Hello friends!
This week my grandma died. If you know me or have been reading the blog for a while you might know that my grandma and I were very close. She was a dear friend and a huge influence for me. Grandma was a fashion designer before she became a well-known teacher of needle arts. She taught me a love of textiles and fashion and explained some important design concepts that resulted in my taking a degree in fashion design and, ultimately, launching this company. When I was in college grandma used to drive up just under my dorm room window and honk. We’d escape campus to eat ice cream sundaes before she brought me back to my studies. After graduation I often took vacation time to go visit her so we could hang out together for a long weekend or a week. We were still getting together and having fun until about four years ago when she fell, and I rushed out to see her with the worry that I would have to say goodbye.
In fact, she got much better and I just spent some time with her again last month! I’m going to miss her terribly, but I’m relieved that her pain is gone and glad that she had a full life. She was 98 years old. Grandma decided to have a positive attitude right up to the very end of her life, and she made friends everywhere she went. I fully expect her memorial service to be a joyful celebration that includes friends from every part of her life. I will be there, for sure!
But before that, next weekend I’ll be in London for the Great British Sewing Bee Live! Are you going? If you’re planning to attend I’d certainly love to meet you. I’ll be at the McCall’s/Butterick booth (D52) from 12:00-2:30 on Friday and Saturday to sign Lisette patterns (they’ll have plenty available for purchase) and to chat. After that I’ll be at the Guthrie & Ghani booth (F10) on Saturday at 3:00 to hang out and sign patterns or books (or whatever else you want me to scribble on). Lauren will have lots of Oliver + S and Liesl + Co. patterns for sale.
In addition, just for fun, many of my Lisette for Butterick designs will be on the runway during the Vogue runway show, three times every day during the show. Cool, right? So if you’ve ever wanted to see that yellow wool B6423 coat in person, now is your chance.
Pinterest Picks
Speaking of yellow, mustard yellow (like that Lisette coat) has been inspiring me for much of the summer and now into fall. I’ve been little hints of it all over the place! Have you considered including this color in your sewing plans?
Weekend Reading
- There are so many amazing things happening in textiles right now. Fabrics are being made from the byproducts of citrus juice! And what about factory-grown leather? This stuff is happening and it’s so exciting.
- Speaking of technology and innovation, this is really something. I’m not quite sure what to make of it, frankly.
- What can you make out of the flowers and plants you find? Anyone up for trying a cat?
- I loved this behind-the-scenes perspective of setting up the Rei Kawakubo exhibit. Like I said last week, wouldn’t it be cool to be a curator?
- I already told you I’m pretty excited to go see the Balenciaga show at the V&A when I’m in London next week. But even if you can’t see it in person you’ll love these videos that demonstrate the construction of some of his designs.
- Speaking of the fashion exhibits, Frida is coming to the V&A!
- Admit it: you’ve always wondered where you would end up if you dug a hole to the other side of the world. (I’m just fine with ending up on the north island of New Zealand, thank you very much.)
We’ll be back next week with some fun, inspirational ideas for you. If all goes well we might even get to introduce you to the new fall patterns! They should be arriving any day now….
Have a wonderful weekend. And hug someone you love for me, OK?