Spring 2013 Sewing Pattern Reveal

As I was digging my toes into the soft and warm sands of the Bahamas last week, and feeling sorry for all my friends back in the Midwest, it occurred to me that I still haven't blogged about our new patterns. WOW, I'm really behind! I guess I had vacation on my brain. Can you blame me?

So, without much further ado, I present to you our 4 newest patterns. Click on the pattern name to go to its listing on our site.

First up, it's BAILEY...

Bubble Shorts and Romper With Shirred Back

Sizes 12M - 5T

Bailey is a girls' romper with shorts option. The romper features a comfy shirred back panel and suspender straps that attach with snaps. The shorts have a flat front with elasticized back and adorable bubble hems. A pair of contrasting color inset pockets complete the ensemble.

Check out these adorable photos from my testers. The following 2 are by Courtney Davis and Bella Vie Photography:

And this one is by Andrea Thomas Lambe and Lyndsey Sullivan Photography:

Next up, it's GRACE.

Smock-style Tunic with Ruffled Cropped Pants

Sizes 2T - 10 

Grace is an adorable smock-like tunic with coordinating cropped pants. The tunic pulls over the shoulders with two small buttons in the center front for ease of dressing. The pants have an elasticized back waistband with flat front. Tiny ruffles, accent bands and adorable pockets add an extra touch of flair!

Now, for some sweet tester pics! This one is from Cheryl Santos and Mike Kohberger Photography:

And this one is from Bridgett Wright:

Next up, it's QUINN.

Knee-length Dress With Front Button Closure, Gathered Skirt and Sleeves

Sizes 2T - 10  

Quinn is a classic-style dress with front button closure, a full gathered skirt and adorable bubble sleeves. The bias binding along the front closure adds a bit of contrast and boutique feel. This dress features a longer skirt (knee-length) but can be easily shortened, if desired. Mix and match your favorite designer fabrics for a unique look. 

I just adore these tester pics!!! This sweet pink and green version is from Bridgett Wright:

 

And this playful and colorful version is from Liz Mouse:

And last but not least, here is RILEY.

Peasant-style Dress With Round Neckline and Large Bow

Sizes 2T - 10 

Riley is an adorable peasant-style dress with a rounded neck band, a paneled front body and a whimsical bow detail that will make every girl twirl with delight. Choose a long- or short-sleeved version and make it with or without the contrast ruffles for a different look every time. 

Check these out! So sweet! This is one of my favorite pics of all time by Andrea Thomas Lambe and Natalie Kimball Photography:

And this cutie is by Cheryl Santos and Mike Kohberger Photography:

That's it, folks! Would love to hear what you think.

I'd like to thank all of my pattern testers and photographers for a marvelous job! You all know how much we appreciate all of your help!! And a big hug to all the adorable models! xoxo

If you are interested in purchasing these patterns, they are in stock and ready to ship on our website or check with your favorite fabric and sewing pattern retailer to see if they have them in stock. We have been shipping wholesale orders every day since they came in!

Also, stay tuned as we will be releasing some brand new and super adorable new PDF pattern later this week!

Let's talk about stretch, baby!

Clearly I must've run into the textiles genie at some point because Michael Miller just granted me my biggest wish yet.... KNITS (a.k.a. stretch fabrics). For as long as I've been sewing clothes I've wanted these. I would've been happy with any cute, great quality and affordable knit, but... cute, great quality and affordable knits with my name printed on the selvedge? Pinch me because I must be dreaming!

Check these out! We have the ever so popular Mod Blooms and Mod Dots from Andalucia in the aqua colorway, which was originally cut from the quilting cotton collection, but that's OK because they are much better suited for this! We also have 4 glorious colors of Blossoms from Flora & Fauna. In addition, Michael Miller has also produced 3 of their adorable house prints, Carnival Bloom, Elvira and Scandi Chirp. Now, watch that drool... you don't want to ruin your keyboard!



What, you want coordinates? Ask and you shall receive. We have dots, solids and stripes (OH MY!) in every color combo imaginable!



