Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Ferris Wheel Dress




The time has come!  I leave for Quilt Market tomorrow!
Ahhhhh.
The crazy thing is, I don't feel stressed like I thought I would, sewing things at the very bitter last minute (which is totally true to character).  And that's probably because I did all the stressing and sewing a month ago (which is totally out of character).

The only reason I'm ahead of the game is:
1 - We shot a slew of MADE Everyday videos, using my new fabrics
2 - I took a ton of photos for the new Boardwalk Delight Lookbook with Art Gallery fabrics, coming out in one week!  

So now I have more than enough products for my Quilt Market booth.  And I have tons to show you guys here on the blog.  Win, Win, Win.

If you're new around here, or missed my previous announcement the short version is: I've designed a collection of fabrics with Art Gallery Fabrics!

It's called Boardwalk Delight



• There are 10 prints in quilting cotton, 3 prints also come in knits, and 1 comes in canvas.

• You can buy them in local quilt shops and online shops like the Fat Quarter Shop and Hawthorne Threads in TWO weeks.  I'll post again when they're available, with hot links (and cold cones?  Sounds like a tasty meal)

• I'm showcaing my fabric collection THIS weekend at the International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City, which is an industry tradeshow for Manufacturers and Buyers to show off all the new fabrics each season. I'll have a 10x10 booth, which I'm really excited about.  If you want to follow along, find me on Instagram @made_everyday.


So.  
To get the party started, let's share some projects and design inspiration!
I love learning how artwork comes together.


The whole Boardwalk Delight collection is about summertime, treats, and strolling the boardwalk. 

The two prints used on this version of the First Day Dress are called:

Cause how magical is the boardwalk at night??

 (above Ferris Wheel photos via Pixabay and Getty Images)

The Ferris Wheel design started with lots of lines and colors.  I thought it would be cool to have an ombre effect.  So I drew all the lines, pieced everything together (which took forever).  But when I was done, I didn't like it...which is always so deflating.  It looked too detailed.  And too literal. 
So I twisted it around and turned everything monochrome---into white.
Improvement.
But still not right.
Still too many tiny lines.

Then I changed the weight of the strokes and loved it so much more.

 Designing is such an evolutionary process.  I'm still so novice at it all; I'm sure my processes will improve over time. But just like photography, I don't think you set out to design "XYZ"....but rather through a series of trial and error, and often accidents, you land on a final product that you never envisioned in the first place. 

And it's equally as interesting to learn your own preferences as you design.  I definitely prefer heavier weighted strokes, over fine lines.  And I definitely love all the colors.
I wish I could have them all!
 

But learning to self edit is important as well.  And working with Art Gallery has been very helpful with that aspect.  They are expert at what they do and they were fantastic with taking the 100 images I sent them (because you have to try every design in every color!)....and narrowed it down to the 10 designs that work best together.
I'm so happy that Pink/White Ferris Wheel and Orange Twinkle Lights made it in there.


Along with layers of ruffles and twirls.


Seriously, I never get sick of the First Day Dress.  Maybe because it's so easy to alter and change up into a variety of dresses.  Like this version with a lowered neckline (and sleeves that were a beast to match up with the fabric print.  But totally worth it)


Okay, I'm off to Market!
More Boardwalk Delight news to come.
Get ready summer....