ITS OFFICIAL!!! I am the new and proud owner of pinuppatterns.com
Stay tuned for the birth of a fun & flirty website for all of your pin up sewing needs!!
XOXO
ME
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Social Networking
Today is the first day I have had a chance to sit down and focus on the development of Pin Up Patterns, actually thats not totally true. Tuesday night after a long days work at the theater I met up with my good friend Anna and we set out on a long overdue mission to create a website for me. People have been telling me to do this FOREVER! But it never felt right, nor did it come to fruition until the idea of Pin Up Patterns was born. So Tuesday night we began around 7:30 by 10:30 I was late to my long overdue "night out" but Anna and I had managed the makings of something beautiful!
...It's all coming together...
Back to today though. This morning I sat down and reopened my twitter account. Something I started months ago for personal use, and well, never used it. But now this is an official www.twitter.com/pinuppatterns there isn't really any useful information on it just yet, but it exists and thats awesome!
FYI I have began developing some fun ideas for blog posts such as how to make a fringe dress tutorial, how to get your business set up officially and with your local county's office, also how to play and promote with your business... stay tuned!
xoxox
me
...It's all coming together...
Back to today though. This morning I sat down and reopened my twitter account. Something I started months ago for personal use, and well, never used it. But now this is an official www.twitter.com/pinuppatterns there isn't really any useful information on it just yet, but it exists and thats awesome!
FYI I have began developing some fun ideas for blog posts such as how to make a fringe dress tutorial, how to get your business set up officially and with your local county's office, also how to play and promote with your business... stay tuned!
xoxox
me
Sunday, January 17, 2010
My Second Blog...well yeah...EVER!
I just finished My First (official) Blog...Ever and am diving DIRECTLY into My Second Blog...well yeah...EVER!
When I decided to start this blog my first intention was to use it to sell patterns and promote my company as well as help the independent seamstress along her journey of home sewing. BUT THEN! I realized I could include in this blog my own personal journey of building and maintaining a home based business.
For about 7 years now I have flirted and failed with the idea of starting my own business. But in the true example of Thomas Edison it may take 999 "failures" to finally "succeed". FYI It was rumored that Thomas Edison "failed", or what he liked to call it "improved", his invention of the light bulb 999 times before he officially and finally got it to work. Man, talk about perseverance!!
Anywhoo, after many classes, books, ideas, and attempts I have landed here in this place where I believe I just might have something that will make it! If not, well, I will die trying!
So here we go! This is the beginning of my travels down this path with Pin Up Patterns.
Step One: inspiration, idea, frustration
Recently I was commissioned to design and sew a burlesque costume for a very dear friend of mine. It was a last minute project over the holidays to boot! But, eh, I like to be stressed, so why not? So I agreed to do this project with only 9 days to accomplish and embellish a beautiful corseted burlesque costume.
Here's how it went:
Wednesday, December 30, 2009; wrap up holidays with family and fabric shop for burlesque costume.
Thursday, December 31, 2009; last day of the year, holiday, no work/just play.
Friday, January 1st, 2010; Inspire and search for costume ideas. Then off to work.
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010; Search and Destroy the internet and fabric stores for a sexy, modern, and different corset pattern. Then off to work.
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010; Ok, time to get serious, I only have 6 days left to get this non-existent costume off to its new owner. Thankfully, this friend composed an email of all things (burlesque-esque) that she liked, so I had some beautiful images to work from. However, all of these images came from well established corset/costume websites. So as I sit at home with the few corset patterns I have collected over time, I realize that they just don't suffice!!
A few things to know about me when making custom costumes, I NEVER like to make the same thing twice! In order to keep the flare there for me I have to change things up, try something new. I am not a manufacturing company, I am a Couturiere (not official, please don't tell the french couture police on me!)
Back to business, as I drool over these beautiful corsets online I realize the patterns for them are no where to be found! Normally for the custom designer this wouldn't be a problem, they would simply whip up a pattern from their clients measurements. Normally it wouldn't be a problem for me either, however, I only have 5 days left and no time to fit her! Besides, I'm a little lazy these days...
Thus borne the idea of Pin Up Patterns!
Step Two: Compile research, Asses idea, hmmm...and...haaaa
So as I work on my friends burlesque costume (i decided to use a Simplicity pattern for the corset and just make all necessary adjustments, thanks to my pattern making education!) I continue to day dream about the feasibility of my idea.
What do I want to make first? Do people even want to make corsets and lingerie? Well my answers to those are simple; a corset with cups, and HELL YEAH they do!
So I hopped online and compiled a list of all corset patterns I can find. Luckily I already own most of them and really don't want the rest of them. You see, most corset patterns are designed with the historical costumer in mind. Well, what about the rest of us? I'm no Ren-fair-goer (not that there is anything wrong with that) but I wanna look sexy, not historical, thank you very much!
Next, I compare the available patterns to the beautiful made-to-order corsets I see online, and identify what is missing. Mostly cups, better seamlines, and fancier embellishments.
Step Three: well, I need a product to sell...right?
