Sew Mama Sew has a little sewing survey, looking back at 2010 and forward at 2011. They always have fun conversations going on over there, count me in!
Looking back on the sewing scene of 2010, what trends stand out in your mind?
Designers using 'new' fabrics for their lines. Anna Maria Horner with velveteen, there were some cotton lawns out there, voile, you name it! I have no clue how to use them, which I guess is the point! Modern Quilting is big right now; modern can mean whatever you want it to mean! For me it means a little slack on the quilting rules (ie- quilts 'must' be done such and such way, etc), which makes me much more likely to try techniques I wouldn't have been comfortable with before.
What were some of your favorite things? (Trends, fabric collections, patterns, blogs? Whatever you really loved.)
Love how online sewing shops (like SMS, Pink Chalk Fabrics and FabricWorm) have really started to embrace their blogs, making it much more of a community-minded venture! Reading those blogs feels like hanging out in a sweet little shop with a bunch of friends chatting about projects/techniques over a cup of joe. I remember back when Sew Mama Sew was a teensy tiny little online shop that sold primarily oilcloth! Ah, change is good.
What was your very favorite fabric collection or print?
My 2010 favorite collection just arrived in stores 2 weeks ago! I'm in LOVE with Melody Miller's Ruby Star Rising collection! SO fun, love that it's a linen blend, and Viewmaster slides?! Drool. It was in stores, then *poof*, out of stock! It's so different from anything else 2010 had to offer. Overall, I didn't feel 2010 had great fabric selections. It all looked the same to me. The only other collection I had to have instantly was the Alexander Henry Farmdale group! I don't drool over it like the Ruby Star line, but I HAD to have it! The prints are very reminiscent of calicos from when I was 3 years old, late 70's. Its fabric that you aren't afraid to cut into, that you actually want to use, not make a shrine to.
What was the best thing you made in 2010?
Hands down the best thing I made was a baby quilt for my co-worker's daughter (Marin). It was a cinch to put together and the results were really great. Momo's Wonderland from a couple years back and a whisper soft muslin (yeah, I know, but the feel was so much nicer than the Kona solids I saw!). Patchwork on the front and appliqued tree on a hill for the back. Love that damn thing.
back: 
What is one of the best things you saw that was made by someone else?
Oh, man, let's see....how can I narrow this down?! Well, the one that made me smile the most was Blair's Wintertime Sunshine Quilt. LOVE yellow and grey together! And, heck, it's the Pacific NW, I'll take whatever sun I can get!
What do you think 2011 has in store? (Again, trends, fabric, patterns, etc.)
I think the 'new' fabrics trend will keep on keepin' on. I'm hoping for more designs in knits, since you get sick of solids and cheap prints after a while. It feels like solid fabrics are poised for a comeback, as well.
Anything you’re ready for the sewing world to get over?
OWLS. Merciful Heavens. Don't get me wrong, I love a good owl. But they're everywhere. It feels like Hitchcock's Birds around here.
also
(and this isn't going to be popular)
Children's Clothing.
Seriously. Children outgrow clothing in microseconds. Why don't designers spend more time clothing the ADULTS? There are SO many more kids' patterns than for adults! You're an adult a lot longer than you're a kid, so you can wear things you make for YEARS! And kids don't even appreciate the effort. So. In conclusion, down with kids, up with adults.
What’s on your sewing agenda for 2011? What are you excited about? What would you like to learn more about?
Knits. I like 'em. I'd like to use them. If that goes well, I may consider investing in a serger. But, I think I should actually complete some projects first. I'd like to learn more about how to alter patterns to fit you better, without making a muslin. I have limited time, people! Limited!
There are also a TON of free tutorials out there that I have hovering in my Favorites list...and several quilts waiting to be made, shirts to be altered.... it's shaping up to be a busy year already! Coffee, please?
I love owls! Besides, you can put a bird on anything and call it art! heehee
Posted by: Em | Thursday, January 06, 2011 at 06:05 PM