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.

NEW FABRIC RELEASE: In Bloom

I am so excited about my latest fabric release! In Bloom is my 3rd collection created exclusively for JoAnn Fabrics. I designed this collection a few months ago (around Spring-Summer of this year) so I drew inspiration from nature, flowers, and all the bright, beautiful colors around me. How fitting that this collection should launch right now while we are all dreaming of sunnier days, right?

Here's a sneak peek of the designs included in this collection. All designs are printed on Premium Quality Quilting Cottons, same quality as all my former collections! Look for them at your local JoAnn's store... and if they are not carrying MODKID STUDIO yet, please ask for it! :)

FREE Tutorial: Memory Board 

When my youngest, Sydney, asked me for a Memory Board for her birthday, I was ecstatic to finally be able to create something with my upcoming fabric line for JoAnn's, In Bloom (now in stores!). I knew right away that my Quatrefoil fabric would be the way to go and I could even use some of my own jacquard ribbon collections for this project.

Here is what you'll need:

• 18" x 24" canvas. I found a 2-pack at Michaels for $14.00 and used my 50% coupon, which made it only $7.00 for 2 canvases... $3.50 a piece! SCORE! Now I can make another one for her big sis! :)
• 22" x 28" piece of fabric. I used Quatrefoil Fuschia from  In Bloom, exclusively created for JoAnn Fabrics.
• 21" x 27" piece of quilt batting or fleece (for padding).
• 5 yards of ribbon at least 1/2" wide. I used Happy Dot from my Lush collection of Jacquard Ribbons.
• 5 brads.
• Staple gun
• Ruler and cutting tools
• X-Acto Knife (or any other sharp tool for creating small brad holes)

Now, let's get started...

1. Layer the fabric and batting/fleece over the front of the canvas, as shown below. The fabric will be a tad wider than the batting/fleece because you have cut it larger.

2. Fold the fabric over the batting/fleece to create a finished edge and wrap it over the edge of your canvas, placing your first staple in the center of one of the long sides, as shown below:

3. Repeat above step for all 4 sides, pulling the fabric taut each time, then proceed to work on your corners. For each corner, fold your fabric over the batting, as shown below. Pull tightly over the corner of the canvas and place a staple there, as shown in the second picture below...

4.  After all 4 corners are securely stapled in place, proceed to pull the fabric tightly along all the canvas edges, placing a staple every 2 inches or so. Be careful not to staple over existing staples.

Here's a close up of what your corners should look like:

5. Use a fabric marker to mark the positioning of your ribbons. I positioned mine at the center of all 4 sides of the canvas, spanning over to the opposite side center mark. These will form a wide diamond shape over your canvas. Then, the final two ribbons go from corner to corner forming an X shape, as shown below.  From my original 5 yards of ribbon, I cut 2 pieces at 36" long for the corner-to-corner (X) pieces, and 4 pieces at 18" long for the center-to-center (Diamond) pieces. The remaining 1 yard of ribbon will be used later for hanging the Memory Board.

6. Staple the ribbon to the back of your canvas, being sure to fold the ends of each ribbon in before placing your staple:

7. Use an X-Acto Knife (or your preferred sharp pointy tool) to pierce a tiny hole at the center of each ribbon intersection. Then, insert a brad in each hole for a total of 5 brads. The center-most brad will be a bit tricky to do, since there is a piece of wood back there for the canvas frame. No biggie... just lift the canvas away from the wood with one hand, while inserting the brad with the other. You'll have to maneuver your fingers in between the frame and canvas to secure the brad on the back side, but it's easy enough to do.

8. To create your board hanger, take your remaining 1 yard of ribbon and staple each ribbon end to the top 2 corners of the canvas, remembering to fold the ends of the ribbon down for extra reinforcement. Place 2 or 3 staples at each corner to make it extra sturdy!

And VOILA! Instant awesome gift for a little girl, your best friend or for yourself! 

If you are giving this Memory Board as a gift, you can include a box of Patty Young Designer Pins. They are so cute and perfect to use for this project!

