Christine Haynes's Blog, page 4

Crafty Planner Podcast

Since meeting Sandi, aka Crafty Planner, at last year's Craftcation Conference, she has started a new podcast. Her first few are largely about garment sewing, and I'm honored to be the guest of her most recent podcast, episode #4!

Warning: it's rather long, clocking in at just over 80 minutes, but I did listen to the whole thing myself and at least to me, it went quickly, so hopefully you all agree.

We discuss garment sewing vs quilting, my annual trips to Paris, the politics of sewing clothing, guilty pleasure snacks, fan girl moments, and more!

Thanks again to Sandi for asking me to participate!

April Workshops!

I'm super happy to report that I'm teaching another Marianne Dress workshop here in Los Angeles next month, along with some other favorites! Grab your spot as they will fill up quickly!


Marianne Dress WorkshopFriday, April 10, 17, & 246:30–9:30pm$135Class held at Sew L.A. - Sign up here!Make any variation you like–collar, contrasting seams, sleeves, or cuffs–and you can use either a serger or conventional machine! 

Fancy Tiger Crafts Sailor Top Workshop
Tuesday, April 7, 14, & 21
6:30–9:30pm
$125
Class held at Sew L.A. - Sign up here!
Join me in making this beginner-friendly top that will be your next favorite wardrobe staple!


Throw Pillow WorkshopSaturday, April 1111am–2pm$55Class held at Sew L.A. - Sign up here!Are you a beginner? This is a perfect first project! No fitting to deal with, just fancy new pillows for you or for a gift!


Easiest Skirt by Sew L.A.Saturday, April 11 & 183–6pm$95Class held at Sew L.A. - sign up here!This skirt is in fact very easy, just as the name implies! Perfect for your first garment or for new sewers!

Zipper Throw Pillow
Saturday, April 18
11am–2pm
$55
Class held at Sew L.A. - sign up here!
Take your throw pillows up to the next level by making them with an invisible zipper in the side seam! You'll never buy pillows ever again!


Machine Intro
Sunday, April 5
11am–2pm
$65
Class held at Sew L.A. - sign up here!
Are you an absolute beginner? Or has it been a number of years since you've touched a machine? This is the place to start! Learn all the basics and make a small tote bag too!

More of Your Marianne Dress Makes!

I absolutely love seeing finished versions of my patterns out in the world! It's a thrill for any pattern designer! So on this Friday, I wanted to share some of the recent Marianne Dresses that have popped up recently. Thank you ladies for choosing to sew my pattern and happy weekend to you all!



Amber, Fancy Tiger Crafts co-owner, made up two Mariannes, but as tops! I love that people are chopping off the dress into a top and proving how versatile this pattern can be. She used the original hem of the skirt to keep it curved, and just shortened it to a desirable length. The fabrics are from the lovely collection of knits from the Fancy Tiger Crafts shop. Read all about her experience of sewing these up and how to buy these yummy fabrics at the Fancy Tiger blog. Amazing job Amber!!!



Abbey of Sew Charleston sewed up her beautiful color blocked version of the Marianne Dress in the new solid collection from Art Gallery Fabrics. I have used their knits before and really like them, so I'm sure this is as comfortable to wear as it is elegant to look at! I love the fancy buttons on the cuff for a really professional finish. Read all about her time sewing it up and see many more images at the Indie Sew blog. Gorgeous job Abbey! 

Teri made her Marianne Dress into a maxi–something I've done before too–and sewed it up for Selfish Sewing Week. I love wearing my maxi version and am sure that Teri's is probably as comfortable as mine. I love swishing around in it! If you want to vote for Teri's version to win prizes for SSW, check it out here on the Indie Sew site. 


Heather whipped up three versions of View A without the collar for the ultimate vacation travel dress to Maui! I know we have warm weather here in LA right now, but I'm sure you all join me in being a little bit jealous of lounging around in knit dresses on a warm island, am I right? I too love wearing this dress when traveling and am happy that Heather found it to be as I do–pulled together looking, but easy peasy to sew and wear. Read all about her three (!!!) versions on her blog Where Heather Grows. 

Victoria of Very Blissful made a classic black version of the Marianne Dress, making it perfect for pretty much any situation. Read all about her experience of making it up on her blog here. Lovely job Victoria!!!

Reminder: Spaces Still Open for Sewing Camps!

I am so thrilled to be part of two amazing camps this year, and if you want to come too, I'm happy to say that there are still spots available! Read on to get all the details and then sign up to join in on all the fun! Seriously, sewing camp? That is going to be the best time ever! 

