retro mama

Spring...?

2013-04-24T12:07:00.000-05:00

I do believe that Spring has arrived here in Indiana. I know many of you in the Midwest and Northeast are still buried in snow (my condolences) but we are finally, finally starting to see some sunshine here, and thank goodness. I'm hopeful that after one (or two?) last frosts we will eventually get to start planting our garden!

But fortunately, even in the recent dreary weather, I have been lucky enough to sew with some gorgeous, colorful fabrics that went a long way in brightening my days.

I made these elephants with Maude Asbury's cute circus-y Bailey line, and matching felt bunting

And a couple of matryoshka dolls with Anna Griffin's Mirabelle prints. I just love how they look once I've finished their sweet smiling faces and before they've been stuffed

Here they are on my favorite shelf (I would love to show you an update on my sewing room but it is absolutely stuffed to the gills with felt, and I am back to rearranging everything again, see: The Story of My Life)

And speaking of Spring, all of these cuties will be on display at Market next month, so a big hug and thanks to Blend and Anna Griffin for sending all these great fabrics for me to play with!

What are you looking forward to when the weather gets warmer? Me? I can't wait to start planting vegetables and to be able to open up the house for some fresh air and spring cleaning.

Happy Stitching!

Chinoiserie

2013-04-10T08:09:00.000-05:00

I wanted to let you know about a new collaboration I have with the lovely folks at Anna Griffin!

My pear and apple pincushion patterns are bundled with some gorgeous prints from Anna's Chinoiserie fabric line, available as a kit through HSN. In the kit everything you need to make 4 pincushions (including full color instructions, fabric, fusible web, embroidery floss, felt, and stuffing), and you can use the patterns afterward to make more pears and apples with your own fabric scraps! HSN only ships within the US, but you can also find Chinoiserie at your favorite online (and hopefully local) fabric shops.

Special thanks to Anna and Tracey and everyone else involved in this project, and I hope that at least a few of my readers will be able to take advantage of this great deal!

Happy Stitching,

Spring Cleaning

2013-04-04T11:41:00.001-05:00

Popping in after a crazy Spring Break (not crazy in the traditional sense of beaches, parties, and fun, but having spent a week mostly indoors with 30 degree weather, one boy with cabin fever, and the other with an actual cold) to share a few Spring Cleaning goodies with you.

I've listed several felt scrap packs in my shop--most for just $5.00 plus shipping--carefully curated for maximum softie-making. You can find all the bundles here. There is a limited supply of scrap packs, so grab them now while you can! I'll be adding some fabric bundles in the next few days as well, keep an eye out!

Happy Stitching,

petite pachyderm

2013-02-11T09:35:00.000-06:00

I've received a lot of questions lately about whether it is possible to reduce my elephant sewing pattern in size. A clever stitcher had posted a photo of a mini elephant on my Facebook page some time ago, which, of course now I cannot find (if that was you, please let me know so I can link to you!). Then more recently, Connie, from the lovely Modern Textiles, let me know that printing the pattern at 75% worked perfectly. So I just had to try it out for myself.

I set my photocopier to print the pattern pieces at 75%, and while sewing, I used a seam allowance of just under 1/4". The result is this adorable elephant, measuring about 6" tall. I also made the tail a little longer, so it would be easier to tie the knot. I've been asked if it is possible to set Adobe Reader to print smaller, and to my knowledge it is not, sorry!

If anyone has tried reducing any of my other patterns, I'd love to hear your results! Pocket sized bunnies or owls, anyone?

Happy Stitching!

Mod for Matryoshka

2013-01-30T08:52:00.000-06:00

Are you "mad" for matryoshka dolls? Well now you can be "mod" for matryoshka with my latest sewing pattern! These cute and modern gals are just the thing to brighten up your day, perched on a bookshelf, holding your straight pins, or as a friendly doorstop.

This sewing pattern is perfect for beginners: there are photos for each step and lots of tips for sewing and stuffing. The pattern includes 3 sizes, small: 5-3/4”H, medium: 7-1/4”H, and large: 8”H.

As always, if you ever have questions while stitching, please send them my way, and you are always invited to share your Retro Mama project photos at my Facebook page and flickr group. I can't wait to see your new matrioshkas, babushkas, and Russian dolls!

