June Designer of the Month: Karen Bosch

We are excited to introduce our featured designer of the month for June: Karen Bosch! Karen is a talented seamstress and embroiderer whose work has been featured in Sew Beautiful several times over the years. Most recently, her designs can be seen in our newest addition to the Sew Beautiful Collection, Karen Bosch's Summertime Baby (available at Martha Pullen Company). Additionally, Karen's handwork designs have been digitized into machine embroidery, such as the companion to Summertime Baby, My Lil' Friends, as well as the popular Blue Ribbon Baby disc. Karen shares more about herself and her sewing with us in today's interview. Enjoy!


SB: Karen, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions that we can share with our readers! Let's start out with an introduction; tell us a little bit about yourself.
Karen: I am from Zimbabwe and had the most wonderful childhood growing up in wildlife parks where my father was a researcher. My lack of human playmates was more than made up with the various wild animals my Mother and Father took care of, my greatest friend being an orphaned baby elephant. After leaving school I went to secretarial college and then worked as a secretary in the Foreign Office. Later on in life I studied to become a Hospice Bereavement Caregiver. I now live in South Africa with my husband, we have two grown-up daughters (both Arts Graduates). Last year I became a grandmother!


SB: Many of us who sew also participate in other crafts and hobbies; do you?
Karen: I am interested in so many things! Apart from heirloom sewing, I enjoy general dressmaking, embroidery, bobbin lacemaking, smocking, knitting, crochet, gardening and baking. I also enjoy going to the occasional antique auction sale in the hopes of being able to buy antique textiles, sewing tools and old needlework books.


SB: How long have you been sewing, and how did you get started?
Karen: I have been sewing since my legs were long enough to reach the treadle on my Mother's Singer sewing machine - I was about 4 when that happened, what a memorable day it was and the beginning of my passion for all types of needlework. Now I am 50+ - that's quite a long time I have been sewing, but I never stop learning and being inspired

SB: What is/are your favorite kind(s) of sewing?
Karen: My favourite type of sewing is heirloom sewing by hand - I like the control that one has over each and every stitch. Yes, it takes time, but I always have a "special" feeling when I'm doing handwork. I now include my handmade bobbin lace in my handsewn articles, so it really is 100% handmade. My favourite type of embroidery is shadow-work, I love the simplicity and gentleness of this technique, it works so well with heirloom fabrics.


SB: From where would you say you get your inspiration for your sewing projects and designs?
Karen: I get a lot of inspiration from my collection of old textiles - my favourite gown I made was a copy of a dear little antique gown I found in tatters. It was featured in Sew Beautiful as "Sweet Serenity", Sew Beautiful issue #74, 2001 (pictured above). It's so satisfying to know the design lives on. My love for animals and flowers inspires a lot of my shadow-work designs.


SB: Hand-in-hand with inspiration goes motivation. As creative types, sometimes even though we have plenty of inspiration, we can't seem to motivate ourselves to actually keep creating! How do you combat this struggle?
Karen: Yes, I certainly know about that! Take a break and do something completely different.


SB: We at Martha Pullen Company are thrilled that our newest book featuring your designs, Summertime Baby, is now available. You worked on these designs with your daughter, Tamzin. Tell us a little bit about your collaboration with her on the Summertime Baby designs and how the book came to be!
Karen: Tamzin (Tammy) is an Honours Graduate in Fine Art. She loves to draw, and if there is a piece of paper available, Tammy will draw whimsical animals on it. She started drawing and painting her animals (the ones featured in Summertime Baby) onto cards and selling them for pocket money, they were so successful she couldn't keep up with orders; I then knew how much people enjoyed her happy little characters - they are especially popular with young people. She was happy for me to use some of her designs on baby linen I was making, and when I showed my sewing friends the designs, they just loved them. I then re-did the designs on wearable articles for Sew Beautiful and they have now turned it into a book! Tammy also does "serious" art, I am so proud of all of her work.


