Processing

It has been a MAJOR month full of goodness and inspiration. My mind is already so full from May that it's trying to live in June. However, I'm doing my best, to keep my thoughts in the present and to process all the wonderful moments and exciting developments that have recently transpired.

First, there was camp... ♥ 

and then there was Portland .....and of course Quilt Market!!!

I still hope to elaborate more on of these, after I've sorted through all the thoughts and photos.

As far as sewing's concerned, I've worked on just a few things in between all the travel.  

For Market I made an extra special, rainbow, maxi, Staple Dress.

I pieced together a foxy tote bag.

And durning the flights and car rides, I've stitched a bit more on this...

my ongoing, black and white, cross stitch, wip. I'm now calling "Road Work", because I really, only work on it while in transit.

Plus I've been working on 2 new patterns... {perhaps you've seen little peaks of them on my IG...}

phew.. It's felt like a lot. It kind-of-is. For me anyhow.

Now for the to do list that has my mind wandering into June...

• Write a newsletter for The Shoppe
• Sew cover "garments" for new patterns
• New patterns - cover shoot (i.e. party with my lady friends and watch Suzanne work her magic!!)
• Build new website
• The Staple Dress pattern - IN PRINT
• New patterns - testing and finalizing
• Remodel studio!! 

(not on this list is the small matter of selling our old house!!! and, of course, mothering two small children, and washing the dishes, and folding the laundry and cleaning the cat box and planting flowers and making dinner and driving to play camps and and and...) 

Maybe, if it's like you to do so, and you wouldn't mind too much, you could send me some calming/grounding thoughts or perhaps a little prayer. 

I hope I'm not in over my head this time!

➤➤➤ arrows ➤➤➤

It was last Quilt Market that I approached Melody Miller about making a dress for her. I am sure I was bumbling quite a bit, because I still get nervous around those designers I am so in awe of, and her booth was fantastic, it just made me... well, bumble.. but she was gracious and sweet and she said that she would like to have one of my dresses.
I had no idea what the new line would be like. I knew I'd love it, because I always love Melody's work but I didn't know I'd love it THIS MUCH!
I also remember seeing the arrangement of arrows in Melody's booth. I loved them! (I wanted them!) Had I'd known they'd be a main feature in this new line, Ruby Star Polka Dot, I'd probably have bumbled too much to even speak.

see them there, behind the chair..?

I pretty much love arrows, any type... the sign, symbol, the object of an archer.
As kids, my sisters and I used to go searching for arrow heads while camping in Hawking Hills and other parks.

As a sewer, I really enjoy arrows in the simple form of triangles, flying geese all in a row..
I'm also quite fond of making arrows with type, such as  >> - - - - >  or   >>------}>  or even  >>---♥---]>

Now, this print has rocked my arrow loving world! It is so amazing! I want to make everything from it! Curtains, dresses, bags, quilts...

But the very first thing is Melody's dress!

There are so many things I love about this dress. It's my Staple Dress pattern again ;).. not yet shirred in these photos, because I'll be customizing that with Melody tomorrow.
She requested that the border print run along the hem and I think it is a fantastic detail!!
I know that the arrows are completely different form the the ones I once searched for, but they somehow capture the essence of that memory for me. Not to mention the fact that they are just plain AWESOME!


Note: I still feel very passionate about camping, which is one reason why I bought my husband this camper/trailer fixer-upper, which also happen's to be called an "Arrow"!  how perfect is that?!

oh.. and just one more dress photo.. with my topless photo-bomber ;)

The above photo-bomber does have a new dress too, and it also reminds me of the searching for arrow heads...

It's her Indian Summer Geranium (pattern by Made By Rae)! 

I finished it on the very last day of Kids Clothes Week and just had't gotten around to posting it yet.

Anyways,  I adore it!! 

I'd say more, but it's not necessary. The photos speak for themselves. 

And I should head off anyways, because I need to rest, at least a little, before for actual CAMP! 

Tomorrow I take off, bright and early, for Camp Stitchalot! YAY!!

>>- - - - - - ♥- - - - - - - >

Kids Clothes Week: FIGGY'S BANYAN SHORTS!

I started the week off with lofty ambitions.
"Quickly" made a precious pair of Quick Change Trousers for a friend's son.
Then I started scheming things for my own girls.
Decided to try a little set of shorts for Aelyn and another Geranium dress for Camilla.. I also hoped to make a few tope for them both but they will have to wait...