All of these are produced on 100% cotton interlock, which means they won't curl on the edges like the lighter weight jerseys do. It also means they have 50% stretch, which makes them perfect for just about any project... t-shirts, dresses, leggings, yoga pants, skirts, you name it. I'm even planning to make some pillowcases and sheets for the kids... oh, how soft would those be?! :)

And speaking of making stuff, I have been in absolute sewing heaven these past few days! I love how versatile these are and how fast I can make an outfit that looks almost store-bought! True story: before we left for Florida a couple of weeks ago, I sewed 8 (count them: EIGHT!) pieces of clothing in a span of about 12 hours... with breaks in between!

I made this dress for myself (no, I didn't make Jon's t-shirt, although I totally could've!)



Would you be interested in a pattern for this dress, with several options of course? I've been avoiding designing women's patterns for several reasons, but the knits might just push me over to the other side. They are so forgiving so you don't have to mess with those pesky darts & such. If you ladies want this pattern, I can make it happen... for the Summer release.

I also made several pieces for the kids to wear:









And, of course, to commemorate the release of the knits, I have designed 2 children's clothing patterns that will debut at Spring Quilt Market, May 21 - 23, 2010.

Abigail is a sweet a-line gored dress with 2 length options and 2 sleeve options.





Maya is a 2-piece set (ruffled shirt and yoga skirt) also with 2 sleeve-options and comes with a dress version.







My testers have been having a blast playing with the new knits and patterns. Although you are welcome to use any of my photos for promoting my items on your site, please do not use my testers' photos without their written permission.

This one is from Melissa Baker (love, love, LOVE this picture!)



And how cool is this shot from Kristen Hallagan.



An adorable version of Abigail from Anna Garner. Photo courtesy of Jamie Erwin Photography.



And last, but not least, this sweet Abigail dress by Jennifer Moore.



I'm sure you want to see the pattern covers, so here they are...





Yes, they go up to size 8! :) All new patterns will be available for pre-order in a couple of weeks, so they are not up on our website yet.

For all questions regarding the knit fabrics, please contact Michael Miller Fabrics.

For any questions regarding the new patterns, or to be added to our mailing list, please contact Jon Young at jjyoung@modkidboutique.com

I'm anxious to hear your thoughts! Please share. :)

**UPDATE** Kathy Miller just posted the full knits group on her blog complete with SKU#s and print names. Check it out!

Giveaway Winners and 2010 Pattern Reveal!

WOW, what a week! First I want to thank each & every one of you for the well wishes, comments, emails and tweets regarding the procedure I had done last week. Your jokes, poems and funny stories had me smiling from ear to ear... THANK YOU! I must say that I'm floored at how many of you out there have experienced similar situations. I guess it's not the kind of thing everyone wants to talk openly about, but hey, it's life. I feel I need to clarify that I did not have a hysterectomy (VH), although I can see how some of you could have assumed that. I had a HydroThermal Ablation (HTA) also known as Endometrial Ablation. If you're not familiar with the procedure, you can click the links above to learn about it. I'm so thankful for modern medicine allowing options for women with my symptoms. Twenty years ago, there was really only one solution and I would've been bedridden for weeks. Time will only tell if this was the right choice. Who knows, I may have to go for the VH eventually, but for now, I'm feeling great... knock on wood.

OK, now on to the fun stuff! 260 of you commented on the pillow giveaway and and here are the lucky winners:




Hummingbird Patch Pillow:
SoBella Creations









Ragged Blossoms Pillow:
Debbie in South Carolina










Busy Bee Hive Pillow:
Amy Priddy :||: Priddy Creations





CONGRATULATIONS to each and every one of you! Please email me at info@modkidboutique.com to claim your prize. And thank you again to all who visited and commented!

We've been super busy here at the studio these past few weeks cranking out the next line of MODKID Sewing Patterns, due out in mid-January, 2010. Here's a preview:



A closer look and description of each:



HUMMINGBIRD QUILT, Item# MKSP011HQ
This dainty rag-style quilt packs a lot of punch yet it’s easy to make. Any beginner sewist can tackle this project in one afternoon. Our pattern comes with full size appliqué templates and detailed step-by-step instructions for constructing this beautiful hummingbird scene. Our 8-page full-color booklet comes loaded with inspiration photos and even includes a Quilting Glossary on the inside back page.



PILLOW TRIO, Item# MKSP012PT
This Pillow Trio pattern has something for every level of sewing expertise. A beginner sewist can start with our Ragged Blossoms pillow, which is a simple, easy-to-sew raw-edge appliqué project. Then move on to the Hummingbird Patch pillow which requires more cutting and piecing and finally tackle the more challenging Busy Bee Hive pillow. Our 12-page, full-color instruction booklet comes loaded with inspiration photos and even includes a Sewing Glossary on the inside back page.