W H A T:   Camp Stitchalot

W H E N:   Thursday, May 28–Sunday, May 31, 2015

W H E R E:   Hankered Inn, Pleasant Lake, Michigan

W H O:  
Your teachers are–
Christine Haynes (me!)
Alexia Abegg (Green Bee Patterns & Cotton + Steel Fabrics)
Rae Hoekstra (Made by Rae)
Karen Lepage (One Girl Circus)

Your counselors are–
Brenda Ratliff (Pink Castle Fabrics)
Hayley Grzych (Pink Castle Fabrics)

W H Y:   To learn all about the basics of garment construction! We will be using a brand spanking new pattern by the lovely Alexia Abegg (not even released yet!) and everyone will learn from all of the teachers on how to fit, alter, and sew up the dress for themselves!

H O W:   Sign up here and secure your space today! It's nearly sold out, so don't wait!


W H A T:   Camp Workroom Social

W H E N:  Friday, October 16–Monday, October 19, 2015

W H E R E:   Frost Valley YMCA Camp, Claryville, New York

W H O:
Your teachers are–
Christine Haynes (me!)
Jen Beeman (Grainline Studio)
Norma Loehr (Orange Lingerie)
Heather Lewenza (Closet Case Files)
Melissa Watson (Palmer/Pletsch)
Erin Proud (Brooklyn Pattern Company)
Whitney Crutchfield

Your counselors are–
Sonja Gingerich (Ginger Makes)
Fleur Hoare (Maison Fleur)
Nellie Wu (Mama Peaches)
Jennifer Wiese (Workroom Social)

W H Y:   Each teacher will be teaching an intensive weekend workshop, so if you'd like to come and learn to make the Emery Dress for yourself in the best possible setting ever, join me! I will work you through all 16 darts, the invisible zipper, set-in sleeves, in-seam pockets, and more!

H O W:   Sign up here and claim your space now! Spaces are very limited and going quick!

Book Giveaway Winner - Skirts & Dresses For First Time Sewers

Thank you so much to everyone for entering the giveaway for my newest book, Skirts & Dresses for First Time Sewers ! I had 414 entries, by far the most I've ever received for any giveaway, so thank you all so much!!!

So without further ado, I turned to Random.org to give us a winner (usually I pull from a bowl of entries, but 414 was way too many to do that, so I turned to technology for help!) and the system chose entry #292 - so congratulations to Kate White, the 292nd contest entry!
Thanks again for the incredible support, and for those of you that didn't win (all 413 of you!) if you still would like a copy of the book, you can find signed copies on my site here, or you can pick it up at Amazon as well. I hope you enjoy it!

Giveaway Reminder + New Craftsy Posts

Thanks so much to everyone that has entered the giveaway to win a copy of my new book, Skirts & Dresses for First Time Sewers! Because the form is sent directly to me, you all can't see how many entries have been submitted, but as of now we are between 250–300 entries! WOW! You can enter to win by filling out the form on this post by end of day tomorrow. Best of luck!

I also have a couple of new posts up on the Craftsy site that you might be interested in reading. First is a step-by-step tutorial on how to sew fully lined curtains. People think this is so hard, but it's really quite simple as long as you know a couple of key tips. Find the post here and then make them up for yourself!


In addition I wrote a post on how to do a fiber burn test to see what the fibers of your fabric are made of. Read all about how to do this safely and what the results will tell you at the post here.

And of course, you can also find loads more tutorials at my tutorial page!

Giveaway: Win a Signed Copy Of My New Book, Skirts & Dresses For First Time Sewers! (GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED)

Thank you so much for the overwhelmingly positive response to yesterday's announcement of my newest book, Skirts & Dresses for First Time Sewers! I'm so pleased that it is being well received and that people are excited to give it a try!

So, want to win a signed copy from me? I am giving away a copy of the US version right here on my blog, and I will ship it to anyone anywhere in the world!

To win, simply fill out the form below between now and end of day next week Tuesday and I will announce the winner here next week Wednesday! Good luck!!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED - THANK YOU!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Small print terms:
One entry per person.
Winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The book will be sent from me to the winner anywhere in the world.
The winner will be emailed to the email entered in the form.
Giveaway runs from 12:00pm Friday, February 27– 11:59pm Tuesday, March 3, 2015, Pacific Standard Time.
If no contact has been made by the winner after one week, a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway: Win a Signed Copy Of My New Book, Skirts & Dresses For First Time Sewers!

Thank you so much for the overwhelmingly positive response to yesterday's announcement of my newest book, Skirts & Dresses for First Time Sewers! I'm so pleased that it is being well received and that people are excited to give it a try!

So, want to win a signed copy from me? I am giving away a copy of the US version right here on my blog, and I will ship it to anyone anywhere in the world!

To win, simply fill out the form below between now and end of day next week Tuesday and I will announce the winner here next week Wednesday! Good luck!!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Fill out my online form.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Small print terms:
One entry per person.
Winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The book will be sent from me to the winner anywhere in the world.
The winner will be emailed to the email entered in the form.
Giveaway runs from 12:00pm Friday, February 27– 11:59pm Tuesday, March 3, 2015, Pacific Standard Time.
If no contact has been made by the winner after one week, a new winner will be chosen.