These shorts have taken up most of the weeks sewing time.
But oh, how I adore them...

and I think she does too!

front

back

lots of pocket space :)

great for jumping

The shorts..
Pattern: Figgy's BANYAN: tapered pants, shorts, tee and tunic
Fabric: Robert Kaufman Brussels Washer Yarn Dye in Grey (a linen/rayon blend)
both from our shoppe, Sew To Speak!

The pattern really gave me a work out! I'd never done a zip fly before. I also got distracted around the waistband area and somehow went astray.. but I was I able to get back on track and finish them up nicely.

I am sooo pleased with they way they came out!!

I was also pleased, when I asked her to try them on, for fitting the elastic in the back waistband, she didn't want to take them back off so that I could finish! She even started putting toys in the pockets! But I explained what needed to be done, and she did, take them off, telling me to "Do it fast, Mom." 

...so that she could wear them to Grammy's house this evening :)

I will definitely be making more. As for the time invested, I know that the next set will go together much more quickly. I have my pattern traced and I know what I am doing ;)

Now.. just that Geranium for Camilla! We'll see if I can whip that up between tonight and tomorrow... It sews up quick so if I cut it out now I think I can. Then I might be able to finish one more little thing before Kids Clothes Week is officially over, on Monday!

I might've accomplished a lot more, had I planned and prepped my projects ahead of time, like many other, smarter, sewers did. 

But I didn't. 

So. 

Awe-well.

Finishing things

^ Something I'm typically not good at.
But, somehow I've been on a roll.
Here are some recently finished things...

a tsuru "Staple" T

...I simply traced the top 28"(starting at the shoulder) of my Staple Dress pattern and stitched it together as I regularly would... with these exceptions: I only shirred 2 rows across the lower-back, from side seam to side seam and I added a shirt pocket! Easy! :) 

a stretchy striped "Staple" T

..this one was far less successful than the first.. The material I used was a very drapey knit with a lot of stretch. My pattern is already a roomy cut, but in this fabric, I am swimming. Also I didn't use the shirring at all, so there is nothing to bring it in. It was redeemed, however, when I put it under a more structured layer, like this ready made jacket. 

I'm not too disappointed because wearing these together was my intention all along.

 

another little drop hem piece

...this time it's a bottom. I hope to perfect a light-weight Staple T or a Wiksten tank to pair with it.

and finally... I FINALLY finished my scrappytripalong!

This one is for my little girl, it's been on her bed every night since my finishing it and even drug out into the living room for couch snuggles. It's my first, real, life size quilt. She loves it and so do I.

I have  a few more "finished things," I just can't share quite yet.. ;)
But I'll give you a hint. One will be part of this super awesome blog tour line up, featuring Carrie Bloomston's first fabric line, COLLAGE!
It's rad.
Check back here on my scheduled day, this Thursday, April 11th.. and follow along with the rest of the gang bellow..

April 8 – Erica Sage (Craftyblossom)

April 9 – Julie Goldin 

April 10 – Ayumi Takahashi (Pink Penguin)

April 11 – April Rhodes

April 12 – Tia Curtis

April 13 – Shelly Figueroa (Figgy's)

April 14 – Ramona Burke

April 15 – Sally Keller

April 16 – Angela Walters

April 17 – Shea Henderson (Empty Bobbin)

April 18 – Anna Graham (Noodlehead)

April 19 – Jenny Kelly

April 20 – Sam Hunter

April 21 – Rachael Gander (Imagine Gnats)
April 22 –Karen Le Page (One Girl Circus) 

I'm going!

And I can't wait for that, no dishes to do, no laundry to fold, no dinner to make, no rushing about, no emails to write, all there really is to do is sew, time. 

so much ♥

I have been seriously blown away by the kindness and encouragement of the blogger/IG world over the last week!

Since releasing my pattern last Wednesday, I have had so many kind comments directed toward me or about my little Staple Dress!

I have seen women start to post photos of their process, making the dress. Some people posting have been personal friends, but most are women I have never met,

some names I  have recognized are those of women I very much admire, ones I "follow" and look to for inspiration... 

To be honest, I cried a little when I first posted the pattern and saw the orders start to come through. I was overwhelmed and humbled. I didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

To hear that other women are excited to make my design, and to see them wear it has been the most INCREDIBLE feeling! 

My favorite place to keep tabs on who's making THE STAPLE DRESS has been on IG. If you're making the dress and you're on Instagram, be sure to use the hashtag, #thestapledress, so that I can see it!! It's such a thrill for me.

