May 11, 2008

Farmers Market

Farmersmarket8_2

I'm so excited to share my new fabric collection with you!  Farmer's Market is here and there is a flurry of sample sewing going on!  The colors in this line are just filling little parts of my being with bursts of happiness every time I walk past.  So let's talk about the line a little bit..

Farmersmarket7_2 

My inspiration was not quite necessarily just Farmer's Market in general but the feeling that surrounds them.  I wanted to capture the sights, colors and yes-emotion that I feel when I venture out into the world on a bright Saturday morning to visit a Farmers Market.  Vendors selling not only gorgeous fresh produce and flowers but their handicrafts as well.  I wanted to create a line of fabric celebrating it all.  I think that the world is becoming a bit of a scary place and I feel that it's part of the surge of popularity in sewing and crafting.  People searching out ways to slow things down and simplify.  There may be some that laugh at the idea of sewing being "simple" but really it is.  Your skill may not be to the point where you can finish a project in one sitting, but if you practice, it will.  You will develop a skill that isn't based on technology, television or high tech gizmos.  It can't be taken away from you.

Farmersmarket1

Does this sound like way too much thinking for a line of fabric?  :)  Possibly, but that really is what I've put into it.  I hope that it goes out into the world and gives people a little bit of inspiration and joy.  I spent so much time perusing etsy, ebay and the blogs of crafty people while designing this line.  I tried to capture what I felt would inspire the indi designers and vendors that are selling their good in market type settings.

Farmersmarketspring There are 3 color stories - Spring, Summer and Fall.

Spring is a grouping of soft pastels, peaches and greens with a sprinkling of aqua.  Coupled with cream it brings forth romantic and soft projects and is a breath of fresh air in my otherwise color infused world!  (Check out a sneak of one of my sewing patterns below!)

Rufflepants3

Farmersmarket2The Summer Colorway is a saturated collection of Popsicles, sunshine and cherries!  You might notice my favorite flower (at least right now) in there.  Third from the top, the lovely Dahlia.  And then a little bit farther down-juicy cherries that look like they are ready for picking.  A playful, swirly filled paisley in bright colors that delight my daughter.  A seed print shaped to imitate the pomegranate.  A hippie ornate print that reminds me of Henna and is affectionately named "Henna Garden."  Oh what else can I point out?!

The Fall Colorway borrows colors from Pumpkins, pomegranates and sunflowers.  Farmersmarketfall

All three color stories make me so happy, but what makes me even more excited is what you can do when you combine them!  Just like the colors of the seasons, the colors of the 3 groupings blend together with each other.  Pull from them and see what combinations you come up with.  They create a look of "going together" without being too matchy matchy.  Juxtaposition within itself.

Salessheet

The line is officially making it's debut at Quilt Market next weekend.  If you would like to order it for your store, please contact your Michael Miller rep!

I hope you love the line - it was really designed for you guys.  :)  I have project all over our home made out of it and will share them soon.  We are in the final push of market preparations before leaving Wednesday morning but I will try and post once more before we go.

May 08, 2008

Two in One?

Yes, two posts in one day!  But I completely forgot to mention this and it is so blog worthy!  Are you a fan of the Twilight series?  You know, the one that when you explain it sounds so incredibly cheesy but is so so good?  Teenage girl falls in love with vampire and he has a deep burning urge to kill her but loves her too much?  Well it has been made into a movie and I caught glimpse of the first teaser trailer!  Ala Megan-thanks for the tip!  Get comfy-I think I've watched it about 10 times now!

Q&A from Me to You

Patternso2

Pattern Strike Offs.  That's not what they're really called, but that's what I'm calling them because going through them feels like going through fabric strike offs.  Everything is shaping up mighty fine I'm happy to report.  If you're wondering "aren't you debuting those in a week?" the answer is yes.  The process  with patterns is a little different than fabric.  The design is long done on the patterns, this pile above is just getting them perfected to print!  If you will be attending Quilt Market next weekend, you will be able to order the patterns!  (And if you're not, you'll be able to soon after.)

Which leads me to Part 1.

How do you guys want these printed??!!  Tissue paper or white paper?  I can do either and think they both have advantages, but as they are for you guys I though I'd ask.  I had intended on doing a cool survey fill out form, but was spending way to much time trying to find a form builder online.  Blah.  So just let me know in the comments!

On to part 2...

