City Stitching with Christine Haynes

Color Story 02.27.12

2012-02-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Pressing Pause

2012-02-24T08:00:00.001-08:00

This Sunday is my photo shoot for my new pattern line, so if you all don't mind, I'm going to press pause for the weekend while I finish up all the last minute tweaks on my dresses and fly off to San Francisco for the shoot! Have a fantastic weekend and enjoy the Oscars for me! It's the first time in my life that I'll be missing them, but I think it's for a good cause. And since I had no real image for this post, I thought we'd enjoy another shot from the insanely awesome Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Orla Kiely show.

See you back here on Monday!

Photo from Miss Moss

The Colette Sewing Handbook Party Recap

2012-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend at Sew L.A. (where I teach and manage the shop) we threw Sarai Mitnick from Colette Patterns a bash in honor of her new book, The Colette Sewing Handbook. Huge thanks to everyone that came! It was jammed packed from 6pm until around 8pm, and the last hour dwindled in a perfect way so we could regroup, clean up, and go out for a nice dinner with our guests of honor.

If you haven't met Sarai or her husband Kenn, they are just the nicest people ever and it's fun to hang out with someone who has similar tastes and ambitions. I wish they lived near by so Sarai and I could go fabric shopping on our days off!

I was also super happy to see some blog faces I know from my Google Reader! Oona from OonaBalloona and The Sew Weekly came by as did the head of The Sew Weekly herself, Mena. I read both of their blogs and it was great to meet them both in person. It was fun to meet a bunch of other bloggers as well as visit with a host of Sew L.A. students.

The space was beautiful with flowers, patterns, Colette garments, a photo booth area, and a big spread of food and drinks, all based on Colette garments. We had Macarons, Licorice, Taffy, spiked Lady Grey punch, Meringues, Eclairs, and more! All that was missing were pitchers of Negroni cocktails!

Huge thanks to Sarai and Kenn for coming to celebrate their book with us and I hope everyone that picked up the many books and patterns that left the shop are enjoying their new goodies!

Photos by Devon Iott

Color Story 02.22.12

2012-02-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Photo from Dust Jacket Attic

Thanks!

2012-02-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who gave me their opinion via the blog, Facebook, & Twitter about yesterday's post! I really was leaning toward not including a difficulty rating on my new patterns, but the overall opinion was that I should... so I might! I'm still considering the options, but I appreciate all that you had to say! I'm still open to your thoughts, so let me have it!

Difficulty Rating, Yea or Meh: A Poll

2012-02-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

As I'm working on my patterns, one debate keeps popping up: do I include a difficulty rating, or not. Let's face it, every pattern company rates their patterns differently. An "easy" Vogue pattern usually has details like buttons, zippers, and darts. Are those details easy? Well, yes, if you know how to do them!

But when working at the shop, or talking with my students, I have a lot of beginner students ask me about "beginner" or "easy"patterns. I usually tell them that it's best to work with projects that don't involve serious fit or any closures. To me, that's a "beginner" project. But to other people, "beginner" projects are those that involve easier to accomplish techniques, like button holes and darts. In the world of techniques, these are easier, but should a beginner be worrying about those things when they might be using a pattern for the first time? I don't think so. I think they should be concerning themselves with layout, straight stitching, cutting, pinning, and such. Fit and construction details to me should come after you've mastered the super most basic elements.

Anyway, all this leads me to the debate: do I or don't I include a difficulty rating? I'm leaning toward no, but I'd love to hear what you have to say. Let me know your thoughts!

Left pattern from Sewaholic, right pattern from Vintage Patterns Wiki

Fall 2012 Report: I Want To Live In Orla's World

2012-02-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

I'm absolutely swooning (as if that's a shock really) at favorite designer Orla Kiely's Fall/Winter 2012/2013 collection. I adore her looks season after season. This year she did an installation style presentation, complete with live swing band, tea and cookies, and charming men in suits. If this is the world she sees her designs living in, count me in! It has all the classic Orla touches, with an extra hint of vintage, as her inspiration for the season was the film To Sir With Love (and now I have the theme song completely stuck in my head).

