Alrighty. I’m way overdue for showing some new stuff–so sorry for the delay!
My latest business births have been a long time coming and certainly a lot of fun to get together. It’s pretty safe to say that all of what gets produced on the business end has some serious roots in what I’m most interested in making as a quilter myself. Often the line between “personal” and “professional” quilter is a bit blurry for me. Architextures is a perfect example of this. That collection was really just an idea for some fabric that I wanted to sew with, and to this day I am blown away by how much it has appealed to so many others. (And this totally blows me away. Wow.)
First up is a new pattern to my current paper-piecing series called Tangelo. She’s a fun one to make, and I’ve been dreaming up tons of other versions since her conception.
And then my other big launch was a brand-new pattern group that I’ve called the Slow Sewing Studio. In addition to being an avid paper-piecer, I also love me some handwork. The projects to start this group all use needle-turn appliqué–one of my favorite hand techniques. (Of course you can use your own favorite appliqué technique with these designs as well.) The idea of slowing down and unplugging is very important to me and also a big concept behind the group. For now you can read my lil manifesto and find links to the patterns here, but I’ll also be going into more detail about each of my new patterns in the near future.
In developing the new group, I was lucky enough to be able to bring on the collaborative efforts of two fine designers. Anna Graham of Noodlehead lent her talents to work with me on the Social tote (seen above), and Jessica Pollak dazzled me with her graphic skills in creating a beautiful graphic for the group (also above and to the left). It was so amazing to work with both of these talented (and really kind!) designers, and I’m so excited about what they’ve added to the group.
So that’s the basic overview. More to come soon.
Jean says
I’m totally digging that sewing tote and pin cushion…I could use one of those. Hope it is a pattern soon. And by the way, your fabric line rocks and then some!
carolynfriedlander says
Thanks Jean! And the sewing tote pattern is out and ready for you. See Social tote link above.
anna says
yay!!!!! I’m so excited for you! Everything looks so amazing. Oh and Jessica’s work is fab!!
Marni @ Haberdashery Fun says
The social tote is awesome!! I have had storage bins on the brain lately, so this is awesome. Thanks for sharing and looking foward to seeing more
Linda H. says
Your slow down concept sounds wonderfully nice. I wish you could send some of the “slow” my way. I have hand appliqué UFOs languishing in a box, and would love some inspiration to get ’em done. Love that social tote! I hope it will be a pattern. Maybe after making it I could get a few quilters together for a handwork day. Now wouldn’t that be nice?! Hey, congrats on Architextures being in the running for the Modern Madness 2013 fabric-of-choice! You got my vote!
Paula N. says
I love the Social Tote! Can’t find a pattern, though … went to the Slow Sewing Studio page, patterns pages, etc., still can’t find anything. Maybe a link? Because it’s awesome!!
carolynfriedlander says
Thanks Marie and Paula! You can find a link to the Social tote here as well as in the link above. These patterns are already arriving in shops, and make sure to ask about them. Keep me posted if you are still having problems.
Marie D. says
Love the social tote! Will be making a ton of these as soon as I can find the pattern. Who will be carrying your patterns and when?
Casey says
I love the concept behind your Slow Sewing Studio patterns! I think fast and easy quilt patterns have their place, but it’s also nice to slow down and remember why we are handmaking quilts in the first place. So often it’s for personal enjoyment, so why rush?
Also, big congratulations on Architextures winning Fat Quarterly’s Modern Madness! Very well deserved!