Saturday, January 3, 2009

New year, new look!

Happy New Year!!!

My brain is just bursting with ideas for 2009! Before I jump right into my next project, though, I'm going to step back and do something I've been wanting/needing to do for the longest time . . . a MAKEOVER. Now as much as I love being primped and pampered, this makeover isn't for my body. Rather, I am going to scrub, pluck, buff, and polish up my eBooks. Here is a little preview of an upcoming transformation:


That is just the cover page, but it reveals quite a bit about what this overhaul is about. The most notable change is the title. I'm saying goodbye to SewBoutique4Dolly. I thought it was pretty catchy a few years ago, when my grand plan was to sell boutique-inspired doll clothing and patterns on eBay. Then YCMT came along, and Kim and her customers gave me the encouragement I needed to branch out into children's wear. Nowadays, my focus is on fun, wearable clothing for boys and girls, and the doll clothes are just a little bonus. In fact, I've never heard any one refer to my eBooks as SewBoutique4Dolly. Everyone just calls them CarlaC eBooks, so I will too :) .

I'm also putting my little "Scientific Seamstress" on the covers. She allows me to be myself - a detail-oriented geek who struggles a bit with creative expression and social interaction. Having her on my blog has really helped me to get out and communicate with the rest of the world. Plus, my eBooks are written a lot like scientific papers with background information, materials and methods, and detailed illustrations. I've come to the realization that the whole scientific approach is what makes my eBooks unique. It is so nice to finally celebrate my inner nerd!

Over the next month, all of my eBooks are going to get "the treatment." Most will just get a little touch-up with fresh, new graphics and pictures, but a few of them will undergo some pretty major procedures. Unlike celebrities with their secret nose-jobs and botox injections, I will keep you posted as to what changes are made. When each makeover is complete, the file will be uploaded to YCMT. If you already own the eBook, the new edition will automatically be available to you on your "My Library" page.

I am really feeling good about making these changes in 2009. After all of the eBooks are attended to, maybe I'll treat myself to a facial :) .

11 comments:

Courtney said...

How awesome! I love the new look!

I think your little Scientific Seamstress on your blog is so cute and clever! Glad to see you will be using it in your eBooks as well!

Can't wait to see all the changes!

The Fairy Godmothers said...

Looking forwad to seeing the new changes. I've always referred to your ebooks as CarlaC - I probably confused a few people looking for your ebooks. ;) I do love the doll patterns too!! They come in handy for gifts.

Kris said...

Carla- I - LOVE - THAT - IDEA. Seriously, it's so smart and savvy. The new look is a great style that really is appealing. Good luck with the transformations!

Unknown said...

What a great way to start out the new year! Looking forward to the changes!

Anonymous said...

You never cease to amaze me! Your books are quite close to perfect (ok, they ARE perfect) and then you want to go above and beyond that -- you are awesome Carla! I'm excited for the new look, new name, and the new additions you'll be making. You are a professional in every way.

SNubile said...

I love the changes to your ebooks. That scientific seamstress character is great.

Anonymous said...

I think the changes will be great. I look forward to seeing them. I already LOVE all the ebooks I have. I LOVE your scientific approach that makes things SO easy to follow. Thank you!!!!

Kathy said...

Can I make one small suggestion? I absolutely LOVE your ebooks and use them all the time. BUT, my problem is that I am very disorganized and all my printed out pattern pieces get all jumbled up. Even though the size is clearly printed on every piece, the name of the pattern is not. And I think it would be GREAT if each piece said "Easy Fit Pants" or whatever on them. Just a thought. You do really great work and I always look forward to what's next!

Cathy said...

You are awesome Carla! This reminds me of the quote....If I have seen farther than other men, it's because I have stood on the shoulders of giants! Don't you just love that?
All good scientists tweak and so I am so excited to get your updated versions...so what are you calling them...Easy Fit Pants 2.1???? Hahahaha

teresajoy said...

I love the new name, not that it's reall new since that's what we always call your books! And your scientist picture, I think that is so cute! I love that you are embracing your "inner nerd"!

Pookie said...

can't wait over 70% of my ebooks are your..you have got some talent and I want to thank you for sharing it with us. I look forward to your up coming revamps.

Pookie