Introducing My New Book – Skirts & Dresses For First Time Sewers!

I am so happy to announce my newest book, Skirts & Dresses for First Time Sewers! This project-based book is full of classic shapes for beginner-level sewers to get you excited about making your own handmade wardrobe. Though of course, experienced sewers can make them up too!


There are 15 projects in the book, all with downloadable PDF patterns that you access via a website link or QR Code printed on the project's page. The projects included are:
A-line skirtTiered maxi skirtTunic dress Smocked sundressBaby doll dressUpcycled T-shirt dressSleeveless sheath dressCircle skirtSlip dressWrap dressShift dress (this dress you've seen on me a million times!)Pleated skirtPencil skirtUpcycled men's shirt skirtWrap skirt
Also included in the book are quick lessons on basic techniques, like an invisible zipper, darts, gathering, and pleats. There are also sections on adding embellishments and pockets, lists of resources, pattern layout guides, and a tutorial on how to use the book and choose your correct size.


Each project opens with photos of finished ready to wear versions of the shape for inspiration (so a range of tunic dresses or pleated skirts, not just the one you're going to make), and a break down of the hows and whys of that shape, what kind of body it's best suited for, the type of fabric to use, and more.


After the project opening, there is an illustration of my pattern for that style, a few helpful tips, the link to the pattern and a list of the pattern pieces to use, followed by illustrated steps to complete the garment. At the end of each project are two alternate examples of how to change up the original design with embellishment, or simple alterations so customize it for your own personal style.


The book is currently available in the United States, in the UK, in France, and in Germany. There might be more versions along the way, but so far these are the only ones I know of. Signed copies of the US version are available on my site and unsigned versions are on Amazon. UK versions are available on the UK Amazon site; the German version on the Germany Amazon site; and the French version is on the France Amazon site.


Because we knew the book was going to be released in multiple languages around the world, that proved a real challenge for the patternmaking and pattern downloading side of things. I wasn't allowed to include any letters or words on the PDFs so that they can be universally downloaded from the same hub from anywhere in the world.


The sizing is just like my regular line of patterns, though two sizes are grouped together into one. For example, the patterns in the book come in sizes 1–5. Size 1 in the book is equal to sizes 0 and 2 in my patterns; size 2 is the range of sizes 4 and 6, and so on. In case there are any questions, below is a breakdown of the sizing:

Size 1– Bust: 31–32" Waist: 23–24" Hip: 33–34"Size 2– Bust: 33–34.5" Waist: 25–26.5" Hip: 35–36.5"Size 3– Bust: 36–37.5" Waist: 28–29.5" Hip: 38–39.5"Size 4– Bust: 39–41" Waist: 31–33" Hip: 41–43"Size 5– Bust: 43–45" Waist: 35–37" Hip: 45–47"
From there the patterns are made just exactly the same way my line of PDF patterns are designed, and they can just be downloaded, printed, assembled, and cut out like any other PDF pattern.


Because there is only one review on the US Amazon site so far and it is an angry all caps 1-star review, I would like to address it here, and how it pertains to the links in the book. The book features a link that you must type into your toolbar. Once you type it in, there is an image of the first page of the PDF pattern that allows you to download the whole PDF pattern locally to your computer. It won't say much on the image because again, I wasn't allowed to include any letters or words so that everyone can use them anywhere in the world.

The download links are written clearly, however, there are some capital letters and some numbers in each link, so they need to be typed into the toolbar exactly as they are written in the book. It can be very easy to confuse a capital letter I with a lower case letter L, or a number 9 with a lower case letter G. So if you enter it incorrectly, it will take you to the link that corresponds with the link you actually typed in, and not the pattern.

Both I and the publishers have checked each and every link multiple times, and yes, they do work just fine if you type the link in correctly. If you find you are having troubles, please contact me! Both the publishers and I have tried to contact Amazon user "All things sewing" who left this negative review and have had no luck. If this is you, please email me so I can actually help you! That is more productive than an angry all-caps comment. But that's just me.

So long story short, type the links in right, or they won't work! I think this is common sense, but clearly it's worth saying.

Still with me? Awesome! I am super excited about this book and it's been years since I've written a project-based book, so that was a fun challenge. And watching it pop up in other countries is pretty incredible. I am making it my mission to find the French version on the streets of Paris on our upcoming trip. And thanks to my French lessons, I might actually be able to read it! Ha!

Tomorrow I will host a giveaway for the book, so come back to enter to win! And thanks as always for being so supportive! Love you guys and I hope you love the new book!!!

Marianne Dress & Emery Dress Class Reminders!

Just a reminder that I have workshops coming up at Sew L.A. for both my Marianne Dress and my Emery Dress! As of now, there are 5 spots left in the Marianne Dress class and 1 spot left in the Emery Dress class, so if you're interested, jump on it! I hope to see you there!