MODKID DRESS BAGS, Item# MKSP013GB
Now that you’ve outfitted your girl and her dollies in the highest of MODKID fashion, it’s time to give her a truly boutique-style set of garment bags to store and carry her new matching wardrobes. These sweet dress bags are perfect for sleep-overs, traveling and those much-needed trips to grandma’s house! Includes full-size pattern pieces and detailed instructions for constructing two sizes of garment bags.



MINI-AVA, Item# MKSP014MA
A sweet two-piece set for your 18” or 15” doll with heirloom details galore. The halter-style top features a pintucked bodice and a pleated underskirt with a peek-a-boo overskirt panel. The drop-waist skirt features a series of pleats near the bottom edge and elasticized waist. When worn together Mini-Ava looks like a gorgeous multi-layer sundress with cascading pleats.



MINI-FRIDA, Item# MKSP015MF
Loosely inspired by a Mexican housedress, Mini-Frida is a feminine, comfy and fun 4-piece set for your 18” or 15” dolly. Pattern includes the tunic, dress, pants and headscarf. For a “Just Like Me” look, check out our child-size Frida pattern (sold separately). Fabrics used in this booklet are from Patty Young’s, Flora & Fauna fabric collection.



MINI-KYOKO, Item# MKSP016MK
Chic and sophisticated with an Asian-flair, Mini-Kyoko is a fun 4-piece set for your 18” or 15” dolly. Pattern includes the criss-cross shirt & dress, obi/sash and flare pants as seen on the front cover. For a “Just Like Me” look, check out our child-size Kyoko pattern (sold separately). Fabrics used in this booklet are from Patty Young’s Flora & Fauna fabric collection.

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All 6 patterns are currently with the testers and I've already been receiving lots of great feedback and gorgeous photos that I cannot wait to share! We are right on schedule for our January release. Jon is putting the finishing touches on our pre-order screens and e-newsletter so, once again, if you'd like to be added to our mailing list shoot Jon an email at jjyoung@modkidboutique.com

Winners, dates, times and other important stuff...

We only have a couple of days to go before we pack up the vehicle and head South to Houston for the Fall International Quilt Market, so you can imagine the craziness around here. Oh, and I may have forgotten to mention that one of those two days will be spent in Chicago (here) celebrating Sydney's 5th birthday, since we will be in Houston on the day of her actual b-day... yah, insane!

Anyway... thank you all SO MUCH for the amazing comments regarding Flora & Fauna. I am blown away by the love! Wish I could reward each & every one of you, but alas we could only pick 2 winners and since that job was much more pressure than I could handle right now, I left it up to the trusty ol' randomizer. There were 445 comments when we closed the contest and the winners are...

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#6
yahaira said...
I fell in love when you posted these on flickr! those bees!!! it's hard to pick a favorite colorway, but stone is definitely up there. I want to make scrappy quilts and little bags out of this line
10:10 AM

#429
princess*picasso said...
Patty, I think I am in love! Your new prints are absolutely gorgeous!!!!! You are amazing. Amie
11:25 AM
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Congratulations, ladies! Please contact me at info@modkidboutique.com at your earliest convenience to claim your prize! :)

OK... now on to some important Quilt Market info...

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FIND ME AT BOOTH # 925

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You are cordially invited to attend a schoolhouse presentation by yours truly, sponsored by Brewer Quilting and Sewing Supplies...

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SCHOOLHOUSE!!!
Topic: MODKID Patterns and Your Next-Gen Sewist
Description: Textile & pattern designer Patty Young will discuss how Modkid Sewing Patterns will increase fabric and pattern sales to the younger sewist. Take advantage of the rising popularity of the garment sewing and hand made movement.
Where: Room #382A
Date & Time: Friday, October 9, 10:40 a.m. - 11:10- a.m.

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Hope to see you all there!!

And since I seem to be physically incapable of posting to my blog without some sort of visual, I leave you with a few more Flora & Fauna sneak peeks. These are some of the items my mom brought with her from Florida... more to show at Quilt Market!

ahhhhh....



mmm....



eeeee....



