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)
This is SO very exciting!!! Congratulations. I love all your patterns. First, I think I will purchase the messenger bag and round pencil case. After all, it is back to school time:)
Beautiful! I have been thinking about your cute pencil cases since you made them and am excited to (try) to make my own! Those are my favorites for sure. Congratulations on your shop!
Congratulations! My favorite pattern is the purse. I love it!
lisamcgriff@hotmail.com
Congratulations!!!! I have enjoyed all of the items I have seen on your blog. I really like the messenger bag (the pink version:o) Your dad would have been very proud of you.
All of your new patterns are beautiful! Congratulations! It's very hard to pick a favorite! I'm about to go order the pencil case pattern...so that must be it...but I love the bags and the basket wall hanging too!
I just ordered (and already received) the pencil case pattern. Time to get sewing! Or as my son says, time to get needling!
Congrats! Love the messenger bag.
So excited! What wonderful news!!
I love them all, but my favorite to buy right now would probably be the messenger bag, for my daughters.
In fact, I will probably buy it by the end of the week :)
Thank you for your constant inspiration to keep making things pretty, by hand.
Aw, what a great day to open shop. I am torn between the pencil holder and the Bee Bag. They are both gorgeous.
Yay for you (yay for you paying tribute to your Dad, and I'm totally digging that pencil case! :)
I was waiting and waiting for a pattern for that Molly Messenger Bag. Ever since I showed it to my now nine year old she has been bugging me to make her one. I guess she is growing out of princess backpacks now *sniff*! But I may have to make that Honey Bee Bag for myself as well. Thank you so much!
Congratulations Kristyne, I know without a doubt your patterns will be very successful! They are all gorgeous but the Honey Bee Bag has to be my favourite.
Vivienne x
I am so thrilled that you made the messenger bag into a pattern for us! Can't wait to order it and also the pencil bag. I'm sure we will see more great patterns in the future!
And I'm crying too. Sigh.
Congratulations on your store!!! What a fun thing to get to do what you've always dreamed! Proud of you for stepping out there. My fav is that Honey Bee bag! Love the little bee embroidered! Wow!
By the way... who was your model? Just curious.
I love your blog and I am super excited to be able to get your patterns. They are just what I have been looking for. Congratulations and Thank You!
I'm so excited for the pencil case pattern!!
Really? You have the messenger bag, the pencil case AND the spiffy new purse and you want me to pick a favorite?
I guess I have to say the purse just because I don't really use a messenger bag and it would be for me whereas the pencil case would be for my daughter. Although, I want to be perfectly clear that despite that logic, I want all three patterns.
Congratulations I'm so proud of you and love all the patterns to pick one would be a sin, hope we get so many more patterns and soon
Hugs from over seas
Vikki xxx
YAY!!! ;p
Congratulations! I just ordered the Farmhouse Parlour pattern so I guess it's my favourite.
I really like the messenger bag and the Honeybee bag as well, always love your fabric choices!
Oh friend... I am so excited for you! I love all the patterns... too hard to pick....if I had to pick a fave... probably the honey bee purse (that's the fave today anyway!) I am so sorry about your dad... I love that you launched today - on his bday! I love that he encouraged you and we are the lucky recipients. Congrats! I know you will do well!!!!! Hope you have your feet up with that big mug of tea and a box of chocolate hazelnuts!
OMG! Kristyne these patterns are amazing! I could not wait for you to do this! Hooray!!
Holy CROW!!!!! I have been WAITING for you to do this!!!!! so psyched for you! My favorite is either the quilt, the messenger bag or the new honeycomb bag... doesn't matter, I am getting all 3....
Kristyne,
So proud of you! I love your blog and always look forward to new posts. Your style and humility are very inspirational. Best of luck to you. You clearly have a lot to offer. Thanks for the give away. I'm going to go right on over there and order the beautiful Farmhouse Parlour Quilt and the Honey Bee Bag. How very special that you would honor your father today. Thanks for the giveaway.
Linda
love ALL of them...but the pencil case is just adorable!
love...love....love your photography!
Congratulations! I'm so glad you're offering your patterns for sale. I've long admired your creativity. I think my favorite is the Farmhouse Quilt. That pattern intrigues me! I look forward to seeing your creativity every day.