Happy Stitching,

winsome winners

2013-01-29T10:40:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all who entered the pattern giveaway! Three entries have been randomly selected by random.org:

And the winners are...

Congratulations! I will contact the winners shortly!

shop update and giveaway reminder

2013-01-28T08:44:00.001-06:00

Three new colors are available in the shop: Cheesecake (a lovely pale creamy yellow), Honey (a gorgeous light blonde), and vanilla (a smooth off white). Enjoy!

Also, my best-selling wool blend felt colors are now available by the yard!

And lastly, don't forget to enter the giveaway for the chance to win my brand new Matryoshka sewing pattern! The winner will be announced Tuesday (Jan. 29).

Happy stitching!

winsome goodies

2013-01-25T19:50:00.000-06:00

First, I want to thank you for the lovely response to my sewing table (I'm so glad I'm not the only "giant" out there!) and matryoshka dolls. My new table is working out great, and is currently com-plete-ly covered with the remnants of pattern drafting and sample stitching (i.e. the state I prefer it to be!).

Which brings me to "win some" portion of this post. In just a few days, my matryoshka pattern will be available for purchase (yay!). So, in celebration of my 14th PDF sewing pattern release, I will be giving away 3 copies of my Mod for Matryoshka sewing pattern!

All you need to do is leave a comment below (1 per person, please!) letting me know your favorite pattern from my shop, OR what pattern you would like me to tackle next! Three lucky winners will be announced on Tuesday (Jan. 29), and will receive the pattern before it is available in my shop (Wednesday). Please make sure that your name links to an e-mail address or leave it in the comments so I can contact you if you win.

UPDATE: This post is closed to entries, I will announce the winners later in the day! Thank you to everyone who entered!

Good luck, and Happy Stitching!

Hans and Greta....by you!

2013-01-14T08:39:00.000-06:00

Popping by (in between cutting stacks and stacks of felt) to share some Hans and Greta photos that you, my lovely customers, have posted or sent to me. I am constantly awed by your creativity and inventiveness, and I am so grateful to be part of the dolls that are being made for your own little ones and for your business endeavors! Thank you so much for choosing my patterns for your sewing projects; please keep sharing your project photos!

These sweet Greta dolls by Laura are each sporting an adorable appliqued apron. They look like the best of friends, don’t they?

This cute mismatched (mismatched being the best kind of matched) Hans was made by Kim, who happens to have a sweet party supply shop. Those little denim shorts slay me, and the stripey socks + yellow sneakers combination = fab.

This amazing collection of Greta dolls is by Lamb and Wolfie, and I think they have all been sold, but perhaps you could ask her pretty please to make one for you? I adore all the hair styles and accessories! How cute is Greta with pink hair??

Could this Harry Potter trio by Kelsie BE any cuter--I want to give Harry, Hermione, and Ron some chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans! Check out the real buckles and laces on the shoes, and those sweaters are amazing!

These colorful Hans and Greta dolls by Kara are so groovy! The simplified design makes them appropriate for your very littlest ones, and I really dig the wild hair colors!

Thanks again to those of you who shared your photos with me. I do believe that bunny season is coming up--I would love to see your Easter eggs, and your Betsy and Basil bunnies!

Happy Stitching,

resolution: sewing room

2013-01-10T12:48:00.000-06:00

As the new year rolled in, I was inspired to take charge of my sewing room. I have been multi-tasking my resolutions to get more fit and organized by rearranging my room as well as adding some new furniture to make life a bit easier.

First order of business? A new cutting table.

It's about time. Sometimes I get the impression that the entire population of folks on the internet is around 5 feet tall and I am some kind of aberrant giant at 5' 9-1/2". Anyway. I was breaking my back cutting fabric and felt on my old table (which had formally been our dining table, until it was scratched in one of our moves), which is nearly 7" shorter than the new one.

I haven't cut anything on it yet but I can already tell the height will make a world of difference. (P.S. Those sadly empty shelves will be brimming with felt by early next week!)

Please pardon the grainy camera phone photos, perhaps my regular camera was misplaced in the excitement of furniture moving?

