Pattern Reveal

BREATHE! I can finally breathe. Except for my little escapade to Chicago for our anniversary last weekend, my life in the past few weeks has been caught up in a whirlwind of technical writing, mechanical drawings, company branding, test sewing, production quotes, legal paperwork and lots and lots of time-consuming details that come along with launching your own brand of sewing patterns. I've totally neglected my household duties and pretty much been operating on very little sleep and lots of caffeine and sugar (yah, a picture of health I am NOT!)

However, a wonderful sense of completion came over me last night as I packaged up the last couple of patterns for my testers. After I returned from the post office this morning I did something I hadn't done in so, sooo long: I took a nap on the couch. Sydney must've known that I needed the rest because she just played quietly beside me... not a peep from her (at least for the first 10 minutes!) Ahhh! What a great feeling!

So, you wanna see the fruits of my labor? I know I already gave you a sneak peek of Kyoko (Pattern #3), but here is the full reveal!

Sydney and I had a blast shooting the cover of Kyoko. She was so excited that she got to wear my chopsticks in her hair. Did I ever mention that these chopsticks are some of my favorite sewing tools? Maybe I haven't mentioned it here on the blog, but I definitely talked about it here.




Kyoko is an Asian-inspired pattern that features a criss-cross bodice with two sleeve length options and a very full stripwork skirt also with two length options. A sweet obi-style sash pulls everything together and finishes the "look." Of course, Kyoko can also be worn without the obi for a more loose-fitted casual look.



The pants Sydney is wearing with her Kyoko top are part of Pattern #5 (still in the development stages). I call these the Sophie 3-Way Pants because I will take my favorite basic pant pattern and show you how to make 3 totally different hem details. This version features an inverted pleat on the outseam made of a contrasting fabric. The other 2 versions I'll keep to myself for now until I'm ready to fully reveal the pattern. :)

Pattern #4 is called Emma... a sweet name for a very sweet 3-piece set.




This easy-to-sew 3-piece set is as sweet and dainty as a pixie! The jumper-style top is light and airy for the warmer months and perfect for layering on cooler months. The skirt is extra full with 8 petal-shaped panels for maximum twirl power and looks just as great layered over tights or leggings. A cute little purse with felt petal details is the perfect accessory to finish off the look.



This was another fun photoshoot. Sydney loves this outfit and just couldn't stop twirling. The skirt is so soft and girlie! Even Sophie got in on the action and modeled the sample I made in her size (which was actually my first prototype... I made a couple of tweaks to it before making the final piece!) In case I haven't mentioned this before, Sophie is not much into modeling... it's not really "her thing", but she says she loves this top and wanted to get her picture wearing it, so hey, I'm not complaining! ;)







The little petal purse also underwent a couple of minor transformations... the first prototype is the one in the back made form Valori Wells fabric and the final sample is the one in the front made with my Flora fabric.

So, as I mentioned above, these last 2 patterns are off to the testers one last time for a final "once-over" then they are off to print. I can hardly contain my excitement! If all goes as planned, these should be available for purchase in about 6 weeks! WOOOHOOO!

NOTE: if you are a retailer or a distributor and would like to be added to our mailing list for pattern pre-orders, please contact me at info@modkidboutique. We will be sending out order forms in the next couple of weeks!

Check them out! Little maids all in a row...



PS... thanks so much for all the wonderful comments on my Quick Quilts article. You guys are all so supportive and sweet! :)

Quick Quilts #100



Excuse me while I squeal! If you follow me on Twitter you already know of my frantic search for the elusive new issue of Quick Quilts magazine that features a 2-page spread on yours truly. I tweeted from my local Barnes & Noble last Friday morning, then from Borders, then from Joann's and even from my local grocery store. No one had it. I was so bummed. I even tweeted when I failed to find it at the big Borders in Chicago last Saturday.

And yes, I am getting complimentary copies from the editor, Lisa (who, by the way, just gave birth to an adorable baby boy and still took time out of her busy schedule to email me electronic copies of the spread... so sweet!) but I just wanted to, you know, walk by a busy magazine section, casually pick up the issue and just go "well, will you look at that?!"



I'm sure you've already figured out that I finally found it. Yep, I went to Walmart this morning to pick up a couple of things and there it was! I almost didn't believe it and there was no one around for me to proudly shriek to, well, except for Sydney. I shoved the mag in her face (even pointing out the picture of her in the top) and her response was "UGH! Is it lunchtime yet?" Oh well. I'm super excited nevertheless. My first magazine appearance!



Sorry for the many pictures... I couldn't help myself! The article talks a little about my background, my inspiration for Andalucia and future projects. It even includes a link to a free quilt pattern! If your local stores don't carry Quick Quilts and you'd like to subscribe to the magazine, here is their link: http://www.quiltmag.com/ And here's a link to the super sweet, very simple to make FREE quilt pattern designed by Miranda Stewart: Moorish Tapestry