Book of the Month: Make It Sew Modern

Welcome back to our Book of the Month feature at Fat Quarter Shop! This month we are featuring the Make It Sew Modern Sewing Book by Vanessa Christenson of V and Co. The adorable Vanessa is here today to take us on a little adventure inside her life and her new book.

And don’t forget, the Book of the Month is 20% OFF all month!

Thank you Kim and all the awesome gals at Fat Quarter Shop for inviting me to talk a little about my book!

front cover

First a little about me:
I'm a mom to 4 awesomely crazy go nuts kids. Three boys ages 12, 10, and almost 8, and one girl age 5.

I'm also going to celebrate 14 years of marriage to a pretty great guy, my bestest friend, the man that can make me pee my pants from laughter: Jake.

We just recently moved across the country to our new surroundings in the Midwest after my husband's employers closed down their doors. It was a hard decision where we were going to relocate, but I do have to say, we're happy we moved here. There's a lot of corn, like EVERYWHERE, there are no mountains or ocean to let you know you are going the right way or the wrong way, BUT the people are super nice, the kids have made friends, and the husband is loving his new occupation.

That initial scary feeling of 'we don't know how it’s going to be' has been replaced with happy thoughts, and promises of great new adventures.

back of book

Now, a little about my book. :D
It really seems like a dream ago that I was working on this book. All the work that goes into it pays off when you see it all coming together in photographs and layouts. And EVEN more cool: to see it in actual print.

I still can't believe I did it, I'm so happy to be able to finally show everyone all of the hard work!

doily quilt with gathered borders pg.47

If you read my blog, or have seen any of my projects you know I like to play a lot with texture and some color.

I believe texture can add so much life to your projects. There's almost an elegance that can go with texture, and I love to find new ways to implement it in everyday projects for home decor, quilts or wearable items. Add a gather to a quilt, or scarf, and all of a sudden you have natural pattern with the texture. I love how it plays with your eyes and makes you want to go up closer to get a more up and personal look.

flower bouquet pillow pg. 29 (personal fav...shhhh)

In my book Make it Sew Modern, you will find simple projects made gorgeous by adding texture in one way or another. It is for the modern sewist that is just starting out, or the seasoned sewist that is looking to change it up a little with texture. This book is also great to help the little budding crafter in your home with some great first time non-sewing projects as well!

My book is divided into 4 sections: Ruffles, Gathers, Pleats, and Twisting. You will see over 20 projects using these techniques!

Each project is explained in detail, and with some general hints on how to make your texture work for you.

spring blossom wreath pg. 17

All of my projects in this book are able to be made with NO SPECIAL attachments. Yup, just you and your sewing machine, and a few little fun tricks with no extra cost of special feet to create your gorgeous texture.

school girl skirt pg. 81

I pride myself in saying that I wrote this book. I would personally buy it if I didn't write it. I love the projects in my book, and it really made me realize how much fun and how many possibilities there really are to embellish your projects with texture.

I could have added a bazillion (okay maybe more like a hundred) more texture embellished projects as they are constantly popping up in my head and onto my notebook of design ideas. I am so excited to keep going in this wonderful little world of mine of texture I have started. I feel like I've just started my journey.

handy tote pg. 85

I hope you have as much fun with these projects as I did, and are as excited about the results as I am. Thank you Fat Quarter Shop for carrying my book and my patterns, and of course, for carrying all the material anyone may need for all the projects in the world! :)

Designer Tidbits: Women of Courage Block of the Month

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Denise Lipscomb to the Jolly Jabber.  Denise’s latest design is the Women of Courage Block of the Month with Windham Fabrics.

Q: What was your inspiration for the Women of Courage Block of the Month?
A: I love history and am always looking for ways to combine my love of women's history, particularly, and quilting. Because reproduction fabric often tends to center around the Civil War era, the history included with patterns using reproduction fabric also tends to center around women from the Civil War era. When I started designing this particular quilt, I really wanted to branch out and include women from other time periods. This program gave me the opportunity to do that.

Q: Can you tell us a little about how you picked each “woman of courage”?
A: I wanted to not only honor women that were well known by everyone but also those lesser known women who have made a difference in the world. One of the women we are honoring, Mary Roberts Wilson, was a personal friend of mine, and was the first woman I chose for inclusion. The Women of Courage program gave me the opportunity to share her story with the quilting world. During my research I found other lesser known women: Nancy Wake who was nicknamed the White Mouse and had a bounty on her head during World War II; Maud Fitch who had to provide her own ambulance to drive the injured from the battlefield in World War I; Bessie Coleman (who, by the way, came from Waxahachie where I was born and now live) who was the first African-American woman pilot. I love the idea that these women will be known throughout the quilting world for their courage.

