Thursday, August 29, 2013

Swatching for Book #2 at Mood



I've been quietly working away on my next book, Gertie Sews Vintage Casual (due out fall 2014). I've completed the text and now it's time for the fun part: sewing the designs! There will be 10 patterns in the book with variations on each, for a total of 35 garments.

A few fun facts: 1) the patterns for the book will be printed on pattern tissue so you won't have to trace them, hurrah! and 2) I'll be modeling some of the garments, but we'll also cast a couple actual models for some diversity, and 3) genius illustrator Sun Young Park is doing the drawings again. I am SO excited about these developments.

Illustration by Sun Young Park from Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing

Anyway, with the sewing comes the other fun part: picking out fabric. Mood Fabrics (of Project Runway fame) is the generous sponsor of the fabric for the book. And now I can't resist saying "Thank you, Mood!" in my best Tim Gunn voice, of course.

Yesterday I spent a couple hours on my first swatching trip. This is, in a word, overwhelming. Mood has three floors and countless bolts of fabric. (The photo above is just the eyelet section.) And then there's the matter of the book design: everything needs to coordinate to a set palette so it's pleasing to the eye. Where does one start?

I decided to wander and cut swatches of things that I loved and then bring home the spoils and sort things out, hoping that a pattern would appear. Here's the result:


The cool thing is that, if I squint, I can see the palette revealing itself.


Picking out fabric for a second book is easier than a first book in some ways. This time, at least I know which fabrics are a nightmare to photograph (I'm looking at you, duchess satin).

Henry knew exactly what to do with the swatches:


Get fur all over them, of course!

58 comments:

  1. I'm so excited about your next book! I find your first one so helpful. So far I have just read through it a few times-- trying to absorb information to apply to other sewing projects. A few weeks ago I broke a long spell of not sewing, though, and made a portrait blouse for a job interview. I just love the results (and that I could squeeze it out of 1 yard of oh-so-expensive Liberty of London lawn). Now that I have the pattern tailored to me, I will be making many more, and eventually work my way through the more complicated patterns.

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  2. you have no idea how i am anticipating this book. your first one is my sewing bible.
    ..so these models you are casting :)

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  3. I am excited for your new book. I am completing the shirtwaist dress and my 14 year old daughter is sewing the circle skirt with a recent garage sale purchase, a 1950 Singer Featherweight.
    Thanks

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  4. Oooo, how exciting! Thanks for sharing little glimpses into the coming book. I hope some of those plaid swatches make it in.

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    1. I am ALL about the plaid for this book--the hard part is deciding which ones! Too many good options . . .

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    2. Not a plaid fan, myself, but the rest of the swatches seem a bit dark to me. I bought your two patterns you shared yesterday and am excited to use the techniques I learned in your Craftsy "Bombshell" class. Looking forward to the new book!

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  5. Pictures of the inside of Mood make me want to cry. So does going to my local Joann's fabric. All your swatches look lovely.

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  6. The swatches are now Henry's swatches, as is right & proper! *doing the new book coming dance*

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  7. 2014?!?! So long to wait!

    Looks like you've got some lovely options to pick from!

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  8. oh gosh so excited to see this one come together! :D

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  9. Bravissima!!!
    If you wish to come shop in Paris, I'll walk the fabric district with you!!
    Go Henry, he needs a patchwork cushion with all of the swatches!!

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    1. I might just take you up on that offer next summer! Hoping to be in Paris for a few days!

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  10. He's not shedding on them. He's holding them down for that awful gale-force wind that all cats just KNOW is going to come inside the house one of these days! So excited for your new book!

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  11. How exciting (yet overwhelming at the same time). I don't know how you'll be able to narrow down your selection. :) Very much looking forward to fall 2014 now and *whoopee* for tissue patterns!

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  12. I always think Mood is too expensive for me -- I like bargains but lately I've been realizing that there's a LOT for every wallet. I want to go there so bad! But, more than I want to go to Mood, I want to see your new book. I guess if you're just now getting fabric for the clothes, it's a long way away.....?

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  13. How lucky you are to have access to places that sell good garment fabrics.

    Glad to hear that you have a new book coming out, but am I in the minority because I prefer patterns that you trace rather than tissue paper patterns in a book? I like that the sturdy paper pattern sheets will always be there in my book as a backup no matter what happens to my tissue paper tracings. Besides, if we want to have access to multiple sizes when using the second book, we're going to have to trace from tissue originals which I find harder than tracing from sturdy paper.

    But I'm certainly looking forward to seeing your new book.

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  14. Hmm, am I the only one that likes the heavy paper patterns? Ok, tracing off isn't fun, but the advantages of having the original pattern on sturdy paper outweigh that by far for me. When I buy a book like this, it is an investment for life and I want the patterns that come with it to last too!

    That aside, I'm really looking forward to the new book! Also massively jealous of your shopping at Mood. This side of the pond we just don't get places like that for fabric.

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  15. So excited for the new book! Your first book is hands down my favorite sewing book, and I'm sure I'll love this one too!

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  16. Thanks for sharing the new book developments! How exciting for you and your readers.
    I squinted at your samples and see turquoise (sp?), orange and black/white stripes and of course plaid! A little bit of an Americana theme.... sort of.
    I'll be interested in seeing what the actual color theme is :), and of course your fabulous book. All the best with sample sewing!

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  17. I've only just discovered your blog, though I must admit that it was your cat that hooked me! He's gorgeous. In the past I've had a Russian Blue called Galadriel Natasha (Tash for everyday) and a British Blue called Sir Japer Stoneyheart the Landlord (Jazz for short). So, I'll be back to check up on your sewing blog and also hoping to get further glimpses of Henry.