I just placed my order for patterns on your first day of business. I am happy to support you as you provide so much inspiration for me. Good luck and much success. Keep those patterns coming!
Oh wow, congratulations!!!!! How exciting..I am sure your Dad is smiling down so proud of you and your accomplishments. I love all the patterns but the honey bee bag is my favorite. I love the little embroidered bee on it...so original. Good luck in your new venture...I am sure you will be highly successful!
Your Dad would be so proud!
Would you believe that I scrolled through the archives just last week looking for Cherry Blossom Baskets so I could find where to buy the pattern?! Well, now I know.....gotta go, I have some patterns to buy!!
So very happy for you....love your work!!!
EEEEEKKKKK! I am sooo excited about your patterns! I think I need to have the messanger bag first then the rest of them in no particular order!
Congratulations Kristyne!
Congratulations!!! How very exciting and I must say I think you'll do wonderfully because I can't pick a favorite since they're all so beautiful! Although, I'm partial to bags.
Congratulations on your dream coming true!!! Have fun!
Oh I LOVE the pencil case. And the messenger bag! So glad you've started selling the patterns!!!
Oh. My. CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are one of a few blogs that I go and read almost everyday! I'm so happy for you and your store will be a success story before you know it :) i love all of your designs, but i was to choose a pattern i would choose the pencil case ;)
Keep the good work comin'
Josée
Bouclenoire(at)hotmail(dot)com
Yay!!!! I am so glad you are selling your patterns. I loooooovvvvve your work :) I have already bought 3 patterns and now cant wait for the weekend when I can put all my many other WIP's aside and start one of these :) Great excuse to go fabric shopping too. Thank you so much. I love reading your blog and admiring your work.
Congrats on your new business. You are SO talented. If I have to pick my favorite pattern I guess it would be the purse. Too darn cute! Keep blogging and keep developing patterns. You are a natural. I'm going to now go to your shop and place my order. Thank you for sharing your talents.
I've been following your blog since you were working through the Simplify book. I love your projects and am so excited about your patterns! I am looking forward to using your pencil case pattern for my nephews - I know, they will not be pink! :-)
Your site is one of my favorites to visit - everything is as you describe - pretty. Yours is a happy place in blogland. Thank you!
Yeah! I am so glad to see that you finally did it! And you must be loving all these happy comments today. I just placed an order for the HoneyBee bag.
I just LOVE the Honey Bee Bag and the Messenger Bag, and the.......
Okay, I LOVE IT ALL!!!
Congratulations on a job well done!!!
Yaay! My favourite is the Honey Bee Bag which is why I have just ordered the pattern! So glad you have made your patterns available.
Congratulations for having the courage to pursue your dreams. It is a bonus that we benefit as well. I am eying that honey bee bag.
First, congrats on your shop, looks great!
Secondly, I love your blog, it's just so pretty. I forgot how I came across it a few months ago but when I did, I was hooked!
Third, I don't quilt, I'm new at sewing and I would eventually want to try quilting. I haven't found the courage to jump in, I'm intimidated by exact measurements and seam allowances, but your patterns are so pretty, it's hard to resist. What's the simplest and most beginner of your patterns? I'm guessing the pencil case? For this reason, I think that's my favorite!
Good luck to you and your shop!
This is WONDERFUL news for all of us Kristyne fans! I'm standing up and applauding you. Do you know how much paper and ink I've used making copies of your cute, no darling, no fabulous, no incredible patterns that you've shared w/us on your blog? Now I can just go straight to your website and get 'em. Thank you for all you do for quilters everywhere. You are loved and admired more than you know. Sorry I can't pick just one! Can't do it. The Honeybee bag and Farmhouse quilt are favorites right now, but I know there will be more. You Rock!
I am so excited about your patterns. I can't wait to make them.
Yay! I am so excited. Congratulations!
Congratulations on your new adventure!
Love your bag and the baskets!
Congratulations, on your pattern store! Your blog is one of my favorites, I always look forward to your emails. My favorite pattern is the Messenger Bag, I just ordered it. Can't wait to get it!
Lynn
You got me at the end and made me cry.