Q: What do you consider your biggest achievement in the quilting world?
A: The thing I love most about being a part of the quilting world is the people I've met. I feel so fortunate to know so many good, caring people that I never would have met had I not opened a shop. I count some of these as my good friends now so I guess "friendship" is my biggest (and best) achievement.

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: I love Kate Morton. She is an author out of Australia who is my absolute favorite. I've read her novels over and over… and see something different each time. She has the ability to bring things to life with words that make you feel you're there with the characters. Her three novels so far have been flashbacks to the period around World War I and World War II. Once again, it's that love of history I think.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: I’d pick Meryl Streep since she always wins all the awards!

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: I love those designers who have the ability to bring together creativity and attention to detail, and also create not only beautiful quilt designs, but also patterns that are well-written and easy to read.

Designer Tidbits: Minick & Simpson

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Polly Minick & Laurie Simpson to the Jolly Jabber. Minick & Simpson’s latest fabric collection is Prairie Paisley II for Moda Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Prairie Paisley II collection?
A: The original Prairie Paisley was one of our favorite and most loved collections. We decided to design with this in mind and we used the exact colorways as was in the first collection, but this time, we searched for different old paisleys. If you have any scraps left over - they will blend perfectly. Not only did we love this, we felt we were listening to and answering all of you as our collectors.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Well, it would sound very old and contemporary at the same time. It would sound welcoming and familiar. Maybe, La Boheme?

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: Laurie: I would pick 14731-11. It is very much like my favorite fabric from the original collection - large, graphic paisleys with roses against a red background.

Polly: We pretty much like the same things, which is a wonderful help as we work on our collections. The one difference is I usually pick a small print as a favorite and Laurie often leans to a larger scale as her favorite. 14738-15 is mine!

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: That would be Go West.

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: Our next fabric collection is going to be called Independence Trail. We don't have the strike-offs back yet, but it will be our same Americana with a mid 19th century look.

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: It would have to be both Annie and Gibby - our dogs! Our dogs are our constant companions in our studios each day and are with us through each collection and project - and they are totally loyal - there could be no other.

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: In this house it is the two Harbaugh brothers. Jim coaches the San Francisco 49ers and John coaches the Baltimore Ravens - I am sure Laurie agrees, she actually babysat them! The parents are our dear friends and the coaches are our son's best friends, there is usually one of our sons at each game.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: Isabella Rosselini? No?

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: Ralph Lauren, without question.

Designer Tidbits: Eleanor Grosch

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Eleanor Grosch to the Jolly Jabber. Eleanor’s latest fabric collection is Imperial Pheasant from Free Spirit Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Imperial Pheasant collection?
A: The inspiration behind the Imperial Pheasant collection was the traditional Chinoiserie style used in European sitting rooms. It was the European interpretation of "the East." The style usually uses beautiful colors, birds, and exotic flowers.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Definitely my "Chinese Flutes" favorite channel on Pandora! Every time I listen, I'm brought to my "inner spa."

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: I love the lead pattern - the pheasants in the garden. It has the most energy to me, and I like to see the whole scene played out.

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I haven't yet made a project, but I would love to make some grocery bags for my Mom. They would look chic yet be totally practical.

Q: What is your favorite part of working in the fabric industry?
A: I love coming up with an idea and fully developing the scene to then pull from for the coordinating prints. It's a challenge!

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: Oooh, yes...I'm pumped about this one! It's called "Serengeti" and it's a modern spin on the safari animal theme.

Q: What is your absolute favorite thing in your house?
A: I love the kitchen floor - we totally gutted the kitchen and got to be really creative with the design. We used CubanTropicalTile.com to get the tiles - they're traditional Cuban tiles made with cement.

Q: Which project stands out in your memory as your all-time favorite?
A: Probably the snowboarding decks I did for Alien Workshop - they just really came together fluidly and I'm still proud of them!

Q: Where do you do your best thinking? Can we see a photo of your studio?
A: My studio varies - I have a laptop, so sometimes I'm in our messy room designated as the studio, but mostly I'm on our couch.

I do my best thinking when I'm doing something physical because my mind then relaxes and I can let the creativity flow. I try to work out a bit every day. It's good to clear your mind.

Q: What is your favorite snack food?
A: My choice is nearly always coffee - I love it. I think I really can't get enough. My favorite is Starbucks Thanksgiving Blend. So good!!

Q: What is your one guilty pleasure in life?
A: A manhattan every evening...

