Hey! Hello there!

Oh how I miss blogging!  Not only have I not had a chance to blog, but I haven't really been able to read blogs.  Ugh!  I feel like I'm out of the loop and have no idea what's going on in the crafty blog world.  I'm in serious need of a crafty blog fix, but that will have to wait.  First, I must sell what is left of my fabric at Phatfabric.com, then I must finish the 2 new sewing patterns that I'm working on.  

I have a photo shoot scheduled this Sunday for the two new patterns, which I'm so excited for!  The location is freaking awesome and the dresses turned out great, so all I need is a sunny day which isn't asking too much from California...right? 

As for Phat Fabric, all fabrics are now on sale at 40% off the retail price (link).  This is the last sale.  I intend to transfer ownership to my mom by the end of March. 

I think I need a twitter account- the fast food equivalent to blogging.

Cheers,

Jamie

Phat Fabric News

You may have noticed that I haven't restocked any of Phat Fabric's inventory for some time now.  You also may have noticed that all of the fabrics have been on sale for the past couple of months and will remain on sale until all of the fabric is gone.  The reason for this is because I will be parting ways with Phat Fabric... sort of.  

This transition is a bitter sweet moment for me. Bitter since Phat Fabric is like my first born of this fabric/design world that I am now a part of.  It's sweet because the reason I'm parting ways has to do with the growth of my sewing patterns. They have taken up most of my work time, which is why in order to manage my time better I will be handing Phat Fabric over to my mom.  Yes, that too is sweet!   My mom will soon own the business, so I'll still have some access to the fabrics.  Plus, she's who I go to when I have questions about fabric.  Currently she runs Lil Urchin Fabrics, but soon she will move all of her fabrics to Phat Fabric and make it her own home.  

I anticipate the transfer of ownership to happen in about a month.  In the mean time, click on over and see if there are any fabrics you fancy, because all fabrics are on sale until they're gone. 

As for my Jamie Christina sewing patterns, I am thrilled to announce that they've been picked up by 3 distributors: Clotilde, United Notions, and The Pattern Peddlers.  If you are a retail store and purchase from a distributor, be sure to ask if they carry Jamie Christina sewing patterns.  I sure do appreciate it =)

More pattern news...I'm working on a new sewing pattern that is my most favorite of all!  Seriously!  No, it's not another apron pattern.  It's something that I will probably wear all Spring and Summer long.  It's perfect for a lazy day.  I'll leak some sneak peeks as I get closer to publishing it. 

Cheers!

Jamie

New patterns are here!

The Cupcake Apron pattern and the Palooza Apron pattern are now available.

The Cupcake Apron

The Palooza Apron pattern and glove tutorial

The Cupcake Apron sewing pattern includes instructions and pattern pieces to make both a full and half apron.  In addition to the two apron options, the pattern also includes instructions to make the apron reversible, non-reversible and my personal favorite, the netting underskirt option.  The underskirt gives the apron extra retro flare!

The Palooza Apron has a flattering fit that features a unique corset back. 

The Palooza Apron pattern is the one I use to make laminate aprons with such as this one.  

Another highlight to this pattern is the fabric dish glove tutorial.  The dish gloves are quick and easy to make. A perfect stocking stuffer =)

 Both patterns are now available in the shop and my fabric shop.  

If you would like to share something you've made with a Jamie Christina sewing pattern, I have a flickr group just for that!  Here's the place to share or be inspired. 

So let's see... new patterns... check!  New flickr group...check!  There's one more thinnng... oh yes...  Every single fabric is on sale this week at Phat Fabric! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jamie

P.S. Photography by Pierre Olivier

Japanese fabric sale

How about a fabric sale while we wait for the new patterns???  

All Japanese fabrics are on sale for at least 25% off at Phat Fabric.  Here's the link.

Cheers,

Jamie

All Alexander Henry fabric on sale!

All Alexander Henry fabric is on sale at Phatfabric.com.  Fly on over to check it out!

Jamie

New fabric and new pattern news!

There are a couple of new Japanese fabrics in the shop.

Echino - Bus

Echino - Camera

Nani Iro - Fuccra (I've already cut into this)

Nani Iro - Poster Fleur

This last one is part of the Kokka family and is called Tiny and Cute Deer.  They have the cutest big ole fat heads.  I just want to squeeze them really hard... ok, maybe a little too hard.

