Pretty by Hand is OPEN!
August 22, 2012 (cheery little bell ring)
Come on in! So nice of you to stop by today.
Please notice my logo in the left column of my blog there ... click on it and you will be magically transported to my new pattern shop. (Can you tell I'm older than the interweb?)
Yes, FINALLY. I've been dreaming about this day for a VERY long time, often feeling like a turtle moving through molasses ... uphill ... backwards ... sometimes without a map ... often without a clue! LOL!
But I made it. And I owe a lot of thanks to so many people who have helped me get here - including all of you dear sweet readers. Your support and enthusiasm for my work has given me the courage to try.
So here is my first batch of 5 patterns for your consideration. I can't begin to explain how much I loved designing and making them all.
#1 - Honey Bee Bag
This purse I showed you last week that you were all so totally nice about?
This is what it turned into.
Sometimes when I design something, I get it right the first time. But not always. As much as I truly love the "practice" version, I knew I could do even better.
So I remade it with Lecien's "Durham Collection" (designed by the very talented Brenda Riddle) and added just a wee bit more embroidery. The knots on every seam corner are also on the original design - they're subtle but add that ... little something extra.
(They also hide some of the seams that didn't quite match up. But let's keep that a secret between you and me, kay?)
And you guys, the hexagons & triangles are TOTALLY MACHINE PIECED!!! That's right, no English paper piecing ... so this purse goes together much quicker than you think.
However, a few things inspired me to add the honey bee. First, beehives and honeycombs always come to mind when I work with hexagons.
Second, about 8 years ago I sold my first original hand bags at a local shabby chic shop called "Honey B's". It closed a few years ago. But in honor of the owner - now friend - who was so supportive of my work and validated me as a quilter, bag maker and designer, I named my first pattern after her shop. "Thanks Barb!"
By the way, all the embroidery in this pattern is optional. The purse would look just as lovely without the bee. And wouldn't little glass or pearl beads add so much romance in place of the knots?
#2 - Round Pencil Case
Way back last September I made up these little cases for my daughters and posted them on my blog.
I couldn't believe how many of you asked for a pattern.
Sorry it took me so long (turtle in molassas) but here it is.
The pattern includes 3 different ways to make this cutie little case:
Patchwork - make the body with squares
Scrappy - use a different fabric for each part of the case
Lace Trim - I simply couldn't resist!
I used mostly Lecien's "Old/New 30s" fabrics with a little "Flower Sugar" and even a few of my favorite bits of Bonnie & Camille's "Ruby" & "Vintage Modern" (by Moda).
#3 - Molly Messenger Bag
This messenger bag I made up - also for my daughter - also posted on my blog - got lots of pattern requests too.
She used her bag for the entire school year and I'm happy to report it still looks great. Even after being washed. Several times.
Fabric is Rachel Ashwell's "Wildflowers" from Shabbyfabrics.com
Pattern #4 - Cherry Blossom Baskets
You may remember the story of how this quilt was born.
It turned out so well I couldn't NOT make it into a pattern!
I wrote the pattern so you can choose your preferred construction method - EITHER with templates OR foundation paper-piecing.
And there are just a few embroidery stitches (that really do make the quilt, I think).
Stitch guide included.
#5 - Farmhouse Parlour
Another Quilt Market design that has a permanent home in my livingroom.
Now.
Yes, this quilt is put together with inset seams.
BUT WAIT!
Hear me out. I know many quilters are afraid of inset (also called "Y") seams either because they are intimidated or they've tried them with less than satisfactory results. I totally get that.
So I made the pieced hexagon blocks in this quilt nice and big so the inset seams are easier to manage.
And I wrote this pattern with a (confident) beginner quilter in mind. I've taught many quilt classes so I tried to give as much detail in the pattern as I would if you were sitting beside me.
So don't be scared. Give it a try and give yourself the gift of leaning a new skill. This design simply can't be reproduced any other way. And it is SO worth the time.
Oh, and the fabric I used - Lecien's "Antique Flowers" - is available at Shabbyfabrics.com as well!
By the way, all patterns are available in your choice of either a paper or PDF version.
Ok. Now for the fun stuff.
I also have a giveaway. Remember this pretty little pincushion I made a few months ago?
I've been waiting so I could give it a good home with one of you.
And it will probably come with the little cupcake pin too, just sayin'.
To enter the giveaway, leave me a comment telling me which is your favorite pattern.
And if you make a purchase before the giveaway ends you can enter twice!
Comments close Friday August 24th 6:00 pm, PST and I will announce the winner Monday the 27th.
Ok.
Now I need a really big cup of tea.
And some chocolate.
With hazelnuts in it.
* * * * *
PS: On a very personal note, I chose to launch my shop today in memory of my dad who left this world way too soon ... before he could be a grandfather and before he could see me try to do something he always told me I should - write my own patterns. Today would have been his birthday.
Oh darn. Now I need a kleenex too! LOL!
