For the love of Independent Pattern Designers

I consider myself to be a patron of the independent maker. I can't find the quote about it, but I know giving is a self serving pursuit. I get a little high from buying the coffee of the person behind me. There's an excitement in buying from independent artists because I know they are getting all my money and are floored to get it. You don't have to be rich give; the littlest bit helps and I'm left feeling like a bigger person. Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo let us pool our collective $10 to make an artist's dreams come true.

Regular visitors of Made with Moxie will not be surprised to hear me say that I love Rachael of imagine gnats. Chica's got balls and major talent. Becoming an independent pattern designer is new and uncharted territory. It requires a pinch your nose and just jump in the deep water attitude. You learn to swim as you go. Any of you who have sewn up an imagine gnats pattern, know that Rachael has learned to swim. She's ready to take her sewing patterns to the next level and she needs our help.


A smattering of the imagine gnats patterns I've sewn.
Rachael is running a campaign on indiegogo right now through the end of the month. Her goal is to gather enough funding for her initial run of imagine gnats paper patterns. I know you're thinking, shit, Jill, I don't have money to just give away. But I want you to remember that feeling when you pay something forward. Hell, you're not even just giving money away. Rachael is giving away her very first paper patterns in exchange for your patronage. Not only will you be supporting a community that fosters independent makers but you get to behold the fruits of one woman's labor in your very own hands. $10 gets you your very own paper printed imagine gnats pattern. That's right. No more taping all those stupid printer papers together! $50 can get you her whole damn set. Higher amounts get you sponsored posts, your very own text embroidery, or best yet, a custom made garment, just for you, from an imagine gnats pattern.

Ready to make an artist's day? Get yourself on over to Rachael's campaign!

Need more convincing? Here what Rachael has to say:
imagine gnats started as a little etsy shop, selling small sewn items to help support my family and also to give me a creative outlet in a corporate world. it's come a long way in just five years... from a hobby to a full-time job. my love of sewing and design has grown as well, and now my own sewing patterns help and inspire others to create.

i am proud to have created patterns for garments that are easy to sew and easy to wear. imagine gnats patterns feature classic silhouettes with a modern twist that incorporate clever details and practical techniques.

currently, my patterns are all offered as printable pdfs. the money raised on indiegogo will help cover the costs of an initial run of paper patterns, which means sharing my designs with even more sewists and inspiring more people.

for the cost of one pattern, you can help me reach my goal AND be one of the first to get the printed pattern of your choice. for a little bit more, you can get a full set of imagine gnats printed patterns. plus, early bird specials offer even better deals for the first contributors!

my initial print run will include 500 each of my existing five garment patterns. all of the money raised will go directly to that effort. once patterns are printed, i begin the selling and distribution phase.

i would love for you to tweet, share on facebook, email your friends and family... anything that will get the word out. every share helps and is so appreciated.



If we don't support independent pattern makers, we're only going to be left with big box patterns. Hey, maybe you like 80's fashion and frumpy designs?

My Meridian Cardi Hoodie

Every once in a while the stars align and magic happens.


A few days after Christmas we went to the Natural History Smithsonian with my brother and his family. While wondering about the dinosaurs my eye was drawn to a woman wearing a brightly colored Southwestern pattern cardigan. I probably stared at her a bit too long like a nutter, but I really liked the look of her sweater and found it especially odd because I normally dislike Southwestern patterns. In any case, she was lost into the crowds within a few seconds and my attention turned else where.

I was perusing my Instagram feed later that week when I wasn't sleeping well and lo, and behold, there was that sweater again! Thanks to the commenters I found it online at LuLus.com. When I showed it to my husband he thought I had lost my mind. A) He thought it was ugly, and B) he was surprised I was in love with it. To be honest, I was still surprised I was in love with it, but who am I to argue with love at first sight?

I continued contemplating dropping fifty dollars on the "ugly" sweater until the fateful day arrived. I had spent the afternoon taping together my copy of the Meridian {for women} cardi pattern. As I was browsing through my knit fabrics for inspiration, lightening struck! There, on buried under newer fabrics, was the most fabulous Southwestern patterned fabric that I had bought as part of a Girl Charlee Bargain Lot. Not only was it the same bright rusts and teals, but the most perfect aqua thermal knit was stacked right with it.

Fast forward a few hours of sewing (with kids) and I present to you my Meridian:


I made some very slight edits to the pattern for style sake only. I squared out the top corners of the Meridian to mimic the original cardi that I loved. I cut my thermal sleeve lining a few inches longer so I could roll them up for contrast. I drafted a quick hood because I love hoodies. To add a hood, assemble the hood and lining, sew them together along the font face seam, turn them right sides facing and pin it in place before you do the final sewing around the outside edge of your Meridian.