I noticed this when I flipped over the old table after it was disassembled. Apparently we move around a lot (she says, tongue in cheek)? The first time we relocated with a moving company I was religious about taking off all the moving stickers, but apparently I gave up soon thereafter.

Next order of business? A new shelf, which I adore. Camera: found!

Mmm. Colors.

This shelf is so cleverly designed and so gorgeous that I pretty much want to buy all my furniture now from Land Of Nod. I am sure to spend hours playing with it, there are just too many possibilities. I feel like a little girl rearranging her dollhouse; in fact the arrangement is already different from the photo. Yes, the migrating dolls on the lower part shelf are a pattern in progress, I plan to have that available for you soon(ish)!

I will show you more of my room as other bits fall into place. Anyone else have sewing room resolutions this year?

Happy Stitching!

2012 (and a sale!)

2012-12-31T20:08:00.000-06:00

1. Hans and Greta, 2. Happy Valentine's Day!, 3. patchwork potholder, 4. paper pieced house, 5. mini pear pincushion, 6. Doxie, 7. fabric house ornament no. 2, 8. cover girl, 9. elephant softies, 10. Ruthie Bear, 11. mini apple pincushion, 12. 12 houses, 13. Hans

Looking back on my (sadly, few) photos from 2012 it seems that it was the year of the house for me. And Hans. And doxies. And felt. Lots and lots of felt (you should see how much I have now!). I had some amazing opportunities come my way this past year (and at least one that I will share with you shortly), that kept me quiet and hunkered down hard at work. But, I hope to spend more time with you in the coming year, because chatting with crafty friends here is one of my favorite things.

For one of my biggest accomplishments last year I have you to thank, as more felt came into and left my little room than I ever could have expected. I love helping to find just the right colors for your projects and I’m so excited that in the coming year I will be able to offer even more felt, both in new colors, and, for the first time, yardage!

So, as a thank you, I am having a New Year’s sale on everything in my Etsy shop. Use the code NEWYEAR20 for 20% off your order through January 3. I am quite low on pear, cherry, and espresso felt, but I expect to be restocked in 2-3 weeks. Please go ahead and order the colors that you would like, and if any of your colors end up being backordered, I will give you your options after checkout. Sorry, I will not have new 6x6 sets until my new shipment of felt arrives!

Thanks again for a wonderful year, and Happy 2013!

Stay warm (or cool, as the case may be),

twelve cottages of Christmas

2012-11-02T12:10:00.002-05:00

A new holiday season, a new batch of fabric house ornaments! ~~I've just added 12 little cottages to my shop, and this is the only batch that I will make this year, so once they are gone, they're gone!~~ All of the houses have been sold. Thank you! (if you are feeling crafty, see my house ornament tutorial for making your own)

house no. 2

house no. 3

house no. 100

Happy shopping and/or stitching!

random goodies and a preview

2012-10-29T10:08:00.000-05:00

I made a few goodies for Blend Fabrics at Quilt Market...unfortunately the only day I had to take photos was crummy, but I wanted to show you my Ruthie Bear anyway because I loved how she turned out. The fabrics are from Anna Griffin's new Juliet line and the photos do not do justice to the gorgeousness of these creamy neutral prints.

and the random: working on my elephant mobile for Make It Yourself magazine

FYI: felt stacks are back in the shop!

And coming soon to the shop: a batch of fabric house ornaments

Reminder and Make It Yourself info

2012-10-09T08:29:00.001-05:00

A reminder that I'm running a sale this week through Oct. 14! Use the code FALL20 at my Etsy shop for 20% everything, and patterns on my blog are pre-discounted.

Second, several international folks have asked me where they could purchase Make It Yourself, so I wanted to let you know that it is available in digital format through Zinio(link on my sidebar!). For those in the US, I have also found the magazine at Barnes and Noble and JoAnn stores, and I believe it has also been seen at Walmart. If you've found it elsewhere, I'd love it if you would let me know in the comments!

Fall Sale at Retro Mama

2012-10-08T08:44:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again...time to get started on those holiday projects! If only there was some convenient way to stock up on sewing patterns and felt.....

OK! Here you go:

Use the code FALL20 to save 20% off all PDF sewing patterns, felt, and sewing kits in my Etsy shop through Sunday, October 14. Patterns on my blog are pre-discounted, no code necessary. (If you want to purchase more than one pattern, though, I recommend using my Etsy shop!)