Reader Comments (183)
I am so excited for you! Farmhouse Parlour is my favorite, it's the reason I found your blog in the first place! You go girl!
Hooray! I was hoping you would be selling your patterns....this is very exciting and I am so, so happy for you! I hope I am the first to purchase!!
I hope you are writing the pattern for the cute market bag you took to spring market in Salt Lake City....hint, hint!!
Girlie I am so excited for you, but really more excited for me Hee Hee, just ordered 2 PDF patterns, are you kidding me, ready just to pack up my office and get home to get started. Thanks and more Thanks. Congratulations!!!!
Hi Kristyne, congratulations on your patterns, how fabulous !! Bittersweet, but he would have been proud I'm sure. Favorite would be the messenger bag, I can see my daughter requesting one!
Again congratulations!
Michelle in Australia (fellow line wh*re!)
Yahoo!( western greeting there), congrats, I know this wil be successful. How can it not with all the great products, what fun to have my own "Pretty By Hand" creation, with of course my spin on it. Thanks, and I suspect that your dad has a great big grin on his face and telling everyone in heaven about his super talented girl.
Oh, my! How exciting! And congratulations!!!!! I love all your patterns and designs but Farmhouse Parlour is right up there with the best ever! My sincere best wishes for your continued success and I hope you keep blogging because you make my day, every day!!
Congrats, your patterns look great! Love the pencil case!
Congrats!! I am sooo excited for you. I love everything you make.
Best of Luck!
Take care,
Carole
You are SO very talented and creative that I am not surprised that you are doing this! And I am just so excited for you as well as all of us out here in Blogland! I am totally in love with your Honey Bee Bag - LOVE IT!!! In fact as soon as I switch to my regular computer from this iPad, I am downloading it! (I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it turns out as great as yours did since I am really not that talented at all!)
You are awesome! I am so excited, I want them all!! I was hoping this was the big secret. I can't decide if the purse or the messenger bag is my favorite.
Thanks for putting yourself out there...I am excited to get started making something you have designed.
Happy dance!! Congratulations! I love them all, bought them all, and would say that the Cherry Blossoms Basket pattern is my favorite (if I have to pick one to enter giveaway - I really can't decide!)!!
Congratulations! You deserve all the best. I prefer the honey bee bag: is sooo nice! Thank you very much for the giveaway. Barbara from Italy
Your patterns are wondeful but o man - that honey bee bag is so adorable!!
*squealing and clapping hands...and jumping up and down* Congratulations!!! Your patterns look brilliant, I particularly love 'Farmhouse Parlour' - all those beautiful hexagons! Enjoy the tea and chocolate, you deserve it!
Simply gorgeous! My favorite pattern so far is for the Honey Bee Bag, and what a cute pin cushion too :)
Is it completely and utterly sappy that I am sitting here with tears stinging in my eyes?! I am so over-the-moon ecstatic for you, dear Kristyne!!!!! You are such an inspiration! And a wonderful quilting teacher! It is completely ridiculous to think that I could possibly pick a favorite (they are all my favorites!), but because I want a shot at that adorable little pincushion and cupcake, I'll say Farmhouse Parlour. Congratulations, Pretty By Hand!!!!!!! :)
I just made my order...thank you!
So happy for you! Yah! All the patterns are so gorgeous!
Hi!!!!
Its about time you opened this shop! I adore all you posts and patterns. So...I went shopping this morning and ordered my favorite Farmhouse Parlor quilt paper pattern, as well as 2 others. Couldnt resist. Thanks so much for sharing your talent with the rest of us. Your work is very pretty by hand. You should rename your shop Very Pretty by Hand. :)
Linda in Gnawbone, Indiana U.S.A.
Congrats! I love the pencil case pattern. So darn cute!
Running quickly to the store to buy the Messanger Bag that I have been anxiously awaiting! And the Honey Bee Bag and the Farmhouse Parlour. Please don't make me choose a favorite!
Your dad has the most wicked grin on his face right now and I just bet his eyes are sparkling! He is the good little angel on your shoulder.
And tell the hubs that we thank him too for supporting you in this endeavor. I have no doubt it was a team effort!
Oh, I am soooo in love with the Honey Bee bag... and the Molly Messanger. I would love to order them both but I can't since we just bought a house and money is tied up right now. But I L.O.V.E. them....
Congratulations on the store and I just have to say that I found your blog a year or so ago and I love the feminine-soft-romantic-beautiful-et.al. style that you have! I can always count on you to inspire me to get a cup of tea (in the fine china, of course) and start doodling in soft pinks, greens, blues, yellows and even an occasional orange!
Congratulations on your new shop!!! Everything you make is absolutely lovely. I love your style. My favorite pattern is the messenger bag. I love how you made it look so soft and femine!
Congrats! How very exciting and what a tribute to your father! You have worked very hard to realize a wonderful dream. Kudos.
Congratulations on the new venture! My favorite pattern so far is the Honey Bee Bag. I'll be ordering others also though. They are all wonderful!