Here’s a fun find I should have spotlighted a couple of months ago when I first snatched ’em up, my fabulous pearly-plastic leaf pins.
Not every project can withstand thick crow-bar-like pins, but aaah, when the project’s right, out these babies come! They have a color palette and a kitschy quality that reminds me of vintage Christmas ornaments – or the art direction of that recent Marie Antoinette movie (though I haven’t seen it yet). A sewing indulgence. Fun, fun.
The rest of the time I like to use slender glass-headed pins. They’re more sharp and easier to use than most plastic- headed pins and they don’t melt under the iron. Anyhoo…
I’m about to head into a big sprint, designing my next fabric collection, and I’m in debate about how to handle blogging during this time. Of course, I’d have plenty to carry on about if I could show you what I’m working on, but that wouldn’t be fair to Free Spirit (designs have to stay hush-hush until released to ward-off copycats, I’m told). I’ve thought about taking a few weeks off, but that sounds no-fun. So, right now, I’m thinking shorter posts with pics of some of my favorite things — though I might just ramble on even longer as happy task avoidance. Regardless, for stress-management purposes, I needed a ‘plan.’
So, expect random antique and thrift store goodness, tools, old projects, old photos and so on for the next few weeks. I’ll try to throw in some fun projects here and there as fabric-design breaks are had. Perhaps I’ll even finish some of what I’ve started or get one of my patterns printed at last. Or maybe not 😉
Anyone hail from Arizona with lots of free time on her hands?
(The pins were in some random bin at JoAnn’s of all places.)
Hi Heather!! I am excited to see all the yummy photos and whatnots you speak of for the nest few weeks. I LOVE reading all about what you are up to. Your stories come to life in my immagination, as they filled with such goodness, always a treat!!! xo
Hmmm, patterns. How about that awesome apron you showed a picture of a while ago? Will that be available for purchase on the web, or will it go through printing anda distributor?
Photos of your favourite things sounds perfect. That way you can rest your mind finding one thing you love every day…downloading mental clutter is a good thing. we can all carry the load together! Can’t wait to see the new stuff but we need to get our Aussie hands on the current stuff first!!!!
Always ask a woman with too much to do to do something for you Heather, you should know that! Need some help from Sydney? Alternatively a trip to Arizona sounds great!! 😉
Loved your freshcut range! Managed to secure some over here in Oz via some pre-Xmas online shopping. I am really interested in the design process and exactly what is required of you; ie do you present initial ideas and rework them, refine them and so on for print. If you have time to tell or could direct me to some online info I would appreciate it so much.
Yes I can see the MArie Antoinette thing.
man, that movie is like a series of photographs.
these pins are divine!
I´m sure you´ll have many pretty things to show and tell us, as ususal!
And I´m excited to see the new fabric collection, as I really love the existing one – I can´t wait to receive the order I´m waiting for with some of your fabrics 🙂
The pins are gorgeous!
Aren’t those bins so funny – what you can find in there. Love the colors of those pins.
No kidding!! I am just about to institute the ‘what’s anna having for dinner tonight’ blogging series, as my workload is getting gianormous with the new year getting started! Happy working, dear girl!
xo,AM
Oh, I do hope you’ll “finish what [you] started”! 🙂 I really want to see how that sweater turns out.
I vote for patterns! I have been dying to make that gorgeous apron…
Well I occasionally head to Phoenix for my nameless employer, I’d be thrilled to fit in a few hours of ‘helping’….and oh yes, the apron pattern soon!
what about a pattern for that DARLING coat you made for your daughter?
Your patterns are always awesome.
Antiquing and thrifting sound fun too!
Hi Heather! Too bad I’m on the other side of the country, otherwise, I’d love to pitch in. How lucky are we that you still plan to blog, despite all the work you have to do for you new collection. I am looking forward to seeing your new work — best of luck on it!
Heather, since you’ll be so busy, this may be too big a task, but could you talk about the process involved in designing fabric? How does it begin? How does it end up printed on the product we see on the bolt? I’ve always wondered. Thanks.
