A Quick Update

Here’s a quick peek at some new designs, while a take a wee break from the never ending flood of custom orders I swimming in right now.

This is a version of my Yvonne swing dress in a new fabric!

And then a version of my Greaser Girl dress in black satin!

This pop-art inspired Mario Bros. top was one of a kind:

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New Vintage Style Apron Pattern, plus a freebie!

I am happy to share the newest WhatTheCraft Pattern has arrived in the shop!

It’s a vintage style apron with lots of retro flair- a flouncy twirly circle skirt, sweetheart bust, ruffled hem, and adjustable neck and waist ties!

And to compliment the apron, I’ve also released a free pattern for a collection of vintage style pockets!

Of course they make a perfect addition to the apron, but you can also use them on bags, clothing, etc. And did I mention they’re free?

There’s also a mini apron add-on for this pattern – also free!

I’m Alive!

Pardon my lackadaisical posting habits, I am experiencing an unprecedented custom order boom. Usually the first few months of the year are slower for me, but good GOD, not this year. Plus it’s nearing the end of March and I’m not trying to panic over how much garden prep I have NOT done yet.

Also I know I have already totally failed at my “one new tutorial and one new sewing pattern” per month thing.  BOO! I actually have things mostly ready, but I just haven’t had time to finish them. ARG!

Yeah, that’s right. BOO and ARG!

Anyway, here are some of my new designs that I’ve been working on!

A new sweater coat called Absinthe- I had planned on designing a whole bunch of new coats, and then got completely overwhelmed with all these orders, so I only got one out in time!

The TARDIS dress! Featuring my custom designed fabric:

The Party Animal dress. Or as some people call it, The Lisa Frank dress.

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Featured Indie Designer – Zombie Kitten

Rockabilly cuteness by Shelley of Zombie Kitten!

Zombie Kitten skirtYour Name: Shelley Smatana
Age: 32
Hometown: Houston, TX
Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

How did your interest in fashion begin?
Subcultures were what got me into fashion. I love youth uprisings that have their own politics, fashion and music and their opposition to the values of the larger culture. There is so much passion associated with subcultures, and I found that very inspiring .
In addition, I enjoyed the style of fashion in the B-movies from the 50s-60s era. Those movies that featured bad girls with switchblades, all girl gangs and juvenile delinquents and were fun to watch.
What motivated you to start selling your designs and what were your expectations when you started?
I was a bit frustrated with pencil skirts that just did not fit like the ones I saw in the movies, and I felt that other gals were too. I really did not have any huge expectations when I started making Zombe Kitten skirts. This has ALL been very flattering and surprising to me. I still blush and get all shy when people come up to me telling me how much they love the skirts. I really never imagined my skirts would take off the way they have!Read more…