I absolutely see how these looks will be easy to make at home. Not that I believe in knocking designs off, but when one can't afford Orla, one makes an Orla! What do you think? Do you love it?

Photos and video from Orla Kiely Tumblr

Color Story 02.20.12

2012-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo by Park & Cube

Fall 2012 Report: Drama at Alice + Olivia

2012-02-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

There was no shortage of drama at the Alice + Olivia fall 2012 installation: fur; black, white, & red; heavy eye makeup and lipstick; and dramatic hats. Seems like hats are all over the fall shows... but that's a whole other post!

Photos from Style.com

Fall 2012 Report: More Color & Texture at Nanette Lapore

2012-02-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

Clearly there is something happening here with all these fall shows... color! Well, color plus print and texture that is! I'm sure I will come across a show (or twelve) that are all black and monochromatic, but wow, there's a lot of color this fall! This collection from Nanette Lapore calls upon all the classic Lapore elements: vintage inspired, feminine, modern, and loads of print combinations. I'm a total sucker for her stuff, and these are no exception! What inspiration will you take away from this show?

Photos from Style.com

Color Story 02.17.12

2012-02-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

Photo by Victoria Smith of SF Girl By the Bay

Reminder: Colette Book Party This Saturday!

2012-02-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

Just a quick reminder that if you're in the Los Angeles vicinity, you should join me and the other Sew L.A. ladies in welcoming the lovely Sarai Mitnick from Colette Patterns for her Los Angeles book party!

There will be Colette themed snacks (macarons, eclairs, taffy, spiked tea...), a super fun photo booth area, a trunk show of Colette garments including all the garments from the book, and more! Sarai will be on hand to sign books, chat, and mingle, and all the Colette patterns will be 20% off!!! BONUS: get an extra 10% off when you arrive in your Colette creation!

Can't wait to see you all there, and if you come, please be sure to introduce yourself to me! I'm planning on wearing my newest Peony Dress (that's #4!) in a vintage looking baby blue and gold fabric. It's something crazy synthetic, but I am already loving it!

Fall 2012 Report: Glamour Grunge at Marc Jacobs

2012-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Marc Jacobs looked back to 90's grunge for inspiration for his fall 2012 show. Well, 90's grunge with a bit of glam and shine. Are you ready to pair gathered skirt dresses with boots again? I'm into the dresses... but perhaps I'll stick to my flats!

Photos from Style.com

Fall 2012 Report: Color Bomb at J.Crew

2012-02-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's fashion week in New York and one of my favorite things to do each night is to cruise the shows of the day. The Fall 2012 J.Crew show just went down and there was quite an overload of color! I love the combinations of colors and prints and textures, and as usual for J.Crew, perfect styling.

Photos from Style.com

Happy St. Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T09:33:00.000-08:00

Photo by Jenifer Lake

Color Story 02.13.12

2012-02-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Photo by Park & Cube

My SewStylish Spring Issue Article!

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

I often write for the lovely ladies from SewStylish, and when they approached me about my current article, I was SO excited! They are releasing a new pattern with Simplicity and they asked three designers to rework it in their own way. Such a fun project!

And I had such good company. In addition to my reinterpretation, the lovely Gretchen Hirsch of Gertie's New Blog For Better Sewing, and the talented Cal Patch of Hodge Podge Farm, both were asked to rework the pattern too. I was so excited to see what they were going to do with it!

My project is a simple and easy combination of the top and skirt patterns, topped off with the included obi-styled belt. I love dresses and saw this as a great way to make a dress from a pattern of separates. In fact, all three of us made dresses! I guess we're all dress obsessed! We were all given a color theme and when I got mine, I knew I wanted to use this springy Joel Dewberry floral print. It's so gorgeous and perfect for a spring garment. If you'd like to get some, we have it in stock at Sew L.A.