***

On a different note, I've been busy these past couple of weeks working on 2 new patterns.  Normally I leak out pics of what I'm working on, but no can do this time.  Well, I shouldn't really say that.  I have shown pics of them in the past... sort of.  Anyways, I'm finishing up pattern #1 and then I'm going straight into pattern #2.  These next few weeks may be a little quiet around here, because I really want to get them out ASAP.  As soon as the patterns are completed, I'll get back to posting some tutes.

Cheers!

Jamie

Winners and New Organic Fabric

The Random Number Generator has found favor with...

Sarah G

and 

Lucie.

Congrats winners!  I have both of your email addresses, so I will email you shortly for your shipping info.
Looking over all of the comments, I'd say the Peacock is the blue prize winner for Most Popular Craft to Make First category. I do have 3 books left in stock if you are interested in making that Fancy Peacock.

Thank you everyone who entered. 

Continuing the bird theme, I just received a shipment of organic fabric by Birch Fabric's titled Circa 50.

   All of the fabrics would make lovely aprons, curtains, and/or baby blankets. However, my favorite of the bunch is Tree Stripes located in the top left corner with the birds perched in the trees. 

The entire Circa 50 collection is GOTS certified which means the fabric meets the Global Organic Textile Standard.  The fabric is produced from organic cotton and printed with low impact dyes.  So not only does this fabric make the eyes feel good to look at - it's environmentally friendly too!  Here's the link to the fabrics.

Lastly, I have added more fabric to the 40% off clearance section such as Sandi Henderson's Meadow Sweet fabric.  Here's the link.

Cheers!

Jamie

Thea fabric

Happy Friday!  Before I'm off and running to T-ball games and school picnics, I wanted to show you a new Alexander Henry fabric titled Thea.  Here are 3 of the colorways in stock at Phat Fabric. 

I think the first one is perfect for welcoming summer into my house.  Also, I have added new fabric to the sale section, including the 40% off sale section.  Here's the link.

Have a great weekend!  

Next week I will be adding 2, maybe 3, new aprons to the shop.  One of the aprons is a laminate apron.  I'm still on the laminate fabric kick.

Cheers,

Jamie

New fabrics and the Italian trim is back!

A couple of Phat Fabric things on the agenda today.  First off, new fabric...

I'm not much of an animal print person, but this Zebra print (called Zebe) is really making my eyes feel good!  The scale is large and it's not black and white - it's black and ecru, which I like.  I've already made an apron out of it and I can't wait to share. 

Next up is another Alexander Henry print called Cameroun Jungle...

You could say I was in a black and ecru mood when I purchased these prints for the shop.  Again, a large scale with whimsical floral/jungle motifs.

A little something to change up the mood...

This fabric is called Splatter and is part of the Van Gogh collection for Free Spirit fabrics.  It's 100% rayon poplin.  Perfect for Spring.  I would love to make a light weight cape out of this fabric or a simple fabric bobble scarf.
Here's the link to the new fabrics.

***

I have good news for Italian trim fans.  They are back in stock!  Last week, I introduced the new trim section and within 48 hours sold out of almost all of the trims.  Here is the link to the new trims.

This week I will be working on updating my Jamie Christina website with new features and goods.  So, if it gets a little quite here, know that all is well.

Happy creating! 

Jamie

Trims from Italy!

I am very excited about my new Trims section at Phat Fabric (link).  A couple of weeks ago I went to the LA textile show and came across a lovely Italian trim booth.  I had been wanting to carry trims for some time now, but I hadn't seen any that I took an affinity to.  That is until I saw these...

and these...

The last one is my favorite!  I've already made something that I can't wait to share with you all this week (tute included).  It's Anthro inspired.  And speaking of Anthro inspired, take a look at this shirt I bought from Anthro some time ago...

Recognize that trim?  It's practically the same cotton lace trim from the first set of pics (except slightly wider).   When the rep from the trims booth pulled out that specific trim, I instantly remembered my green Anthro shirt.  As we all know, anything Anthro looking is a friend of mine. It's amazing how sewing a trim on a basic shirt can... um... Anthro-ize it. 

Also, the shabby flower trim is very similar to the trim I used on my daughters Easter skirt.

I feel like a little girl in a candy store.  So dang exciting!

Jamie  

New Echino laminate fabric!

