the Creative Thursday blog

schoolhouse tunic

In the year and a half that I've been designing fabric, I've also been taking a lot of sewing classes. I cannot tell you how much it helps me understand who and what it is I am actually designing for. Learning how the pattern I design might be used, has been incredibly helpful in thinking of the best presentation and layout of the each design. (I for one really like stripes, because they are much easier, a little cheat sheet if you will, for me to cut and sew in a straight line ;))

My most recent class that I took at Sew L.A. {which if you are in L.A. I highly, highly recommend any and all classes there} was to make this Schoolhouse Tunic by Sew Liberated. What is suggested, and what I actually did this time I took a class! was make a second piece simultaneously at home. This definitely helps nail down that initial learning process into more than just instructions that literally float away from my brain the very next day, if not the same day.

The Iphone has also been super helpful with classes too, as I've found that I'm a visual learner so snapping a photo of the teacher demonstrating the next step for us,  helps me way more than just taking notes. A combination of Iphone photos, notes, and last but not least the actual pattern instructions {I'm not really a very good instruction follower kind of girl} and I was able to successfully make a second tunic at home in the span of the same 3 weeks {with minimal mistakes I might add}

The pattern is for intermediate level and definitely pushed my skill level which was perfect for where I'm at with my sewing. It takes just under 3 yds. of fabric, both fabrics shown above are from my first collection, meet the gang, and I recommend choosing the size up from what you usually wear.

Having also sewn my first small quilt last year, I find apparel sewing to be even more challenging. Then again my quilt was made from 4 blocks, all square. Some of the quilts I see - whoa - seriously skilled people working on those. Totally different sewing experiences though, apparel vs. quilting. I have to say I'm loving it all, minus that pattern cutting and the pinning. As per usual, I've got big plans and want to start designing my own line of clothing, and patterns, right after  I finish this book and...

Some accessorizing with a striped cowl and some yellow rain boots - voila. {If you're wondering what I'm looking at in these photos, it was Garbo. I'm telling you she's my muse} I've also worn both of these over jeans. Lets' just say I've been wearing one of these almost every day. 

i will carry this with me everywhere

It's pretty much because of Lizzy that I decided to pursue designing fabric. 

We first met while teaching at Squam and she's the first person who literally looked at me and said "You should be designing fabric". And I remember exactly how she emphasized the word should in usual Lizzy style.

And it's pretty much because of her that I even decided to go to Quilt Market last year and present my designs. Because of the message in this card that she sent me.

And it's pretty much because of her that I sat down with Kathy {the art director we now both work with} to share the very beginnings of a fabric line.

And this weekend, she sent me the sweetest little bag that she sewed combining both of our new fabrics. I am literally beside myself, not only because I love it so much, but I hardly even know how to begin to thank this kind of generosity.

This bag, my new favorite that I will now carry with me everywhere, is a symbol. Not only of a friendship, with the kindest person who has the most giving heart, but also ~ a fellow artist who reminds me again and again that there is room for all of us ~ the kind of room that holds the space for all of us to succeed and thrive together.

{thank you Lizzy}

happy halloween! + a sewing illustration

It's Halloweeeeen! Since it's celebratory sort of day, I decided to make creativity {and carving pumpkins} my highest priority. I've been so excited to illustrate more with my sewing machine and finally gave myself the opportunity to explore this mostly new medium for me. 

Essentially a free-motion illustration on the sewing machine, on natural cotton combined with batting and my fabric on both the front and back sides ~ I also hand embroidered the border and painted the skeleton. Seriously, I loved creating this and am feeling pulled this direction in my art. I think I've probably mentioned that before? I have no idea where it will take me, but anxious to see. 

So this is the first time I've made available for purchase over at the shop. I also created this little piece to wish you a Happy Halloween!!! 