Pick up your copy today at most bookstores, or you can get it on-line directly from the lovely ladies at Taunton Press. And if you make one of my versions, please share!

Another Muslin Preview

2012-02-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Working hard on the patterns here! The photo shoot is in 2 weeks and I'm just about to make the final garments. So excited! Here's another sneak peek of one of the muslins... Baby Doll Dress & Peter Pan Collar...! Have a happy Sunday!

Meet the Maker Feature!

2012-02-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

The lovely and talented Jessika over at Oh My Handmade Goodness has featured me today as part of her Meet the Maker series! I'm so flattered to be featured and send a warm welcome to all the OMHG readers!!! Go check out the write up and all the other amazing things Jessika does on her blog!

Thanks Jessika!

Marni + H&M + Sofia Coppola

2012-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is pretty much a dream team...

Gorgeousness at Kaelen

2012-02-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Photo from From Me To You

Color Story 02.10.12

2012-02-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

Photo by From Me to You

Sewing the Negroni

2012-02-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my man's birthday, and this year I decided to sew the Colette Patterns Negroni shirt for him. I've only ever sewn non-garment projects for him (grocery totes, etc) but I felt up to the challenge this year after tackling some harder projects for myself. But while my own level of sewing women's garments is very high, my level of sewing men's garments is nonexistent! When looking at a dress pattern, I can read or not read the directions and ignore them where I feel I can and make all kinds of my own changes. But making a men's dress shirt, um no, I didn't wing anything!

So for the first time in a long time, I really followed along step by step. And I have to say that Sarai's instructions were really super clear. The only spot I had real issues with was the cuff. Ugh, the cuffs! If my man would wear a short sleeved version, trust me, I would have been all over that in a minute! But he's not a short sleeve dress shirt kinda guy, so cuffs it is.

My only advice to anyone making the cuffs is to pay close attention to the sentence "...and the edges of the sleeve should be carefully aligned with the stitching on the cuff" in step 8 of sewing on the cuffs. The illustration is clear as is the sentence, but it's easy to overlook this seemingly tiny detail. Um yeah, don't overlook this! See where the the arrows are, that tiny part of the fabric that is behind the top layer, the stitching is lined up with the under layer. I did not notice this and had to rip it all out. In the end, the cuffs look just fine and thank the lord, the plaids actually all line up around the shirt! What a nice added level of difficulty I added for myself!

Will I make another? Maybe... It was an amazing learning lesson and it did go together really well, especially all of Sarai's instructions for how to make the inside of the shirt completely clean and free of open seam edges. The inside and outside look equally clean. If asked by my man to make another, of course I will! And if your man needs one, I say go for it! It really goes together nicely.

The Total Look at MOCA

2012-02-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited that museums are finding fashion themed exhibitions to be worthwhile. Last year the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York had great success with Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, the Balenciaga and Spain exhibition at the DeYoung Museum was spectacular (I flew up to see it!) and a huge success for them, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) had record lines at the Rodarte: States of Matter show here in Los Angeles.

MOCA is back with another fashion-themed exhibition, The Total Look, opening February 26 at the Pacific Design Center location. This show celebrates the collaboration of fashion designer Rudi Gernreich, his model and muse Peggy Moffitt, and Moffitt's late husband, the photographer William Claxton, who created the distinctive images of Moffitt in Gernreich's designs. The works come to life in photographs, films, and selected fashion looks in person.

If you're a MOCA member, there's an opening reception on Friday, March 2 from 7–9pm, and if you go, look for me there and say hi! Did you see one of the amazing fashion exhibitions? Tell me about it in the comments!

Photos from MOCA

Color Story 02.07.12

2012-02-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

Photo by Amy Merrick for Design*Sponge

My Grandma's Supplies

2012-02-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

A few years before my late grandma was put into an assisted living home, I was given an opportunity to pick some items of hers from her home that I would like to keep. I'm not a big keeper of stuff (I get a bit itchy when surrounded by clutter) so I mostly chose things that I would actually like to wear or use. I took home some books, records, hats, gloves, and of course I decided to take home all her sewing supplies.

