Christine Haynes's Blog, page 10

New Pattern Coming Tomorrow!

Join me here and on my shop site tomorrow at 9am Pacific Time for the announcement of the new Marianne Dress pattern! The PDF will be available for instant downloading, and the kits and printed patterns will be open for pre-ordering. The pattern will be 15% off and all pre-orders will ship early next week!

I hope you all love it! Off to wrap up the final details... :)

Marianne Release Schedule

I am so happy to report that all the final pieces are en route to me and I can finally announce a real date for the new Marianne Dress pattern!

Get your calendars out and mark these two important dates:
PDF version for sale +Pre-sale for the printed version +Pre-sale for kitsWednesday, November 19
Printed version and all kits shipWednesday, November 26
The PDF pattern and all the pre-sales will open at 9am Pacific Time on the 19th, and honestly, I have no idea what kind of reaction to expect, so if you want to make sure to grab a kit, I'd suggest jumping on it that day as they are limited!

It has been a long time coming and I am excited to finally have Marianne out there, as well as move onto the next pattern! I can tell you right now that the next one will be out early in the new year, so you won't be waiting another year for my next pattern!

Thanks as always to everyone for your constant support and I hope you love the new release!

Marianne Dress Updates & More!

Things have been a bit quiet here on the blog, which is directly related to all the last few things I'm finishing up before the big launch of the Marianne Dress pattern! I am waiting on a final pattern delivery date before I announce the "real" launch date, but I can tell you that it will be sometime in the 17th-20th ballpark, so stay tuned for some pre-Thanksgiving shopping!

I also announced on Instagram that along with the pattern, I will be making kits available! I know how hard it can be to find tricot knit fusible interfacing and clear elastic, two of the key items in working with knits, so I rounded all of that stuff up for you so this way when you order your pattern, you can just order all your goodies along with it! Yay!

In addition to the notions, I have kits that will include fabric as well, all premium rayon knits, in lovely solid colors just perfect for fall, and of course a handful of stripe options as well. So while it is quiet here on the blog, I am busy cutting yardage and packing up kits and reconfiguring all the settings on my website to make all this happen smoothly in about 10 days. Yikes! I hope everyone will take advantage of a one-stop-shopping experience and take all this knit off my hands!

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In other news, I don't often repost my Craftsy blog posts, but many have been going up over there, so I thought I'd round them up for some quick direct linking so you can see what I've been up to on that blog! Here are some recent posts:

Troubleshooting Common Problems on Your Sewing Machine
How to Handsew: The Baste Stitch
Serger Projects for Beginners
How to Handsew: The Prick Stitch
How to Handsew: The Hemming Stitch
Choosing the Right Thread for Your Project
Designer Spotlight on See Kate Sew: The Emaline Dress
Essential Pressing Tools for Garment Sewing
10 Tips For Keeping your Scissors Sharp

Please note that while I write these posts, they are edited and titled by the team at Craftsy. It's all good, just something to remember!

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If you're on Instagram, have you been following along with the #bpSewvember photos set up by Bimble + Pimble? I have really enjoyed them so far, as it allows you to get a more in-depth look into the lives of all these amazing sewers that you might know from a distance. It also puts you in touch with many more you probably didn't already know as well, simply by clicking on the hashtag.

Some of the images you would find from me so far, as pictured below, are my sewing studio, my pattern stash, and some of my favorite tools. There are some inspiring posts out there, so go check it out!



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Happy Friday to everyone and I hope you all have a glorious weekend! Here in Los Angeles it's finally really feeling like autumn and the only thing that would make it better is some rain. But just the fact that it's not 100-degrees anymore is good enough for me! See you back here next week! 

Quilt Market Recap + New Tilly Book Winner

Alexia working on the Green Bee Patterns boothOh Quilt Market. The joy, the pain, the fabric. I could go on and on about market, because it is a jam packed whirlwind of activity, but I don't think you all want that level of coverage, and honestly, I don't have it in me either, so I am going to try to keep the text short. We'll see how well that goes!

My bounty of Carolyn Friedlander's new collection, Doe, scored at Sample Spree Carolyn Friedlander's new collection, Doe My vintage pattern haul - Amy Butler's boothI only posted a handful of images on my Instagram feed while I was away, so I am going to shower you with photos rather than text. Though per usual, the people I spent a lot of time with seem to never get photographed, with a couple of exceptions.

