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: VIVID Knits! by Patty Young for Riley Blake

After I posted a quick picture on Instagram of an open box of knit fabrics, with the words: "Exciting mail day! Sample yardage of my new knits for @rileyblakedesigns has finally arrived!", and it was met with a lot of question marks, it was obvious to me that lots of you out there had no idea I was designing for Riley Blake now.

So, I am here now to make the official announcement! To make a long story short... I met Jina and Cindy of Riley Blake Designs at Common Threads last year. Common Threads is a creative retreat of sorts, sponsored by Tacony Corporation (Baby Lock Machines). The three of us got to talking during a version of speed dating for the creative types, and continued our conversation later that evening back at the hotel. Out of that fateful meeting, a wonderful partnership was born. And 5 months ago, during Baby Lock Tech, a little announcement was made on Instagram...

I am thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful team! So here it is at last... I present to you,VIVID: a collection of Knits exclusively designed for Riley Blake.

Aren't they yummy? They are all up on their website right now if you'd like to take a closer look. And, as if these weren't cool enough all on their own, I am also releasing a line of Canvas prints (more on that soon, I promise!)

I literally just got these in, so I haven't had too much time to sew up a lot of goodies, but I am excited to share with you a couple of projects we've made so far.

The two photos below are of our brand new Rachel PDF pattern, which is currently part of the BundleUp collection only. You can purchase this pattern as part of the BundleUp until Feb. 2nd. It will be released as a stand-alone pattern on our Etsy store on Feb. 16.

Here is the short-sleeve, neck-binding version in size 10 sewn in Leilani Teal with Fireworks Granite:

And here is the long-sleeve, mock-turtleneck version in size 3T, sewn in Fireworks Grape:

Above photo courtesy of Courtney Davis at www.sweeterthancupcakes.com

And last but not least, I wanted to show you how well my new Fireworks print coordinates with some other existing Riley Blake knits.  Here is a super secret new book project featuring my Fireworks Marigold paired up with Riley Blake's 1/2-inch Stripe.

That's it, folks! :) I would love to know what you think of my new knits! Please leave me your thoughts below. I always enjoy reading your comments.

Hailey Misses and BundleUp!

"Ask and you shall receive" has always been our motto here at MODKID! So many times we have designed specific patterns based on customer feedback and popular demand, and this is no exception. When we released our Hailey Girls pattern a few months back, a little girls' version of our already popular Hailey pattern for tweens/teens, it immediately became one of our top sellers and its popularity was followed by countless requests for a women's version.

Well, your wait is finally over! And as if this release wasn't exciting enough, we have added it to the current BUNDLE UP collection, so you can get not only this awesome pattern, but 11 other patterns for women, designed by the industry's top PDF pattern designers!! (NOTE: If you are interested in Hailey Misses alone, the pattern will be listed on our Etsy and Craftsy stores on July 10th.)

Let's talk about Hailey Misses first and then I'll tell you all about the BundleUp collection.

Hailey is a flirty dress and shirt with several length options designed for women. It is a versatile pattern sewn with either wovens or knits, and with no zippers, buttons, or snaps, it sews up in a flash. A comfy and stretchy shirred section below the bust creates a feminine silhouette while making this garment versatile for women of all shapes and sizes.

Never sewn with knits before? No worries! Sewing with knits is easy and fun with this step-by-step guide which includes lots of tips, photos and diagrams to guide you along.

Our tester, Kara Orr of www.leighleecollection.blogspot.com sewed up View B (Tunic) in a woven cotton fabric.

Our pattern tester, Courtney Davis (www.sweeterthancupcakes.blogspot.com) sewed up View A (Top) in a soft jersey fabric.

Our pattern tester, Crystal Dekker (www.thatswhatshecrafted.blogspot.com), made View A (Top) in chiffon with the idea of wearing it with a little cami underneath.

And last, but certainly not least, our tester, Jenny Fish, at www.sewprettydresses.blogspot.com, sewed up View C (Dress with no ruffle) of Hailey Misses and she used Zig Zag Dot (jersey) from Heaven & Helsinki by Patty Young. Read Jenny's review here.

We've also found two additional non-tester pattern reviews here and here.

Now, for information about BundleUp:

Bundle UP is a collective of your favorite established PDF sewing pattern designers coming together to offer you a sweet deal on both hot new patterns and your favorite closet staples from past releases. We’ve selected the perfect patterns with YOU in mind- mix and match styles, and patterns with multiple views and lots of options. No matter the occasion, we’ve got you covered.

