This week: Getting ready for Fall

Summer is always a surprisingly hectic time of year.

All I want to do is go outside and enjoy the sun, but there is so much to do in order to get ready for Fall.

We’ve sent two new patterns off to print and now we’re working on the photo shoot. Or, I should say that Caitlin is working on the shoot. She’s doing doing lots of sewing, fitting a new model, planning the logistics, and working on styling.

You can see a few garments she’s made above right. (Don’t try to guess on the designs, though. All three of those garments are older patterns we’re incorporating into the shoot.)

The new designs will be available in September, and I’m quite excited about them. We’re also talking to some shops on the west coast about doing a bit of a road show once they come out. Kenn and I will be hopping in the car, visiting stores, and doing some events in cities from Vancouver to Los Angeles.

In the meantime, I’m going to continue trying to enjoy summer while it lasts.

Here are some links Casey rounded up for us this week:

• Learn how to make a version of hairpin lace from Threads Magazine.
• Whether a vintage fashion collector or someone who reuses old material, this fabric guide at the VFG is really helpful.
• This hack for Ikea drawers would make a more attractive way to stash little notions!
• An explanation of “turn of the cloth” allowance, and why it’s useful.
• Another DIY craft table, mounted on the wall and cleanly folds up and out of the way when not being used.
• Use up some pretty scraps and make a practical travel laundry bag.
• With the rise in popularity of print-on-demand fabric, here’s a handy tutorial on how to format your designs for printing.
• This kite pincushion is just too darn cute!
• Pointers for adapting a straight-of-grain pattern for bias.
• Do you have a garment hanging in your closet you’d love to make a copy of? Here’s how to do it.