The Meridian cardi for women is a great pattern to use if you are new to knits, or a pro. While it does require a good amount of fabric yardage, it is yardage well used. Who doesn't like to be swaddled in soft and lovely knits? The pattern fits well and make a garment that is quite versatile. Throw it on over jeans and a tshirt. Wear it to dress up a basic shift dress for work. You could shorten it up to just under the bust for an adorable shrug, too. Make a basic black one and wear it with just about everything. I'm thinking my next Meridian will be unlined with sweatshirt knit.



I am completely in love with my Meridian. I may wear it often, and by often I mean almost every day. I really need to get going on a second one so I can wash this one. Ha!

How would you make your Meridian?

Now through the end of the month, you can get 20% off all imagine gnats patterns using the code "januarytour". Rachael has also graciously offered to giveaway one imagine gnats PDF pattern of the winner's choice. Make sure you enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below. And, as always, thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Selfish Sewing Week

As makers, we are gift givers. We naturally want to help others and give them comfort. We want to surprise our loved ones with gifts and make their faces dance with smiles. They say the cobbler's children have no shoes. If that is so, then you know that the cobbler has been barefoot for years!

Think about the last time you made something for yourself. Yeah, it's been a while, eh? Well, this September, I want you to throw down your scissors (gently) and say, Not this week! This week I'm sewing for me!

With deepest pride and greatest pleasure, I am so exited to announce the first annual Selfish Sewing Week, hosted by imagine gnats and Made with Moxie!

After the kids are back in school, what could be better than some selfish sewing? This September, we'll be doing exactly that... and we invite you to please, take a week and sew along with us!

For just one week, September 23-29, we challenge you to spend at least one houre each day sewing for yourself. Dig up that Swoon quilt you've been meaning to make. Cut up that Heather Ross you've been hording for years. And would you please finally make yourself a Washi dress already?

Of course, take lots of pictures and share what you make! Use the hashtag #selfishsewing on Instagram and Twitter, and add your FlickR photos to the Selfish Sewing Week FlickR group..

Rachael and I will be sharing what we're working on and also featuring some of our favorites from the Selfish Sewing Week FlickR group throughout the week.

Grab your favorite #selfishsewing button, then tell all your stitchy your friends! Pour yourself your favorite beverage and we'll see you back here in September to celebrate US!

<a href="http://thatmoxiegirl.blogspot.com/2013/07/selfish-sewing-week.html" target="_blank"><img src="1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQsONupUiwQ/UeqeAV_I33I/AAAAAAAAFQY/AHrc_zpyE8o/s320/selfish+sewing+week+button+1.jpg" width="200" /></a>       <a href="http://thatmoxiegirl.blogspot.com/2013/07/selfish-sewing-week.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyO6qMui7y9mt2zLE7iUj-wi8jTb01ex4L2UhqdIQW4ljLW7ZwgPTzr6YNB2V9e0B7M8Fvju__UhzqbwInR4KtatQlqab9beyXJPw6ig9oYv2CKNidF9QuiM-AYfBgrRyH9E3qc0X5L7f/s320/selfish+sewing+week+button+2.jpg" width="200" /></a>
  <a href="http://thatmoxiegirl.blogspot.com/2013/07/selfish-sewing-week.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDkc66036T85mMpxQT0zolzbKj6J7axghlhHUPT4pWxXx52AFU6AchS0dhIdWXpx7e4wFfw-ZglK12f0YvERcNGFTmFDMmMWNIu8dzUa2u8homiw9dSj_c7-7TDfx8pwDyV1dwIWY3R8Y/s320/selfish+sewing+week+button+3.jpg" width="200" /></a>       <a href="http://thatmoxiegirl.blogspot.com/2013/07/selfish-sewing-week.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuCfJMyhpK39j6CTtiTaBWiczmM-dLBvOwP-V4enUuGa7ERCIh4XRw6rcoxc1ttwHxYsZKmKoEpCPfGtBonq2kBPxvGM231cqA5kgE-VMxjTkFH7L7ONSLaiYGanihE6JCeJMYD0_1kln/s320/selfish+sewing+week+button+4.jpg" width="200" /></a>


See you there! (high five, karate chop, and a high kick) I'm a little excited. Can you tell?

Pattern Review: Imaginegnats' Roly-poly Pinafore

I had the pleasure of testing and reviewing the Roly-Poly Pinafore sewing pattern by imageine gnats. While I should disclose that Rachael did give this pattern to me for free, the opinions of the pattern here are only my own and 100% truth. Y'all couldn't pay me to lie for you, so don't even try, okay?

Now, on to this beautiful pinafore pattern!



As you can see the Roly-Poly Pinafore is not only stinking cute, but reversible, too! It's sizes run from 6 months on up to a girl's size 10, and the pattern is PDF which I love because it means not waiting for patterns to come through snail mail. (Have I mentioned my lack of patience?)