SB: What would your advice be for a true beginner of sewing and embroidery?
Karen: My advice would be try to be as orderly as possible - pre-sewing preparation is good - before you settle down to sew make sure you have all your fabrics prepared (rinsed, and if necessary, starched), threads pulled, pattern pieces traced, a selection of laces to choose from, needles, pins, sewing cottons, etc., readily available. Try and keep your workspace as neat as possible, it is so frustrating to continually look for little items that have a habit of disappearing whilst we sew! I always tidy my sewing room when I have finished for the day, it's helpful to find everything in order when I get back to my sewing. Also, the ultimate joy of sewing is the successful completion of a article, so try not to accumulate too many unfinished projects. Learning to sew and embroider is not difficult, but it takes time, just enjoy it and if possible go to classes - they are fun and inspirational.


SB: What are some of your favorite go-to sewing tools?
Karen: My favourite sewing tools are my little 4" embroidery hoop - wonderful for shadow embroidery - a tape measure which I always wear around my neck, my blue dressmaker's pen and an old silver thimble which belonged to a very special great aunt.


SB: What about some of your favorite sewing resources (publications, websites, individuals, etc.)?
Karen: My favourite sewing publications are Grandmother's Hope Chest, published by Martha Pullen, Sarah Howard Stone's Heirloom Sewing by Hand books - I refer to these books constantly. I don't have a favourite web-site yet, only having just been given my first computer, am still very much a novice and a little intimidated by the workings of my laptop! My favourite heirloom sewer is Margaret Boyles - I was so lucky to have attended her classes on both occasions I went to Martha's School of Art Fashion - her work is beautifully perfect. I am also a great admirer of the work of Jeannie Downs Baumeister, Wendy Schoen and Debbie Glenn - their designs are truly inspirational.

SB: Any last words of advice for our readers?
Karen: Enjoy your sewing, even if you are occasionally disappointed with a project, the next one will be better

May Designer of the Month: Khristal Jouett

We are excited to announce our featured designer of the month for May, Khristal Jouett! Khristal is a designer we discovered not too long ago who lives locally to our Sew Beautiful office in Huntsville, Alabama. She was first published in SB issue #129, where she shared her fantastic "Panel Discussion" dresses with us. You can also see her work in our upcoming July/August issue, where she has provided readers with a free pattern on the pullout centerfold for her vintage-inspired, apron-style top (or dress) for girls (pictured above in gray and yellow, and below in red and turquoise). We are excited that Khristal has several other upcoming projects planned and can't wait to share more of her design style with our readers on the pages of SB! On with the interview...

SB: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Khristal: I don't talk about myself much, but here goes: I have lived in the Huntsville area since I was about 2 years old. I attended Monrovia Elementary/Middle School and Sparkman high school, and then graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I am blessed to have my momma, daddy, brothers and sisters still living in this area. I love God, my husband, daughter, family, and friends. I like all kinds of music but shy away from Dixieland and jazz fusion (too busy and chaotic). And, before this starts to sound like some kind of online dating form, I have to confess that I have a "slight" fabric collecting problem. It's starting to outgrow the spare bedroom and is making its way out to the garage.



SB: How did you get started sewing?
Khristal: I started sewing when I was in the sixth or seventh grade. My momma showed me how to operate the sewing machine safely, read pattern instructions and lay out the pattern pieces. She gritted her teeth and let me go for it. I started making doll clothing and pajamas for myself. When I started sewing, money was tight and making my clothes was a money saver. It also gave me a chance to experiment with my look and get out of doing lots of yard/garden work. My daddy's momma was a seamstress, so he let me slide on pulling weeds and picking okra! ;)

SB: From where would say you get your inspiration for your sewing projects?
Khristal: Vintage patterns, ready-to-wear clothing, museum exhibits, watching little kids, fashion designers, and television.

SB: Many of us who sew also participate in other hobbies, do you?
Khristal: Knitting, cooking, and redesigning our home.

SB: How does your daughter react to the clothing you make for her?
Khristal: She likes to pick colors and fabrics so that I can make her "stuff". As long as I don't make her look overly fancy, she's happy. She loves the twirly dresses and skirts, but she likes to run and play; so I pair dresses with capris, leggings, and little shorts you don't see -- just in case she feels a cartwheel coming on.


