Behind the scenes in Alison Eden’s studio
Yesterday Andrea, Kate, Shauna and I released our collaborative spring sewing pattern collection, Sun & Surf. Today I thought it would be cool to talk about the rest of my spring sewing pattern collection.
You see, I decided back in November to redo my website and have my clothing professionally photographed. Which meant I needed to visualize a collection, then create the whole thing, since it was important to me that the images look cohesive.
I started with the Pantone 2013 Colors. No need to make more work for myself picking colors. And did you know on their site you can download the color palette to use with Adobe applications, like Photoshop and Illustrator? For FREE. Look under the color report for a download link.
So, armed with my colors, I sketched this in Illustrator (because I can sketch better with computer aid than without).
I also sketched 7 more looks, some of which are new sewing patterns, and all of which I will be sharing with you over this week. But today I wanted to focus on these patterns (from left to right) the Little Bow Pleat Dress, the Basic Blazer over the Trendy Tuxedo Shirt & Pants, and the Tiny Bubbles Dress. I was really trying to show these pieces as perfect for formal occasions, like Easter or spring weddings.
I deliberately sourced the majority of my fabric through small fabric retailers. The Robert Kaufman Cotton Sateen in Celery (in the Little Bow Pleat Dress) and the Robert Kaufman Radiance in Wisteria (in the Tiny Bubbles Dress) were both bought locally at The Common Thread. Jeanie, the owner, was lovely enough to special order the Radiance for me to match my sketch. I am in love with this fabric – it’s a silk/cotton blend that is washable! Online you can find Radiance here.
Since I started sketching in November and buying fabric in December, then sewed through most of January and some in February and even into March, I have a lot of instagram photos (I’m @mellysews – I’d love it if you followed) I shared along the way. It’s kind of cool to me to see the process collaged like this.
For the professional photographs, I have to give a shout out to Alison Eden, who did an AMAZING job. I’ve admired Alison’s work since I had kids, and if you’re in the Austin area I highly recommend her. The shoot went so smoothly and the images I got back were just wonderful and perfect for what I had in mind for my site. She did both studio and outside shots with these outfits, and I’m going to share the watermarked pictures here because I want you to check her out.
Speaking of, if you haven’t visited Blank Slate Patterns in a while, I redid the whole site in mid-February. I love it, and I think it’s a lot more user friendly as well.
Come on back tomorrow; I’ll be showing you my sketches and talking about the casual wear I created for this collection.
Ajaire
I love the springy colors! I just made a little bow pleat with a minor twist last night. It’s in another Pantone color 🙂
suzanne winter
I love these patterns, your color pallet, and the gorgeous photography (both studio and outdoors)… I had no clue that you could download the Patone colors into PS!!! Looking at those sneak peak picks I am already in love with that teal top with the asymmetrical collar and is that a cute skirt with pleated bottom and squared pockets??? SWOON!!! You are amazing, and I am so impressed at how you keep pushing to new heights!
Veronica
Love the new look of everything, but I definitely want to know where I can find the turquoise top with the asymmetrical collar shown in the second collage photo. Is it part of your spring collection that hasn’t been released yet?
Nell
Oh my word!!!! These are amazing!!!! Thank you so much for sharing and for taking us through your process, I so appreciate that. The dresses make me wish i had little girls (I have two boys) but I do have 3 nieces I might start sewing for. I am totally inspired! God bless your talent!
Tara
EVERY single thing is amazing! As you know, I am one of your ‘cyber stalkers’–LOL! So I already follow you on Instagram, follow your blog, and love everything that you do. I am loving that celery and the material looks real comfy for kids. I think one of my first “bought” patterns was your blazer and I’ve recommended it to others and I will definitely buy more of your patterns in the future due to the understandable language and ‘ease of operation’–if you ever would like a tester, I’m interested 🙂 Until then I will continue to lurk and admire in awe–LOL!
Andrea
Love all the patterns, photos and colors. Excellent work!!
kristin
i love the color story you chose and really love the photos too! very springy and fresh.
emilia
Wassup with the ruffles? Sweater? Dress? I just had a baby girl, so now I’m in big trouble…. There are so many girl patterns in the world! But yours are the best! She is teeny, so i still have lots of boys sewing to bust before i get to real clothes for my daughter. Thanks for your amazingness. I’m in awe of your awesomeness.
Simple Simon and Co
The photos look great! Can’t wait to see everything.
liZ
Shannon
You are so inspiring, Melissa!
Fantastic work!