I'm getting several requests for retailers carrying Ginger Blossom flannel, corduroy and laminated cotton.  If you're carrying it or have seen it around, speak up and we'll send some business your way! 

On to part 3...  Which I suppose is really part of part 1!

I am setting up appointments for pattern orders at Quilt Market!  If you would like to order my fabrics wholesale, please contact Michael Miller.  If you would like to order my sewing patterns wholesale then contact me!  My schedule at market is currently wide open except for a live video podcast I am filming in my booth at 2:00 Friday.  Feel free to come by and pull faces at me behind the camera!  If you would like to schedule a time to come sit down and view our patterns, (or just sit down!!) send me an email and we'll get it scheduled!  Appointments aren't necessary, but will give me a better idea of the time I absolutely need to be at the booth.  Please do come by and visit us-we have been working tirelessly on our booth for a long time and I am so excited with how it is turning out!

BOOTH #2817,19

(We just had the Fed Ex freight man deliver our flooring-hooray!  Everything is coming together..)

on to part 4..

The rest of my fabric is arriving tomorrow so what do you say we all meet back here Monday morning for a full unveiling?  Another teeny tiny sneak below..

Sandi

Patternso

May 02, 2008

All Shiny

Shinysandi_2

 

Market preparations are finally starting to look like something I might actually want somebody to see LOL.  Like my shiny new logo sign.  That's one thing I did wrong last time, for some reason I had no sign.  ??  Well, now I do.  And it's shiny.  In case a 20 foot booth wasn't enough "Sandi" I had to go and plaster my name on it in silver.  Ah well, now everyone will really know where they are.

Farmer's Market has half arrived!  Half arrived you say?  Yes, half-the rest will be here soon and we'll have a big unveiling.  But that just might be a sneak up there..hmm..

Sandi

(you know - the shiny Sandi in case you didn't already know where you were.)

BTW-"shiny" absolutely must be said with a Captain Jack Sparrow voice, I can't say it any other way.  You know in the second one where that one guy says "I think the crew was hoping for something more shiny."  Jack says "Shiny?"  with that quizzical look on his face.  Say it like that ok?

April 30, 2008

The Ballet Mommy

Ballet6

Eliza had her last day of ballet Tuesday.  Since they are just the little tykes, they aren't part of the recital but there is a parent observation day where we all got to go into the studio and watch what we know are really graceful swans but are pretending to be spastic ducks.  It was hil-ar-ious.

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They rocked out to "Little Ducky Duddle", "Miss Mousie" and the "Itsy Bitsy Spider."  Very entertaining but I have to say what I have enjoyed equally about this taking Eliza to ballet every Tuesday morning is the mommy watching.

Ballet4

Ballet1There are different categories of Ballet Mommies.

The Redeemer - You might be a Redeemer Mommy if you never got the chance to take ballet as a child.  If you don't want your daughter to miss out on all the fun you knew you would have had as a child as a beautiful swan ballerina.

The List Checker - You might be a List Checker Mommy if you want to make sure your daughter can say she had ballet class as a little girl as we all know that's what little girls are 'sposed to do.

The Perfectionist - You might be a Perfectionist Mommy if you watch your daughter's every move through the window to the studio and talk under your breath giving her instructions on how to do things better. 

The Socializer - You might be a Socializer Mommy if you don't really care for ballet and just want to chat with the other Ballet Mommies once a week and have a good solid excuse to get out of the house.

Ballet2The Good - You might be a Good Mommy if you just bring your daughter because she really loves ballet and even though you have so much else going on, you want to make her happy.

In Eliza's Ballet Class, there were some of all and some double and triple practitioners.  I can report that I believe there were only two children in the class that actually enjoyed it and Eliza was one of them.  Unfortunately I don't think she has a professional career of ballet in her future as she inherited a severe pigeon toe from her Grandma.  (look to the left at the ill formed turn out.)  Well, it's something to talk about in therapy 20 years from now I suppose.  We will keep taking her until she decides it isn't her cup of tea though and maybe I will see more type of Mommies to add to the list.

As for me, you're probably wondering what type I am?  I can say that I am all of the above except for Perfectionist which you all probably thought would be top of the list huh?  Nope, I'm more of the Comedian Mommy who laughs when my daughter prances across the floor making dinosaur noises.  (yes, she did.)