SB: Your first article for Sew Beautiful, "Panel Discussion", was published in our March/April issue and we have your work planned into more issues over the next year, including your free pattern for July/August: a vintage-inspired, apron-style dress for girls. Tell our readers a little of the story behind how you came to be published in Sew Beautiful. What is it like for you to have your designs in print?
Khristal: It's an honor to have my ideas translated into a tangible product that Sew Beautiful readers can hopefully enjoy making for their little ones. Back in 2007, I took my daughter to have her portrait done at Jennifer & Company (NOTE: Jennifer of Jennifer & Company is our beloved, long-time photographer for Sew Beautiful here in Huntsville, AL.). We were asked if she could model a couple of outfits for the July/August 2007 issue. Jennifer later asked if we would like to fill out a form to have her listed in the Sew Beautiful model pool, and of course, we said yes. Each model profile has a few headshots, and in my daughter's shots she was wearing one of the outfits that I made for her. SB editor Kathy Barnard liked her outfits and asked the photographer (Jennifer) about them, who asked me if I wanted to give Kathy my contact information. After I calmed down (that jumping for joy stuff can be kind of noisy) I said "Why yes, that would be lovely!" I probably didn't sound that refined, but you get the picture; and here we are.

SB: Your pieces have a distinctly vibrant fun, youthful appeal, which we might attribute to your bright contemporary fabric choices and your unique pattern adaptations. How do you go about panning a garment, with so many choices along the way?
Khristal: I like to see my child in bright happy clothing that she can have fun wearing. I "audition" the fabrics and trims by laying them out on the kitchen table (which is near the window). Sometimes the fabrics and trims get moved around and changed for a couple of days; sometimes the combinations come together more quickly. Also, picking fabrics from a designer's
collection is helpful. Fabrics in a collection are usually made so that they complement each other.


SB: What would your advice be for a true beginner who wants to learn how to sew garments for children?
Khristal: Start with a simple pattern (pajamas, play clothing, etc.), a fun woven fabric (no stretch, no plaid, and no prints that have to be matched up). Take time to read the pattern instructions first. Use pattern paper to trace the correct sized pattern pieces. Keep the original pattern as a master pattern for use later. Take your time, breath deeply and enjoy this hobby that lets you express yourself creatively.

SB: What are some of your favorite go-to sewing tools and resources?
Khristal: The seam ripper; I don't like to have to use it, but everyone does. The rubber band and a ruler; I use the rubber band as a seam guide. The ruler helps me to position the band correctly for the right seam allowance. A clear 6" x 24" ruler, a T-square, and a french curve. I also always like to refer to the Internet and great books and magazines for information. You can often find vintage sewing information at the public library. There are plenty of how to videos and articles that can show you how to do a technique you may not be familiar with. Check out Lezette Thomason's videos on You Tube.


SB: Khristal, thanks so much for taking the time to share more about yourself with our readers! We know your pieces are and will continue to be a great source of inspiration.

April Designer of the Month: Jeannie Baumeister of The Old Fashioned Baby

Fans, we're so excited to announce that, in this season best known for heirloom, our featured designer of the month for April is Jeannie Baumeister of The Old Fashioned Baby. Jeannie has been teaching, designing patterns and publishing under her business for nearly 20 years, and has been gracing the pages of Sew Beautiful with her beautiful work and and techniques for most of that time as well. Her exquisite designs exemplify everything that we love about heirloom, and we are thrilled to share some of her insight with you today! Don't forget to check out Jeannie's website, The Old Fashioned Baby, where you can purchase her patterns and books as well as other supplies; and her blog is not to be missed (oldfashionedbaby.blogspot.com), where she shares techniques and projects on a regular basis. For now, on with the interview!

Dress featured above was seen in Sew Beautiful and is made from the Emma's Smocked Baby Dresses pattern from The Old Fashioned Baby

SB: Jeannie, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions that we can share with our readers! Let's start out with the usual -- tell us a little bit about yourself.
Jeannie: As the daughter of a career Air Force Officer, I grew up traveling around the country. I guess the longest I lived any one place was Newfoundland because my father had two tours of duty there. I loved the gypsy life. I settled down in Baton Rouge when my husband took a job with LSU 24 years ago. Five of my six children are grown. One son is still in high school and I am blessed with 7 Grandchildren, five of them girls.

SB: Just for fun, what are some of your interests and/or hobbies outside of sewing?
Jeannie: Roses!! I love growing roses although I am a bit of a haphazard gardener. I love the antique, easy to grow roses. No surprise that I would love antique roses, I guess. I love to read and always have a book going. I am a Christian and I love Bible Study groups.