Cotton + Steel's new collection of double gauze, Bespoke Samples made in Cotton + Steel fabrics Bolts of Cotton + Steel fabrics - My Emery Dress in Cotton + Steel cotton lawn Deborah holding the card for Rob Bancroft's (Alexia's husband) new line for P&B FabricsThe highlights for me were Cotton + Steel, Carolyn Friedlander, Cloud9, Elizabeth Olwen, and Leah Duncan. There were loads of lovely prints and the welcome reception to substrates (fabrics other than quilting cotton) was music to this garment sewing girl's ears!

My book spotted in a booth - Baby Hugo and mom Rae The Fancy Tiger Sailor Top in Alison Glass fabric The lovely Elizabeth Olwen and me - Papercut's Clover Dress in Elizabeth's new collection Susan Beal's book signing - hitting the bar with friendsCotton + Steel launched their new double gauze collection, adding to their already existing quilt weight, cotton lawn, and linen and cotton canvas; Cloud9 had a gorgeous barkcloth, voile, and fine wale corduroy; Art Gallery showed their dreamy voile and knits in addition to quilt weight, Kokka featured their wide range of options including an insanely lovely linen gauze; and of course, Robert Kaufman leads the pack with lush chambrays, knits, blends, and loads of other substrates. Seeing everyone branch out is a marvelous turn of events to say the least.

Ellen Baker's new collection Ellen Baker's booth including a double gauze metallic Emery Dress Leah Duncan's new line, including a gorgeous blue knit on the left Katy Jones and her new line with Art Gallery FabricsOne of the biggest joys of attending market is visiting with friends that I really only get to see there since we all have such busy schedules, and meeting new friends too. I spent loads of quality time with the Cotton + Steel ladies as well as Michelle Abegg from Green Bee Patterns, and Melody's assistant Abbey. These are without question the nicest women in the business and I am truly honored to get to call them friends. The education I get from helping them with their booth is priceless and an opportunity I cherish. I love those girls like my sisters <3

Carolyn Friedlander's booth and quilt A sample of the Cotton + Steel collection made into cute collars My Derby Dress in Lisa Congdon's print for Cloud9 - Jessica Jones' new barkcloth line for Cloud9 Last minute hotel sewing in Alexia's room - the Cotton + Steel Schoolhouse presentationAs always I relish my time spent with my firecracker friend Deborah Moebes. Oh I love this lady and I really wish she lived in my town, though I'm certain it'd lead to regular drinking, of which I don't really do (except at market of course)! I was thrilled to finally meet Liesl Gibson in real life after admiring her from afar for many years. We have a ton of mutual LA friends and her reputation of being open and kind isn't a lie.

Crazy gorgeous quilt and cute fabric covered hangers made in Cotton + Steel prints Elizabeth Olwen's new line and former line (including a shot of me in my Wildwood Emery on the top right!) My vintage fabric haul - me in an Emery Dress made in new Cotton + Steel fabric designed by Alexia AbeggAnother thrill was getting to meet Elizabeth Olwen, who was at market for the first time with her newest collection. To say I'm a super fan of her work is an understatement. She's as adorable in real life as her work and I hope her successes continue to skyrocket. And market isn't complete without seeing Jamie and Amber of Fancy Tiger as much as possible too. Again, why can't we all live in the same place?! (Tangent: seriously, how great would that town be if it was full of all these awesome people?!)

Carolyn Friedlander quilts! More of my Sample Spree bounty including the newest collection from Lotta Jansdotter Seeing double (gauze!) - me with Michelle and me with Alexia Abbey & I brace for Sample Spree - the Cotton + Steel team ready for action!As usual I returned home utterly exhausted, inspired, motivated, and with a head full of ideas for the year to come. Every year there are big new things, and I'm so excited to see where it goes next!

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In other news, I think I'm going to have to change the way I host giveaways, because without the ability to email the drawn winner, I simply have to wait to hear from them, and this is the second giveaway in a row where the winner drawn didn't get in touch with me. I didn't like the idea of exposing everyone's emails to the world, but for future giveaways, I'm going to rethink things.

Anyway, I am happy to announce a new winner to the giveaway for one of the two copies Tilly's book Love at First Stitch, since it's been a week since the original winner was announced. I randomly drew from my bowl of comments and the winner is one of my students! Yay!

JohannahOctober 22, 2014 at 10:42 AMI love that fabric! Though the dress might not have come out as you planned, I think it's the perfect summer/fall transition dress for LA. Or really any time in LA! I think my favorite tool is probably my cutting mat and rotary cutter. I especially love it on more basic projects because it seems to make things move so quickly on what it otherwise my least favorite part of sewing.Congratulations Johannah!!! I know you will love this book and I'm happy that I know how to reach you ;)

Thanks as always to everyone who entered and congrats again to the winners!