In addition to obvious supplies like thread and scissors, I also took home her wooden sewing chest, of which I had my mom ship to me from Michigan to Los Angeles and now lives in my living room as part of my life. I'd love to share more of her tools with you, but for tonight, just some adorable vintage spools.

Call For Models!

2012-02-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

Hope you all are having a great Sunday! Just a quick note to say that I'm currently casting models for my pattern shoot, so if you're interested or know of anyone that might be interested, let me know!

The shoot is all day, Sunday, February 26 and will take place in San Francisco. Please contact me at info (at) christinehaynes (dot) com or comment below!

Thanks!

Will You Jason Wu?

2012-02-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the launch of the Jason Wu for Target collection and I wonder how many of you will be rushing the doors of the shop to get your fix? I admit, I've done my share of designer Target mad dashes, including a crazed 11:30pm (the store was open until midnight because it was the holiday season) run the night before the Rodarte collection came out, which resulted in me quietly and nearly all alone picking all my favorites from the line and scooting out before the morning rush. (Note to you Jason Wu fans, you might want to call tonight!) But though back then I did sew for myself, I didn't feel as confident in my sewing and I bought a lot of my clothes that I now know I could just do myself.

I still buy things, but they usually fall under the category of "I could make this, maybe, but it's just too damn hard" or the category of "there's no way I could pull this off", or "no, I'm not going to make my own underwear!" But looking at the Jason Wu line, I do think that most of these details and pieces could easily be constructed at home.

Let's break it down: cute collars, pleats, tucks, florals, stripes, solids, and simple shapes. Okay, what can't you probably do at home? The handbags, the logo t-shirt, the logo scarf, and perhaps the cardigan. But the rest, pretty doable! There is of course the idea of owning a piece Jason Wu, which I totally get, so perhaps when you make your mad rush in the morning (or tonight) think about this:
-what am I willing to do myself?
-does this fit better (or as good) than a version I could make?
-how will I feel when I am at a party and 3 girls are wearing the same dress?!
-do I love the shape and style but not the colors?
-or do I love the colors, but not the shape and style?
These are all arguments for making your own version!

This week, I will break down side by side comparisons for how to make similar versions for yourself! Whether you're forced to do it because you couldn't get to the store, or because it was all sold out, or if you'd just rather do it yourself!

Images from Target

Indie Pattern Designer: Victory Patterns

2012-02-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

I of course love sewing my own pattern designs, but I love sewing other indie designer's patterns too. So when I saw the designs of Victory Patterns, I was stoked. Wow, they are so adorable! Some are better suited for my body type than others, but all are styled well and super fun and modern.

I downloaded the Anouk, the Hazel, and the Ava dresses. I scored the 3 patterns for $25 deal on the Victory Patterns Etsy page, which is great if you just can't narrow your choice down to one design. I look forward to making my first item, which I think will be the Anouk, but we'll see... they are all super cute!

Has anyone made any of the Victory Patterns yet? If so, let me know in the comments with your links! Let's see your creations!

Color Story 02.03.12

2012-02-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

Photo by Garance Doré

Sewing Technique Bootcamp Class This Weekend

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Join me this weekend for a new class! In Sewing Technique Bootcamp we'll learn all the key elements to take your projects to the next level: sewing darts, making button holes, installing an invisible zipper, hand stitch a hem, reading commercial sewing patterns, and more!

The class is this Saturday, February 4 from 3–6pm at The Urban Craft Center. Spaces are limited and last I checked it was already half full, so don't wait to sign up! Call or purchase the class on-line.

Also this Saturday at UCC from 11am–2pm is another session of Intro to Sewing! So if you're new to the machine, this is the class for you. We'll make a great tote and you'll learn all about the sewing machine, key tools, and both straight and zigzag stitching. Sign up today!