Hello.

I have something fun to show you. It's Echino fabric and it's...

LAMINATE!

Oh the things I want to do to you - the fabric that is. Everyday I look at it. Smell it. Pet it. And whisper sweet nothings to it. But I can't so much as take a little snip of it. At least not until my pattern is completed, which should be next week (eek!).

Do you remember that laminate corset apron I made a little while back? Here's the link in case you forgot. Well that fabric, Damask, is available in my shop too. Here the link to all of the new laminates.

Lastly, I have added new fabrics to the sale section, including Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet fabric collection (link to sale). The secret sale for Anna Maria Horner's Little Folks fabric will end this Saturday. To receive the 20% discount, enter the code ANNA (doesn't have to be caps).

Happy sewing!

Jamie

Secret sale & new Alexander Henry fabric

New Willow fabrics by Alexander Henry fabrics. They all go together so nicely.

The last one is called Alamandas. Beautiful colors! Here is the link to the new fabrics.

***

Yes, I'm having a secret sale at Phat Fabric. I suppose that's what you call it when only people with the secret code can get the discount. However, I'm not sure it's such a secret being as I'm blogging about it. Anywho, the sale is for 20% off Anna Maria Horner's new fabric line Little Folks, including her voile solids. And the secret code is... anna. Bet you didn't see that one coming. Simply enter the code anna at checkout and the discount will be applied to your Anna Maria fabric order. The code will expire March 6th. Here is the link to Anna Maria Horner's fabrics.

Lastly, the photo shoot that took place on Sunday for the Hooded Scarf went great! The weather was perfect for the shoot - no rain, yet not too sunny. I'll share some pics later on this week. Until then, cheers!

Jamie

New Kokka and Nani Iro fabric

New Kokka fabric in the shop...

(Link)
Oh- the clothes I would like to make out of this fabric for my daughter.....IF SHE WOULD WEAR THEM! She has this idea in her head that the clothes I make for her are hot - not hot as in H to the O to the T, but temperature hot.

The crazy thing is she will ask me to make clothes for her! She has already asked me to make her something out of the Alice in Wonderland fabric. I want to, but I don't think she'll wear it. However, I'll wear it! Yes, I'm totally thinking about making myself a spring skirt out of the Alice in Wonderland fabric (blue). A soft off-white cardigan with it...mmm-hmm! I'm not sure who, but one of us is going to have an Alice in Wonderland skirt for Easter.

2 new Nani Iro prints from her Antique Label collection...

Hana Yura is printed on 100% cotton canvas and definitely makes my eyes feel good (link).

***

To those of you that gave me some tips on how to train my booger - I mean sugar (dog) - thank you. I will be trying them out this weekend, beginning with the couch.


If it doesn't work... I may have a giveaway here shortly. Just joking. I mean seriously, you can't give away dogs on a blog. Pfff! Riiight???

Have a great weekend!

Jamie

New fabric and end of year fabric sale!

Finally my shipment of Micheal Miller fabric is up in the shop. Above are a few fabrics from Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet fabric line. I've already cut into the Paper Snowflake fabric for a Christmas gift I made. Click here to preview the rest of the Meadowsweet fabrics in stock.

More Micheal Miller fabric ...

Birds, huevos, and a damask print... they all work so well together! Here's the link.

And a sweet corduroy floral print fabric called Mod Blooms (link).


Lastly, Phat Fabric is having an end of the year fabric sale. The sale includes Tanya Whelan fabrics at 30% off, all Alexander Henry fabric 15% off, sewing patterns, and more. Also, more fabrics have been added to the 40% off clearance section. Here is the link.

I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season thus far. I believe I'm all caught up with my handmade gifts and managed to make a Christmas peg doll (I'll show you soon). However, I have this funny feeling that I've forgotten someone. I keep going over my list and it all looks good, but I just can't shake that... feeling... intuition, or is it premonition? Yes, it's premonition and I should listen to it and make a couple of extra gender neutral gifts. Maybe I'll just buy them. That's what I'll do! Buy a couple of what nots and all will be good. Thanks for letting me work that out.

Blessings,

Jamie

New Little Folks fabric and more...

It's like butter! The new voile fabric by Anna Maria Horner is lovely indeed. To be quite honest, I'm not that familiar with voile fabric. However judging by the drape of the fabric, it is going to be wonderful to sew with. I already have a project in mind for the fabric. You can click here to view the fabrics. There are a couple of voile solids too!