Tilly Book Winners! (And a new winner for The Magic Pattern Book!)

I am back from Quilt Market and had an incredible time! I am officially taking today off, but there are a few items of business to take care of. First up, I am super happy to announce the winners of the giveaway of Tilly's lovely book Love At First Stitch!


Congratulations to JTKnitter San and blancapate who both declared love for their irons in their comments, to which I completely agree as one of my own favorite tools as well! I drew these at random as usual, but this time I videotaped it, which you can check out on Instagram if you so wish!

I also have drawn a new winner for The Magic Pattern Book giveaway, as it's been a week and I've heard nothing from the winner. Just of note, I always say you have a week to get back to me, but if there's someway for me to email you through your comment, I will try that too, but if your name doesn't link to any clear way for me to reach you, I simply have to wait for you to reach out to me, and if you do not do so in a week as stated in the giveaway, I will choose someone else. Sorry!

So, as I hadn't heard anything from the winner and had no way to email them, I drew another winner! The congratulations go to Megan! There were many Megan's that entered, so be sure to see the entry below to see if it's you :)


Congratulations to all the winners! Please contact me with your mailing address so you can get your awesome new books! And as per usual, you have a week to get to me, or a new winner will be picked!

Okay, resuming day off... ;)

Quilt Market Bound

I am off today to Houston for Quilt Market, so things will be quiet here until I return. Want to keep up with all the market fun? Be sure to follow me on Instagram! And if you're going to be there, find me! I'll be there with Cotton + Steel and will be lending a hand at the Green Bee Patterns booth too, as needed. I have my Wildwood Emery Dress ready to go, as well as two other Emery Dresses made up in brand new Cotton + Steel fabrics! So excited to bust them out!

Meanwhile, don't forget to enter my giveaway for Tilly's book, Love at First Stitch, and I'll see you back here on Tuesday when I draw two winners!

Love at First Stitch Giveaway + My Lilou Dress

Remember the rave review I gave Tilly's new book,   Love at First Stitch , back when I bought it in London in June? Well, for those of you reading this in the states, I have great news! Love at First Stitch is now available in the US! Yay!

After my review, the publishers of the US edition contacted me and asked if I wanted to do a giveaway when the book was released here. Of course I said yes, because then one of you will get to win a copy! And what's even better, is that I have TWO copies to give away! Yep, two winners! Yahoo!


Since my initial review, I have made up the Lilou Dress from the book. It is a classic sleeveless fit and flare silhouette. The book's version has a lovely pleated skirt, but I didn't have enough fabric for that, so I added my Emery Dress skirt and pockets to Tilly's Lilou bodice. I did make a muslin and found that I only had to make a few minor changes. I made my usual short waist adjustment and shortened the bodice front and back by an inch.


After trying the muslin on, I also removed an inch total from the straps to shorten them to keep them from falling off my shoulders, but then I really didn't think about how the shoulder adjustment plus the short waist adjustment would make it overall a bit too short. Ideally I should have just shortened the straps and left the rest, but I didn't think of this until it was too late. No worries, I don't mind that it's a little bit high in the waist, but know that it's not really supposed to be that way. That was my bad!


I also have a bit too much room in the bust, but it really isn't bad and I'll just reserve this dress for my fullest bra. I am really happy that the one issue I usually have with sleeveless dresses is the straps falling off my shoulders, and the fit in the straps and shoulder area is perfection.


The fabric I used is a black cotton lawn with small white organic shapes and a small navy blue dot in the center. I picked this up at La Droguerie on my last trip to Paris. I find it so hard to cut into my trip fabric, and though this dress isn't absolute perfection, I found it really liberating to just cut it and use it, perfect or not. I have loads of other nice fabrics, and I'll be back in Paris again soon, so more fabric can be had. There's no sense in buying nice fabrics if it's only just going to sit in my stash!


Next up for sure are the pajama bottoms, as it's finally fall-like here in Los Angeles and I could really use a cozy pair of pj's!

So, want to win a copy of Love at First Stitch? The publishers sent a copy for me and one to give to you, but since I already bought myself a copy, I have two copies to give away! To win, leave a comment below telling me about your favorite sewing tool and why you like it best!