I made extra appliqued dots for each side of my Roly-Poly with my scraps. Fuse some Pellon Wonder Under to your scraps and zigzag away! Just make sure to applique before you sew your interior and exterior pieces together.



The pattern is super easy to piece together, so there will be no cursing with your tape and paper scissors. I made a size 4 for Jane, which is a size larger than the pattern measurements suggested, but I often go up a size a little bit when I sew her things so she can get more wear out of it. The Roly-Poly Pinafore come with an option for side seam pockets that also reverse, but I chose not to put them. You can make this pinafore in a size 4 and smaller with only 3/4 yard of fabric for each side.

I also used snaps on the shoulder straps instead of buttons a) out of laziness, and b) because Jane is in that "let me do it myself" stage of life and it is easier for her to do snaps herself. Overall, it was less insanity for me. Win-win.




As you can see, it fits beautifully, and Jane will be able to wear it for months to come. This is an added bonus because Jane *loves* her Roly-Poly Pinafore. Seriously. I love that is it reversible, too, because this mom may just flip it to the other side for her to wear two days in a row. I've only had this sewn together for a week and Jane has already worn it four days. I am going to have to make a few more for her otherwise this one is going to die from all the love it gets.



Overall, the Roly-Poly Pinafore by imagine gnats is a killer pattern. From start to finish (with applique) I had this Roly-Poly done within an hour.



Roly-Poly Pinafore pattern by imagine gnats: Easy to put together PDF pattern pieces
Well written, clear instructions
Adorable design that fits well
Kiddo approved comfort
Easy to sew
Customizable
Easy like Sunday Morning



And wait! There's more! The lovely Rachael has offered a free copy of the Roly-Poly Pinafore to one of my readers. Sweet, I know! Make sure to leave a comment here and tell me who you would make a Roly-Poly Pinafore for. I'll (randomly) pick a winner later this week! You can check out the imagine gnats flickR group for other Roly-Poly Pinafore customizations!

A year of Sewing Selfishly

I've been on a sewing and making binge for the past four weeks ever since I finished the finals for my Statistics and Technical Writing classes. I planned a Star Wars/mustache baby shower for my sister in law and brother who are expecting their son in March, finished my super star quilt for Rachael and Kelley's Newton Auction, and then hit the New Year running.

My sewing resolution is that this year is going to be my year of Sewing Selfishly. I'm not sewing a damn thing for anyone who isn't myself, my family, or someone I have already spoken with regarding an order. I'm not doing swaps or bees. Nothing. Going back to school while raising two small kids takes up so much time and effort. Making is my love, my outlet, and when I only have a few spare minutes in my day it makes me sad to sew the things I 'have to' instead of what I want to. I have so many things I wanted to make last year for myself and family that never got touched. This is *my* year.

Made by Rae's Washi dress & tunic was top on my list. I love tunics and wearing crisp quilting cottons. And now that I don't have ginormous boobs I can need to make some cute, adorable tops for myself.

The Washi pattern is very clear and straight forward. Rae gives you more instructions, details and photographs than any commercial pattern even thinks about. I don't see why any beginner sticher couldn't tackle this. (Erin of Just Plain Lovely, I'm talking to you!)

I did add a few inches to the tunic length because I have a longer torso and like to discourage my son from dropping pennies in my butt crack while I am on the floor cutting out patterns. (True story.) Originally, I put the pockets in, but then after the fact I just stitched them closed and zipped them off with my serger since they added a bit too much poof over jeans. I also found the arm hole to sit a bit high so I altered that after the fact and changed my pattern print outs for future Washis. And there will be many more washis. I love it. (I may have it on again today.)

Rachael's Perfect Padfolio pattern was also hot on my Selfish Sewing To Do List. This pattern is also clear and well written. The Perfect Padfolio comes together easily and quickly, if you don't have two "helpers". It is an awesome organizer. I am using it for school to keep all of my shit together. Or to try and keep my shit together. You know how that is.

The pencil case I made using these instructions, except that I put a lining in too. I won't do that again while using laminate though. I have switched to using titanium needles since I snap regular needles all the time. I'm in love and *highly* recommend them. However, four layers of quilting cotton, four layers of fusible interfacing, four layers of laminate and a zipper are their breaking point. Never mind that I had been sewing with that needle since November. I have high expectations, what can I say?

I confess to already breaking my Selfish Sewing resolution and signed up to to Ros's Sew Delicous Sweet Pouch Swap. But it was not just an international pouch swap, and you know how I love Air Mail, but one with chocolate?!? Who could say no? Seriously, I stared at the sign up form multiple times before I just cut the crap and signed up already.

I made my partner's pouch with all black, grey and white fabrics. I don't know if I have ever sewn anything with no color before. It was kind of cool to step out of that box.

I mailed my pouch out to New Zealand today. I apologize to my partner for the false advertising of this picture; I ate the Butterfinger in a moment of chocolate induced weakness. So sue me.