It turned out to be a particularly fulfilling creative day and now at nearly 5 pm with more work to do, I'm wondering exactly how and when the pumpkin carving will fit in? Ok, fine. You know me and my love for roasted pumpkin seeds. I will find the time. have a fun Halloween out there!

fabric is here! Meet the Gang by Marisa and Creative Thursday

Finally! More than just a tiny swatch ;)

I actually scanned in every print so that I could share some of the details of each pattern with you while also trying to get the most accurate representation of color and texture. {please forgive the wrinkle here and there. Turns out scanning fabric is not so easy, nor is trying to photoshop out said wrinkles} So here's the scoop! The fabric is set to ship to stores next week. I'm waiting on an updated list of the shops carrying 'Meet the Gang' and my plan is to add the list to the bottom of this post so that you can find the fabric either near you locally or online. If you are a shop carrying the fabric and want to be added to the list, drop me a note via email or in the comments. And if you are a shop wanting to order the fabric you can see more images here and contact Andover directly to get in touch with the Sales Rep in your area. Until then I have added a limited quantity of fat quarter bundles to my shop.

When I made the decision to pursue this, I had no idea just how much I would enjoy translating my art and designs into fabric. I have already completed my next group as well as a holiday group that will be presented at Quilt Market in just a couple of weeks. Not without it's challenges, as designing fabric has been a whole new learning curve, I can't even begin to tell you how much I've loved making this. I also want to note that this venture is a big collaboration. There's a whole team of people that helped my vision become fabric. Thank you Andover, Kathy and Lizzy.  

One of my missions with Creative Thursday has always been to inspire others to be more creative {if they are wanting} and now I've actually made something that you can create with. Full circle moment.

I realized when I was putting this line together and telling the 'story' of how it came to be ~ that these characters came to life when I needed them most. During a very uncertain and scary time on my journey as an artist, I needed extra support and encouragement. Every time I painted one of these characters it felt like they were calmly cheering me on, reminding me that everything would be ok and that I should keep going. Wherever you are on your creative path, I hope these little fellows will do the same for you. Cheer you on!

Cannot wait to see what you will make :)

embroidery patterns + kits

So this is the inspiration behind the little snippet of  Ruby that I shared with you last week. I thought it might be fun to create an embroidery pattern to complement my first fabric line "Meet the Gang". And after sharing these in my class last weekend at the retreat, I saw firsthand how much fun everyone was having stitching and painting these little fellows, especially RUUUBY!! 

And yes, painting and stitching. I'm sort of enamored with combining the embroidery and applique with acrylic paints on fabric. I started exploring that a short while ago and now with my work in fabric design, I feel like I get to combine my loves and explore a whole new direction in my art.

If you feel inspired, you can create one too. I've listed a pattern, ready to go! already printed on fabric, so you can grab a needle and thread and start stitching. I've also listed six kits that include a hoop, a needle, a sampling of thread and my fabric.

You can find everything over at the shop {pssst...including a limited number of fat quarter bundles of 'Meet the Gang' that I just listed today}

And that blog post... the one I've been promising to share...for a really long time...with larger views of the fabric...that one is next!

I hope you enjoy these new additions!

and then there were buttons

thanks so much for all the 'art on tv' love.  after all that excitement I wasn't sure what to do with myself yesterday and then NBC re-aired the same episode and I was able to relive the excitement all over again, especially with my friend Liz on the other end of the phone watching at the same time ;) I don't think they are playing it again today, so instead I'm taking another sewing class = just as exciting!! have a great weekend everyone!

i made some pillows

With my own fabric. Seriously. There is nothing more satisfying. 

What's also special about this photo is that the pillows are resting in the seat of the very first creation, one of my hand painted vintage chairs, that I released under the Creative Thursday name in 2004. A full circle moment.

My plan is to post the entire fabric line {coming out so soon now!} in the next week or so. 

the strike offs arrived

I have to say. It's a pretty amazing feeling to see your name on the selvage of a piece of fabric. 

 

happy creative thursday

 

'meet the gang' :: meet my first fabric line!

Hello from Salt Lake City where the Spring Quilt Market festivities are about to begin!

And also the moment I reveal my very first fabric line ~ that I love so much it hurts. Honestly I can't even begin to put into words the joy I feel having the opportunity to expand my creative expression, and take Creative Thursday in a brand new direction. Pre-selling this market and printed by fall by Andover Fabrics, a sneak peek above of  'Meet the Gang'.

See you at Quilt Market! and/or back here on the other side.