May
02
I love fashion sewing, dressmaking, and helping others create their own style using Indygo Junction patterns. But, style isn’t just about garments. You can make a style statement anytime, anywhere with accessories and housewares that are one size fits all.
Indygo Junction just released the video “Indygo Junction’s Practical Style: A Look Book” to showcase a few patterns that are fun, functional, and fashionable:
Whether you’re an expert seamstress or just learning beginner basics, these patterns offer something for everyone. I also love that there’s ample opportunity to simply reach into your fabric stash or used recycled materials in these supply-saving patterns.
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Apr
17
After the whirlwind of excitement around the Vintage-Inspired Modern Style Design Challenge the past few months, I think I’ve finally caught my breath! Before I start running again (Quilt Market, anyone?), I wanted to take a minute to congratulate the winners and appreciate all the hard work and talent that went into the 123 project submissions we received on BurdaStyle.com! If you haven’t already, browse through the gallery of entries for some exciting inspiration.
First of all, congratulations to Sew Country Chick, who won Sponsor’s Choice for her “A Patchy Bias Dress” design! The dress was made using Indygo Junction patterns Best Bias Skirt and Garden Party Pullover. Well done, Sew Country Chick! SINGER, Coats & Clark, and Indygo Junction sew loved your design!
The winner of the BurdaStyle community choice was member Yearling with her “Slip-On Dress”. The crowd loves you, Yearling! Way to go!
The runner up BurdaStyle community winner was nancy2001 with her “Stop the Presses Jacket”. In addition to using Indygo Junction’s Trench Topper as her starting point, nancy2001’s design is also a direct reference to a piece of pop culture! Click through to her design to find out which fictional character served as her inspiration. You inspired us too, nancy2001!
Thanks to all who entered, voted, or helped spread the word about the Challenge. It was an exciting endeavor on all accounts, and the reinvention of patterns new and old was truly inspirational. Find your own fashion design and sewing inspiration in my book Vintage Notions or on IndygoJunction.com.
Dec
06
“Aren’t we all just tired of things? Nobody wants to buy things anymore. We want experiences.”
These were words spoken in a panel discussion at the Creative Connection Event this past September. They attest to the fact that more and more people are understanding the great value of handcrafted goods and personal connections to our work. This sentiment is — I believe — at the heart of the DIY “Revolution”. In the handmade market, the buyer and the seller often experience a connection over the purchased item. The buyer knows the seller created his or her work because of an authentic interest, which also adds to the experience. With the trendiness of upcycling and refashioning, the materials themselves might even have a back story all their own — adding to an even deeper experience. (more…)
Oct
06
I love Fall…and the events that take place in these cooler months.
I’m speaking, of course, of the Country Living Fair!
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Sep
30
Paper or plastic? Neither!
If you thought the bring-your-own-bag trend at grocery stores was a recent movement, you may be surprised to learn that some shoppers were loading their own tree-hugging totes as early as 1944. That’s when Mary Brooks Picken published an article in Better Homes and Gardens called “Five Paper Saving Carry-Alls,” in which she provides pattern instructions on how to make stylish sacks to haul to the supermarket. (After finding out that Mary was a contributor to BHG, I toured their headquarters in Des Moines and did some research looking for more of her work. I was lucky enough to tour their kitchen and photo studio.)
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Jul
29
“Vintage Wisdom, Modern Voice” —I say these words a lot, but I want you to know that their sentiment comes directly from my soul. This phrase is, to me, a way of summarizing everything that I think about when I am collecting, researching, and sharing my discoveries and thoughts with you.
My passion for all things vintage is in my very being. Collecting the wonderful crafts, textiles and stories from the incredibly strong women that came before us enables me breath life into the stories and opportunities that I share with you today.
We can learn so much from the skills and talents of our mothers, grandmothers, and the women that raised them. I thank them everyday for the wonderful legacy of their home arts that they have left for us to learn from. That is the “Vintage Wisdom” that I so adore and draw from as my source of inspiration.
“Modern Voice” is taking those creative discoveries and tweaking them so that they are meaningful and relevant for today. My website, Indygo Junction, is a resource for patterns and ideas inspired from history and redesigned for today’s women.
Vintage to Modern: I found this vintage dress at an antique show, and it became the inspiration for Indygo Junction’s Day to Night Dress (IJ907)
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Jun
29
I have to admit that summer is my favorite time of year. I love being outdoors and I find that some of my most creative moments are when I sit on my deck amidst the trees and flowers, or enjoy my early morning walk, watching the neighborhood wake up. I love breathing the fresh air and sunshine — and just being.
Summer is also the time that we love to go on vacations with our families. The kids are out of school, so trips to the beach, lakes or theme parks are on the lists of many Americans. I always look forward to going our cabin in Michigan where our family stays for a month of lake living. I can’t wait!
However, I enjoy the summer in my own city, particularly in June. I don’t have to travel across the country to find a wealth of wonderful adventures right here in my own “backyard”. (more…)
May
19
In the early 1800s, staples such as grain, flour, sugar and animal feed began to be shipped in canvas bags instead of in the boxes that were used previously. To the pioneer woman whose life was a daily challenge, this introduction of a new cloth into the home spurred a number of inventive home uses (e.g. dish towels, diapers, and more). Not too long after, these women, desperate for material to make clothes out of, jumped at this source of cloth. Suddenly, feedsacks were being used extensively for everything from doll clothes to school clothes. Realizing that the more attractive and colorful bags would sell more “feed,” manufacturers began printing elaborate patterns, themes and colors on the bags. (more…)
Jan
19
On my latest travel stop, I was in Atlanta for the fantastic Atlanta Gift Market. While there, the plan was to visit Whipstitch (“hip fabrics and sew lounge”) on Friday evening for a book signing and Indygo Junction Trunk Show. The weather (nicknamed “Snowmageddon” by the local news) did not cooperate at all. The good news: I flew in on Thursday and missed the worst of it as far as travel issues go. The bad news: the “Trunk” never showed for the “Show”. All was not lost as I had a great evening getting to know the brave souls who weathered the weather. Take a look above and see Theresa, Diane (sewing teacher and manager), Mary Ellen, her mother, aunt and grandma. Getting to meet wonderful, passionate folks like this, especially in a cozy setting as this turned out to be, was very rewarding.
Mary Ellen I met last October at the Country Living Fair. I was impressed with this darling young spirit who was finding so much fun sewing fashion. Seeing sewing as an activity that brought generations in a family together was extra special. Aunt Elizabeth was shopping for fabric and trim for Mary Ellen to stitch up towels and pillows. Mary Ellen was picking out fabulous fabrics for a scarf and skirt. Sharing creativity is something that has always been apart of the bond my mother and I share, originally ignited by my grandmother’s creative soul. Seeing the joy Mary Ellen and her family found at Whipstitch was so inspiring.
Why not make 2011 the year creative activities bring you more quality time with family and friends?