Working On the Patterns

2012-02-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

I get a lot of questions about the progress of my upcoming new pattern line... and the answer to nearly all of them is "YES!!!!" They are underway and I'm hard at work on them. The projected release date is this spring, hopefully late March-early April. This is a bit later than I had hoped for, but I'm not willing to rush the process and end up with something that I'm not 100% happy with. I love my book, but I was really rushed by my publisher and I regret not saying that I needed more time to make sure everything was perfect. I do have a bit of a deadline, as I've booked the photoshoot for the cover shots, so the time is a ticking! In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of a muslin in progress... view B of the baby doll dress!

Maison Sajou: Sewing Supplies Made in France

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

When one chooses to hand make their wardrobe, or to shop hand made goods, often the path starts with the desire to support locally made products. But even when making your own clothing, most of the tools you use to cut, pin, and stitch your items together are made in China. Which is tough to swallow since half the reason you make your own things is to avoid having your products made in China! And here the tools you use in your sewing studio came from that exact place.

Well, it doesn't have to be that way. I just stumbled on Maison Sajou, the cutest supplier of pins, scissors, and other goodies, all made in France. Yes, they are more expensive, so there's no way I'm going to make the changeover to non-made-in-China-tools immediately. But as I need things, I will absolutely consider stocking my studio with these items. And not only are they functional, but they are all so cute! Hello, I think I need a pair of Eiffel Tower scissors!

If anyone has other suggestion of tools and supplies that aren't made in China, let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear about more!

Photos from Maison Sajou

A Garden Stroll

2012-01-31T09:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took the day off. I know, the whole day off! It's super easy as someone who's self employed to always be working, but it's important to take a day here and there and completely step away from all things business related. My man and I decided to get some nature around us, so we went to the Huntington Gardens. If you live in the Los Angeles area, it's a must visit! Honestly, I'd like to just hang out there everyday, sketching, thinking, picnicking. Though alas, it's got a $15 entrance fee and a no eating on the grounds policy. So I guess I can't treat it as my own personal back yard!

Looking at beautiful lush flowers, leaves, and patterns of the plants of course leads me to my relationship with fabric. Somehow it always comes back to work, right? Being in these surroundings is what always makes me want to design my own fabrics. All these amazing prints, patterns, and lines converging and overlapping... ugh, it's all just so beautiful! Oh, and there's an art museum there too! In the former Huntington residence hangs beautiful paintings surrounded by antique furnishings and décor of the Huntington family. They were into English painters and 18 century French design. Absolutely gorgeous.

If you have a public garden near you, stop in for a visit! It might get your creative juices flowing too!

Color Story 01.31.12

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo by Faythe Levine

LA Book Party & Signing for The Colette Sewing Handbook!

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

I posted this on my old blog, but as this is my new home, I wanted to repost this amazing news!

I'm super excited to announce that me and the other lovely ladies at Sew L.A. are hosing the lovely Sarai Mitnick, founder and designer of Colette Patterns, for her Los Angeles book party for her gorgeous volume, The Colette Sewing Handbook! The big event takes place on Saturday, February 18 from 6-9pm at Sew L.A.!

Sarai will be on hand to chat, sign books, and just be overall fabulous! We will also have all kinds of fun goodies! We're setting up a photo booth area with some fun props, there will be lots of treats to eat and drink all based on Colette Pattern names (the eclair, the taffy, the macaron!), we'll be raffling off some goodies, and the space will be filled with Colette Pattern garments for a trunk show!

And if all that wasn't enough, all our in stock Colette Patterns will be 20% off, with an additional 10% off for those people that come in their handmade Colette creations!!! We are so excited and honored that Sarai has picked us to host her Los Angeles book launch party and I hope you join us!

The Colette Sewing Handbook Book Party!
Saturday, February 18 from 6-9pm
Sew L.A.
1637 1/2 Silver Lake Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-665-7097

Color Story 01.29.12

2012-01-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Photo by Jenifer Lake

Craft + Vacation = Craftcation!