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  18. I am working on my first project from your current book, so I shouldn't be so antsy for your second one to come out yet... but I am! The illustrations are beautiful, and I can't wait to put it on my wishlist. :)

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  19. how do you manage to get any sewing done with Henry "helping"? my two cats are always up in my projects, sitting on top of the sewing machine, rolling around on top of the fabric as i'm trying to cut it... i love the, but oi vey! so frustrating!

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  20. A fabric store with three floors? Are you kidding me? Only in my dreams, I wish I lived in New York. Congrats on the new book, it sounds all so exciting. Good for you!

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  21. I think you kitty was trying to show you her preferred selections, one under each paw. Guess you'll have to use those now!

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  22. Speaking of fabric, does anyone know of a resource that suggests alternative fabrics to those listed on the pattern envelope. For example, instead of bengaline one may use (fill-in-the-blank). Sometimes I don't like a recommended fabric and other time I simply cannot find it. Thank you.

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  23. Absolutely fantastic! Your next book that is. ;) Can't wait!

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  24. I'm really excited about your next book! So awesome :)

    www.thatssewamy.com

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  25. What a lovely soft pile of fabrics you got for your kitty. :-) Hubs and I are wondering if he has any Korat in him? He's got the silver-blue coloring, the large ears and a similar face shape.

    Happy working on your next book!

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  26. I can't wait for your next book! Loved the first one!

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  27. Super excited for your new book! Cant wait to see what you sew up for it! Plus models would be fab, just saying! ;)

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    1. Yes, there will definitely be a plus model!

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    2. Massive yes to plus model! Also I trace all patterns - tissue or not - because I have to adjust ev-ery-thing.

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    3. Sweet and thank you ! I love to see the designs on us full figured gals. Makes it so much easier to see if it will flatter or not:) And yes, I hear you on adjusting, every where.

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  28. Yay for NOT tracing! Can't wait for the next book!
    -Sandra

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  29. I'm looking forward to the book. By the time comes out, I'll be a mom of 2 kids under 2 so I'll definitely need casual clothes

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  30. This looks so much fun!!! I just splurged a little at mood online the other day - they have some amazing fabrics! :)

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  31. Another book? YIPEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

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  32. No sewing project is ever complete until you've bled on it (in the case of some fabrics, you can substitute snagging it on a torn fingernail), or the cat has blessed it.
    I'm seeing a turquoise-with-accents theme? Henry would look gorgeous against shades of dark turquoise . . . .

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  33. I can't wait to see the new book. I'm dying to make some vintage inspired separates.

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  34. YAAAAYYYY!!! Patterns on tissue... NO MORE TRACING!!!!!!!

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  35. Searching for fabrics. always good fun. Looking forward to your new book!!!

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  36. Can't wait.. Love the first book, I am always referring to it.

    Your so lucky with mood fabric = wish they shipped overseas to Australia. You couldn't have a whisper in some-one's ear??

    Steff

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  37. Wow, three floors of fabric, I would not know where to start...Are you always allowed to fetch so many swatches, or is this an exception because they are sponsoring the fabric for your book? I am curious which swatches Henry will choose. Looking forward to your new book!

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    1. Normally you have to ask one of the employees to cut swatches for you, and they're always really busy, so you have to choose carefully. But for this project, I got special permission to cut my own swatches. :)

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  38. Excited for your new book!

    But I am also one of the few loving the ordinary thick paper.

    Of course tracing is boring - but I find it worth it to be able to save the original pattern and make my changes without ruining it.

    And then, in 50 years I will have a perfect vintage copy of your book for someone who wants to sew vintage;)

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    1. i think you´re right, i like the thick paper too :)

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  39. If I squint I can see plum and turquoise... am I close?!

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  40. Haha, cats ALWAYS know what to do when there's some fabric around! I'm really looking forward to reading your new book!

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  41. Love Mood! Was there last spring on a trip to NYC from Wisconsin, and they were SUPER helpful, and let my pre-schooler "swatch" to keep him entertained. He still has his swatches, and I have been very successful with my fabrics.

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  42. Hi Gertie! I love your first book! For the second book, please include a line drawing of the garment to go along with the photo of the model wearing it so it's easy to see the style lines. Thanks for your easygoing teaching style and wonderful blog! It really inspires me.

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  43. You lucky girl! Sponsored by Moods, so you don't have to think about costs... WOW! That's seamstress's heaven as I imagine it!

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  44. Your books are so helpful and I enjoy them along with your blog! Your cat Henry, looks like a twin to my Lana. And yes, cats love to get fur all over the fabrics and play hide-n-seek in them when trying to cut.

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  45. Yay!!!! I can't wait, just finished your first book and I LOVE IT! I will be first in line to get my copy!

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  46. Yay!!! I can't wait!! I just finished your first book and I LOVE IT! I will be first in line to buy your new book. Thanks so much for sharing your love for vintage clothes and sewing.

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    1. Naah, sweetheart, you'll be behind me . . . giggles. Seriously, isn't this SO exciting?

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  47. Really looking forwards to the new book, but please please pretty please reconcider on the tissue paper for the patterns. I realise there are some who are happy about them, but while it´s fine for single patterns I don´t think it makes sense for a *book*. the point of a book is to be able to return to it over and over again, the complete opposite of a tissue pattern. Just since I bought the first book about a year back my body has changed a lot, and if I´d cut into the patterns then they´d be completely worthless now. The lack of sturdy pattern paper will siginificantly lessen the value of the book over time.

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  48. The top photo has an orange/red gingham check print that IMMEDIATELY caught my eye. UUuww weee I am so excited for you and Fall 2014 can't get here quick enough so I can get my copy.

    Err aahh, (she whispers) perhaps I should get off line and get started on my first Gertie Sewing Book project.

    Lyric
    http://www.sewandcro.com

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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