Peggy
Ooooh! Would I be selfish to say I’m hoping you do finish that reconstruction piece? lol. I’m so looking forward to seeing pictures of the final piece, ’cause its intrigued me from the first post…
Good luck with designing the next collection! I think now I should go hunting for similar pins… hehe! 🙂
Patterns! Patterns! As I see it it all works together… you design the new fabric… get some patterns out and we can make fabulous things with both 🙂 Seriously, I cant wait for you to come out with patterns one of these days…
g
Can’t wait to see the new fabric line, Heather! I LOVE Fresh Cut and it was great to meet you at Fall Market. If you’re going to Salt Lake for Spring, maybe I’ll see you there and I’ll get to see all your new stuff too! Keep up the amazing work!
OH, I can’t wait for your next collection of fabric! I just love Freshcut!! Patterns, pictures, whatever you have will be greatly enjoyed by all of us in blogland!!!
Just your amazing photographs and insightful blurbs about how you are keeping your sanity juggling all you are doing will inspire any woman to keep creating.
Maybe hire a personal blogger for you-kinda like a personal assistant. I would apply for that job for sure.
I lived in Phoenix on the west side and miss it tremendously. My sis is still there so when I come to town, I’ll think of you for sure-would love to meet you anytime 🙂
Good luck with the new fabric line. I am so happy for you-and me cause I’ll get to sew with it!~Eva
All your projects are beautiful as well as fun. I wish you a ton of luck with your new designs.
FYI: I live in Tucson.
Good luck on the new line, I made a few things over the past weekend with Freshcut. So sute, including shirt and matching clothes for my daughter and her doll. I too can’t wait for the patterns and yes the georgous apron!!! Can’t wait for the new line!
Hi Heather,
Love those pins! I used them for awhile for the “cherry” in the top of my cupcake pincushions. (Now my Joann’s if fresh out and I make felty ones)
BTW, I can relate to your struggle with not being able to blog your new designs yet…I’m in the same boat. I’m creating projects for a book and am having difficulting not sharing my excitement. And having time to create blog projects on the side is humanly (humanely!) impossible.
Pace yourself and no worries! Your fans will wait for you…:)
Betz
Eye-candy is ALWAYS welcome. 🙂 I imagine you have plenty of pretty things to keep us distracted while you get our next favorite line of fabric ready. LOVE Fresh Cut! I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Eye-candy is ALWAYS welcome. 🙂 I imagine you have plenty of pretty things to keep us distracted while you get our next favorite line of fabric ready. LOVE Fresh Cut! I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Happy designing, Heather! Have fun, but make sure to take time out for yourself!! If you are anything like me, it IS rejuventating to work on your own projects and a double reward to share the end results with your fans!!! Can’t wait to see what little gems you come up with…….next! (smiles)
Your photos always look gorgeous so I’m sure we’ll be quite content. Make sure you throw one or two of Charlotte in there for good measure!
Good luck with your new designs, sounds like fun. I’ll look forward to your posts of pics of favorite things and fun projects.
I’m in sunny northern California, otherwise I’d love to help you out!
Free Time? Arizona? Close enough, and I’m intrigued. Maybe . . . let me know!
I live in Arizona and would definitely love to help out. Details?
i just love your photos!
JoAnns never ceases to amaze!
I don’t know about having lots of free time, but you say fabric, and I’m there! Oh and I’m in AZ too!
I love your little pins. Can’t wait to see your new fabric line- it’s going to be great. I live in Tempe by the way!
I’m in Higley (near Gilbert) and for you I would MAKE free time!!
Beautiful shots!!! Love to visit your blog…
BTW, I live in Arizona…what do you mean with lots of time? Are you looking for any help for something?
yeah! Sylvanian Families! I absolutely loved these growing up! I had the bunny family. I especially liked the tiny babies in cradles… this brings back very good memories! I’ll have to see if I can buy some somewhere….
oops! I had some difficulty posting earlier, and I posted the above comment on the wrong entry!
well, I love the pins too, should I post that on the sylvanian post and you can swap them in your mind? 😉 nah, I’ll just hope you can sort them out this way… sorry about that!
Now, if only I could say I had “lots of free time on my hands”! However, I do qualify for the hailing from Arizona. Those pins are awfully cute and I am learning how to sew in the upcoming weeks should time allow my visiting family to spoil me in such a way. My first sewing project will be diaper covers for our babe due any day now – I’m destined to have even less time on my hands but it somehow works as a motivator. I have to find your “favorite antique store” – I frequent Market Square myself.