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Exclusive Interview & Giveaway for Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love!

December 3, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love

AllFreeSewing is so excited to have Kerry Goulder, creator of Kid Giddy to talk with us today! In addition to running a blog, shop, and more, Goulder is the creative genius behind the new book, Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love: 18 Toy Patterns for the Storytelling Sewist, which was just released this year. True to its name this book offers a fantastic journey that any imaginative sewist should take. See what Goulder has to say about what inspired her to create this collection, the challenges she had while creating it, and more!

When you’re through reading, find out how you can win your very own signed copy of Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love: 18 Toys Patterns for the Storytelling Sewist.

 

Kerry Goulder from Kid Giddy1. Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love is your first sewing book. What inspired the topic?

Everything we do in life has a story behind it. I wanted to capture some of the stories from my own life in a fun and meaningful way for my kids, to have and share later in their lives. I knew I wanted to write a story to go along with each pattern, and wanted the book to have the appeal of an old (but new) story book to be shared with loved ones while making their projects or giving them.

2. The variety of characters and elements in this book is incredible; do you usually design with someone specific in mind to give the toy to, or do these creations come to life as you sew?

Many of the patterns have been inspired by different people, places, or times in my life, as well as from my dreams. Some patterns have also been inspired by trends popping up all around, like the hot air balloon. I have never been in one and probably never will, but the beauty of them floating in the wild blue yonder is certainly tempting.

3. Do you have a favorite toy from this collection?

I’m not sure I can pick a favorite. I tell my girls that it’s not nice to pick favorites because it could make others feel left out. I will say that although some are easier and quicker to make than others, it doesn’t always mean I love those more. Many of these patterns I have held onto for years in the hopes of putting them all together in one book.

4. What was the biggest challenge for you while creating this book?

Keeping the family, church, and life balance was by far the hardest challenge. There were many days I woke up and fell asleep crying from the stress of deadlines and the feelings of being unbalanced in my life. I wondered often if I was doing the right thing, but couldn’t throw in the towel. I’m a perfectionist and wanted what was in my head to show in the book. For me that meant not just one gnome, but four, not just one mushroom or buoy, but multiples of each. I didn’t want the photos to be limited to single samples, so I made a ton of extra pieces for many of the patterns. Looking back, I wouldn’t do anything differently regarding the book or the samples, but would def bring in a sewing helper to help balance my time with my family.

5. Do you have any creative role models?

Other than my retired art teacher mom and my twin sister artist…there are a few designers I have kept tabs on since learning about them many many years ago. I discovered Heather Bailey and her invention, the Trash Ties™ when I invented the Tuck ‘n’ Go™. At the same time, I found her Nicey Jane™ and Pop Garden™ fabric lines which I still hoard in my studio. Around that same time a friend had told me about this fabric she saw recently and thought I’d like it. It was Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern™ fabrics, and yes, I hoard them too. In the past few years I’ve discovered SarahJane – she’s such a sweetheart and her fabrics are equally hoarded here. All three of them have inspired me for years to find my own voice.

6. Do your kids have a favorite toy that you’ve made (either from Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love or otherwise)?

They love all of the patterns but the Gnomes are most loved by all. When working on new patterns I don’t make anything with muslin (I guess you could say it annoys me because it is a boring color). I make all of my samples and patterns in beautiful fabrics, so my girls get to keep any “misfits” and love them despite their quirks! When a pattern works the first time, they are sad they don’t get to keep it.

7. In terms of being a published designer, what’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I think the best advice I have ever gotten as an artist (not just a published designer) is to be true to myself. There are so many ideas out there, and so many artists are being copied left and right. We each have something to offer without having to copy someone else’s work. Learn new skills and techniques, but stay true to you and your own style. Be original so others can’t help but notice.

Thank you, Kerry!  All of the editors at AllFreeSewing are beyond excited about this treasure trove of toy patterns. If you’d like your very own copy of Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love: 18 Toy Patterns for the Storytelling Sewist, we’re giving away a copy! Even better about this copy? It’s signed by Kerry Goulder herself! Enter once a day, every day until December 16th! Best of luck to everyone!

Tell us, what was your favorite toy when you were little?

Filed Under: Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: Book Review, craft books, Designer, handmade toys, interview, sewing book, Sewing Books, toys

Link Love: Angry Birds Crafts

April 7, 2011 by FaveCrafts

Do you play Angry Birds on your cell phone? If not, I suggest you check it out and download the app, but only if you’re interested in acquiring a new addiction! If you’d rather keep crafting, get in on the trend by making these adorable Angry Birds inspired crafts. They make great gifts for the Angry Birds enthusiasts in your life!

  1. Angry Birds Poms from Make and Takes.
  2. Needle Felted Angry Birds from Craftzine.
  3. Angry Birds Amigurumi from Angels Have the Phone Box.
  4. Angry Birds Christmas Ornaments from The Clock Blog.
  5. Plush Angry Birds from Obsessively Stitching.
  6. Lego Angry Birds from Sprite Stitch.
  7. Crochet Angry Birds Dog Hats from Posh Pooch Designs.
  8. Angry Birds Ornament from Dollar Store Crafts.
  9. Angry Birds Cake from Craftzine.