I have already decided the first corset pattern I make is going to have cups in it. However, many home seamstresses don't want to deal with bras, underwires, channeling, and all that goes with cups, just yet at least. For a long time now I have had my eye on a corset made by Agent Provocateur, its sexy, frilly, and of course, waaaaaaaay out of my price range. FYI it has been recently knocked off by Victorias Secret. And now will be the inspiration of my first Pin Up Pattern.
Off to the drawing board! I whip out my paper, extra sharp christmas pencils, and ruler. After creating a moulage to fit my size 8 Dress Rite dress form I begin shaping creating the perfect corset.
Step Four: In the meantime...
In the meantime, life happens, work happens, and things kind of start falling into place. Like I said before, I have lots of ideas and am constantly "trying" to start a business. But nothing has really taken off before. Well being weary as I am I take baby steps. I contact a few people in the industry that I know, mainly teachers and associates, looking for any leads that may help me along my way. Low and behold I got one! A wonderful woman whose mission in life is to help little 'ol independants like me get started in this crazy world of pattern making. Next I find a local printer, still waiting their reply... And third, well once I make all these patterns who the hell is going to buy them???
So I sat down today researching sewing blogs, etsy sites, and the general web to see how I am going to get my idea out there... which brings us here to this moment. 3 hours later and I am composing My Second Blog...well yeah...EVER!
Thats all for now folks!
Sincerely,
Me.
When I decided to start this blog my first intention was to use it to sell patterns and promote my company as well as help the independent seamstress along her journey of home sewing. BUT THEN! I realized I could include in this blog my own personal journey of building and maintaining a home based business.
For about 7 years now I have flirted and failed with the idea of starting my own business. But in the true example of Thomas Edison it may take 999 "failures" to finally "succeed". FYI It was rumored that Thomas Edison "failed", or what he liked to call it "improved", his invention of the light bulb 999 times before he officially and finally got it to work. Man, talk about perseverance!!
Anywhoo, after many classes, books, ideas, and attempts I have landed here in this place where I believe I just might have something that will make it! If not, well, I will die trying!
So here we go! This is the beginning of my travels down this path with Pin Up Patterns.
Step One: inspiration, idea, frustration
Recently I was commissioned to design and sew a burlesque costume for a very dear friend of mine. It was a last minute project over the holidays to boot! But, eh, I like to be stressed, so why not? So I agreed to do this project with only 9 days to accomplish and embellish a beautiful corseted burlesque costume.
Here's how it went:
Wednesday, December 30, 2009; wrap up holidays with family and fabric shop for burlesque costume.
Thursday, December 31, 2009; last day of the year, holiday, no work/just play.
Friday, January 1st, 2010; Inspire and search for costume ideas. Then off to work.
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010; Search and Destroy the internet and fabric stores for a sexy, modern, and different corset pattern. Then off to work.
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010; Ok, time to get serious, I only have 6 days left to get this non-existent costume off to its new owner. Thankfully, this friend composed an email of all things (burlesque-esque) that she liked, so I had some beautiful images to work from. However, all of these images came from well established corset/costume websites. So as I sit at home with the few corset patterns I have collected over time, I realize that they just don't suffice!!
A few things to know about me when making custom costumes, I NEVER like to make the same thing twice! In order to keep the flare there for me I have to change things up, try something new. I am not a manufacturing company, I am a Couturiere (not official, please don't tell the french couture police on me!)
Back to business, as I drool over these beautiful corsets online I realize the patterns for them are no where to be found! Normally for the custom designer this wouldn't be a problem, they would simply whip up a pattern from their clients measurements. Normally it wouldn't be a problem for me either, however, I only have 5 days left and no time to fit her! Besides, I'm a little lazy these days...
Thus borne the idea of Pin Up Patterns!
Step Two: Compile research, Asses idea, hmmm...and...haaaa
So as I work on my friends burlesque costume (i decided to use a Simplicity pattern for the corset and just make all necessary adjustments, thanks to my pattern making education!) I continue to day dream about the feasibility of my idea.
What do I want to make first? Do people even want to make corsets and lingerie? Well my answers to those are simple; a corset with cups, and HELL YEAH they do!
So I hopped online and compiled a list of all corset patterns I can find. Luckily I already own most of them and really don't want the rest of them. You see, most corset patterns are designed with the historical costumer in mind. Well, what about the rest of us? I'm no Ren-fair-goer (not that there is anything wrong with that) but I wanna look sexy, not historical, thank you very much!
Next, I compare the available patterns to the beautiful made-to-order corsets I see online, and identify what is missing. Mostly cups, better seamlines, and fancier embellishments.
Step Three: well, I need a product to sell...right?
I have already decided the first corset pattern I make is going to have cups in it. However, many home seamstresses don't want to deal with bras, underwires, channeling, and all that goes with cups, just yet at least. For a long time now I have had my eye on a corset made by Agent Provocateur, its sexy, frilly, and of course, waaaaaaaay out of my price range. FYI it has been recently knocked off by Victorias Secret. And now will be the inspiration of my first Pin Up Pattern.
