Sewing Industry Reflections and Predictions

See this blog post for more information.

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=14668

Answer the questions in this thread or on your own blog. Return to the post above and leave a link with the location of your responses. We'll select 5 people at random to win a $15 gift certificate to Sew,Mama,Sew!

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Looking back on the sewing scene of 2010, what trends stand out in your mind?

What were some of your favorite things? (Trends, fabric collections, patterns, blogs? Whatever you really loved.)

What was your very favorite fabric collection or print? (If not listed above.)

What was the best thing you made in 2010? (Be sure to share a photo!)

What is one of the best things you saw that was made by someone else?

What do you think 2011 has in store? (Again, trends, fabric, patterns, etc.)

Anything you're ready for the sewing world to get over?

What's on your sewing agenda for 2011? What are you excited about? What would you like to learn more about?

I learned that I CAN learn new block patterns, you know the ones that one usually says "I wonder how they did that, I wouldn't ever be able to do it!" 

I loved seeing the kids belts,organizing patterns,new faces with new blogs to view and so on:)

I would like to see more on free motion quilting, new designs to try out mostly and such and bloggers whom stress "free motion" quilting on their personal blog.

My favorite fabric collection included, Dream On, Sugar Pops, Central Park, Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry and many more;)

The best thing I made was a Lucy Goosey quilt for my MIL for Christmas and also I have to say the flag from prairie points that I quilted for my dad!!

Thank you and have a blessed and prosperous New Year SMS!!!

Looking back on the sewing scene of 2010, what trends stand out in your mind?

Cute skirts from fun prints.

What were some of your favorite things? (Trends, fabric collections, patterns, blogs? Whatever you really loved.)

Buttons...My husband has becoming a yard saler who seeks out vintage buttons for me.  Is that cool or what?

What was your very favorite fabric collection or print? (If not listed above.)

Amy Butler's fabrics continue to grab my eye.  I made her Domestic Goddess apron and was thrilled with the outcome both from the pattern and the fabrics.

What was the best thing you made in 2010? (Be sure to share a photo!)

The dress that I made for the Sew Mama Sew Make it, Wear it! Challenge (photo posted there).  The pattern had a fitted bodice and inverted pleats--and it fit!  This started the confidence flowing to make fitted skirts.  Hurrah!

What is one of the best things you saw that was made by someone else?

I think that everything on Erica B's DIY blog (which I learned about on Sew Mama Sew) is magnificent!

What do you think 2011 has in store? (Again, trends, fabric, patterns, etc.)

Given the flowy lines, shirring and ruffles of the last year or so, I would love to see more fabrics like challis readily available.  But will that be a trend?  I doubt it--just what I'd like to see...   I'd also like to see more lightweight linens and basic garment patterns to be constructed from linen.  

Anything you’re ready for the sewing world to get over?

Cheap fleece.

What’s on your sewing agenda for 2011? What are you excited about? What would you like to learn more about?

My goal is to continue to teach sewing classes to children through 4-H.  I'm excited about rekindling my own sewing skills while moving into more demanding and detailed patterns.

Since I teach sewing to children, I am thrilled to find patterns like those of Amy Butler's that give good detail for novices.  I hope that 2011 continues to bring out the clever designers who are sharing their ideas via the web.

I also hope that the community of sewers, quilters, knitters and crafters will continue to show support for good causes like IBOL (Iraqi Bundles of Love).  

ETA:  Not sewing but along the lines of All Things Fiber (hmmm...sounds like a new breakfast cereal ):  I intend to sign up for a sock knitting class.  I just cannot figure out double points on my own so having some guidance will be just the ticket! 

Peace to all,
Jane

Trends 2010-appreciation/acceptance for "make it versus buy it", bags-purses-diaper bags & zipper pouches-oh my!, lots of books/blogs geared toward newbie sewers, more ruffles!

Fav collection-Ann Kelle urban zoologie, blogs-SMS, purlsoho, dana-made-it, ocd

Best sewing venture were simple dresses (times 5) with Cosmo cricket girl friday fabric.  evidence:  http://heatherskye.blogspot.com/2010/05/ummmnot-quite.html

best thing: http://happymodernquilts.blogspot.com/2010/09/grey-red-and-blue.html OR http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/11/pants-to-jumper-with-katy-from-no-big.html

2011=MORE fabric/patterns geared toward the SAHM/newbie sewer;  perhaps some clever recycled clothing patterns/projects.

I am soooo Over the straight pants with 8 layers of ruffles at calf for girls;  no offense!

In 2011 I would like start the learning curve of working with knits.

What was your very favorite fabric collection or print? (If not listed above.)

http://www.sewmamasew.com/store/ecom-catshow/CLTAILORMADE.html - I just bought some fabric from this collection to make an ironing board cover and a sewing tool case.

What was the best thing you made in 2010? (Be sure to share a photo!)

Coordinating Christmas stockings and a tree skirt using fabric from the Georgette collection by Windham Fabrics. Super simple and they turned out pretty well, though I need to go back and iron them.

Runners-up would be a girl's dress made from a 1930s pattern and a 1930s feedsack, and a 1940s shirt and overalls (I'm a historical re-enactor and this outfit is for my 1940s "Rosie the Riveter" type character).

