Geodesic paper patterns are here!
Hello ,
Last week, nearly all of my waking hours were devoted to polishing up a new pattern to send to testers. Somehow, I managed to get everything done and sent out by my deadline: a small, though extremely satisfying event for this one-woman business!
I'm really excited about this one. It's been in development for a few months (and swimming around in my head for over a year). I can't wait to share it with you this Spring.
In the mean time, Geodesic printed patterns are now available! Read more in the news section below.
What's in this newsletter
News and Updates
On the Blueprints Blog
Featured Project
Tips from the Sewing Classroom
Findings: Link Roundup
Upcoming Classes & Events
News and Updates
Geodesic printed patterns are here!
I'm so happy to announce that Geodesic printed patterns are available in the online shop and very soon at fabric shops that stock Blueprints patterns.
To celebrate, Geodesic paper patterns are 10% off this week (Ends Friday, 4/7 at 11:59pm). Use the code Geo10 at checkout!
You'll notice I've given the Blueprints cover a bit of a re-design. We've got a nice new logo, a cleaner layout, and new tab closure. I've also decided to move away from the 'artist covers' series towards illustration that more prominently features the design itself (but still with the character of a hand drawn illustration- this time by yours truly.)
On the Blueprints Blog
Spring Cleaning
It's been a busy week, so here's one from the archives for all you folks who are doing some serious spring cleaning of your closet. Why not host a clothing swap? I shared some tips on the blog last October.
Featured Project
Jenn's Super Cozy & Colorful Geodesic
Jenn from Ginger Peach Studio created her dream 'Quilt Lady' loungewear using the Geodesic sweatshirt and the Hudson Pants by True Bias. I love her use of color in Geodesic's triangle pieces (and of course the measuring tape drawstring on the pants.)
Read more on Jenn's blog including how she styles Geodesic for going out on the town (Spoiler: it's super cute!)
Jenn recently joined the blog team at Indiesew, an awesome online resource for patterns & fabric.
Tips from the Sewing Classroom
When I'm not working on Blueprints, most of my time is spent teaching sewing! In class, fun and useful sewing tips always come up (sometimes suggested by my awesome students!) In this section, I'll share my favorite tip of the week.
There are two camps when it comes to cutting out fabric:
A. Pin pattern to fabric and cut around the pattern -or- B. Weigh down the pattern, trace it onto fabric, then cut along the traced lines
As my students will tell you, I'm firmly in camp B and I've got all sorts of reasons: marking everything at once helps you remember notches and darts, cutting is more accurate, etc.
Pattern weights help keep the pattern in place (without distorting it like pins- there's another reason!) while you trace around and then cut.
You can make your own pattern weights by collecting pennies, washers- or hey, even small rocks- and wrapping them in fabric.
I cut a circle 2x the size of my filler, then stitch around the perimeter and cinch it closed.
Here are some more tips on cutting & marking!
Findings: Link Roundup
Inspired by the 'Findings' posts on my blog, a collection of links to cool projects, ideas, news, and more.
I listen to a lot of music when I sew and make patterns (podcasts & tv are too distracting for me!) I recently found out about radiooooo.com, an interactive music map. It's like a musical time machine: pick a year (between 1900-now) and a country and listen!
I'm really interested in the idea of 'fibersheds' and making clothing using locally produced materials. This Is Moonlight has an excellent roundup of this year's 1Year1Outfit projects.
I recently donated to the Greater Boston Food Bank as part of an awesome project by Darci Lenker. She’s embroidering an item of food every day of the year in exchange for donations to hunger related causes. Visit her instagram to learn more or donate and sign up here: http://tinyurl.com/h8cvxle
I recently visited the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, MA. If you're a quilt fan and you've never been, go visit! They have a cool show up right now and their library is fantastic. Hot tip: This Saturday from 9am-1pm is their annual bag sale. Fill a tote up with fabric for $25.
Upcoming Classes and Events
Clothing Projects
At The Eliot School
Wednesdays, 6:30PM – 8:30PM in April & May
Bring new projects, unfinished makes, or sewing projects gone awry to this open clothing sewing workshop.
Sign up and learn more here!
View other class listings on my website
I love teaching! Interested in having me come teach at your shop, camp, conference or retreat? Or have a favorite shop that features visiting instructors? Get in touch!
Thanks for reading my newsletter! If you have any ideas, projects you'd like to share, or other feedback, let me know by replying to this email!
Happy Sewing,
Taylor