And here is the sum of Ethan's experience with ballet:

Ballet3

April 29, 2008

FAQ #1

Dear Blog and Blogees-

I miss you.  I'm sorry I haven't been around.  I'm sorry family that I haven't posted pictures of Eliza's enormous birthday party we had this weekend.  I'm sorry I haven't returned all the super kind emails from you amazing seamstresses showing me places you're using Ginger Blossom.  I've read each one and gone and looked at the place you sent me to.  I'm sorry I haven't returned the emails from people kindly offering help with sample sewing. 

The "sorry" list could go on but it would take up too much time which is so precious right now.  One quick announcement that I had planned to do much more dramatically but these 4 prints are now available in Laminated Cotton!  Fun projects I see in their future..Gblaminate 

Let's make a dent in those questions I had promised to be answered 2 weeks ago shall we?

A fabric designer huh . . . lifelong vision or lucky chance of fate?

A little bit of both!  My first job was working in a fabric store.  My mom pushed me into it so she could get a discount and a life long love affair for textiles began.  I remember my favorite task was when the fabric needed organizing.  All the other teenagers there hated that job and I always jumped for it!

I used to marvel at how it could all come about and when I discovered designer cotton fabrics I remember being utterly smitten.  I read an article about Amy Butler and saw a picture of her holding her fabric and thinking how utterly lucky she was to have such a cool job.  This was about 2 years ago.  Then one day, someone told me I had no talent.  (In many more words than that, but it was the general idea.)  I knew they were just saying it to be hurtful and I tried so hard to not let it bother me, but hey-I'm only human.  ;)  So I decided it was time to do something big and just show the world what I could offer.  The timing was perfect and I am now really grateful for that really crappy experience that hurt me to the core.  I really try to not hold on to hurt for very long because it really only hurts...me. 

Oh, and when might we get a glimpse of your new line of fabric?

Soon my friends, soon.  Honestly because it debuts in 2.5 weeks and I have to get the sample yardage before then!  The line was actually shown at the LA textile show a week or so ago and is being very well received and already ordered so it will be available pretty soon after I debut it on the blog!  Same deal with the patterns!  Here, take a peek at the logo, this will hopefully tide you over. 

Farmersmarketlogo

How do you even begin the process of designing fabric? (i.e. software, hand sketching, ??)

Each of my lines were done a little differently.  Ginger Blossom was a process of trial and error.  Most of the prints began as sketches that I scanned into the computer while they were still very rough and finished them up with the Wacom in Adobe Photoshop CS2.  Farmer's Market (I've kept that quiet for so long to give GB a little time to shine and it feels so good to finally talk about it a bit!) was entirely drawn in the computer in Photoshop CS2.  It worked out very well and while I created it entirely in the computer, it must be said that I don't use graphic style methods when creating my artwork.  (using circles, straight lines etc.. to create artwork or cut shapes with..)  There is nothing wrong with this, and it creates very clean graphics I just prefer a little bit more of a hand drawn look to my fabrics.  Every now and then if you see a dot in my fabrics or obviously my stripes, these are done with shapes from the computer but I don't use those dot and stripe tools to make new shapes and artwork.  All my non dot or stripe fabrics are drawn by my own two little hands.  Clear as mud?

Do you work on more than one collection at the same time or just focus on one?

I only work on the artwork for one line at a time but will probably be working on the strike offs for the upcoming line at the same time.  This can be hard!  I've found that during the time my strike offs come, that's the only creative thing I can work on because that time period is so crucial!  I've compared it to picking out 50 paint colors at once and having them all work together.  If one is off the whole print can be ruined and you can only do so many runs.  Dustin is a trooper and cooks all meals and changes all diapers when my strike offs are in.


How many fabric manufacturers did you submit your designs to and how long did it take to get a "yes"?

Hmm..this is hard to remember honestly.  I think I spoke with about 5 manufacturers and was lucky enough to be offered contracts right on the spot.  If you're trying to get into the business and this doesn't happen for you-don't fret.  I spoke with manufacturers in person and I'm sure that sped things up.

Did you get a lot of rejections or did you have to choose which manufacturer to go with?

I was lucky enough to have choices.  :)  I chose Michael Miller for a few reasons.  Their fabrics are consistently the best quality I've seen.  At the time they didn't have any other licensed designers and I was sure to get special treatment and extra attention and training.  (which I did and it was heavenly.)  They have since added some new licensed designers all of whom I know and am very excited to work with.  One in particular as she has been my friend for a long time and is so talented!  This is all worthy of a post of it's own so stay tuned.
What kind of camera do you use? (Sorry if this is answered somewhere already)

Nikon D50-I am writing a section all for photography so stay tuned.  It will show up in the FAQ's section in my sidebar soon.

