The grid...

makes all the difference! I am working on a few new patterns. Some of which have grading (sizes) and I would like to offer them in PDF format. However, I am always afraid that when someone prints the pattern out and tapes it together, that it will not be taped together properly. Especially large patterns that are printed on several 8.5 x 11 sheets. Too much room for error in my opinion. So I created the patterns on a grid in the background! This will help to tape the patten together properly AND make it easier to custom size the patterns (for someone that is familiar with that), to resize with ease due to the grid being a built in scale! I'm so excited!! I now feel confident enough that the PDF patterns will be taped together properly with ease. So, all new patterns will be offered as such. I will also offer the "Hostess with the Mostest" apron pattern as a PDF within the next couple of weeks. It's on the list ;)

Valuable (Pattern Making + Sewing) Lessons

Well, as of last night, the Hostess with the Mostest Apron pattern is finally complete. Why did it take so long? Soooo many reasons and so many lessons were learned!

What did I learn:
1) Less is More
2) Keep it Simple
3) Edit + re-edit + edit again = mess (Sometimes starting fresh is better)
4) I rather put something out "late and great" then "haste-fully and wastefully".
Last but not least....
A Pattern maker that is an excellent seamstress, as well, is best

I needed to see the pattern in use with my own eyes. So this morning I stood over the seamstress and watched her make an entire apron from cutting to completion. It came out wonderful! It leaves room for imagination and completion that individuals are comfortable with depending on their level of sewing expertise.

The pattern is best suited for an intermediate seamstress. Not a beginner, not an advanced, but some experience is best.

Now that I have the necessary team to produce fantastic patterns....The others will be released soon and 2 more are in the works. Happy Day! You can purchase The Hostess with the Mostest pattern here.

BIG CARTEL IT IS!

After weighing the pros and cons of my own shop vs. etsy. I went with my own shop!
Well, kind of. All PDF patterns will remain at on etsy. However, hard copy versions will be sold in my shop.

I chose Big Cartel because it's easy to manage.
I think Big Cartel is going to get bigger and bigger because etsy is getting more crowded and
you have to advertise your shop to get a following. Back a few years ago, you could be easily found without having to renew items daily. I still think etsy is a great place and would have never considered opening a on-line store years ago without them! I'm still partly devoted to them by keeping the PDF patterns on there in my etsy PGF shop. My old shop on there will never reopen though.

In July I plan on having my NEW shop (www.poshgirlfriday.com) opened for sales of
Vintage Finds (Lots of women's scarves and cravats for men),
Handmade items for adults, children, baby and home goods,
Up-cycled designs for a whole new look,
and a DIYer's dream of patterns and inspirational supplies!
Till then, KEEP IT FANCY & CARRY ON....XOXO

Tote and Dahlia

Beach Ready!
I love tote bags so I decided to create a fancy one!
However, it's not an easy pattern to write because it's made with pre-quilted fabric and no liner.
I didn't want to lose any quilt design on it.

My NEW sample...

Pattern almost complete!
I used some lace instead of tulle this time. :)

Where Women Cook

is celebrating the launch of Where Women Cook with an event at NYC’s Chelsea Market on December 10, 2010 from 2-5pm! I sent in a "Hostess with the Mostess" apron for display.

What a week!

Let's see...Sophia had a gymnastics show, a moving up ceremony (to pre-K), and a ballet recital and it was Niko's Kindergarten graduation plus Father's Day! Oh and we went to the beach twice!! So I have been slacking on my blogging duties. :(

I did find a nice little storage dresser that I gave a makeover though! It's perfect. Plus I came up with a great ribbon storage solution!

Vesta Bianca

Went to a tag sale consisting of "Grandma's attic" today. In her stuff I found an old business card of hers. Cool, right? I knew all the stuff that was left behind probably had some great tales to tell. Cool party dress left over material and notions from the past! Yum!! Tons of great finds and everything was soooo organized. Buttons by color, zippers in a bag, bias tape in another bag, lace trim, fabric and vintage patterns galore! I told the owners about etsy to sell them. I also left my number because she still had more to look through in the attic. I bought a few sewing patterns but someone that collects vintage patterns would have been in heaven.

For $20 bucks I left with a shopping bag of stuff. Yes, $20 bucks at a yard sale for sewing stuff is a little steep but I was happy with my purchases and had the feeling if I knew grammy I would have liked her. Sometimes I feel when I shop at these that the person that owned the stuff, that is now going to play a part in my new business venture, is sending good karma my way for much success! ;)

Day by day....

I painted the spice rack (AKA Button Storage Rack) a burgundy color and the knobs white. I think it looks a lot better!I added some more jars of buttons underneath on a shelf. I am happy with my button storage now. :)




I decided to store all my trim and beads (well, my 3 year old daughter Sophia calls it "my jewels") in the cool jars with the corks.

a SPECIAL THANKS to my friend Frannie for helping me hang up shelves today. Thanks Fran!!!