The giveaway is open until end of day on Monday, October 27th. Two winners will be chosen at random and will posted here on Tuesday, October 28th. If a winner has not contacted me within a week of the drawing, a new winner will be chosen. The giveaway is open to anyone in the world! Best of luck!

Magic Pattern Book Giveaway Winner!

Thanks so everyone who entered the giveaway for The Magic Pattern Book! I loved reading what pattern you all were most excited about. No surprise with winter on the way, many said the cardigan and the coat projects.

I randomly chose a winner and congratulations go to Regina who left the following comment:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -ReginaOctober 17, 2014 at 6:04 AMI live in Massachusetts and with the cold weather coming I'll challenge myself with the coat pattern and work on my tailoring skills. With the easy summer sewing over for now (at least until the spring) it's time to come outta my comfort zone and do some detail work and up my tailoring skills.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Congratulations Regina! Please contact me with your mailing address and the publisher will send you a copy of the book! And thanks to Workman Publishing for providing the book for the giveaway! 
Stay tuned for another awesome book giveaway Tuesday!

Reminder: PDF Emery Sale Ends Tonight!

WOW! I am simply BLOWN AWAY by the response so far to my Emery Dress PDF pattern! If you are interested in picking it up, today's the day! It's currently on sale for 30% off until end of day tonight, so the clock is ticking!

Thanks to everyone who has already grabbed it! You all made my weekend!

The Magic Pattern Book Giveaway!

I'm honored to be part of The Magic Pattern Book blog tour today! You might have seen my post earlier this week, where I made the Cecelia Dress from the book. Well today, I'm going to talk more about the book itself, and then give a copy to one of you! Yay!

As I mentioned in my previous post, the book has six base patterns that are used to make multiple variations. There's a skirt, cardigan, dress, tank top, coat, and a chapter on accessories. All of these block patterns are broken down into six variations, making a total of 36 different styles that you can make. Here is a look at each chapter:

The Tank Top

The Skirt

The Dress

The Cardigan

The Coat

The Accessory
grid images above by Workman Publishing
Unlike other similar books that give you the main pattern, followed by instructions on how you can redraft the pattern for the additional variations, author Amy Barickman gives you all the variations in the patterns! Once I knew that there were items in the book I wanted to make, this was the best news ever. All the work is done for you!

The patterns are downloadable PDFs, or you can print them from a CD that is included in the back of the book. It's nice that both options are available, as I know many new laptops don't come with disc drives anymore (which makes me feel really old since I remember using floppy discs!).


If you consider the price of the book, which is $22.95 in the United States, then divide that by the 36 patterns included, that equals $0.64 per pattern. Yeah, that's kinda hard to argue with and is seriously a good deal! Really, most of us in the indie scene will pay $10-20 per pattern, so to be able to get a whole book full of patterns for the price of 1-2 patterns is fantastic.

To be fair, I am not interested in every variation included, but that's to be expected. No book will appeal to me 100%, because if it did, then it focused too narrow a scope and it's really better to cast a slightly wider net to reach a more broad audience. But there are many in here that will get my attention.


The instructions are clear and well illustrated, and I found the language to be very understandable. Is this perfect for an absolute beginner? Maybe not... probably best suited for an advanced beginner, or someone who has worked with a pattern or two in the past. But I did find that everything was easy to understand and logical.

Okay, ready to win your own copy? Check out the gallery of items above and let me know which base pattern you're most excited to work with in the comments below! I will choose a winner at random end of day Sunday, October 19th and will post the winner here on the blog on Monday, October 20th, so be sure to check back to see if you won! If the winner does not contact me within a week of the drawing, a new winner will be chosen. Sorry, but this giveaway is only open to residents in the United States. Best of luck!

Check out the other posts on the blog tour at the lovely sites below:

October 6            AMYBARICKMAN.COM
October 7            WINDY LOUOctober 8            MELLY SEWSOctober 9            CRAFT GOSSIPOctober 10          SEW MAMA SEWOctober 13          ADVENTURES OF A DIY MOMOctober 14          LILACS & LACEOctober 15          FOUR SQUARE WALLSOctober 16          PINK CHALK STUDIOOctober 17          CITY STITCHING with CHRISTINE HAYNESOctober 20          CUT OUT & KEEPOctober 21          HE SOWED, SHE SEWEDOctober 22          CHIC STEALSOctober 23          THREADSOctober 24          INDYGO JUNCTION

*A copy of The Magic Pattern Book was provided to me for free by Workman Publishing for my participation in the blog tour. All opinions are my own!*