But what really made me squeal with delight as soon as she pulled it out of her suitcase was this amazing laptop bag that fits my 17" MacBook Pro like a glove and has pockets galore for all my cables & stuff!!!



And it is a perfect match to this adorable selvedge notebook that my friend Val made for me last week (I can't even put into words how happy this makes me!)...



heeeheee... I'm gonna be so matchy-matchy with Jon (and it wasn't even planned!) OH THOSE BEES! Ooops, I'd better hurry up and make something else with those dandelions & luna moths so they don't feel slighted again!

Signing off until Quilt Market! If you follow me on Twitter, you'd better believe I will be tweeting all the way there & back. :)

There's more to life than the birds and the bees!

HA! Made you look! Sooooo.... this past weekend I was having a conversation with my new fabrics (yes, we talk) and it was brought to my attention that in the big Flora & Fauna reveal post, I went on and on about the super cool bees and the gorgeous hummingbirds, and of course, the ever so versatile double border daisies, but I made virtually no mention of some of the other -- just as cool -- designs in the collection. Some feelings were hurt and it was not my intention at all. So, since I'm an equal opportunity fabric lover, I wanted to make it right.

A very important component of Flora & Fauna is this series of Dandelion prints, which, as a matter of fact were the building blocks for the collection, since they were the first drawings I made. We loved them so much that we decided to offer them in a spectrum of colors that can work all the way from nursery layette to women's wear.



Then, as I was doing my research for the winged creatures I wanted to feature in my new collection, I came across the Luna Moth and was completely inspired by it. I loved its interesting shape and vivid color and had such a fun time drawing it and adding my little mod-ish touches to the drawings. I consider my Luna Moth the most "sophisticated" and "grown up" of all my designs and cannot wait to see it in purses, women's tops, flirty skirts and the like.



Then there's the Blossoms. Oh, where do I even begin? These adorable little bunches of flowers were plucked right out of my Hummingbird print and turned out so fun and whimsical that we decided to make them in just about every color combination we could dream up. Just check out my blog background! I am using these everywhere... you'll see!



So, now that you all probably think I've lost my mind (talking to fabric & all) let me just add that I feel so mushy inside just seeing how my family and friends have come together to help make the Flora & Fauna debut our best yet. Seriously, folks, just look at these amazing pieces...

Kristen made the sweetest Frida dress, using fabrics from my Turquoise and Raspberry palettes, and shipped it to me in a flash. Hop on over to her blog where she has promised to give away some fabric if you leave a comment...



Then theres, Val, my little sewing bee friend. She is such a hard worker, she actually makes me look lazy, if you can believe it. She made this Sydney hoodie out of my mustard palette...



Then she made this Ava Halter set from my turquoise palette...



And even surprised me with a mini-version of Ava. Yes, folks, mini-me will be traveling with us to Quilt Market next week. I simply cannot wait to show her off!!!



Heather made a whole new slew of jingle cloth balls. I cannot even pick a favorite! They are all so precious!!!



And my mom has been super hard at work down in Florida on some items that apparently are so amazing she can't even show me a sneak peek. Seriously! I've begged but she wants me to see everything in person... 2 more days! She flies in this Thursday evening. The suspense is KILLING ME!!!

Oh, but don't you even think for one moment that I've been sitting on my butt while I let all these nice ladies do all my work. I've pretty much become one with my sewing machine & serger these past few days.

I made a Kyoko...



And an Isabel. Oh, remember the Double Border Daisies? Well, they also come as all-over daisies just in case you love the design but don't need it as a border. :)



And a Julia, which Sydney was more than happy to test drive for me...



or should I say "test twirl"?



And... drum roll please... I went out of my comfort zone (AGAIN) and made a men's tie for Jon to wear to Quilt Market. Nope, I didn't make it up. I used this tutorial and even though it required more hand-stitching than I'm comfortable with (especially while being so pressed for time) I think it went together without a hitch and turned out FANTASTIC! What do you think?



So, I know you're all wondering who won the contest. I promise to announce the winners this week. My goal is to get these little bundles of goodness out to the lucky winners BEFORE we leave so you all can be the first to have them in hand. When I announce the winners I'll also tell you some important Quilt Market info, like where my booth is located and when my schoolhouse session for Brewer is (yes, freaking out here... more on that soon!)