Style Blues

Anita Morris is a DIY fashion blogger as well as the creator of Anita by Design. She uses her brand to both inspire and teach women of all ages how to sew their own clothing. She believes that when a woman discovers and embraces her own personal style, it boosts confidence and opens the door for amazing creativity with her wardrobe and all areas of life. Anita has a passion to equip women with the necessary tools to make their own garments while empowering them to create fashion that complements their own unique body types. On Anita’s blog, you will find plenty of DIY inspiration to get you motivated to start your own journey as a sewist, refresh your skills, or even to take your sewing passion to the next level. The Anita by Design YouTube channel hosts a beginner’s sewing course. In this class, Anita teaches the basics of sewing with helpful step-by-step instructions. You will also find sew-along videos that walk you through the steps of creating garments with commercial patterns. She is a woman of faith and mother of two adult sons who resides in Southern California. In addition to sewing, she enjoys reading, tea parties, lunch dates with friends, and Sisterhood, where women come together to encourage and walk alongside each other. I first discovered Anita by Design shortly after her husband became ill. Anita has been through a tragic loss in her family. Since then I have followed her journey on social media and am always touched by the wisdom and grace she has to share. She is a very talented seamstress as well as a brand representative for Babylock Sewing Machines. Today I was able to catch up with Anita and learn more about her sewing journey and how she has dealt with her loss.

Brian Dixon is a Podcastor, conference speaker, and business coach. He believes that each of us were made for a purpose. You will discover that purpose by clarifying your calling, discovering your audience, and creating your products, which will help you navigate a clear path to impact and income. Brian is passionate about helping authors, speakers, and aspiring messengers create a sustainable business through growing their platform, and creating compelling online courses. He is the co-founder of hope*writers, a membership site of over 2,000 working writers. I first heard of Brian on another podcast, and right away I was fascinated by his story and the way he puts the customer first in business. This concept is not new, but it was to me the first time I heard it! I had spent YEARS trying to figure out who my customer was and what they would buy with my lifestyle blog, Cozy Traditional Home.com. The concept of “People First” was a revelation to me, and just what I needed to hear in my business. It doesn’t matter what kind of business you have, whether its sewing, crafting, blogging, creating whatever is is that you do will be forever changed by putting your customers FIRST.

Meet my friend, Emily Thompson from Life Sew Savory. In this episode I chat with Emily about her success as a sewing blogger, how she got started and her experience on the PBS television show It's Sew Easy. Emily Emily Thompson is the owner and creator of Life Sew Savory.com.  Since 2010, Life Sew Savory has been bringing you sewing inspiration, recipes and free pdf patterns to make sewing fun. In addition to running her website, Emily also loves hanging out with her three kids and husband, enjoying biking, hiking, swimming and traveling. She loves to exercise, read and have coffee with friends when she has time. Emily had been featured on the PBS Television show It's So Easy, and has her own weekly sewing Facebook Live show @Lifesewsavory every Wednesday at 3pm EST.

In the first episode of season 2, we talk about using your Cricut Maker for sewing a simple envelope style clutch with a zipper. Fun and easy project!

Do you have a place to host all your sewing projects, connect with other influencers and brand partners? Sewing Portfolios is exactly what you need to fill the void! In this episode we talk with Candice Ayala from Sewing Portfolios.com.

I decided it would be fun to try something completely different from my usual sewing projects. With the rainy season here, I decided on sewing a raincoat! Here are my tips on choosing fabric and construction for a water proof garment.

Here ye, here ye, Lords and Ladies of the Fair! Gather around for this fascinating tale of adventure! If you are interested in cosplay, steampunk or historical costumes, this episode is for you! We will talk about what sort of costumes you can sew for the fair, what kind of fabrics to choose, colors, and appropriate styles.

We all have unfinished sewing projects lurking in our closet. In this episode we talk about how to get through the tough sewing projects so you can move on to the next ones.