I shared in the past about how I feared I just might not have it in me to finish... Creating and designing sewing patterns has been a dream for so long. But I would say things like "I might try that someday" or "when both the girls are in school". I never in my wildest dreams thought it would be HERE and NOW. Like this.

The STAPLE is just the beginning.. I have another dress, a skirt and possibly 2 bags in the works.

I feel very blessed and honored to be a part of this connected network of amazing women and crafters! It fouls me. And I want to do and make even more than before!!!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

To all those friends who talked me up and supported me through this, THANK YOU!! 

Sincerely,
April

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

a little more ♥: my mom has decided to offer 10% off of any staple dress fabric purchase at our shoppe, Sew To Speak!!  Discount good when you buy the pattern... if you're shopping our online store email me and I'll give you your own personal code! ;) aprilarhodes {AT} gmail (DOT) c o m

Spring is here and so is the STAPLE... happy day!!

- - - - - - - - - - >THE STAPLE DRESS < - - - - - - - - - - 

sewing pattern and instructions by April Rhodes

AVAILABLE NOW!

To purchase, visit my SEWING PATTERNS page by way of the tab up top or just click here.

I hope you enjoy!!

>>-----♥------}>

April

photography by Suzanne Gipson

Making my morning bright!!

This lady, my beautiful friend, Emily Passias, is ringing in spring with her gorgeous green Staple Dress!

Emily is one of my testers and an amazing crafter!! I always enjoy her styling and fabric choices. This is no exception!

>>--♥--->
A very happy first day of my favorite season!

off to the testers!

It's done!!!
The PDF pattern for The Staple Dress is done!


Well almost... at least I'm done, for now.
             That is until I hear back from the amazing ladies that are testing it!

I can't tell you what a relief I felt today when I realized it was just a few more clicks and a save away from complete! I'm also very anxious to see how the testing goes.

I made up a little PDF PATTERN PREVIEW for you...

just keep in mind (if you spot any typos) it hasn't been fully tested yet ;)

I'm still shooting for a release date of April 6th.

Meanwhile I thought I might share a "behind the scenes" shot of what my instructional photo shoots generally have looked like around here....

What you see...

and what you don't.

 I wished I'd taken a full room shot the day I was working around the cardboard box+blanket+pillow fort my 5 year old built... I just couldn't (and wasn't allowed to) move it.

I love being able to do something from inside my home, among my children, that I am excited about and that fulfills my need for creative expression while also teaching them about going for their goals.

Please let me know what you think of the preview! 

>>-----♥----->>

April

little sleep, lots of progress

Well.... I missed my first deadline, this past Thursday, the instructions are still in the works.
They have been much more time consuming to compose than I expected. I have had them written in my little note book for so long, but now putting it all together and making it make sense for others to read is overwhelming me. I've been up till 4am more than once this week...
but I am getting close now.. real close.

Actually I was a big bundle of nerves about that and about my upcoming cover shoot when I first started writing this little update (late last night).. but tonight I am a big bundle of excitement!!

I had the shoot today with Suzanne and my last minute savior of a model Mary.

Between the three of us and the amazing space it all blew my expectations out of the water! I haven't even seen the final photos yet and I know they are beyond my wildest dreams.
Speaking of dreams... it's still happening, my dreams.. they are becoming less and less my dreams and more and more my reality.

And just as I am typing Suzanne is emailing me sneak peeks from our shoot.
{then it all starts to make me cry}

^ I took this one of my amazing team! 

I am still overwhelmed but in a very happy way....

I am blessed.

I can't wait to show it all.
>>----♥----}>
    April

photography by SUZANNE GIPSON

more about patterns

Well I have posted the news of my pattern all over the place... but I haven't shared with many about how absolutely terrified I am.

It's true. The more it comes together the more fearful I feel..

I mean lets face it, this is ME.. and I don't have the greatest track record when it comes to following through with things...
ugh.

But I have to finish. I could never forgive myself if I didn't. Not to mention all the folks out there who have said they want it. I hope they really do want it, and I truly don't want to leave them hanging... but I have to finish this first one for ME. At least this one. For once.

So I've set myself some deadlines.
And they are coming up {very} quick!

• By February, 21st I will be finish with all instructions.
• I will than begin testing editing as needed.
• By March 1st I will have all photos and modeling edited and complete.
• I hope to  will release my patterns for SALE on March 9th.

I actually tend to work better under the pressure of deadlines, so please, be my witness, hold me accountable...

>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - }>

Stepping in the right direction..