Another new addition to the Phat Fabric family is Paintbrush Studio.

Above is a 36 pc fat quarter bundle. All of the fabrics are 1920's - 1930's reproduction prints on 100% cotton fabric. The prints were reproduced from an antique quilt. Click here to view the Paintbrush Studio fabrics.

Lastly, there are two new Mingle fabrics in stock by Monaluna.

Tangerine

and Aqua.
A taste of Spring colors to keep us warm and motivated =)

That concludes today's fabric update. I should have another fabric update any day now for Sandi Henderson's new line. So stay tuned!

Cheers,

Jamie

New Echino Fall 09 collection

You may have noticed that things have been a little quiet here in Prettydittyville. That's because the party is happening at Phatfabric! This month is like Japanese fabric celebration month for the Phatfabric shop. For the last week, the shop has been having a Japanese fabric sale, which is still going on. On top of that, there's this...

the new Echino Fall 09 collection! The fabric world just wouldn't be the same without the bright happy colors of Echino. Seriously, how pretty is the bottom left fabric aptly named Bird Song. Bird Song runs railroad, which means parallel to the selvedges.

OK - here's a question for anyone who knows the answer - Is it selvedge or selvage? I have seen both spellings in sewing books. Being as I write patterns and have a fabric shop, I should make sure I get it right. Lets take a vote! I vote for selvedge, because that's how I've spelled it in past patterns and the current sewing pattern that I am working on. Now that I think about it, I don't want to go back through the patten and change all of the "selvedge" spellings. There! It's settled! Selvedge wins! Thanks for playing.

Anyways, where were we? Oh yes, railroad - yes, I always like making aprons out of this type of fabric, because though you are working with only one fabric, it looks like a few perfectly matched fabrics when sewn together. Plus, you can already see what part of the fabric should be the skirt, waistband, and bodice. It's just too perfect. I'm also anxious to make a jacket and a skirt or two from the Do-it-yourself clothes book with the new Echino fabric.
Here is a link to the new pretties.

Happy creating!

Jamie

Japanese Fabric sale

Just a quick a note to say that I'm having a 20% off ALL Japanese Import fabric sale. Here's the link to the sale at Phat Fabric. And, one more note to let you know about Phat Fabric's new mailing list. The mailing list is for Phat Fabric sales and fabric news such as new fabric in stock. This will be the quickest way to get the 411 on all the new stuff happening at Phat Fabric. Here is the link to sign up for the mailing list (no spamming involved).
Lastly, have a great weekend!

Cheers,
Jamie

Paula Prass Fabric Sale

As the new fabrics begin to trickle into Phat Fabric, it's time to make way by having a sale. Until October 31st, Phat Fabric is having a 25% off Paula Prass Summer Soiree fabric sale (click here).

Now that's how a Monday should start!

Cheers,

Jamie

HELLO brand new fabric!

I have some new fabrics to share with you all. The above fabric, appropriately named Hello, is from Alexander Henry fabrics. I've always been drawn to text fabrics and this one seems especially inviting.
Also part of the Alexander Henry family are...

Luca & Lorenza. This combo would make a great apron.
Happy colors = happy thoughts =)

Oh but wait! How about some home decor weight fabrics?...

Mocca

It's A Hoot in brown and...

Black & White.
I'm trying to convince my husband that a couch reupholstered in black and white owl fabric is a good idea. Never mind the fact that we have 3 messy little shoog boogs. I say, "Live a little dangerously!"

Continuing with the new fabric, Robert Kaufman has some lovely owl Cool Cords fabric...

White and Blue Jay.

Espresso is part of the Cool Cords collection as well. This fabric is next on my list to use for a Bibury Capelet.

Lastly, and something different for Phat Fabric, are two new eco friendly Panda fabrics. One of the fabrics is a Panda Knit 180GM, which means it is 95% rayon made from bamboo and 5% from spandex. The other fabric is a white poplin fabric, also made from cotton and bamboo. Both fabrics are very soft. Here are the links to the Panda Knit 180GM and the white poplin.

All of the fabrics are available at Phatfabric.com (click here for the link)

Now I must test all of the fabrics. You know, to make sure they sew properly ;)
Enjoy your weekend!

Jamie