In today's episode we will talk about some basic sewing terms that you need to know to embark on your first sewing project. Basic Sewing Terminology Straight stitch, single needle 2.5 or 3.0 Zig zag stitch: Side to side stitch, different widths small for buttonholes, wide for overcast and uses (elastic, decorative, finishing edges) Interfacing, what is it for? Cuffs, collars, waistbands, pockets, button placket. Fusible or non fusible. There are uses and different weights, bumpy side is glue. Use warm dry iron to a shear to wrong side of fabric. Rotary cutters and plastic matt used in quilting for cutting narrow fabric strips and squaring quilt blocks. Back tacking, reverse stitching. 1-2 stitches at the beginning and end of seams will secure the seam. Basting, long straight stitch length 4.5-5.0. Used for securing zippers, gathering fabric, easing sleeve caps into place. Bobbin, winding on each machine should be marked. Be sure it’s smoothly filled to avoid problems. Tension on machine, how to adjust look at top stitches, compare to bottom stitches. Some machines adjust automatically. Needle threader on some machines. Best to trim thread, insert front to back on most machines. Flywheel, move by turning toward you to insert needle into fabric at a specific place. Always begin sewing with the needle in the fabric. Check the stitches, make adjustments. If it’s loose on the back, tighten the tension. If it’s loose on the top and tight on the back, loosen the tension. Tailor’s Chalk, marking pens Types of pins and needles Bias cut, used for close fitting garments, usually woven fabrics Selvedges are across from the fold of the fabric, must be removed before sewing. Grain is the direction of the fabric, noted on the pattern pieces. Pattern pieces must line up with fold of fabric, measure for consistent distance. One way print, pattern is printed one direction. More yardage is needed to cut one way prints. Two way prints, print runs either direction. Nap cut edges of velvet or corduroy. Nap is directional and patterns must be cut one way only.

Download this episode here! Recently I had an opportunity to chat with Mimi Goodwin of Mimi G Style. She is an inspiration to so many women, listen to her amazing success story! Intro: I met Mimi at a business Conference a few years ago. Love her unique sense of style! I’ve been following her ever since. Mimi is a huge influencer in the sewing, fashion and lifestyle niche. She is very accomplished with her tutorials, online courses, and her partnership with Simplicity patterns. I had asked her a bit about how she works with Simplicity and we will learn more about that in today's episode among other topics. Mimi has been through a lot in her life, she's been on her own since she was 15 years old. She’s got an amazing story to share, from being a victim of abuse, becoming homeless, and struggling as a single mom. Her great sense of style and business savvy has made her the successful entrepreneur she is today. I am incredibly excited to have her with me on the podcast! Mimi's bio: Award winning trending Expert Mimi G. is Editor-in-chief of the outrageously popular Fashion, Lifestyle, and DIY blog, MimiGStyle.com, as well as the Mimi G Style YouTube Channel, which houses tutorials, fashion and beauty tips, health and fitness videos, product reviews and more. Her axiom, “Buy It, Make It, Mix It, Rock It!”, is the mantra for her fully engaged daily followers, as well as industry professionals. Garnering thousands of “new followers” by the day, Mimi G has quickly become an International fashion icon, influencer, role model, and an “in demand” speaker and panel member at blogging conferences across the country. Mimi G has also developed her own line of products ranging from ready to wear collections to commercial sewing patterns. She was recently featured on Project Runway Junior alongside Tim Gunn on Lifetime TV, has won numerous awards including Best Shopping Inspiration by InStyle Magazine and Best Latina Blogger. Mimi G is a contributing designer to Simplicity Patterns and has a number of online sewing courses. Her YouTube Channel,  blog, Instagram and FB are followed by thousands of people. Mimi also has her own style conference. Mimi is a wife and mom who loves to sew and create for real life curvy women. How did you first learn to sew? What motivated you to start your blog? What do you think was the most instrumental thing that you did to grow your blog/sewing business? How did you become a Simplicity Pattern designer? Tell me about your new adventure with Sew It Academy and the Kids Sewing Classes that you offer. I noticed that you have also started a ready to wear division. Tell us about how that began and what your future plans are. What is your favorite sewing pattern(s) you have designed? What do you do when you are not sewing?   Where is the best place for people to connect with you online? Find Mimi on Twitter Find Mimi on FB Find Mimi on Pinterest Find Mimi on Instagram

