Friday, March 4, 2011

It's Great to Have Talented Friends

Shea is just that. She's the VP of the KC Modern Quilt guild and my partner in running the guild. She's my right and left hand gal. Not only is she a good friend, but she's one of those people who doesn't simply talk about doing things, she does them. I remember when she first talked with me about writing patterns and starting her own business, and now she's gone and done it. Shea's new business is Empty Bobbin Sewing. Check her out. She's offering free domestic shipping and reduced international shipping until March 17th!

I'm so happy to share her first two patterns with you. They're so cute and they're quality. This girl knows how to write clear instructions with pictures for us visual learner. The first is this happy quilt, Seeing Squares! Eeek! Totally cute!
I love that she shows her patterns in multiple colorways and that the pattern contains directions for multiple sizes of quilts. Much more versatile pattern that way!
And, get ready for a blast from the past. Remember these Card Table Playhouses from back in the 70's? I would totally make one of these now, but back when my boys were this age I threw a blanket over the table and called it good. I have a feeling my grandkids might have it better (I'm not in any hurry, by the way!)
Who could resist sewing a little to get a happy face like this!
I'm so proud of Shea and she's offered 2 of each of these patterns to my readers. Just leave a comment and I'll draw winners on Monday. Here's what you need to tell me to enter.
1. Which pattern would you like? playhouse, quilt, or either one
2. What's your biggest pet peeve about patterns? (especially quilt patterns)

If you want a pattern and aren't feeling lucky, go to Shea's store and make a purchase!
Have a wonderful weekend!


216 comments:

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dettonlisas@gmail.com said...

I would love either pattern. My pet peeves are when the instructions "assume" you know all things quilty! I am a self-taught quilter and after 3 years I am still learning with every new pattern. I cant stand it when there is a brief explanation about something and no picture to explain and then they move on to the next step. I usually spend an hour on the computer trying to figure out what a "mittered corner" is and how to do it because the book just said Step 15: add border 1, mitter corners Step 16: Add border 2 , etc.

Q said...

I would love the pattern!
My pet peeve is not enough photos in the directions. I need illustrations!

Jennifer said...

i would love the card table house pattern! i'd like to make one for my girls, and this would give me just the nudge i need...
i hate when patterns have only numbers for cutting out stuff- i like to have the pictures (diagrams) too. it makes it so much easier and less intimidating.

elle said...

She is off to a great start. These are very cool!

audreypawdrey said...

These are both awesome, but I would prefer the quilt pattern. That house is so neat, though! I don't like patterns that don't include instructions for multiple sizes and that don't have lot of illustrations.

Anonymous said...

Love both patterns, but since I have no one to make the card table house for, prefer the quilt. I'm taking a beginning quilting class next week so I don't have any complaints about quilt patterns yet since I have never made one. Thanks!

Andrea said...

I love, love love the quilt, and would love the pattern for it! I get quite frustrated with patterns that assume you know what is meant by their terminology or leaves out directions.

jlk said...

I love the playhouse pattern! My biggest pet peeve is when there aren't pictures for the difficult steps.

Patty said...

I'd love her quilt pattern and will be buying one if I'm not the lucky number-generated winner. My pet peeve is the same for recipes: listing a supply (ingredient)but never mentioning it in the instructions.

Lydia @ The Loop said...

I love that quilt pattern. Very cute!

I've never made a quilt from a pattern, before, but I really dislike apparel patterns that have tissue paper pattern pieces. Eek!

asija said...

I would love to have the squares quilt pattern. My biggest pet peeves about patterns are templates that require the use of a photocopier to have them enlarged - why can't they be included at its correct size even if it means I would need to cut it out and tape it together! My local Kinko's actually told me they couldn't allow me to photocopy a book because of copyright issues - I was told I would need to get written publisher permission :sigh:

Patrice said...

1. I'd love the playhouse.

2. When the pattern doesn't give different size options.

Teeeeeena said...

Oh my goodness, I love both of them! Id make the quilt for my kids, one in girly colour and one in boyish colour. And the awesome house? My kids are 3(boy) and 4(girl) and they would absolutely love being in there!

I don't really have a pet peeve about patterns, I'd just look at it as a challenge to change around to fit in the way I want it.

My boy saw the house and want the house and want me to make it! Oh my goodness!

Anonymous said...

My pet peeve is designers who steal other people's ideas and create the same item, or in this case, a pattern for the same item. This pattern is EXACTLY like the playhouse pattern that has been sold on Etsy for several years. I have the vintage pattern from the 70s for a card table playhouse and it looks nothing like this pattern or the original designer's pattern. This empty bobbin person obviously copied the
Etsy seller and it is so sad that people are supporting someone who is so unethical. Copyright is hard to enforce on patterns, but I hope that Etsy seller goes after this woman with the big guns because it is so obviously copied it's pathetic.

Shame on you for promoting her.

brzeski said...

Wow, that's a tough choice. They are both great. But I think the card table fort would be the bigger hit around this house. And maybe that would get them to leave my fuzzy blanket on the COUCH where it belongs.
My pet peeve in patterns is blatant errors. I know writing patters is really tricky, but please, have someone else try it out! So disheartening to waste fabric because of bad instructions.
And, I second Staci - a good diagram or drawing is more helpful than tons of explanation.
Thanks!
Corinne

Ben and Katie's Mommy said...

I love the tent. My pet peeve is when there are too many words and not enough pictures.

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