She's creepy and she's kooky...

When I was helping Courtney do some fun research for her Avery Costume Inspiration post, I had a few Wednesday Addams images up on my screen. My youngest, Sydney, looked over my shoulder and said, "Who's that?". I took it as an invitation to travel down memory lane, explaining everything about the original Addams Family show, which I watched as re-runs growing up, and then how the "new" movies came out in the early-90's and made the characters "trendy". I thought about watching the movies with the kids, but sadly I only had them in VHS. But, it didn't matter... a few pictures in and she had already exclaimed, "I wanna be Wednesday Addams for Halloween!" YIPPEE!

So, voila!

I used the MODKID AVERY sewing pattern, View C (long sleeves) with a few modifications, which I will detail below. Pattern can be found on Etsy, Craftsy and YCMT.

COLLAR

Since most of the pictures I saw of Wednesday Addams' dress had a pointed collar, I decided it was an easy enough modification to make. I printed off the collar pattern piece and re-drew the rounded edge as shown below:

 Then I sewed and finished it just as instructed in the pattern.

LENGTH 

Since Avery is a drop-waist dress,  I decided to change the proportions a tad so that the dress would look a bit more authentic. I cut off 2" at the bottom of the Front and Back Bodices (as shown below), and added those 2" to the skirt length.

I cut one single width of fabric, instead of two, to make the skirt less poofy. The skirt was finished just as instructed, except the single seam is now at the center back, instead of two seams at the sides.

SNAPS

This was purely for Sydney's sake (and it's not really a modification because the pattern actually states "Buttons or Snaps"), but for this particular dress I opted to use Pearl Snaps (found at JoAnn Fabrics in the Notions aisle) because Sydney prefers them to buttons. They were super easy to install and only took a couple of minutes.

OTHER COSTUME DETAILS

Fabric: I used Riley Blake's True Black and Clean White, which sewed up like butter and have such a soft, silky hand.

Doll: I used my Potty Girl Panel from my old fabric line, Playdate, which is now out of stock and very hard to find, but I have listed just a handful of panels here, so get them while they're hot because once they're gone, they're GONE! I added black buttons to the eyes and sewed some black hairbows over the existing printed ones, to give her more of a Gothic look.

Doll's dress: I used this FREE printable pattern. Even though the pattern calls for knit fabrics only, I sewed this dress with the same True Black (woven) fabric as the Avery. I cut it on the bias and left the neck and arm holes raw so they would get that awesome fraying... I wanted it to have that vintage ragdoll look.

Shoes: Sydney is wearing my old Doc Martens from my college days. Yes, my almost-10-year-old has the same size feet as I do!

COMING UP...

• Don't forget to join in on the Avery Sew-Along! It starts on September 29th. We have lots of great prizes for costume and non-costume dresses. We can't wait to see what you sew up!!

• Also, have you sewn a MODKID pattern as a Halloween costume? Share your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and tag them with #modkidhalloween for a chance to be featured on our blog this coming month. We have a super fun series planned and would love your participation!

Nuvango

I'm so excited to tell you that my artwork is now available in this new site called NUVANGO (formerly GelaSkins) and you can make pretty much anything your heart desires with it! WOOHOO!

Check it out... you can make tough cases and ultra-thin skins for your iPhone (any model... even the super old 3Gs!). Protect and personalize your precious cargo with wrap-around design. Add a free matching wallpaper, too!  (Plus many other cell phone brands: Samsung, LG, Blackberry, Google, Sony, HTC, Motorola, etc.)

You can also outfit your tablet or reader with a wrap-around skin (many models available, not just the ones shown here!)

Is your laptop or gaming console looking a little dated or beat up? No problem.. check this out... so cute!!

If you're looking for other things besides electronic devices, they also do GREETING CARDS, STRETCHED CANVASES and FRAMED ARTWORK!

Do you have a favorite Patty Young design that is not shown in our Nuvango store? Just ask! We can upload any artwork to the site and have it ready for you in minutes!!