Filed Under: Link Love Tagged With: craft links, favorite crochet link, handmade toys, toys

National Craft Month: What type of crafting have you always wanted to learn?

March 29, 2011 by FaveCrafts

As experts and enthusiasts of all things crafty, FaveCrafts decided to host a special National Craft Month blog series for all of our lovely readers. Check back for a new blog post every day featuring our favorite projects, new craft videos, how-to’s from the FaveCrafts editors, and a GIGANTIC, ENORMOUS, AMAZING craft giveaway at the end of the month. That’s right–we’re giving away the biggest prize ever, a gift basket chock full of crafting goodies from our craft closet. There’s something for everyone in this gift basket.

Leave a comment below, and on any blog post labeled “National Craft Month” in the headline, and your comment will count as an entry into the giveaway. You are free to comment as often as once per blog post (for a total of 31 chances to win!). At the end of the month, we’ll pool all of the comments together and pick one lucky winner.

I wish I knew more about crochet. As the editor of AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns.com, I get to look at the very best crochet sites, blogs and forum.  Although I know basic stitches and have even taken a crochet class, I still feel like a total novice.  I love the look of crochet and wish I could create something to give to my family and friends.

In particular, I’m obsessed with amigurumi. I must admit that before I started working with FaveCrafts and AllFreeCrochet, I didn’t know what amigurumi was. But once I started digging up more and more projects, I couldn’t believe how many cool options there were out there.

Here are some of my favorite crochet amigurumi patterns:

  • Goldfish Friends Amigurumi from Sherry for Chiwaluv Amigurumi Critters – Reminds me of my all time favorite fish, Nemo.
  • Blue Bunny from Deb Richey for Caron Yarn – The definition of adorable. I want to make this for my little cousins.
  • Bunny Toy from Lily Sugar’n Cream – A great project for Easter!

  • Freddy the Froggy from Diane Buyers for Stormy’z Crochet – It’s all in the eyes.
  • Teddy Bear Crochet Pattern from Bernat – I want this little guy to be my snuggle buddy.
  • Snowman Family Crochet Pattern from Bernat- What a happy bunch!

Hopefully in time I can create some of these great crochet amigurumi patterns!

What type of crafting have you always wanted to learn?

Filed Under: National Craft Month Tagged With: Crochet, Crochet Amigurumi, cute, free crochet pattern, Fun, Gifts, toys

Book Review and Giveaway: Fleecie Dolls

October 6, 2009 by FaveCrafts

Homemade soft dolls and toys are a classic favorite, both for youth and old. Even a beginner will understand how to make the projects in this book. The designs are bold and whimsical. Learn more and enter to win the book here.

Contest ends October 20, 2009. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Kids Crafts Projects Tagged With: fleece, giveaways, Kids Crafts Projects, Sewing, toys

Sewing Cute Kangaroos

August 26, 2009 by FaveCrafts

When I was younger my mom used to do a lot of sewing projects. She had all these stuffed cats made with different  fabrics and patterns. They were all pretty neat looking because she gave them all different features so no two cats were the same. It’s always fun to see stuffed animals that people make since they can use their creativity and imagination. I was searching for some cute sewn animals and came across this cute kangaroo. I love the color schemes and the polka dots really make it flash. I think this would be a fun little toy for kids to play with but an even better use as a gift for an expectant mother. It’s a mommy kangaroo with her little joey. It can be a fun craft to sit in the baby’s room on a high shelf. I just love those precious homemade gifts, they are so special. This kangaroo craft was courtesy of a book called Softies Only a Mother Could Love by Myra Maasuda.

If you like this sewn kangaroo craft you might also like the teddy bear crochet pattern.

kangaroo-sewing-craft-project_full_article_vertical1

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: crafting with kids, fabric, Kids Crafts, polka dot, Sewing, stuffing, toys

A Life-Like Doll

August 25, 2009 by FaveCrafts

When I was a little girl I used to love playing with baby dolls. I would bring them with me everywhere I went even if I left the house for only five minutes. The older I got the less I played with them, but then one day I saw the neatest doll ever. It didn’t even look like a baby doll, but it looked so real as if it were a real baby. I really wanted it, but it was too expensive. When I searched our site I saw this project recently, and I got really excited. A reborn doll is just what I’ve been looking for. Now I can make my own and have the pleasure of not only saying it’s mine, but that I made it myself. It’d be so neat to put a doll together and see how it is made.

reborn-doll

There are also some easy steps I can follow to make a wig for my doll. Every baby doll looks so cute with their locks of hair, and now you get to design it especially for you. In stores you have to buy what you see, so why not create your own and love every piece of it.

If you like dolls but are looking for something a little different you should check out our knit buddies!

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: dolls, Sewing for Baby, toys

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Full Project Tutorials

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