Do you have any special lighting you use or is it all natural light?

Au Naturel baby.

How do you get your pictures so bright and crisp? Is that a photoshop trick or do they come out like that naturally?

It's a photoshop trick.  Obviously the better picture you get straight out of the camera, the better end result but there are several sharpening tricks.  One is the unsharp mask which is probably the most popular method.  I am playing with a new sharpening program right now and will keep you posted.  There are a lot of photo actions that are perfect for photographers just getting the feel of editing.  I will list some of my favorites in that FAQ section I was talking about.

Graphics - have you found any program easier to use than others? I have photoshop elements and am considering upgrading - but there are lots of choices!!

Long long ago in a galaxy far away I tried out countless versions of editing programs when I was looking for the best option for editing pictures of my children's clothing.  I downloaded about 6 different programs and used them one at a time for the free trial period.  I ended up preferring Photoshop but you will hear a different story from different people.  I'm completely self taught and none of them came very easily to me, there were a lot of late nights with Google to get it all figured out but eventually I did.  When I decided to design fabric, I used Photoshop because that's what I knew.  People may be surprised to know that I have designed both lines in my kitchen on a laptop with a 6 x 8 Wacom.  It's really about knowing what you're doing and not the equipment.  I say that with a light tone-you might compare it to cameras.  Having advanced equipment certainly helps and can create a better product but someone who knows what they're doing can have a better result with less equipment than someone with all the fancy shmancy stuff.  I just say that so those of you that may be contemplating this don't run out and spend $4000 on a new computer and gear.  It can be done on less.  That also being said, I am buying this and trying out this before I start work on my next line next month.  (not to debut until Spring 2009)  I've put in my time and now I'm buying a few toys he he.  I can't wait-I'll be able to see almost a whole yard of fabric on that screen while designing!

You mention in one of your blogs the advantages/need for getting a serger. I agree. I am not yet able to buy a $500 model. What are the MOST important features I should look for? I want to especially do ruffles. and trimmed edges.

Oh please to treat yourself to a serger at some point!  Sewing clothing is so much more enjoyable with one!  I happen to have a hand me down and this is another area of my craft where I boast not needing the top of the line to create a good product.  (Lots of product manufacturers will probably be angry at me after this post, but I'm keepin' it real.)  I sewed on a $50 sewing machine and 15 year old serger every day for 3 years.  I mean, every day.  I need an endorsement with Kenmore or something because that little $50 machine still works and I love it.  I'm now sewing on a hand me down Singer.  I still have the same hand me down Serger.  It is a Huskylock 340 which I don't think they even make anymore!  I think any basic machine will do what you want.  You want to look for a machine that does the basic serge stitch and also what is known as a rolled hem or overlock stitch.  Those are the only two stitches I ever use on my serger.  I'm sure other people do more with them, but so far I haven't found the need!

Again, this is another area where I am gearing up to treat myself to a machine (sewing and serging) I pick out myself and pay some $$ for.  I don't know what I'm going to get but will let you see it when I do.  I did test drive a sewing machine a few months ago that clipped the threads at the end of the stitch for you and I wanted to make out with it right there in the store.

How do you balance home, children, design, creativeness, and church responsibilities?!

Oh boy..whenever anyone asks me about getting into the business and how to handle it all the thing I try to stress the most is having a supportive spouse.  It would not happen without my husband. 

That being said?  I'm a prioritizer.  "A" has to come before "B".  Lists are my friend.  But most importantly, I've just had to learn to go with the flow.  This isn't and industry where you can plan every detail out and expect to follow it.  You never know when your strike offs will arrive or when that sample yardage will come.  The whole family has to be truly ok with letting this world be part of your lives.  It's not for everyone.  And right now my church responsibilities are light on my load.  I am in charge of throwing a birthday party once every 3 months for all the women who had a birthday within the last 3 months!  And speaking of which..it's about time.  Hmm..

Thank you for your questions, it was fun to answer them.  If you're still reading right now, bless you.  I chatted away an hour and a half by the looks of my clock now reading 3 AM so it's off to bed and I'll try to be back much sooner.  Hopefully with real pictures of new fabric soon!

April 22, 2008

Do you Modbe?