2012-01-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so super excited to be included in the Craftcation Conference! Craftcation is a 4-day conference from March 22–25 on the shores of beautiful Ventura, California for people looking to start, grow, or be inspired by DIY businesses.

And it's not just for fabric crafts! Get ready for classes on making jam, improving your blog, licensing and legal help, nailing a book deal, and more! In addition to all the learning, there will also be socializing! Cocktails, BBQ, yoga, and an 80's dance party! I'm seriously excited about all of this fun! (Can you tell by the quantity of exclamation points?!!!)

I'll be teaching three classes and will possibly be talking on some panel discussions. Here's where you can catch me-
The 3-Hour Skirt: We'll make a skirt from beginning to end in 3 short hours! Learn simple sewing skills and go home with a new skirt for your wardrobe!
Garment Sewing Bootcamp: Learn all the techniques to take your projects to the next level: darts, hand sewing hems, installing an invisible zipper, understanding fabric construction, and lots more!
Improvisional Bead Necklaces: I got hooked on this fun craft thanks to a road trip vacation I took with my two BFF's Jenifer & Ileana. It's a great exercise in quiet contemplative crafting, which is key in this busy go-go-go life we all lead. I apologize in advance for getting you addicted to this hobby too :)

This conference will be equal parts fun and informative, hence the "vacation" part of the word! And the list of presenters is stellar! Other speakers/instructors include Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching, Nicole Vasbinder of Stitchcraft, Cathy Callahan a.k.a. Cathy of California, Evan Kleinman of KCRW's Good Food, blogger Rena Tom, Crafty Chica Kathy Cano-Murillo, Delilah Snell of The Road Less Traveled, Nicole Stevenson of Random Nicole, Amy Tan of Amy Tangerine, & more!

Pop over to the Craftcation Conference website and register today!

Interview with Miss Make

2012-01-28T09:00:00.001-08:00

To welcome our newest teacher at Sew L.A., I did an interview with the lovely Devon Iott (aka, Miss Make) on the Sew L.A. blog! Check it out here and welcome Devon to the Sew L.A. teaching family!

Color Story 01.28.12

2012-01-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

Photo by Jenni Jurrinen via Decor8

Right Now In Sewing Class

2012-01-27T20:46:00.001-08:00

My students hard at work making dresses!

Works in Progress

2012-01-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

I'm in a serious rut, though it's a good rut. It's a Colette Patterns Peony Dress rut! All of these fabrics you see here are on their way to becoming more Peony dresses. Look for finished images to come!

Image from my Instagram Feed

Class Reminder - Intro to Sewing Tomorrow!

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

Have you been longing to learn how to sew but just couldn't find the time? Well, there are 3 spots left in my Intro to Sewing class at The Urban Craft Center tomorrow morning!

We will be using the Purl Soho 20-minute tote tutorial from the Purl Bee blog, and while making the tote you'll learn straight stitching, zigzag stitching, cutting, pinning, and ironing. In addition, we'll cover all the parts of the sewing machine, all the key tools you'll need for setting up your sewing studio, and more!

It's loads of fun, as you can see from last Saturday's super fun group above, so join us! It all goes down at The Urban Craft Center, Saturday, January 28 from 11am-2pm. Sign up by contacting UCC!

UPDATE: I just got word that the class is now sold out! Thanks all! If you didn't get a chance to sign up, I'm teaching another session of Intro to Sewing at UCC next Saturday, February 4, from 11am-2pm! Sign up at this link!

Welcome to My New Blog!

2012-01-27T01:30:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, and I've started a new blog! I wish I could import my years of blogging from WordPress to this new site, but since it's so big, it's totally not possible. So if you're looking for archives from September 2007 to February 2012, you can find them at this link.

Here at my new blog, we'll be talking about sewing, design, fashion, doing tutorials & sewalongs, and following the adventures of my life in Los Angeles and abroad. I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to your comments and thoughts!