Spring Patterns 2015

I am so excited (and so behind) to introduce my new spring patterns! These are the patterns that I showed at quilt market this year. My first pattern is called Bounce. This pattern is one that looks complex, but is in fact, not very difficult. The squares are put together diagonally allowing for that "bounce" affect with each block. Finished quilt is about 72" x 72".

Fabrics on cover are Year of the Ninja by Riley Blake Designs.

My second pattern is Oh Betsy 2! This bag is similar to the original Oh Betsy bag in the way that it is built, but as far as style goes, it has it's own personality. The cut out on the top is so great because it allows the bag to lay on your hip comfortably! There is one pocket on the inside and it's so stylish with it's hook and ring closure. I get compliments on mine all the time.

Fabrics on cover are Halle by Riley Blake Designs.

Pocket-full is a very simple build of a bag and quick and easy to put together. The name of this bag does actually come from that bag, as it is FULL of pockets! 10 to be exact--6 outside, 2 large inside and 2 pencil pockets. And as always, a magnetic snap closure!

Fabric on cover is La Vie Boheme by the Quilted Fish.

Ribbons is a quilt you've seen before and now I finally have the pattern!

All of my testers confirmed that this was quick and easy to assemble, so I feel fairly safe saying that out loud. ;) This quilt is mostly built of flying geese and then a few others along the way. Like I said, simple! It measures 54" x 54" approximately when finished. The perfect throw!

Fabric on cover is The Cottage Garden by the Quilted Fish (I see a theme here).

I have had lots of requests for this one and it was in fact our top seller at quilt market (by like 3 patterns...haha). This is a smaller "fun-size" version of The Shore Bag. I call it "The Smaller Shore Bag"--catchy eh? This is an exact replica of the larger bag...only smaller. I'm not really sure what else to say, except maybe, it's adorable and fun! :)

Fabrics on Cover are Basics by Riley Blake Designs.

And then....Urban Chic! This quilt speaks for itself. But just in case it doesn't, I have to say that this is a fun quilt! So fun to put together and can be done one block at a time. Lots of half square triangles! And the blocks are quite large, about 24" x 24". Finished quilt is about 72" x 72".

Fabrics on cover are mostly solids by Riley Blake Designs.

 

So, that's it! I hope you love them! They were a lot of work, but so so fun! Also, if you happen to take the time to make any of these patterns, always feel free to post pics and share (you can tag me on @tinyseamstress) or even email them directly to me! I love, love, love seeing your work!

 

Hugs!

Rejection, it's for everyone.

I remember a creative writing course I took in college where authors came in to talk about their careers. Jack Weyland came in and spoke about submitting your work and then facing rejection. He had a 4" binder that he dropped right there on the table in front of us (smack!) and he said, "These are all of the rejection letters I've received." I remember my eyes growing big as I pondered the years of writing he must have submitted to be awarded such a novel of rejections. And that was basically all he said in his speech other than reading a few of the letters aloud.

On January 1, 2015, I decided to be brave in a whole lot of aspects and I was going to get everything I've ever wanted for myself this year. This plan was in perfect motion, until a couple of weeks ago when I began experiencing all sorts of rejection. My whole world felt as though it had all gone to crap and I sat huddled up in a little ball sobbing next to my husband, complaining about all of the things I want being ridiculously hard to get.

My sob session goes back as far as 1996 when I decided that I just wanted to grow. I simply wanted a few inches and there was only ONE way to get that. I couldn't have it easy like the rest of high school where they just wake up one morning 6" taller. Nope! I had to have my legs lengthened by a stretching method discovered in RUSSIA. Where they surgically break every single bone with a hammer and chisel and then they drill 12" pins through one side of your leg and right out the other for the whole world to see. And then magically three years later I'm 6" taller! Whyyy does life have to be so hard??? (Jason loves that I always bring my hardships back to the one event that I feel was so absolutely unfair in life.)

So now when I want something, I feel that I have every right to lay my plan out and say, "OK, everything else is hard (like carrying children, reaching the salad dressing in the grocery aisle, shoe shopping etc.) so THIS one little thing that I want should be easy! But it never is. It really never is. And the easier I want it to be, the harder it is!

Rejection. The almost-worst thing in life. It's for every size. Every flavor. Every style. Every color. Every temperament. Ev-er-y-one. It's like a bad cough medicine. Every four hours you know it's coming and even if you hold your breath, you still find yourself jumping up and down in the bathroom, squinting your eyes and spitting out every last drop that lingers in your mouth. You can't escape it because you need it and you have to have it, even though you don't want it. It will never get easier, but maybe it gets better because you learn that the faster you take it, the faster you'll forget about it. Choke down the cough syrup so you can enjoy the next four hours.

Fast forward a couple of weeks, I'm back on my feet, and things are looking up, except when they're not. ;) I think rejection is necessary. It makes you decide just how much you want something and gives you a reason to power through. Take note, that even the amazing people in the world like Jack Weyland are faced with rejection. It is indeed for everyone.