1_2 Sorry guys..sorry sorry sorry.  It's been busy busy busy 'round here.  I loved all your questions and will post the Q&A post tomorrow.  But I had to pop on real quick and let all the locals (and any non locals that are interested) know that I'm having a Modbe shindig.  Do you all know about Modbe?  It's one of the very few home party deals that I actually jump at the chance to go to! 

Modbe was started by a mom entrepreneur who was tired of not being able to find cute clothes that were modest.  All of the shirts, jeans, skirts and swimsuits are modern, cute, fun and are modest at the same time.  I'm not a prude, but I'm also not a fan of bellies hanging out and butt cheeks a peepin'. 

Seafoam_2  SO!  If you are interested in acquiring some Modbe goods and are in the area, shoot me an email and I'll give you the details.  My "party" is Friday night if you want to come, but you can just place an order also.  If you're not local and would like to order something anyway, that's fine, they will just tack on $5 to your order and ship your goods right too you.  (You pregnant gals that I know could jump on this as the shirts are extra long and while they aren't maternity, works perfectly for those baby bumps.)

That black polka dot suit is on it's way already...

Naomi_3 Diagonals_2 

Burgundyfloraddl 

Charmain

April 15, 2008

Bits 'N Pieces

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Just look at the gorgeous necklace that came in the mail from Lisa the other day!  Oh how I love it, I've worn it practically every day since it arrived.  She does the most amazing work - you simply must check out her website!  There are so many options and I love the simplicity of her work.  I tend to lead a pretty chaotic and crazy life so I like to have a few things in my life that are sweet and simple.  It may sound silly, but having a sweet calm piece of jewelry really does soothe my soul.

I love rubbing the disk in between my fingers, it has a pleasant meditative effect.  ;)

2

On other notes-I been a busy chatter lately.  Check out new interviews with Quilter's Buzz and Journal Modiste!

I've been getting lots of questions about various things in my email lately and I'm having a hard time answering them all as a lot of them are duplicates.  Please don't hate me!  This month is busy busy, so lets have a Q & A day and take care of it all at once!  What do ya say?  I really don't like to let questions and super kind comments go unanswered.  It eats at me for much longer than it would take to just answer the question - and I try.  Really I do.  So, leave a question in the comments of todays post and next time I'll answer them all.  Well-maybe not all of them, but I will do my best.  Anything you're interested in.  Lots of questions about fabric design, photography and the best hair products for curls.  I get them all.  Now is the time to get the answers.

(Extra points for the craziest question-I think this is going to be fun!)

Sandi

PS-please do go stop by Lisa's, her quality is top notch and that necklace just makes me darn right out happy!

April 13, 2008

Stretching those Creative Wings

I've really been trying to experiment lately with all my many creative projects-pushing myself a little farther and trying new things.  When you get to see my new line of fabric, I hope you see that!  I spent a long time working on this next line and just love it.  I really tried to take the artwork to a new level and it was really rewarding!  I've been trying to do this with photography lately too.  I find that every time I take a picture, I edit it the same way, using the same actions and with the same result.  I love having bright, crisp pictures but really thought it was time to spread my wings a little and see what else I could come up with.  When a friend of mine asked me to photograph her little boy and niece and nephew, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to give it a try.  Editing the photos at print size instead of web size is trickier (for me) but I took it slow and am really happy with the results.  I by no means am planning on starting a photography business, but it is fun all the same.  :)

1 2 3 4 5 6

I like to call this last one "Galaxy Eyes".  I didn't do any special editing to his eyes to make them like that!  (Or the one above to get them that blue.)  He just has gorgeous eyes!

April 10, 2008

We've got Warts people...

Warty

Ok first things first-does my blog look all wacky and off centered to you guys or is my computer off centered and wacky?

Moving on to more silliness:

How did I not catch this?  During a little 2 AM blog roaming the other night, I stopped by Jona's place for a little relaxing visit only to see the word's "don't tell Sandi".  Now, those aren't usually the words you want to see at 2 AM, but I had to laugh out loud when I saw the typo she caught on my Water Lily print.

And now that I think about it, I do think I recall seeing it during the strike off process but never said anything because I thought for sure someone else would catch it and I didn't want to be anal.  (I try, really.)  Or maybe I was just giggly over seeing my name on the selvage and didn't care if anything was spelled right?  It's a possibility.  I don't think I really looked at the selvage of line #2 either and it's off being printed as we speak.  Hmm..we may be in for some surprises.

I'm off to work on a quilt.  My first real, taking the time to measure, it's going to be for really real quilted quilt.  Stay tuned.

Sandi

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