vivian Shirt for my daughter, Sydney, using the Plaid and Paisley prints in the Teal colorway. Learn how to modify the Vivian dress into a shirt in this easy tutorial.

More is soon to come, but for now, enjoy these and any other MODKID pattern at 25% off for a limited time! Coupon code PRIMAVERA2017 gets you 25% off PDF Patterns on our Etsy store and anything off our web store, including books, paper patterns and ribbon samplers. Code expires at midnight EST on January 21st, 2017. Happy Shopping!

Modkid Modified: Cassidy with a Gathered Skirt

We have already brought you one modification for the Cassidy pattern, and now we are back with more. Nothing says fall like a little denim and flannel!!

I made this variation on the Cassidy dress using Patty Young's Acorn Valley flannels, and I'm going to show you how easy it is!

First, I wanted the bodice to extend a little lower for the gathers. When cutting the front and back bodice, simply add 1" at the bottom using a clear ruler. Complete the bodice as instructed in the pattern.

The other change when cutting, is to lay the skirt pattern piece on the fold of the fabric. Then, cut the fabric the same height of the skirt pattern, but use the full wide of the fabric. Do not cut along the side seam line. You should now have a long rectangular skirt piece. You will need to cut the same piece for the back skirt.

You may notice with the bodice extension that this will result in your dress being 1" longer than the original pattern. I found this length perfect with the gathered skirt. The length is also fully adjustable with the dress straps.

Now, create a tube with the skirt pieces. Sew the short sides right sides together with a 1/2" seam allowance and finish the seams. Hem the skirt at this point by folding the bottom edge to the wrong side 1/4". Then fold again 3/4". Stitch along the inner fold.

Next comes gathering. We have a full gathering tutorial here.

Turn the skirt wrong side out and insert the bodice inside aligning the raw edges. Attach the gathered skirt to the completed bodice right sides together aligning the side seams with the middle of the button placket. Stitch with 1/2" seam allowance and finish the seam. Press the seam allowance toward the bodice and topstitch in place.

Now you have a twirly Cassidy!

This dress is featured today on Sweeter Than Cupcakes along with the Modkid Sydney pattern for the Back to School blog tour. Come check it out and grab the coupon code!

Acorn Valley Blog Tour Wrap Up

We are sad to see the Acorn Valley Blog Tour draw to a close, but we are amazed by the talented bloggers who shared their inspiration with us. Be sure to check back on any posts you may have missed!!

Monday 7/11: Riley Blake & Modkid

Tuesday 7/12: Sweeter Than Cupcakes & That's Sew Kari

Wednesday 7/13: Beri Bee Design & Falafel and the Bee

Thursday 7/14: Sew and Tell Project & Handmade Martini

Friday 7/15: Coral & Co. & Pear Berry Lane

Monday 7/18: Sweet KM & 2 Little Hooligans

Tuesday 7/19: Highered Hands & Sue O'Very Designs

Wednesday 7/20: Smashed Peas and Carrots & Gingham Girls

Thursday 7/21: Flamingo Toes & Quilting Gallery

Friday 7/22: Ameroonie Designs & Sweeter Than Cupcakes

Also, congratulations to Jessica Shea who won the 1 yard set of flannel Acorn Valley prints!

Acorn Valley Blog Tour // Day 10

The final day of the Acorn Valley Blog Tour has arrived! I for one am sad to see it end. We've seen so many creative makes!!

It wasn't scheduled, but I hoped on the tour one last time! Come visit Sweeter Than Cupcakes for this Maya outfit perfect for back to school.

We also have a great post with a tutorial for a knit throw from Amy at Ameroonie Designs.

Be sure you have entered to win the free fabric and taken advantage of the pattern sale, because today is the final day!!! Head back to these stops on the tour if you missed any of the inspiration!!

Monday 7/11: Riley Blake & Modkid

Tuesday 7/12: Sweeter Than Cupcakes & That's Sew Kari

Wednesday 7/13: Beri Bee Design & Falafel and the Bee

Thursday 7/14: Sew and Tell Project & Handmade Martini

Friday 7/15: Coral & Co. & Pear Berry Lane

Monday 7/18: Sweet KM & 2 Little Hooligans

Tuesday 7/19: Highered Hands & Sue O'Very Designs

Wednesday 7/20: Smashed Peas and Carrots & Gingham Girls

Thursday 7/21: Flamingo Toes & Quilting Gallery

Friday 7/22: Ameroonie Designs

Coupon code AcornValley2016 gets 25% off your entire purchase in the Modkid Etsy Store. Valid July 11^th through July 22^nd at midnight EST.

Acorn Valley Blog Tour // Day 9

Beverly of Flamingo Toes created an amazing flannel quilt. She said this quilt is already a family favorite and I can see why!!

Michele of Quilting Galley has another fun tutorial for us. Such a great idea for home or taking to camp!

Monday 7/11: Riley Blake & Modkid

Tuesday 7/12: Sweeter Than Cupcakes & That's Sew Kari

Wednesday 7/13: Beri Bee Design & Falafel and the Bee

Thursday 7/14: Sew and Tell Project & Handmade Martini

Friday 7/15: Coral & Co. & Pear Berry Lane

Monday 7/18: Sweet KM & 2 Little Hooligans

Tuesday 7/19: Highered Hands & Sue O'Very Designs

Wednesday 7/20: Smashed Peas and Carrots & Gingham Girls

Thursday 7/21: Flamingo Toes & Quilting Gallery

Friday 7/22: Ameroonie Designs

Acorn Valley Blog Tour // Day 8

It's hump day, and that means only 3 more days of the Acorn Valley Blog Tour. Be sure to visit today's bloggers and enter to win a 1 yard set of Acorn Valley flannels!

Maggie of Smashed Peas and Carrots created what must be the softest Travel Art Folio with Acorn Valley flannels.

This super cozy flannel quilt courtesy of the Gingham Girls looks perfect for chilly fall evenings. 

Monday 7/11: Riley Blake & Modkid

Tuesday 7/12: Sweeter Than Cupcakes & That's Sew Kari

Wednesday 7/13: Beri Bee Design & Falafel and the Bee

Thursday 7/14: Sew and Tell Project & Handmade Martini

Friday 7/15: Coral & Co. & Pear Berry Lane

Monday 7/18: Sweet KM & 2 Little Hooligans

Tuesday 7/19: Highered Hands & Sue O'Very Designs

Wednesday 7/20: Smashed Peas and Carrots & Gingham Girls

Thursday 7/21: Flamingo Toes & Quilting Gallery

Friday 7/22: Ameroonie Designs