Download this episode here! In this episode of the Style Blues Podcast, I talk a bit about the history of sewing, the beginning of the big pattern companies and how we got to where we are today. It wasn't that long ago that everyone sewed. Over the last 30 years things have changed, here's what happened. Show Notes: The History of Sewing Let’s learn a bit about the history of sewing, how did we get where we are today? Abbreviated History of Sewing as per Wikipedia:   The Industrial Revolution shifted the production of textiles from the household to the mills. In the early decades of the Industrial Revolution, the machinery produced whole cloth. The world's first sewing machine was patented in 1790 by Thomas Saint. By the early 1840s, other early sewing machines began to appear. By the 1850s, Isaac Singer developed the first sewing machines that could operate quickly and accurately and surpass the productivity of a seamstress or tailor sewing by hand.While much clothing was still produced at home by female members of the family, more and more ready-made clothes for the middle classes were being produced with sewing machines. Textile sweatshops full of poorly paid sewing machine operators grew into entire business districts in large cities like London and New York City. To further support the industry, piece work was done for little money by women living in slums. Needlework was one of the few occupations considered acceptable for women, but it did not pay a living wage. Women doing piece work from home often worked 14-hour days to earn enough to support themselves, sometimes by renting sewing machines that they could not afford to buy. Fine quality Tailors became associated with higher-end clothing during this period. In London, this status grew out of the dandy trend of the early 19th century, when new tailor shops were established around Savile Row. These shops acquired a reputation for sewing high-quality handmade clothing tailored to one’s particular fit needs. Sewing underwent further developments during the 20th century. As sewing machines became more affordable to the working class, demand for sewing patterns grew. Women had become accustomed to seeing the latest fashions in periodicals during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, increasing demand for sewing patterns even more. American tailor and manufacturer Ebenezer Butterick met the demand with paper patterns that could be traced and used by home sewers. The patterns, sold in small packets, became wildly popular. Several pattern companies soon established themselves. Women's magazines also carried sewing patterns, and continued to do so for much of the 20th century. This practice declined during the later decades of the 20th century, when ready-made clothing became a necessity as women joined the paid workforce in larger numbers, leaving them with less time to sew, if indeed they had an interest. One of my friends who is a bit older than I am was telling me that when she was in high school everyone made their own clothes. This was probably in the 1960’s. When I was in middle school in the 1970’s, I was the only kid who made her own clothes. Many of us learned to sew from our mothers but many of us have not had the opportunity to learn from anyone. You can learn to sew and I can help you succeed! Growing up, I️ always wondered how home sewing was so different from commercial sewing. You would think they are the same but they aren’t. Mass produced garments are sewn by the thousand and use piece work technology to put them together. Garments are completely sewn in minutes, not hours. Commercial sewing patterns have been the same since the 1950s when clothing was produced on a much smaller scale, but the home sewing industry largely hasn't changed since then. Today we have downloadable pdf patterns and many independent designers that are changing the home sewing industry. Sew Along with Me! Sew Along Masterclass 2018, going on now on the Chambray Blues Facebook page. 12 projects using easy commercial patterns, one each month Video Tutorials, FB live sessions, plus question and answer Closed group, only open for a limited time Access to professional designer Help choosing fabrics, notions, cutting, altering and sewing Join the fun! Don't forget to Pin this post!

Blogging history and story behind Designers Sweet Spot blog and the new adventure of Chambray Blues Blog.   10 Things you are doing wrong in your sewing Not pre-washing fabric first Not believing in yourself, it’s not rocket science Buying the wrong size pattern Not measuring correctly Not making pattern adjustments Not placing the grainline correctly Using the wrong type of fabric for the pattern. Using a machine that hasn’t been serviced Using the wrong needle Using the wrong thread