Photos are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oklahoma_wildflower/sets/72157625566673571/

What is one of the best things you saw that was made by someone else?

I've seen WAY too many awesome things this year. I'm new to all this home sewing stuff and I'm a bit amazed at how talented so many other people are.

What do you think 2011 has in store? (Again, trends, fabric, patterns, etc.)

More gorgeous fabric, I hope! More funky florals and fewer dowdy Victorian-knockoff prints.

Anything you’re ready for the sewing world to get over?

Ridiculous "upcycling." Some of the upcycled things I've seen are just garbage. The upcycling trend is getting a bit out of hand and some people are upcycling just for the sake of slapping the name on the project because it's trendy and not because the project is creative or useful. If you upcycle, I shouldn't be able to tell what it originally was!

Also, I'm going to echo others and say cheap fleece and girls' pants with excessive ruffles at the bottom. With the former, it makes it hard to find good collegiate fabric that isn't fleece; my mother-in-law wants curtains for her computer room featuring her favorite collegiate team (our family alma mater), and my fabric options are severely limited. I blame the Snuggie trend (which also needs to die).

What’s on your sewing agenda for 2011? What are you excited about? What would you like to learn more about?

The aforementioned ironing board/sewing tool case, some purses (I'm in the process of learning how to make them), curtains for my mother-in-law, curved pillows for a vintage 1960s round bed, and possibly an 1860s day dress for my upcoming abolitionist character.

I really want to learn more about making handbags. I received Amy Butler's handbag-making book for Christmas and all the projects are tempting me way too much! I'd also like to make coordinating billfolds and zippered bags for each purse.

I also want to improve my skills with sewing clothing so that I can make everyday garments instead of just historical costumes. I love making vintage clothes, and vintage patterns are always HUGE challenges. I think I'm ready to work with knit fabric and modern styles.

2010 trends - The predominance of modern quilt designs. I also saw more use of solid fabrics in quilts (i.e. Cherry House Quilts).

Favorite things - I loved the pared down style of color solids on dark backgrounds.

Favorite fabric collection or print - I love Kona solids…so I would say that is my favorite.

Best thing I made - Isn’t this like choosing a favorite child? I suppose my favorite is the Plain & Simple quilt I did in red, white and blue.


Best thing someone else made - Too many to choose!

What’s in store for 2011? – My crystal ball tells me we will see a resurgence of 1930’s inspired prints. I also think we will see more linen fabric used in projects.

Anything you’re ready for the sewing world to get over? - Super bright, overdyed prints! I am so not a Kaffe Fassett fan.

Sewing agenda for 2011 - I am excited about using patchwork in projects other than bed quilts. I will be making mini quilts to decorate our home since the walls are mostly bare. I would love to learn how to make a wholecloth quilt as a long-term project for my daughter’s hope chest.

1. Fabric decorations - bunting, garland, etc. Also handmade gifts.

2. I love SewnNaturalStudio, I loved the roundups that were featured on this blog (handmade holidays, baby shower).
What was your very favorite fabric collection or print? (If not listed above.)

I was really proud of the ruffled scarf that I made (the tutorial was featured on the "gifts for hipsters" from this year's handmade holidays) for my mom for Christmas. It was the first time that I had sewn with elastic thread.

I really love the nautical pillows that http://www.etsy.com/shop/Hepstyles?ga_search_query=hepstyles&ga_search_type=seller_usernames makes

More eco-friendly/upcycled stuff.

I think there is an overabundance of tech gadget holders. Do people (especially guys) really put their iphones in crocheted holders?

I'm definitely going to be making some cloth diapers for my boy. I'd like to try out some more clothes too because I haven't ventured into that area much - seems difficult.

Trends that stand out are making little things like mug rugs, flowers, hexagons, lap quilts, bunting, and bags.
My favorite things are some of the collections: Modern Meadow, Meadowsweet 2, and Bliss.
I cannot recall if this was a 2010 collection yet Hope Valley is a favorite favorite as are collections with birds.
The best thing that I made in 2010 was a wholecloth safari print baby quilt. I didn't take a photo and already gave the gift.
One of the best things that I saw that was made by someone else was jaybird's hexagon quilt with the large pieced hexies. I also like Elizabeth Hartman's paintbox quilts.
Trends: Lots of the 2010 collections ended up with turquoise / aqua colors in them. Though I do not like the honeysuckle pink (every honeysuckle I ever saw was white/yellow), it is bound to show up later in 2011. I think that large multi-color prints will show up some more and lots of patterns that have a "non block" design - columns or a jumble of rectangles.
It would be nice if **journal et al** covers, mug rugs, owls, gnomes, and mushrooms were trends that were over in the sewing world.
My sewing agenda for 2011 will be more quilts (especially for others). I would like to win a large fabric giveaway. I'm excited to learn about our newly acquired sewing machine, and attempting quilting and embroidery using that intimidating machine. I would like to learn more about applique and piecing blocks with flying geese.

Thanks for the opportunity to look into my crystal ball and perhaps win a gift cert.