Happy shopping and stitching!

Make It Yourself Magazine

2012-09-28T13:05:00.000-05:00

Please forgive me if I seem a bit...err...flighty today. I just got a copy of the brand spankin' new Make It Yourself magazine, and lookie at the cover!

I have two projects in the debut issue of the magazine. First, I altered my house ornament pattern so it could be made with charm squares (yay!). the other project I designed specifically for Make It Yourself. It's a sweet circus-y elephant nursery mobile, mostly made with felt. It has bunting, stars, and balancing balls, and it's paired with a wonderful quilt by Theresa Porter of meanderingthread.

There are soooo many gorgeous projects in this magazine, I think you should run out and buy one right away. It will be available on newstands until December 31 and I believe I may have left one or two copies out there... (I found mine at Barnes and Noble, but my local JoAnn did not have it, FYI)

Happy Stitching!

Hans

2012-09-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

It's taken awhile...but I'm finally ready to introduce you to Hans!

He's a sweet little guy who likes shooting marbles, climbing trees, and the occasional jaunt into the woods with his sister, Greta. Don't worry, he always remembers to keep breadcrumbs in his pockets!

He's got corduroy shorts, suspenders, and a cute cowlick too. I recommend my Hans doll PDF sewing pattern for experienced beginner stitchers and beyond (I don't recommend him as your very first sewing project, but if you've already stitched up a couple simple patterns I think you'll have no problem with Hans! And as always, you are welcome to ask questions if you need help as you're stitching along).

All the felt colors used for Hans can be found in my shop (chestnut for his hair, cherry and marshmallow for the sneakers, and curry for buttons). It's quite possible that Hans is my favorite pattern so far, but then again, I always think that about my latest pattern!

(Greta pattern can be found here)

Happy Stitching,

playing with food

2012-08-29T10:06:00.000-05:00

I've got something fun to unveil very soon...but until then, I'll tempt you with some pretty pears and apples

These are the smaller versions of my pear pincushion and apple pincushion patterns, with the larger sized leaves. The apple is made with School Picnic by Sarah Jane and the pear with polka dots by American Jane (out of print, sorry!). I will let you know the moment I find a new polka dot print that is *just* the right shade of green!

I hope you've had a lovely summer (or winter, as the case may be) and that you'll have a fruitful new season of stitching!

first time for everything

2012-07-24T13:19:00.000-05:00

I have never attempted paper piecing. Before now.

I'd always admired the look of paper pieced blocks, but the process seemed too much trouble, all that folding and holding things up to the light and dulling your needles on paper, ripping the paper off the fabric, etc., etc., etc. Essentially, I am a very ~~lazy~~ busy gal. So I'm thinking, there has to be a ~~lazier~~ quicker way to do this. Or at least a method that is a little less mind-straining.

Then, my husband asked me if there was anything more I could do with my fabric house pattern, and of course I couldn't resist the challenge.

I couldn't even be bothered to buy freezer paper.

But I think it turned out pretty well.

My favorite part might be the rick rack on the roof. Or perhaps the chimney? No, it has to be the peek-a-boo number on the door. That's it.

I'm already planning changes for the next house. I'm sure (famous last words) I could squeeze in some smaller details (rounded door? window shade? doorknob??) without having too many meltdowns. Or make the house a little smaller (it's 9" x 9", I'm thinking something more potholder sized?).

How about you? Have you learned any new techniques lately?

housekeeping

2012-07-02T07:11:00.000-05:00

Things are going to look a little different around here...please excuse any funny goings-on or broken link-thingies for the next few days!

To help distract you from the dust, I'll leave you with a few photos of samples I made for spring Market for Blend Fabrics

Spring Promise by Ana Davis

Molokai by Jessica Swift

Magic Garden by Sabine Reinhart

Tinsel by Maude Asbury

And, in case you missed last week's Zakka Style Sew Along...Lindsay of LRstitched blogged my patchwork potholder pattern from the book. If you want to sew along, make sure you take a look at my circular binding tutorial!

Happy Stitching!