Find Your Lula 2014

     This past year has been hard...to say the least. Business has been rough, my mind has been lost and all of my creativity has felt incomplete. This has rubbed off into my personal life as well. I won't go into details, because I'm sure it's happened to all of you in one way or another. I didn't know what to do. I would walk circles in my studio not knowing where to start, or if any of it was even worth it. Especially when comparing myself to other designers, I felt like I couldn't make the cut (BTW, don't EVER do that!).
     Last year I had thought a lot about attending Lula, but I didn't. Because it cost money. I felt like that was selfish. Then again, this year I thought the same thing. But my husband (the good man that he is) said, "You should go!" And I said, "OK!"
     I packed my bags and headed to Park City. I knew a few of the people from Quilt Market, but not very well and I was mortified. You know, like first day of high school mortified. What if everyone thinks I'm a loser and doesn't talk to me? What if I have to eat by myself? What if I don't catch on in class and they all roll their eyes at me? What if Pink Fig thinks my business is lame or what if the shop owners stop buying my patterns because I'm so crazy? SELFISH THOUGHTS!
     So about 15 minutes into the retreat I realized that this just wasn't going to be scary at all. This was a very safe place, where we could express our emotions and our struggles and everyone pitched in to lift us up. Everyone had stories JUST LIKE MINE! They had fears and struggles just like I did and we together as a team were there for each other. We built each other up and at the same time we had teachers who were so incredibly SELFLESS with their skills and taught us so many secrets and talents that we really need for our careers. We had cooks and staff there to make sure we were eating so well and keeping our minds and bodies alert and happy! There were designers, authors, a magazine owner, and Amanda Herring who were there to lead us and guide us! They helped us find a new beginning for our paths and now via the internet we are all able to keep in touch and continue to feel inspired and be supportive!
     I have to blog about this, not just to tell you all about it, but to remind myself next year, to go again! THIS WAS SO WORTH IT! Don't just go for the amazing gifts/swag (because OH MY WORD...THE SWAG!!!) or the fancy dining or the great classes, go for the lifetime of new friendships, the support, love, and inspiration from others just like YOU! Just go to find yourself all over again.

Photography 101

This past week I spent a few days at an event called Find Your Lula. I attended this event in hopes of learning a few skills. Never could I have possibly have imagined all the greatness that I gained in such a short amount of time. I established life long friendships, a new found confidence in myself, a love for creativity and people, as well as many other things which I will touch on in another post.

 

One of the courses taught at Lula was photography. I learned so much in just a few short days with Kristen. I still have a ways to go, but I am so grateful for all she taught me.

 Does my shadow make me look tall? ;)

If you are looking for a life changing experience or maybe even just a reboot, check out Lula! You won't be disappointed!

My heart can't take it!

Two years is quickly approaching since the birth of my little baby girl and my heart is aching. I've been planning Remi's little bday party with her cousins for a month now and the closer it gets the more my nerves and anxiety grow. How is it that all of this newborn goodness has already passed?

 She still has that birth mark on her forehead and the tiniest little nose. And her long little toes are still the same size...she wears a size 2 in newborn shoes...isn't that adorable? While I miss these days so very much, I also look forward to the days ahead. She is talking more than ever now and is fitting right into our family mix. I love you so much sweet Remi! Please stop growing up!

 

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And because the fourth of July is right around the corner, I wanted to let you know (again) that the Shore bags are back in stock (did you see the cute navy/red combo), as well as the Oh Betsy! bag and Poppins bag. If you order by tomorrow, they'll arrive before the fourth! Have a great week! I'm off to celebrate with family and cry at my baby's birthday. Wish me luck! ;)

My prelude.

     A few weeks ago I began planning my trip to quilt market this coming May. I was scheduling flights, filling out my paperwork, and searching for hotels. And then one night my husband and I were discussing work and he was telling me about something he had coming up, when I felt myself getting frustrated because it was going to conflict with something of mine. I felt competitive inside and I didn't like it. I stopped myself from saying anything and later found myself with my head against the wall (literally) praying for understanding of my feelings and for a clear decision. Something wasn't right and I knew it because my emotions couldn't find a place to land.

     I was stressed about leaving Remi. I was stressed about taking Remi. I missed Ruger's preschool graduation last year and I have another one of those coming up this year that I don't want to miss. On the other hand, if I don't go to market there will be opportunities missed and a loss of growth for my business that I've worked so hard to gain.

     While this business doesn't seem like much at the glimpse of my little blog, it's a lot to me. It started because my husband had to leave for a few months of training and I had nothing to do. As my business grew a little, my family grew a little. It was then that I decided to go into pattern writing, so I'd have more time for my children. And when I come head to head with making a decision like going to market, I have to really weigh my pros and cons. Sometimes everything falls into place and my pros win. But sometimes, even if there are more pros, the cons will outweigh them.

     Everyday for the past month I've heard the same tune in my head over and over. A quote by Elder James E. Faust,

      "She need not try to sing all of the verses of her song at the same time."

     At one point, this little business was really helpful in paying the bills and getting us to the next place we needed to be, but that's not the case anymore. The children are fed, housed, clothed, and loved. Life is good and my husband is taking great care of this family and so for now I will pause. I will still design at home and release new patterns, but going to market this year just isn't in the cards for me. So I will sit this one out.

     I am not writing this post because I think you all are going to mourn my loss at market (I mean of course you will cry yourselves to sleep tonight) but, I am writing this for my children. I want them to know that I chose them as my prelude. I don't want to miss a single beat to my song or theirs and so I need to write this down and remember in the days and years to come that they are my number one. Everything else will have it's season. I know the days will quickly come when they are late for curfew and I am sewing up a storm, pacing the floor, wondering where on earth they are or when they're at soccer practice or wrestling or ballet, I will have hours and hours to sew and keep myself busy. But right now, I don't have a lot of time because while my children are still young, I know for certain that they won't be young for long.