SB: Favorite food?
Jeannie: Well, all I am thinking about eating right now is Lamb for Easter. And we have Yorkshire pudding with it. I love them both.

Dress featured above was seen in Sew Beautiful and is made from the Baby's Smocked Layette pattern from The Old Fashioned Baby

SB: Okay, enough with the silly business and on to our real questions! How long have you been sewing, and more specifically, how long have you been involved in heirloom sewing and smocking?
Jeannie: I come from a sewing family so I didn't think you could be a 'real' woman until you owned a sewing machine. For me, that was at age 18. I smocked my first dress for my baby daughter who is now 37, so I have been doing this a long time. I parade that little treasure before my Smocking Students to encourage them to see the beauty in what they are doing and not find fault in their work. My skills have increased with time.

SB: Tell our readers a little bit about your business, The Old Fashioned Baby, and its history.
Jeannie: I love babies and I love old baby clothes so it was the perfect combination to have a business designing baby clothes. I consider myself a designer first of all. I love designing. But I started my business teaching locally and making special order baby clothes. My Pattern business began around 1991 when I designed my own patterns to look like the old baby clothes I loved. I used my designs in magazine articles and people wanted to purchase them, so I printed them to sell. My first patterns were printed in 1992 I think.

Bubble pictured above is from Sweet & Simple Bubbles and Bonnets pattern from The Old Fashioned Baby

SB: From where would you say you get your inspiration for your sewing projects, patterns and designs?
Jeannie: Old Baby clothes are the biggest inspiration for me. Generous students and friends share their family treasures along with their antique shop finds with me and for this I am grateful. I know a lot of very nice people, I am lucky that way! Old embroidered linens and vintage books and magazines are also a wonderful field of inspiration.  

Set pictured above was seen in Sew Beautiful and is made from the Old Fashioned Baby Layette pattern from The Old Fashioned Baby

SB: As a talented seamstress, teacher and business owner, how do you balance work and play when it comes to sewing and being creative?
Jeannie: Any woman will tell you that is the most difficult part. My priorities might be different from another business owner. The creative process is the most important to me and I put that first. Next, I work from deadline to deadline. What ever is up next is what I work on. It might be an upcoming class to teach or a pattern I am trying to get to the printer. I do tend to avoid the parts I don't like until I can't put them off any longer, like paper work!! And I never stop my creative process. Creativity sparks more creativity. When I am working on a design for a new pattern or article I always get sidetracked with ideas that come from the design I am currently working on. Often , the ideas enhance the current project but sometimes they have nothing to do with it. I just let myself flow in another direction and keep the notes and drawings I make. I have learned that if try to keep myself on track, it squelches my creative juices. Sometimes I can't wait to finish what I'm currently doing so I can begin working on my new ideas. In fact, I almost always begin the new project I am excited about before I have finished the current one. I also have a big box full of my ideas and designs that I have never used. I'm afraid that I am more of a dreamer than a doer!! I love ideas!! And I have more than I can ever really do.

Bib pictured above is from Jeannie's book, Jeannie B's Book of Heirloom Embroidery Designs & Stitches

SB: You have a distinctly heirloom style of sewing that many of us would love to master. How would you describe the process you go through when planning and sewing a unique garment that incorporates heirloom styles and techniques?

Jeannie: I am a visual person and I need to see it what it will look like so I draw it first. I usually draw several variations of the garment I want to make so I can see how they will look using different sleeves or hem styles. Once I know the style I want, I choose the fabric and lace. I pull out bolts of lace and fabric and eliminate the ones I don't like until I have the look I want. But I do tend to design as I go and change my mind in the process if it doesn't look like I thought it would. That is why I never have a problem adding to my 'collection' of lace. I like to have a variety to choose from. If you live near a "brick and mortar" shop it will be so much easier for you because you can see the different fabric and laces together before making a decision. In construction, I am a firm believer in basting. All the vintage clothing we admire was not slapped together. It was carefully basted to make sure it didn't shift when it was stitched. Sometimes pins will do the trick (called pin basting) but often you will be wise to baste the lace to the fabric before stitching. Practice a technique before you use it on your garment. The time and money are well worth it.