Download this episode here! The Style Blues Podcast is finally here! The first episode is now live! [caption id="attachment_157" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Episode 001[/caption] Show Notes: Interviews are Inspiring: One of the things I wanted to accomplish with this podcast is to inspire you with interviews of people who have been successful in their sewing related businesses. As creative people, sometimes we think too narrow when it comes to business and making money from what we love. Using a computer aided design tool is one great way to make your sewing business into something that will make you money. These computerized tools, such as the Silhouette machine are changing the industry in that you can now make quality custom appliques or other items from home with relatively little investment. When I first heard about the Silhouette a few years ago I had no idea what I could use something like that for. I had a blogger friend who told me about “Silhouette School” and I thought she was talking about an actual school in Chicago. Haha! Now, I see Silhouette projects all over the internet! Just to be clear, “Silhouette School” is not an actual school or place, it’s the name of Melissa Viscount’s blog. Melissa has been very successful in teaching others how to use their Silhouette machines. When I was making a list of potential people with successful businesses to interview for this podcast, Melissa was at the very top of my list. She has really inspired me and I hope you will enjoy listening to how she built her online business around what she loves to do. So without further ado, here’s the interview: Talking with Melissa Viscount: Thank you for joining me today Melissa! Questions: Did you ever imagine that your Silhouette machine would change your life? For those who are not familiar with the Silhouette machine, can you tell us a bit about How the Silhouette machine works? Can you design your own cuts/stencils? Are available designs copyrighted for home or commercial use? What are the file types for? Example SVG, DXF, PNG, and EPS Can designs be scaled for childrens, adult clothing? Quilting patterns? Cutting other materials besides vinyl or fabric, wood or metal? What other things do people use the machine for?   What are some of your favorite projects that people have created with Silhouette School? I understand that your husband works with you full time, how does that work? Boss lady and Bob? Love your #bosslady hashtag! Tell me about your Silhouette conference? Is it just in Atlanta or other areas? Where can people find you online, social media? www.silhouetteschoolblog.com (blog) www.silhouetteu.com (membership site) www.ultimatesilhouetteguide.com (books) www.sofontsy.com (design and font market) Inspiration for Your Business: Wow, was she inspiring or what? I just loved hearing her story and I am so thrilled she shared it with us. The potential for having the ability to create your own customized designs is huge. There are unlimited ways to use computerized tools like this in a home based business. Not sure if you caught her mention the gal that paid off her house by designing custom wooden hanger labels for brides? Wow! That is so amazing! It’s interesting to me that Melissa’s niche is really in education. She mentioned that she doesn’t really do project tutorials but rather focuses on teaching others how to use their Silhouette machines. I think education is so important, sharing your knowledge can make a world of difference to someone else that may be struggling. Melissa does such a great job of that. I also find it fascinating that she is successful on a global scale. People around the world have read her Ebooks and applied her knowledge their businesses wherever they may live. That’s all for today, thank you so much for listening! I will have more interviews coming up in the next few weeks. I hope you are inspired by today’s episode, I know I certainly was. Learn More About Melissa: Melissa Viscount is a Full time blogger at Silhouette School Blog.com and her new site, So Fontsy. Melissa is a wife, mom and author of 10 books on using the Silhouette Machine. Melissa Viscount launched Silhouette School exactly 4 years ago on a whim after receiving a Silhouette Portrait from her husband for Christmas 2013. Since then more than 35 Million readers have enjoyed her more than 1000 free tutorials on how to use the Silhouette cutting machines, Silhouette Studio software, and accessories, techniques, and tools.  Due to demand from her very loyal readers, Melissa released her first ebook, The Ultimate Silhouette Guide, three years - and now 11 books ago. More than 80,000 copies of her guides - covering topics from Silhouette for business owners to designing in and mastering Silhouette Studio - have been sold since. Many are now sold with the Silhouette machine bundles. In June 2016 - Melissa’s husband, Bob, left his full time job in pharmaceuticals to join her full-time and take over the business side of their quickly growing Silhouette School brand. Shortly after, they launched their premium membership website Silhouette U - which - as of today - has nearly 5,000 active members. Just last week, they expanded their business again with the launch of So Fontsy - a commercial use design and font marketplace geared toward die cut crafters. It's amazing that Melissa has not only enjoyed blogging about Silhouette, but her expertise in the crafting industry has made her a sought after Silhouette (and blogging) instructor - having taught hundreds of crafters and fellow bloggers nationwide. She’s also served as a consultant to well established brands and well known brands in this craft industry - or those trying to tap into it. She has been honored to be the keynote speaker at multiple craft and Silhouette conferences across the country including being invited back multiple times to the All Things Silhouette Conferences. You can find out even more about Melissa by clicking on the links below: www.silhouetteschoolblog.com (blog) www.silhouetteu.com (membership site) www.ultimatesilhouetteguide.com (books) www.sofontsy.com (design and font market) Want to be a part of the Chambray Blues Sewing Community? Join the Facebook Group Here. If you have questions about this episode contact us at info@chambrayblues.com.