Spoonflower Blog Profile

My first entry into the world of surface design was through Spoonflower.  This amazing resource is an on-demand fabric printing service where anyone can get their designs, photos, or anything really, printed on a variety of fabrics. But, Spoonflower, for us designers is really so much more. There is a vibrant, engaged community of creative souls from around the world! It's pretty amazing. This unique community did and still does provide me with creative and moral support, critique, and advice. The weekly contests initiated by the crew at Spoonflower provide creative jump starts with design challenges on such themes as Mardi Gras, Nautical, Australian Animals, or Hand-drawn fabric. For a designer like me, those little challenges have been such fantastic inspirations, and really gave me the inspiration to create my first portfolio of fabric designs. I can't say enough positive words about it all. 

So, having Kim Fraser, one of the owners of Spoonflower, post a profile about me on their blog yesterday was a really pivotal moment for me. It was just amazing to see my name on that site--something I could never have imagined a few short years ago when I entered my first Spoonflower contest. 

If you have some time today---check out the post. I hope you enjoy it! 

(and, enter the give away to win a big fat bundle of fabrics of mine from Marcus and Spoonflower!) 

-Greta 

Quilt Mock-Ups

As a person relatively new to sewing---I just started last year----I still have lots to learn. So, when designing fabric patterns, I have lots and lots of ideas of how to put them to use, but my sewing skills are a bit behind my brain in that department. I'm working on it, but as you out there know, it takes time to get the hang of quilting. It especially takes time to execute the ideas in your head!
So, today I worked on digital mockups of a possible upcoming line. I'll show details of the line when the release is a little closer, but I thought I'd share some of the quilt patterns I worked on today.
Some are definitely more successful than others, but man is it fun to imagine!

THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE

Tova Dress + My fabric + St.Paul trip

Well, I think I might have made a match that was just meant to be-----my fabric from the Here to There collection----and Jenny's fantabulous Tova Dress pattern!!! 
I made a shirt earlier in the month (see previous post), but definitely wanted to take on the dress. I had some grey fabric in my stash and paired it up with one of the coordinates from my collection.
I have to admit, that since seeing that coordinate pattern printed up, it's been screaming to become something in the apparel world. I think this is it!

Jenny's pattern is so versatile. It is this great silhouette with that lovely little placket up top that allows for so much creativity in matching up fabrics to use. In this case though, I decided to add a couple of my own touches to the dress. I had this lovely buttons floating around for a while now that needed a home........

And, I decided to add a belt to cinch it at the waist a bit. While, I love the dress without it, I think it fits my shape better with the belt....plus---I've never made a belt. So, that was a lot of fun to try! 

Also, last weekend I got the chance to go to Minneapolis to visit one of my favorite people, my darling friend Marie. We spent the weekend sampling lots of goodies from around Minneapolis/ St. Paul including more craft beers than I should admit. It was such a great weekend. Admittedly, I have only been to the area once, when on a synchronized swimming team trip---and I can only recall going to the Mall of America. Needless to say, a grown-up trip was long overdue! Not to mention, that hanging out with her, Laura, Tim, and John was just a blast. Hanging with that group of great friends never fails to be a good time filled with laughter, conversation, and fun. 

I may have crushed someone with a very large cherry. oops. 

Marie gags John with a spoon

Farmer's market goodies! 

yes. this was delicious! 

When you're in a town with outstanding espresso and beer---you sometimes have to have both at once.  

Succulents galore at the Walker outdoor area! whoa. 

Kasia Skirt + Bronchitis!

Well, I can say that the only good thing to come out of this week of ridiculous sickness, as I battle some form of really lovely bronchitis, is that I finished another sewing project.
It's the Kasia skirt. This is a free, that's right FREE skirt pattern available on Burda Style's website. The link is this if you decide to make one! I highly recommend it. It was a little hard for this beginner sewing gal. I definitely took out more than a few stitches, but oh man, what a great skirt! The fit is PERFECT, it's stylish, and just so so cute. I'm so proud! It's my second garment from a pattern, and my first really successful one! ha!
I used some of the Oasis Canvas from Marcus, that has proved to be just such a great fabric for my last couple of projects. I just love it! What do you think!?

The main skirt panels ready to assemble

My first buttonholes! So proud 

Bunched little pockets added a fun detail

Zipper in place....a little jankety, but it get's hidden by the front panel....my little secret! :) 

...laying out a few options and deciding on what fabric to use with the buttons. I bought a handy dandy button making kit at Hobby Lobby, and just loved getting to make the perfect button for the skirt!

 The view from the front...high-waisted

I just love the final product! I may have to make a few variations of this.....maybe one for each day of the week....too much? ;)

Dress at last!.....and barstool makeover

I finally finished a project I've been working on for a bit now. I went to Home Ec  a few weeks ago, and fell in love with this Colette pattern. It is just such a great pattern and it has pockets! Who doesn't love a dress with pockets!?

So, I decided to mix and match a few fabrics from my stash, including this local fabric that I picked up in Hawaii back in March. I'm kind of a sucker for anything indigo and I just loved the faux needlework look of it all. I actually used the backside of the fabric because of the unique discoloration and irregularities in the dye. It looked a bit more handmade.

With that, I paired up some really fabulous fabric from Marcus. It's their Oasis Canvas.  It's organic cotton, and just so lovely to work with! Not to mention that the two blues, worked so well together for the bodice. I just love it! The Oasis Canvas has just enough stiffness to give it some body, but is so soft and perfect for clothing. I think the three of them look just great together.

The second project I tackled as of late was a barstool cover makeover......a much needed one! These things were just awful. I probably shouldn't post this because they are just that bad. ha!

 These are the before pics of the stools, in need of some love and attention. So, I took them apart, reused the original cushion, and recovered it with my coffee fabric. 
It was actually quite easy to do! I just traced the cushion, and added about three or four inches to the circumference of the circle on all sides. Then, it was basically as easy as making a little shower cap! I just sewed in the elastic, pinned the fabric to the 4 spots on top with some embroidery floss, and Voila!

BIG NEWS!

Although, I have "officially" announced it in the realm of Facebook and to lots of people in person, I just realized I haven't had the chance to dedicate a blog post to this topic yet.
As of a couple of weeks ago, I am now a licensed fabric designer for Marcus Fabrics out of NY. Yeah!!!
This has been such a whirlwind couple of years.....leaving Florida and my full time gig there, pursuing this avenue of artistic creation.....and now, actually securing a contract with such a fantastic company that is a perfect fit for me. I am just filled with joy about all of it.

Marcus has been around for quite some time, well known in the industry for reproduction fabrics and quality, useable textiles. They recently expanded into the Modern Quilting market with their Studio 37 line of modern quilting fabrics. This is the line I'll be a part of, and I am thrilled!

Last month at the KC Quilt Market, I had the chance to meet the women I'll be working with, who were such a delightful, enthusiastic and welcoming bunch. We are in the process of getting the designs in order and moving ahead. Hopefully, the lines will be available at the Fall Quilt Market in Houston. I will definitely have up-to-date info on the blog and on my Facebook design page. So, stay tuned!

Here are a few pics I took of the Marcus booth at market.

I am quite in love with those pink and orange patterns. They remind me of fresh little kiwis! 

 Hustle and Bustle!

 This quilt makes me want to head to Door County and relax by Sister Bay!

 I just adored these two quilts. The colors are so bright, fun, and fresh!