What's on your sewing agenda for 2011? What are you excited about? What would you like to learn more about?


For 2011, I plan to MAKE more time to sew and not let my hesitations hinder my progress.  I intend to take art classes to learn more about drawing, fabrics, dyeing and pattern making.  I believe I have a strong creative voice; I just need to put in action.  We will see what develops.  Thanks for the thoughtful questions!

Looking back on the sewing scene of 2010, what trends stand out in your mind?

I noticed there were a few books and patterns released for soft toy sewing. I bought a couple myself!



What were some of your favorite things? (Trends, fabric collections, patterns, blogs?
Whatever you really loved.)

One of my very favorite things is that I have come to discover how much amazing sewing talent there is here in Atlanta. I bought two sewing books this year written by local sewists. Stitch by Stitch by Deborah Moebes and Little Girls Big Style by Mary Abreu.

As for blogs - there are so many I love. But one immediately came to mind....

I like checking out the Sartorialist blog. I don't especially love all of his choices - I mean, all the women on the blog are unbelievably skinny, without exception. C'mon, aren't there some stylish women with "regular" bodies out there? I do like seeing classic pieces show up again and again, and it's cool to get ideas for styles, and the pictures are great. But I think there is a lack of credibility for his "spotted on the street" random pics when they all are rail thin like models. But I keep going back to the blog to check out the outfits.

What was your very favorite fabric collection or print? (If not listed above.)

Impossible to pick a favorite! I am anticipating with great enthusiasm the line Ruby Star Rising by Kokka, designed by another talented Atlanta woman, Melody Miller.

What was the best thing you made in 2010? (Be sure to share a photo!)


I just finished a dress from a pattern that hasn't been released yet - as a tester for the pattern designer. I love it but I can't show it off yet!

What is one of the best things you saw that was made by someone else?

Anything by Mimi Kirchner.  I love her dolls!

What do you think 2011 has in store? (Again, trends, fabric, patterns, etc.)

Retro retro retro!  I think we'll see lots of retro styling and fabrics.

2010 was a growing year for me.   Please check out my blog in the gallery section.  The first few quilts were all done in 2010.  http://jabotquilt.blogspot.com/

I hope to get published this year... that is my goal.  I do 3D quilts and want the world to see them.   I am out of the box in my quilting and hope 2011 is the time to shine=)

My fav fabrics are retro for 2011.  In 2010 I discovered knits and sew all my own tops now using the fabulous Jalie patterns from Canada.

I love Michael Miller fabric, it is always so funky and trendy.

Thanks for the chance!

Looking back on the sewing scene of 2010, what trends stand out in your mind?
I love the sewing with linen trend... and the mug rug trend! A linen patchwork mug rug seems to scream 2010 in my mind.

What were some of your favorite things? (Trends, fabric collections, patterns, blogs? Whatever you really loved.)
Oh I have so many favorites!
zippered puches, nooddlehead, made, rae, homemade by jill, linen, patchwork, modern quilting, mug rugs, potholders...

What was your very favorite fabric collection or print? (If not listed above.)
I have a stash of Amy Butlers Lotus  red and white dots... I hate cutting into it!!

What was the best thing you made in 2010? (Be sure to share a photo!)
I have so many favorites... but this was my first quilt ever.

http://livingmysweetlife.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-first-real-quilt.html

What is one of the best things you saw that was made by someone else?
just one? ... Homemade by Jill's car play mat. I love anything for boys and her play mat is AMAZING!

What do you think 2011 has in store? (Again, trends, fabric, patterns, etc.)
I'm hoping to see more sewing books published! I also think 2011 may bring Japanese prints to my local quilt shop!

Anything you're ready for the sewing world to get over?
Nothing! Keep it all coming!

What's on your sewing agenda for 2011? What are you excited about? What would you like to learn more about?
I want to get more into quilting. I really enjoyed making the 2 quilts I completed this year. I hope to make many more!
I would love to learn how to sew clothing and how to draft my own patterns.

Thanks!!
Liz @ http://www.livingmysweetlife.blogspot.com

A trend that I see is that anything goes...you don't need to follow the "old" rules of quilting.  I am really enjoying seeing how people do raw edge applique and "drawing" with free motion quilting.

My favorite fabrics are from the Amy Butler line and I love the sketch-type drawings on Heather Ross fabrics.

I really enjoy reading tutorials, and would love more in-depth instruction on free motion quilting...i.e. fhow fast do you normally go when stitching?  How do hold the quilt when using free motion quilting etc.

I’ve been so impressed with all the new lines by Riley Blake ~ I just can’t stop ordering them for quilts, gifts, bibs, and I have plans to make 7 little dresses from the new lines for Spring.

I’m hoping to find the right fabric line for a bed quilt in 2011 ~ I like the style of Basic Gray and Geo Grand, something gender-neutral and modern, but I want something with some more color palette choices. And no florals!

My favorite trend of 2010 is the use of voile and especially in non-traditional applications such as quilts.  Looking ahead for 2011 I hope to see more organic fabric production and emphasis on reuse and sustainability.  I am also getting really tired of the limited choices of interfacings out there and would love to see something new and high quality come out.