I had a fitting with one of my models yesterday, Lacey Jones. She is beautiful, photogenic and comfortable. Not to mention tattooed and has a gorgeous, "real" woman's body.
Also my amazing photographer friend Suzanne Gipson will be taking the shots. Thank you Suzanne and Lacey for sharing in my excitement.
The support of friends and community means everything to me!

>>------}>
           April

oh yeah,

THIS is happening!!! 

Crazy happy right now.

#SCRAPPYTRIPALONG

Obsession is an understatement.

I love making these blocks. I've even begun naming my favorites.. the above, clockwise: Banjo Parade, Squirrel in our Swinging Tree, The Owl and the Pussy Cat (obviously) and Raining Cats and Dogs.

My wrappings.

Well it may seem a bit silly... I've been blogging about other bloggers projects over on the shoppe blog for the past week... but I really wanted to join in and post about some of the things I've been making from the book too!

Ruby Star Wrapping is such a liberating book. Holiday's can be stressful in our house, divided as we are in how we address them. I grew up celebrating all the widely observed ones, my husband none. Then on top of this division we have our dreaded.. oh so strained budget... (a common factor in many more houses than just ours). I feel forced to be extra creative in my gifting this year.

But this book, this beautiful book, makes it feel like a welcome challenge!
I adore the rustic vintage styling, the earthy modern appeal and the sheer resourcefulness, from cover to cover.

I almost always make the majority of my gifts. This year will be no exception. I do however {now ashamed to say} usually buy wrapping papers.. I am a saver of tissue and gift bags, but I will often purchase a few new rolls per year and sometimes a few new bags and tissue as well. Always attracted to the color and patten.
But I have so much color and pattern already.. just sitting in my sewing room!  After reading this book I can tell you - I am done.
My "new" wrappings will be coming out of my stash and my recycle bin from now on.
And they'll be even prettier for it!

Easy on the earth and the budget.. not to mention the much needed purging of some scrap stash... sheeeash! do I have scraps? eek. I save every bit of fabric bigger than 1" squared. I have over flowing baskets of fabric and boxes stuffed full of felt bits.

I love all the ideas Melody and Allison give for using the things we ALREADY have!

Here's what I've made from the books so far...

I focused on the boxes because I really love the look and feel of them.. plus we happened to have a lot of nearly empty ones in our pantry this week.  I made 2 of the Inside-Out boxes and one Plucky Pantry Box. I used ribbons, stickers, washi tape and fabric to finish them. They were so fun and easy.

Admission: I did indulge in a bit of new ribbon and washi tape but how could I resist? These first two packages are for my daughters.. and I'll be save both the box and ribbon to use again :)

This last box is from my favorite crackers and has some unique cut outs.

I've always found it especially fun to hint at what's inside by coordinating the wrapping of a gift with the present itself but when I found this cracker box in the lazy susan I was excited at the idea of actually showing a little peek of the present. I must be discreet incase someone reads this but it will hold a "sewn item" folded small enough so ____ can't tell what it is but just see a bit of the printed fabric ;)

Finally I wanted to make some garlands. These are in keeping with my current flying geese obsession and inspired by the Paper Punch Garland in the book [see above].

Quickly made with bits of scrap felt and a sewing machine. I cut several colors into small triangles and machine stitched them (feeding them under the pressure foot one after the other) as you would in chain piecing.

I call it a Happy Geese Garland...

One of my geese wasn't so happy... 

He didn't make it. 

If you decide to try some of these and this happens to you, simply snip this guy out of the line.

Line up the the 2 cut ends and re-chain together... backstitching when you start and stop.

I stitched mine in a random order so it didn't matter when I cut one out. You might consider that if you are thinking of chaining yours in a patterned order.

There's over two dozen more projects in this great book along with gorgeous photographs plus pleasing words and insights into giving with thoughtfulness, love and ingenuity! 

Take a look at the other posts so far and keep visiting the Sew To Speak blog through the rest of this week to view the other blogger's projects and leave a comment for the chance to win your own copy of the book and lots of other great goodies to help with your wrapping! 

BE SURE TO COMMENT ON THE SEW TO SPEAK BLOG TO ENTER GIVEAWAY!

Here's what's left on the wrap-along:

Monday Dec. 3rd - we'll post some of our projects on the Sew To Speak blog plus show you what's up fpr the second win!!

Tues. Dec. 4th - Rae of Made by Rae

Wed. Dec 5 - Ericka of Low Beam Studios 

Thurs. Dec. 6 - Emily of The Boy Trifecta

then finally, on Friday  Dec. 7 - another winner will be announced @12 EST!!

Happy Wrapping!

♥ April