We've been hit with lots of snowstorms in the Hudson Valley this winter, and I can't help but love it. Is there anything better than watching the snow fall from a cozy vantage point sitting at a sewing machine? The past year has seen some changes for me, including going back to work part time (more on that some other time) so I have to take my sewing hours where I can get them. And there have been a LOT of sewing hours recently.
I'm working on my next book, which will most likely be called Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book. I'm making 25 dresses. When I plan these things, it always seems so do-able and natural. "Of course I'll make 25 dresses for the book! Any other number would be insane!" I don't know if trying to make 25 dresses in a relatively short period of time is a sign of insanity, but it certainly causes it.
In good news, I'm on dress 24 and I'm proud to say that I couldn't be more excited about this project. The most difficult thing about making sewing books for me is trying to get my vision to align with the finished product. Things always seem to shift and change along the way of course, but there's always a fundamental concept that I want to come through in the end. (In my first book, the concept was vintage couture inspired by Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing; in my second book, the concept was the way vintage can be sewn and worn in our everyday lives.) Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. It seems to be happening more often than not on this project, so I'm happy as can be.
In other news, I have a new Butterick pattern out! B6167 is a dress meant to get us all thinking about the warmer days to come. It's made here in one of my new fabrics that will be available in Joann stores next month. I love roses, polka dots, and border prints, so . . . why not all three?!
The dress has a boned bodice, a gathered bust inset, straps, and a full gathered skirt.
For those of you in this stormy winter weather, I hope you're safe and enjoying being snowed in and getting some sewing done.
When do you think the book will be ready?
ReplyDeleteIt will be published in spring 2016. It has to be ready (on my end anyway) a whole heck of a lot earlier than that! :)
DeleteWow, another book! Sounds like it will be my favourite :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I LOVE your books! I'm so excited there will be another one. The fabric you designed is really cute too. I'm obsessed with dresses and I really like the ones you design!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm dress-obsessed too, so this subject was such a natural. Can't wait til it's out in the world!
DeleteI can't wait to buy the fabric. The Butterick pattern is already on its way to my house.
ReplyDeletexx,
jacqueline
Wow. You have been busy. Your new fabric and pattern are so, so, so cute. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI just came across your book and love your styles. I particularly liked the red and white striped boatneck top. I noticed you said all the fabrics came from Mood. Can you tell me if that fabric was a ponte or a jersey, etc., so I can better try and obtain something similar? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo exciting! Go Gertie!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is seriously a dream come true! I love your books because your sizing system is just perfect for my body (not to mention the design and aesthetics of the patterns). So.. waiting for the spring is always difficult, but now I have to wait for the spring of 2016 as well!
ReplyDeleteI like the dress above, could it be made to work on someone with a bigger bust?
ReplyDeleteThat's a great frock you've designed there, congratulations on your upcoming book. I've enjoyed reading your blog and happy for you that your hard work has been successful in book format. Totally agree, putting in the sewing hours is the key, but so hard to find the time!
ReplyDeleteI so look forward to seeing the new fabrics!
ReplyDeleteLove the new pattern & fabric. Can't wait to see that fabric in person.
ReplyDeleteA third book! All my dreams!
ReplyDeleteThis are great news! I have your second book and I love it, so I will be getting the fist one soon and of course the new one.
ReplyDeleteThe new butterick pattern is very cute, and the flower print lovely. It seems that the gathered bust inset is not under the bust, just mid way. Is this correct? If so, I hope you can make a pattern that goes under the bust some day, or maybe include two options. I think it looks better for small busts (like mine)
It does go under the bust, and then curves slightly up toward the side seams.
DeleteOh, then it's perfect. It seemed like the butterick one in the picture but ia nice to have the underbust option ^^
DeleteCan't wait! I have both of your books and I love them!
ReplyDeleteYes! Love your new dress pattern - it is the closest I have seen to this dress worn by 'Sookie Stackhouse' that I have been coveting for years: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/34410384623972147/
ReplyDeleteAnd I will be eagerly awaiting your new book full of dresses - mmmmmmm!!!!
Great news on the new book Gertie - I'll be sure to get a copy as I've practically devoured your 'Casual' one! Does your busy schedule allow for any more of your You Tube sewing shows - I loved the first three! You're such a natural in front of the camera and your enthusiasm for your subject is inspirational x
ReplyDeleteI came across your new pattern when I was stocking out the new Butterick! It was a pleasant surprise!
ReplyDeleteI love border prints and roses!! I will have to buy this fabric! Border prints are hard to find.
ReplyDeleteI passed by your new pattern cuz I thought, "Like I'll ever find gorgeous border print like that...." Now I find out that is one of your new fabrics. Squeal! And I remember you promised kitties. I'm saving all my fabric budget for when they come out!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy about these news! I loved your previous books, so I'm looking forward to this one.
ReplyDeleteAnother book! With only dresses! So fun - congrats! I'm looking forward to seeing more from it - and from you. Also very curious about your new job.
ReplyDeleteA dress book! I can't wait!!!!!! The new pattern is stunning. How would it go with a generous bust? It looks really sweet on the model, but she is a tiny wee thing. The fabric is perfection.
ReplyDeletei love all of this! sooooo cute!!
ReplyDeleteMake sure to visit my blog! So, hi.
Gathers UNDER the bust! Yay! Adorable with a small bust, knockout with a larger one! I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI agree nothing better than sitting at your machine sewing watching the snow fall.
ReplyDeleteI just finally got my hands on your two books and I LOVE them, so I can't wait for your next one to come out, specially because it will be all about dresses!!
ReplyDeleteSounds fantastic! Dress #24 is AMAZING progress! Looking forward to the book!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the fabric
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new pattern and your upcoming book. I have book no. 1 and it looks like book no. 3 will be on my self also. :-)
ReplyDeleteAs if you do not have enough on your plate but a closed mouth does not get fed. So, I would like to ask if you would consider designing a vintage style dress for a mature, large; i.e., size 18 woman/granny like myself? I mean I am old, and large, but still want to look on point when I dress, not matronly.
I love, love the dress you made B5882 (I mean really in love); but can't pull it off for my silhouette. Were I a better sewist I would figure how to make that baby work for ME. Love it (oh did I say that).
Keep up the good work, Gertie.
Cheers,
Lyric
I love this dress. I love that fabric. I love all of it so much, that I actually bought the fabric that you designed the dress for, and I almost never do that. I'm cutting it out now, and let me tell you, it's taking all of my sewing mojo from years as a professional seamstress and a costume designer to make that pretty dress fit my menopausal body, but I'm determined to make it look good. A 36F bust in that dress? Oh yeah. ("Hello boys!") A weirdly round middle section, but only on the front half of my body? Check. I'm just grateful you designed this to stop at the waist. I mean, the back bodice side seam slants the opposite diagonal from the "norm" to accommodate my new post-menopause body. If I had to figure out how to make princess seams flatter this stomach, I think I'd probably go mad. I'd post a pic of the bodice if I could, but oh well. Moving on to the lining!
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