Pictured above: Jeannie's first smocked dress!

SB: What would your advice be for a true beginner of heirloom sewing who wants to learn more, but isn't sure where to start?
Jeannie: First I will tell them that heirloom sewing is easy! Anyone can do it. And you must use quality materials. It can make a big difference in how a technique turns out, not to mention the overall look of the finished garment. The worst thing you can do is to buy cheap materials to practice on. If a class is available, take it. Classes are the best way to learn! If you can't get away for a class then purchase a book that shows the heirloom techniques (you can never have too many books) and a tried and true pattern and start with a small project. This could be an embellished yoke or a bonnet. Be sure to use a light weight thread when sewing fine fabric. Find other like minded people to sew with.

SB: What are some of your favorite go-to sewing tools?
Jeannie: 1. My See-Thru rulers. I have three sizes. My favorite size is 18"X2". I use it for both designing and sewing. 2. A Thimble. I use a thimble and encourage every sewer to use one. 3. And the Blue wash-out marking pens. I would have to give up sewing with out those three items.

Pictured above: Sweet & Simple Daygown, which Jeannie will be teaching at the upcoming SAGA National Convention

SB: What about some of your favorite sewing resources (publications, websites, individuals, etc.)?
Jeannie: Well, I have to have Sew Beautiful magazine! It is my favorite. I like Australian Smocking and Embroidery magazine too. I must see them both as soon as they come out! Any book is a great sewing resource. You need a library of sewing book. As I said before, you can't have too many books. I have recently discovered the "Blog World" and there is a lot of inspiration there. I now have a blog called "The Old Fashioned Baby Sewing Room". I am showing lessons about some of the techniques needed to sew children's clothing. I want people to see how easy it is to sew for children. I will mention only one individual blog here and that is Southern Matriarch. Martha who is the creator helped me set up my own blog. I could not have done it without her. Her Heirloom Blog is one that stands out!

SB: Any last words of advice for our readers?
Jeannie: Yes. Be Bold!! Don't be timid or afraid to make mistakes. If you are, you will not progress in your stitching. Make that challenging garment that you are longing to do. Read all the instructions, ask questions and stitch it. When you are finished put it on your child and be happy with it! Other people will only see the beauty of your child in the little garment made of love. And NEVER point out your mistakes!

SB: Jeannie, thanks so much for taking the time to answer all of our questions. We loved hearing what you had to say and know our readers will too!

Don't forget to visit Jeannie at her website and on her blog, and be sure to check back next month for our May Designer of the Month!

March Designer of the Month: Ivey Crenshaw

Welcome to the premier post of our first blog series: Designer of the Month. On (or near) the first of each month, we will be sharing a spotlight interview with a featured designer whose work we love. We hope you enjoy the behind-the-designs insight to be gained!

Our first featured designer is Ivey Crenshaw of Hahira, Georgia. Ivey is an employee of Sew Blessed, a sewing shop also located in Hahira. You can see her work in "Spring in Full Bloom," a pictorial published in the current March/April 2010 issue of Sew Beautiful (#129; pages 16-19). We're also looking forward to publishing Ivey's work in yet another pictorial in our November/December issue (#133), this time offering a series of fun, casual Christmas looks in bright cotton prints. For now, on with the interview!

SB: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Ivey: I am a happily married housewife, who works part-time at Sew Blessed. Before I started working at the shop, I had my own business making curtains and anything to do with decorative textiles. One day, I was hanging curtains for a client and I mentioned to her that I needed a new sewing machine and a part-time job so that I could get out of the house some every week before I go stir crazy. Well, that client was Sharon, who is the owner of Sew Blessed and now my wonderful boss! Eventually I got out of the drapery making business and started sewing for fun again. Jeff and I do not have any kids but that does not stop me from sewing children's clothes. I love it! I have an Art Degree in Fashion Design and when I was in college, children's wear was my forte. Working at Sew Blessed has just given me the perfect excuse to sew cute children's clothes again! I guess you could say that I have been "sew blessed" - haha!