Basics Charity Challenge

I am so excited because Cara Wilson of Cara Quilts & #talknt is here today to tell you some very touching information about the Basics Charity Challenge. Well, she has a lot to share so I will let her get right to it.

Thank you for having me today Kimberly, and hello Jolly Jabbers!

In our daily lives we have a lot of things we think of as basics.

This morning you brushed your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
You used toilet paper.
Had soap to wash your hands.
Put on some deodorant.
Ran a brush through your hair.
Maybe took a shower with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a razor.
Put some make-up on.
You were able to put on clean underwear and socks, that no one else has ever worn.
In the kitchen did you grab some paper towels to clean up a little spill?
At some point during the day you probably grabbed a coffee or tea.
Used some tissue to blow your nose. Maybe sanitized your hands after.

I could go on but you probably have the point by now. We have a LOT of things that we consider basics.

Last year I started the Basics Charity Challenge, and you can read about how it all started in here.

We had a wonderful response, both from those we reached out to for prize donations and all the people willing to donate basics to their local shelters.

After receiving an email from a wonderful woman who wanted to let me know she had continued to pick up extra basics when they were on sale and every month dropped off a care package at her local shelter, I was moved to issue the Challenge once more.

In each of our communities there are places that people don’t have the very basic things we all take for granted. Shelters- for abused women/children, homeless, men’s missions, - exist in virtual every community. They are a necessary safety net for people in our communities who for an array of reasons need help. But these shelters are almost always in need of the basic items. Many of the people have had to leave everything behind, or don’t have anything to begin with.

Last year I received many emails from people telling me how either they or someone they know had had to use a shelter, and how much these very basic items can mean. If you are lucky enough to never had need of a shelter, are protected and loved by your spouse, been supported by family and friends, give thanks by helping those who aren’t.

The Challenge is this:

Go drive past your nearest shelter for abused women/children or the homeless.
See if there is a sign, if not call. Ask what they need. Check online, they probably have a website and most have a list of what is needed at that particular time.

Next time you are at the store pick up a few of the items for the list. Take a picture of the items and then go drop them off at the shelter or drop off point.

Add your picture to our Flickr group, and then leave a comment on my blog post telling us you have.

If your community doesn’t have a shelter, or its location is confidential and there is no drop off point for donations, you can donate through the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Or in Canada the United Way provides funds to many shelters. If you are international there is the Red Cross.

Again, leave a comment stating you have donated.

Each comment will be entered to win one of the many fantastic prizes from our sponsors as a thank you for reaching out and helping those in need. Winners will be drawn on February 29th on my blog.

Spread the word, blog, tweet, facebook, tell your guild, email your friends. Let’s see how many people we can get to help out their community. The best way to solve a problem is to be involved.

Best Wishes,
Cara

3 for Me: Debbie Taylor

Hooray! It's Friday and the Color Mania continues! We hope it's been a great week for you and that you're ready for the weekend...and for a quick dose of turquoise! Please join me in welcoming back Debbie Taylor as she shares her favorite color with us:

"What’s not to love about the color turquoise? It reminds me of Robin’s eggs, Easter eggs, and the Caribbean! The turquoise in Me and My Sister’s newest collection called “Twirl” is one of my favorites! I especially like the twirling ribbon pattern! It’s the promise that Spring is on its way and time to get sewing again!"







Debbie's 3:

1. Twirl Twirling Turquoise Twirly Dots SKU# 22174-16

2. Twirl Twirling Turquoise Mini Twirls SKU# 22172-39

3. Twirl Twirling Turquoise Ribbon Stripe SKU# 22175-16

Designer Tidbits: Patty Sloniger

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Patty Sloniger to the Jolly Jabber. Patty’s latest fabric collection is Backyard Baby from Michael Miller Fabrics.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Backyard Baby collection?
A: My inspiration was my own amazing childhood growing up with an older brother and lots of neighborhoods kids. We didn't spend much time playing video games (Atari back then) and watching tv, we spent most of it outdoors, exploring the wonders of nature or just running around, playing tag and catching fireflies.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: A sunshiny, happy collection of carefree songs, probably something like:
1. "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin
2. "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves
3. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
4. "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash
5. "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley

Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I'm just starting to quilt, so baby quilts are the perfect size project for my limited skills. This one is my favorite so far.

Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: That's easy... fresh mowed grass, I still love that smell to this day.

Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: The dog in the striped shirt!

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: Probably Benedict Cumberbatch, I think he does an amazing job portraying a modern day Sherlock Holmes in the BBC's Masterpiece Mystery.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: Haha, maybe Renee Zellweger? She's played some quirky characters; I think she'd do the job pretty well!

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: Tula Pink, she has the most fantastic color palettes and such an imagination!