Off to the drawing board! I whip out my paper, extra sharp christmas pencils, and ruler. After creating a moulage to fit my size 8 Dress Rite dress form I begin shaping creating the perfect corset.
Step Four: In the meantime...
In the meantime, life happens, work happens, and things kind of start falling into place. Like I said before, I have lots of ideas and am constantly "trying" to start a business. But nothing has really taken off before. Well being weary as I am I take baby steps. I contact a few people in the industry that I know, mainly teachers and associates, looking for any leads that may help me along my way. Low and behold I got one! A wonderful woman whose mission in life is to help little 'ol independants like me get started in this crazy world of pattern making. Next I find a local printer, still waiting their reply... And third, well once I make all these patterns who the hell is going to buy them???
So I sat down today researching sewing blogs, etsy sites, and the general web to see how I am going to get my idea out there... which brings us here to this moment. 3 hours later and I am composing My Second Blog...well yeah...EVER!
Thats all for now folks!
Sincerely,
Me.
My First Blog...EVER
Maybe I will start with what I am not...
I am not a writer...yet
I am not even a blogger...yet
What I am...
I am just a girl.
I am someone who has been striving for years to make a career out of this passion, drive, and talent I have for all things sewing and crafty.
I am inspired.
I am a pattern maker.
I am tired of watching so many people do what I want to be doing.
I am over doing what I have been doing.
I am skilled.
I am surprised and pleased to see that my "what i am" list has already surpassed my "what i am not" list.
Okay, now that I've got that out.
What I have done...
I have graduated from San Francisco State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Merchandising.
I have continued my education at Apparel Arts (www.apparel-arts.com). THE MOST AMAZING SCHOOL EVER! I cannot and will not rave enough about this school, their curriculum, and their staff on this website or in my life. A big fat special THANK YOU goes out to Suzzy Furrer and Apparel Arts for inspiring, encouraging, and helping me cultivate my talents and skills.
I have participated in 3 of Susan Khalje's COUTURE SEWING SCHOOL's (mine at Apparel Arts but she offers these classes all over, check out her website (www.susankhalje.com). In which, as Susan promises, I never looked at sewing the same after taking her classes. Thank you Susan!!!
I have completed a 9 month internship at Teatro Zinzanni
I have been hired on as a stitcher and shopper for Teatro Zinzanni
I have graduated from the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, where I learned how to start a business.
I have landed here...
What I am doing...
I am starting a pattern company for the home seamstress.
I am bringing the ultra-allusive art of corset & lingerie making to the home sewer.
I am using my skills of pattern making, my eye for fun & flirty fashion, and my frustration for the lack of "real" and "usable" lingerie patterns and tutorials in this industry.
At this point I feel completely full and completely empty at the same time. I believe this means I have come to the end of My First Blog...EVER. Please stay tuned to watch, listen, and learn all about my first official company Pin Up Patterns and its many trials and tribulations (along with achievements and successes) as we set off on this adventure of sewing, creating, marketing, promoting, and being...
THANKS! and MUCH LOVE!
SINCERELY,
ME...
I am not a writer...yet
I am not even a blogger...yet
What I am...
I am just a girl.
I am someone who has been striving for years to make a career out of this passion, drive, and talent I have for all things sewing and crafty.
I am inspired.
I am a pattern maker.
I am tired of watching so many people do what I want to be doing.
I am over doing what I have been doing.
I am skilled.
I am surprised and pleased to see that my "what i am" list has already surpassed my "what i am not" list.
Okay, now that I've got that out.
What I have done...
I have graduated from San Francisco State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Merchandising.
I have continued my education at Apparel Arts (www.apparel-arts.com). THE MOST AMAZING SCHOOL EVER! I cannot and will not rave enough about this school, their curriculum, and their staff on this website or in my life. A big fat special THANK YOU goes out to Suzzy Furrer and Apparel Arts for inspiring, encouraging, and helping me cultivate my talents and skills.
I have participated in 3 of Susan Khalje's COUTURE SEWING SCHOOL's (mine at Apparel Arts but she offers these classes all over, check out her website (www.susankhalje.com). In which, as Susan promises, I never looked at sewing the same after taking her classes. Thank you Susan!!!
I have completed a 9 month internship at Teatro Zinzanni
I have been hired on as a stitcher and shopper for Teatro Zinzanni
I have graduated from the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, where I learned how to start a business.
I have landed here...
What I am doing...
I am starting a pattern company for the home seamstress.
I am bringing the ultra-allusive art of corset & lingerie making to the home sewer.
I am using my skills of pattern making, my eye for fun & flirty fashion, and my frustration for the lack of "real" and "usable" lingerie patterns and tutorials in this industry.
At this point I feel completely full and completely empty at the same time. I believe this means I have come to the end of My First Blog...EVER. Please stay tuned to watch, listen, and learn all about my first official company Pin Up Patterns and its many trials and tribulations (along with achievements and successes) as we set off on this adventure of sewing, creating, marketing, promoting, and being...
THANKS! and MUCH LOVE!
SINCERELY,
ME...
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