SB: How did you get started sewing?
Ivey: My grandmother was an excellent sewist and as a young child she always fascinated me with all that she would sew. She passed away when I was eight and was never able to teach me. My mom inherited her fabric collections, 2 sewing machines, and U.F.O.'s (unfinished objects). I loved to play with all those fabrics and I would try to make things by studying her U.F.O. projects. Mom noticed that I was interested in sewing and found me a summer sewing class through 4-H when I was about 11 years old.

SB: Many of us who sew also participate in other crafts and hobbies; do you?
Ivey: Yes! Although I try to limit the crafts I get involved with cause it can get expensive and time consuming. My true love is sewing. Next to sewing is decorating. Seems like my parents and I have always got a decorating project going on. Alot of the crafts that I do are because I was trying to come up with clever wall art or decorate for a party.Some of my other crafts and hobbies I dabble in are flower arranging, beading, photography, paper crafts...Give me a book on the subject and I will try to figure it out! I would love to get into gardening.

SB: How long have you been a part of the Sew Blessed shop, and what is your role there?
Ivey: I have been part of Sew Blessed now for 5 years. My role at the shop I guess would be Marketing Director. I'm all about trying to make our shop look good. I make the shop samples, choose fabrics and patterns we sell in the shop, rearange store displays, take pictures for our ads... you know, whatever is going to market our shop well.

SB: From where would you say you get your inspiration for your sewing projects?
Ivey: I find inspiration everywhere!!! It could be from something as simple as a novelty button or a fabric collection from a favorite fabric designer. Magazines are some of the best places to find inspiration and not just sewing ones. I don't scrapbook, but I love to buy scrapbook magazines because they are full of ideas for appliques and unusual color combinations. A movie, artwork, a road trip through the mountains in the fall, pretty packaging; these are all things that have inspired past sewing projects.

SB: Hand-in-hand with inspiration goes motivation. As creative beings, sometimes even though we have plenty of inspiration, we can't seem to motivate ourselves to actually keep creating! How do you combat this struggle?
Ivey: I'm not always motivated to create, but it makes me upset when I go through the day and I have accomplished absolutely nothing.It actually makes me feel depressed. So to avoid that feeling, I will pick out a U.F.O. project and make myself work on it. Well in the process, I will actually start to enjoy what I am working on. When I finish, I usually feel good about what I have done and will be excited to work on another project.

SB: You have such a creative take on children's clothing, from your integration of designer fabrics, patterns and machine embroidery to your own take on appliques and embellishments. How would you describe the process you go through when planning and sewing a unique garment?
Ivey: It depends on my source of inspiration, but I always lay out my fabric and trims so that I can get a visual image of how things are going together. Most of the time I'm not real sure it is going to work out but I will do it anyways because I like that element of surprise with the finished product. That's what makes designing so much fun!

SB: What would your advice be for a true beginner who wants to learn how to sew garments for children?
Ivey: Just keep on sewing! Make yourself try new patterns. I taught myself new sewing techniques by trying out different pattern styles and designers. Don't get caught up in trying to custom fit children's clothing. It should be loose and fun! You know, something they can play in.

SB: What are some of your favorite go-to sewing tools?
Ivey: My favorite sewing tool (besides my sewing machines) is my set of "Fasturn" tube turners! Whew, that's a mouthful! Helps me turn all those sashes and straps out in no time at all.

SB: What are some of your favorite resources when it come to sewing?
Ivey: I love all the A-Z Series of books for sewing. The reason, they have great directions and wonderful instruction pictures. My other favorite resource for sewing are my video collection of Martha's Sewing Room. I don't always practice my heirloom techniques but I can watch those videos and I know exactly what to do!

SB: Any last words for our readers?
Ivey: When I was asked to do the SB pictorial, the first thing I did was find my favorite issue, Issue #100. It was the very first issue I ever purchased. The pages are worn out and there is some water damage cause I took it to the beach with me one time, but I still go through it every now and then. This particular issue is very important to me because it was what inspired me to start sewing children's clothing again! I can only hope that my pictorial will become a sewing inspiration to someone like issue 100 did for me.

SB: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions, Ivey! To our readers, you can check out more of Ivey's work online at her blog and Flickr photostream. And of course, be sure to stop by Sew Blessed if you're ever in Hahira, GA. Stay tuned for our April Designer of the Month, Jeannie Baumeister of The Old Fashioned Baby.