Happy shopping!

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's Kimono Wrap

We are thrilled to finally be able to reveal our contribution to the Road Trip Pattern Club.  If you're a member, you already received this pattern in your inbox this morning. If you're not a member yet, no worries, it's not too late to join and receive ALL the fabulous patterns including this one!

If you're not familiar with the Road Trip Pattern Club scroll to the end of this post to learn more.

 

You'll be the envy of all your friends in your new Kimono Wrap. Whether you use it as a beach cover-up in sheer fabrics or as a lightweight cocktail dress sewn in slinky knits, this will be your go-to pattern this Summer. It also works perfectly as a bathrobe sewn in French Terry or as a glamorous night-time robe sewn in sexy silks or satins.

Because our Kimono Wrap pattern is made based on your own body measurements, it will fit all body types. No more worrying about a perfect fit. Our easy-to-follow instructions will guide you step by step through taking your measurements and creating your custom-made garment.

Check out some inspiration images from our wonderful testers:

Crystal Dekker, with That's What SHE Crafted, made a shorter wrap and used 60"-wide satin fabric. We think she looks fabulous in her new Kimono Wrap! Crystal thinks they would make ADORABLE bride/ bridesmaids robes for getting ready on the big day.

  

Kara Orr of www.leighleecollection.blogspot.com used cotton voile for her Kimono Wrap. It looks so drapey and comfy!

Jenny Fish, at www.sewprettydresses.blogspot.com, used Pip Studio's Lawn 40"-wide fabric for her beautiful Kimono Wrap.

And last but not least, Kristen McVane sewed her Kimono Wrap in a floral rayon. Photographer Roark Nelson, www.roarkphoto.blogspot.com, took these amazing photos of model Summer Wardlaw. 

We are in love!

Now, if you don't know about the ROAD TRIP PATTERN CLUB, read on:

The Road Trip Pattern Club is an exciting collaboration between 5 of the top sewing pattern designers in the industry, Betz White, Patty Young, Carla Crim, Liesl Gibson and Carolyn Friedlander. 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.

The first pattern was released on Tuesday May 27 (see it here). The Kimono Wrap is the 2nd pattern in the series and will be followed by 3 more patterns revealed every three weeks through August. The one-time membership fee for the club is $35 for all 5 patterns.

 

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.

The Road Trip has begun!

Today, the first pattern of 5 was sent to Road Trip Pattern Club subscribers. But it is not too late to join! Just click here to purchase your membership and receive this pattern today plus 4 more in the next couple of months. If you're not familiar with the Road Trip Pattern Club scroll to the end of this post to learn more.

 

The first pattern in the Road Trip Pattern Club is this Road Tripper Duffle, designed by Betz White. I adore this bag and absolutely cannot wait to make it. Just look at the details:

This Road Tripper Duffle will be perfect for all your upcoming travels whether you are taking your kids to the beach, enjoying a mountain retreat with the family or just spending the weekend in the big city with friends. It's got pockets galore (who doesn't love pockets?) and two sets of handles/straps so you can hand carry it or throw it over your shoulder.

So, what's the next pattern, you ask? I am absolutely dying to share this with you, but I can't show you the full thing just yet. All I can say is that it will be a women's garment that will fit ALL women, no matter your size or body shape... cool, eh? My pattern will come to you on June 16th. Here is a tiny sneak peek to whet your appetite. :)

Photo courtesy of Kristen McVane and Roark Nelson Photography.

I know, I know, I'm a tease. But, I promise it will not disappoint! I will show you the full thing in a couple of weeks... promise!

Now, if you don't know about the ROAD TRIP PATTERN CLUB, read on:

The Road Trip Pattern Club is an exciting collaboration between 5 of the top sewing pattern designers in the industry, Betz White, Patty Young, Carla Crim, Liesl Gibson and Carolyn Friedlander. 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.

The first pattern is being released on Tuesday May 27 (TODAY!), 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.