Patchwork & Pinecones

Currently In Transit

Danielle — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:54:07 +0000

Can. Not. Wait.

Aprons Are Listed!

Danielle — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:39:25 +0000

Although it may have taken me an extra day, I have three full-length kitchen aprons freshly listed in the Patchwork & Pinecones Etsy shop! By mid-afternoon Sunday, I was ready for pictures, but I couldn’t help thinking I needed to add pockets. After conducting a facebook poll, I received an overwhelming YES to pockets. The people had spoken and I went back to sewing!

There are several more full-length and half aprons I’d like to start drafting out, but I really need to get moving on my holiday gifts as well. My family celebrates early, so I will be devoting the next two weeks to creating their gifts, along with mailing out the orders that came in over the weekend. After that it is back to sewing for the shop… and maybe for me! See ya all in a few weeks!

Patterns & Prototypes

Danielle — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:56:07 +0000

Self-drafted patterns and I rarely see eye to eye. Mainly due to the amount of tweaking that takes place once the item has been sewn. Nothing, and I mean nothing, annoys me more than having to rip out seams. I don’t like to fail, and if I don’t get something right the first time, I’ve failed. It’s very frustrating to have invested time into creating something, only to turn around and take it apart.

After spending several weeks dreaming up and sketching out kitchen aprons, the time had come for pattern drafting. Typically, the first in any new design ends up being mine, due to all the alterations. This round was no different. The only major flaw in the original pattern was the top; when tied around the neck it gaped open. My first thought was to resew the ties, this time placing them on an angle. This only provided a minor improvement. My next thought was to move them 2″ in, which solved the problem but I was not satisfied with the look that provided. So, out came the rotary cutter and off came the corners. If this were something for sale or to be given to someone else I would have taken off the edge binding and replaced it with new. Since this is a prototype, I just added more.

Overall I’m very happy with the look and fit of this full apron. I have several more currently under the needle, which will be listed on etsy and facebook, hopefully by Sunday!

This apron design was inspired by and early 70′s two-piece wrap dress. I used a vintage fabric that has been in my collection since 2005. Sometimes it takes me years to decide how particular fabrics will take shape into their finished form!

d-rings, side darts, and edge binding

Possible fabric pairings for the next round!

Small Business Saturday

Danielle — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:39:47 +0000

Head on over to our Etsy shop and support Small Business Saturday. Take an additional 20% off everything listed!! Just be sure to use coupon code SMALLBIZSAT when you check out to receive your discount! Happy Shopping!!

For better or for worse…

Danielle — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:43:52 +0000

I’ve decided to throw caution to the wind and change my business’s name. This could end up being a colossal mistake, especially since I’ve had a strong, ten-year, on-line presence as Pixy Patch. But, you live, you learn, and you evolve. I’ve been resisting this change for several years, but I have now reached a point where I feel a new name may better encompass the person I’ve become. I’m currently part of a food-growing community, as well as a creating and crafting one; so why wouldn’t you want to see more of me?

Pixy Patch is not going anywhere; however, it is not going to be receiving much attention either.

You’re probably wondering why I’ve selected Patchwork & Pinecones as my new on-line creative identity. Patchwork kind of goes without saying. Obviously, I love it. I love creating it as well as wearing it. My most treasured garments are my patchwork skirts; they make my soul shine. I selected pinecones to not only show my love for trees and nature, but because of what they symbolize. Throughout recorded history, the pinecone has represented Human Enlightenment, the Third Eye, and the Pineal Gland. The pineal gland, which is responsible for one’s circadian rhythm and seasonal behavior, is shaped much like a pinecone, which is how the gland derived its name. The arrangement of a pinecone’s spiral is very similar to that of a sunflower in sacred geometry. If you are interested in further learning about the significance of the pinecone throughout history, this page does a good job of touching on those points.

Over the upcoming weeks, I will be building a new website, tweaking my blog’s layout, and stocking those virtual shelves. As to not miss out on the rapidly approaching holiday season, I’ve already opened an Etsy shop and started a Facebook fan page. Last week I began listing new items and there is a lot more on the way! So head on over and check them out!