Soooo... Who is part of the new BundleUp, you ask?

Anddddd... What sort of patterns will I find in the new BundleUp? Well, I'm glad you asked, because we happen to think you can create an entire Summer wardrobe with just the patterns in this bundle. Check it out: (And, yes! The coloring book is a FREE download included with the purchase of your bundle!! Yippee!)

Ok!!! Anything else I should know?

As a matter of fact, yes!  There is a HUGE giveaway associated with the new BundleUp. If you sew up a pattern from the bundle and share it here, you can be entered to win this amazing prize package!

So, what are you waiting for?? Get the Bundle, start sewing and enter the giveaway!!! It's what all the cool kids are doing these days! :)

Malibu Cross-Back Dress

(Quick links: Etsy / Craftsy)

It all started out with Sophie asking me to make her a simple dress for her end-of-year orchestra concert. This girl never asks me for this sort of stuff, so I had to jump on it. She had some pretty specific requests: it had to be a knit dress (because they are more comfy), sleeveless (because Summer is coming) and not too dressy (because she's just not the frilly type).  Our Hailey pattern was perfect for this, but she quickly reminded me that she wore that dress at last year's concert (ooops!). So, I set forth to design something new and exciting for her. I'd had this idea in my head for a cross-back dress for a while. The problem is that I had less than a day to complete this... oh, yes, did I forget to mention that? So, there was little to no time for error.

I made a quick & dirty prototype and that was what she ended up wearing to the concert. It wasn't perfect by any means... the back opening was too low for her comfort level, so she ended up wearing it with a sweater, and the high-low skirt curve wasn't very noticeable (it looked more like a straight mini skirt), so I knew I needed to go back to the drawing board and re-draft a couple of things. Oh, and did I mention that I had to make one for little sister Sydney too? Yup.

After I shared these pictures on social media, the comments started pouring in... Will this be a pattern? Please make a pattern for this dress! I want one in my size! and so on and so forth.

I went back to the drawing board... re-drafted the back bodice completely, made the high-low skirt curve more dramatic, added 2 more skirt lengths/styles, sewed up a couple more prototypes and, after I felt the shape and fit were perfect, I graded the final pattern from sizes 2T to 12.

Here is the final outcome:

The Malibu Cross-Back Dress pattern comes with three different skirt lengths/styles (click photo to enlarge):

It can be sewn with knits (which was my original intent) or with wovens! I was determined to make this pattern work for all types of fabrics. Check it out below, sewn in my Just My Type quilting cotton fabrics:

After pattern instructions and diagrams were complete, it was off to the testers, and boy did they have fun with this pattern! Here are a few of their pictures... I am in love!

Two of my testers loved it so much that they made multiple dresses! WOW! Every tester reported that they sewed this pattern in just about an hour and everyone was surprised at how easy and quickly it went together and how little fabric it uses for such a WOW effect. It's always a good day at MODKID when we get such positive feedback from our testers! :)

Of course, rigorous pattern testing always brings new challenges. We quickly found out that the maxi skirts sewn in wovens needed to be cut wider so that the girls didn't have to shorten their strides when walking. Done. We also discovered that the dress could be bound with fold-over elastic, double-fold bias tape or home-made binding, and that each method yielded a different look. We seriously could not be more thankful to our awesome pattern testers, who are always so helpful!

Check out tester Courtney Davis' pattern review here.

The MALIBU Cross-Back Dress can be purchased on Etsy or Craftsy.

To see the full inspiration gallery, click here.

MODKID on Zulily!

We are thrilled to have been invited to participate in Zulily's National Sewing Day, alongside such names as Singer, Janome, C&T Publishing and many more industry giants! In this one-time, limited-quantity sale you will find sewing machines, notions, tools, books and patterns... yes, lots of patterns at incredibly low prices!

But hurry and stock up! This sale only lasts 3 days, and like I mentioned above, there are very limited quantities of each pattern bundle, so once they're gone, THEY'RE GONE!

We have created some very special bundles for you, including our best-selling patterns for girls, dolls and women. Check it out:

Click HERE to view the sale.

It's almost MODKID's turn!