Kim

So many little ones, so little time

2012-06-26T12:28:00.001-05:00

I frequently receive requests for finished items, and even though I reallyreallyreally want to make elephants and owls for all those sweet baby nurseries and dolls for all the adorable kiddos, I just no longer have the time. Sigh. But. I know there are lots of talented stitchers out there who are making beautiful creations with my patterns, and I would LOVE to direct the requests your way.

So. If you are a Retro Mama Stitcher, please give me a shout in the comments or send me an e-mail. I’ll be posting a directory for where to buy finished RM goodies and I want you to be included!

Please read the following for my simple requirements and other info:

1. Make sure that you are following all my policies (particularly that you put the credit line, "This item was handmade with a Retro Mama pattern" in the description for every product made with one of my patterns).

2. A link to my pattern product listings in your descriptions is very much appreciated, though not required.

3. I specifically get many requests for elephants and pincushions, just so you know.

4. Be sure to post your photos on my Facebook page!

Here are a few finished RM items that I found on Etsy

pear pincushions by sewfaithful

elephant softie by eamylove

Greta dolls by whimsyvintage

dachshund softie by bouclenoire

Keep up the gorgeousness!

Happy Stitching!

Kim

felt like it

2012-06-22T09:49:00.000-05:00

I added some smaller cuts of felt to the shop...

You'll get 42 6" squares, one in each color, including two brand new grays, pebble (left) and slate (right).

It's a great way to get a sampling of all the colors, or just a nice collection of felt for little applique projects.

If you do want to make your own swatch card, you can download the PDF for free right here (the file has been updated with the new colors).

Happy stitching!

Kim

beach-tiquing

2012-06-13T11:27:00.001-05:00

Just returned from a lovely visit with my mom...I brought my good camera with me to Florida, but ended up leaving it behind because I was terrified that I would drop it in the sand after a recent, and very unfortunate, incident involving my laptop and a glass of water, so these photos were taken with my phone...

we went to the beach every morning

saw Crab Island, a submerged island where the water is waist-deep and you can park your boat and swim or fish or play (this photo was snapped before it got busy)

visited my grandpa's boat, the Sweetheart, built in the 1940s, and newly refurbished by her new owner

dined at Dewey Destin seafood restaurant, a local favorite. Delicious seafood (don't be fooled by the trailer-kitchen) and a fun place to eat...

...even if you happen to be a "saucy wench"

and later while shopping, discovered "redneck" goblets, for the sophisticated moonshiner

I also had the good fortune to be introduced to the wonderful Michelle of Flutterby Antiques, who very generously invited us to peruse her immense button collection. Here are just a few of the goodies that I brought home

And with that I must bid you adieu. I have two rowdy boys who are insisting that we take a dip in the kiddie pool. It's not the gulf beach, but it'll have to do for now!

Happy Summer!

Kim

Milo & Moxie

2012-05-08T06:27:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to share my new pattern with you! Say Hi to Milo and Moxie, Doxie Softies (Phew. Say that 5 times fast). Dachshunds are some of the cutest pups on the planet, and these two will look adorable on your little one's bed or shelf. They have 2 legs, so they do need help to stand, and join the ranks of my easier sewing patterns, perfect for beginners. The cute felt bone pattern is included.

You will love how quickly these guys sews up, so grab some felt, a pattern, your favorite prints, and get stitching!

Milo & Moxie are made with Spring Promise from Blend Fabrics.

Happy Stitching!

Kim

long time no see

2012-04-26T12:54:00.000-05:00

It's been awfully quiet around these here parts, and I'm sorry about that. I'm working on several projects right now and they are mostly Top Secret so I haven't been able to share them just yet. But I can give you a sneak peak of my next pattern, which will be ready soon!

This is my sleepy doxie softie, and you can also expect to see a boy version. Both the softie and the bunting are made with the brand spanking new Spring Promise by Ana Davis. This collection is beautiful, it has a very Fairy Tale feeling and I only wish I had a little girl's room to decorate with these fabrics! Spring Promise is supposed to ship in May, so keep an eye out for it!

I will have more things to show you soon, but in the meantime, put this sweet pup on your To Do list, because I'll have this pattern ready for you within a few weeks, hooray!

Happy Stitching,

Kim