Friends, in less than a week (6 days to be exact), we will be releasing the next pattern in the ROAD TRIP PATTERN CLUB. This pattern was designed by us, MODKID, especially for you! A lot of thought went into dreaming up a design that would work for women of all sizes because we all know each and every one of us is unique. Then, after it was designed, we carefully chose testers in all different sizes because we wanted to make sure it would indeed work for everyone!

We can't show you the full design yet, but we can share a little sneak peek. With a little imagination, you can probably figure out what it is. ;)

If you are a planner like me, and you like to shop early for fabric and notions -- so that you'll be ready to jump right in when the pattern arrives in your inbox next week -- here's what you'll need:

SUGGESTED FABRICS: Use lightweight fabrics that drape well, like voiles, lawns, crepes, silks, satins or shirtings. You can also use a semi-sheer fabric like cotton lace, handkerchief linen or eyelet. This design also works well in a lightweight, drapey knit like slinky knits and jerseys. Fabric used in our cover sample: Sari Wrap Navy from Grand Bazaar (shirting) fabrics by Patty Young. 

FABRIC QUANTITIES: Since this garment is made to size, the fabric quantities will vary greatly depending on your body measurements. Plan on using at least 2.5 yards for sizes XS - M and 3 to 3.5 yards for sizes L and above. Shorter garments may use less fabric. 

NOTIONS: Sewing machine and/or serger, coordinating thread, scissors, rotary cutter and ruler, iron and ironing board, measuring tape.

If you have not signed up for the ROAD TRIP PATTERN CLUB, there is still time! You will receive ALL the patterns in the club, even the ones that have been released already.

 

Our pattern will arrive in your inbox next Monday, June 16th and there will be a new pattern in your inbox every 3 weeks! Happy sewing!!

Click here to learn more about the ROAD TRIP PATTERN CLUB.

Road Trip Pattern Club

Join us for a sewing adventure and travel around the country with your favorite pattern designers! The Road Trip Pattern Club is an exciting collaboration between 5 of the top sewing pattern designers in the industry. Every three weeks from late May through August, club members will receive an exclusive brand new PDF sewing pattern delivered directly to your inbox.

There are 5 travel inspired patterns that include bags, accessories and women’s clothing, ranging in skill from confident beginner to intermediate. The designs will be a mystery until they are revealed at each road trip “destination” every 3 weeks. We promise they will be worth the wait! The patterns will be exclusive to the club for the duration. Even if you join after the club begins, you will receive all patterns released to the club up until that point.

We’re so excited for you to join us!

The first pattern is being released on Tuesday May 27, followed by 4 more patterns revealed every three weeks through August. The one-time membership fee for the club is $35 for all 5 patterns.

To register for the club click on the ‘Add to Cart’ button, and you will be to purchase your membership via Paypal. Patterns are downloaded as PDF files and will include detailed instructions, illustrations/photos, and templates needed to make the project. After you complete your payment, the pattern download links are automatically sent to your email on file with Paypal, so make sure that is up to date before purchase.

About the Pattern Designers

Our journey starts with Betz White in Maryland. You’ll love the new pattern she has planned and it’s perfect for a weekend get-away. Betz is the first stop on the road trip so you won’t have to wait long to see it!



Next stop: Patty Young in Illinois. Patty of MODKID is a well established pattern and fabric designer known for her bold designs and colorful palette. Her design for the club is something that will take you from hotel to pool in style.



We’ll head north to Carla Hegeman Crim in Upstate New York. Carla, of the Scientific Seamstress, has a thriving sewing pattern business. Carla’s design for the club is something easy-breezy to get you through a long hot summer.



Next we’re bound for New York City for a visit with veteran pattern designer Liesl Gibson of Oliver + S, Liesl and Co., Lisette and Straight Stitch Society. Liesl knows it’s the little things that matter and her design will help you keep track of them.



Carolyn Friedlander in Florida is our final destination! Carolyn, a quilt and fabric designer, travels frequently to teach quilting and sewing classes. Her pattern design for the club is sure to help you sew on the go.

Don't miss out on this exciting pattern club.
Join us today!

 

SEW FAB PATTERN SALE IS LIVE!

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase the Sew Fab Bundle through those links I earn a percentage of the sale. Thank you so much for supporting the Sew Fab Sale! We all appreciate your business!

It's the Spring 2014 Sew Fab Pattern Sale!

It's that time of year again… time for the original pattern bundle sale, The Sew Fab Pattern Sale! I'm so excited to announce this season's pattern bundle to you today. The excitement has been building over the last few weeks, and today it's finally available. Nineteen incredibly talented pattern designers, some who are very well known in their field and some who are quickly making a name for themselves, have come together to bring you a great bundle of patterns that will take you through the spring and summer. For one week only, you can have nineteen patterns (plus a fun bonus pattern), chosen specifically for this sale, for only $29.95! That's over 80% off the retail value of the bundle! Plus you can enter to win one of two amazing sewing themed giveaways!

For less than $30 you get a library of sewing resources that you can use over and over again.

If you’ve never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is! After downloading your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will. Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern! At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric, or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tracing paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size. PDF patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!

Now for the part you've been waiting for… the patterns!

A collection of 19 PDF Patterns from 19 well-known and up and coming designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle. Imagine all of the combinations that you can put together with this bundle of patterns, with many transitioning to fall and winter as well! Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below the collage for more information about each pattern.):

 

The Laurel Dress or Tunic by Greenstyle Creations, The Satchel Bag by Handmade Therapy, The Lexi Knit Dress and Top by MODKID, The Piko Top by EYMM, The Bowling Shirt from Scientific Seamstress (unisex), The Seraphic Pant by Figgy's (unisex), The Tulip Pinafore by Too Sweets Patterns, The Big Tote Bag by Things for Boys, The Doll and Carrier by Patchwork Posse, Poppy and Pip Penguins by Betz White, Leather Accent Foldover Pouch by LBG Studio, The Norah Dress and Tunic by Mouse House Creations, Crayon Art Folio by Gingercake, The Tennis Skort (12M-12Y) by Heidi & Finn, The Ruffled Bustle Top by Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Long Beach Board Shorts (unisex) by Terra's Treasures, The Cupcake Top (unisex) by Sewing Mama RaeAnna, The Saffron Twirl Dress from Paisley Roots Designs, The Sweet Tea Shorties by Molly Blossom Designs.

New this year is the Sew Fab Pattern Tour! Some of our favorite sewing bloggers will be sharing their versions of the Sew Fab patterns on their blogs this week, so be sure to check in with them throughout the week of the sale to see how versatile these patterns are! Here are the stops on the pattern tour…

 

This Sew Fab Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again! You can purchase the bundle from May 5th at 8 a.m. EST through May 13th at 11:59 p.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered. Due to the nature of the sale there are no refunds. The pattern bundle expires six months from the end of the sale, so please download and save your patterns upon receiving them.

You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 20 PDF sewing patterns from 19 of the best designers out there!

 

And now for the always exciting Sew Fab Giveaway!

This spring there are two prize packages up for grabs, and both will inspire you in your sewing! I’m so excited about these giveaways! Can’t buy the pattern bundle? It’s okay… purchase is not required to enter. There are lots of chances to win and each entry applies to both of the giveaway packages. Just use the Rafflecopter widget below the prize descriptions to enter as many times as you want, no purchase necessary.

Prize Package #1 includes...

The Lane Raglan Pattern from Hey June, an organic fat quarter bundle of the yet unreleased Everyday Party Collection by Emily Isabella, from Fabricworm, The Washi Dress Pattern from Made by Rae, a $50 gift certificate to The Delhi Store, a free class from Craftsy.com, a fun gift package from Sew You Studio, a custom made Geranium Dress from Nest Creations, a Sew Happy print from Pen+Paint, and a $15 gift certificate to GYCT Designs!

Prize package #2 includes...

The #ISEW necklace from Hello Cheeseburger, created especially for the Sew Fab giveaway, a collection of vintage buttons and 20% off your purchase at Anna Mia Clothing, the Playdate Bag pattern from Fishsticks Designs, The Kensington Dress and Tee Pattern from Hey June Handmade, a $30 gift certificate to Casa Crafty, a $40 gift certificate to Girl Charlee, 3 yards of laminate fabric from Anne Kelle, The Essential Sewing Reference Tool by Carla Crim, a "Happiness is Handmade" print from Pen+Paint! a Rafflecopter giveaway Sign up for the Sew Fab Newsletter to get the latest Sew Fab News!  Winners will be announced in the newsletter as well as upcoming sales and other news pertaining to the Sew Fab Sale and the world of PDF patterns.

The Sew Fab Spring Pattern Sale!

Sew much inspiration, right at your fingertips...

only $29.95!

Get your bundle now!

  **For answers concerning sale terms and customer service questions, please see the FAQ page.