Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Very exciting news!!!

I'm very happy to present the Sophie Tunic, the first of many SisBoom Patterns co-authored by me and the fabulous textile designer Jennifer Paganelli!

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Yes - I'm working with THE Jennifer Paganelli!!! It is a dream come true! I've been a fan of Jennifer's gorgeous fabric lines for years. Her bold designs and vintage flair really speak to me and are perfect for the styles I love to create. If you've never met her, check out her blog and you will quickly see what a sweet, talented spirit she is. When I found out she was hosting a workshop just a few states away, I just had to go! My wonderful husband drove me up there early on a Saturday morning (through NYC in driving rain no less), and entertained Lou while I basked in Jennifer's creativity. She was so wonderful and easy to talk to, I felt like I had known her forever! At that point, I had no idea what my next pattern was going to be, but she sent me away with a gazillion new ideas. Now I have the huge honor of bringing her stylish clothing designs to life in pattern form, using her incredible fabrics and creative direction.

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The Sophie Tunic was so fun to work on! We made it in a wide range of sizes - 6/12 months to 11/12 years. This style works for so many different ages. The little girl sizes are of course as darling as can be, and the tweens really love them too! The tunic can be made from a single fabric, or with contrasting facings and/or cuffs. A dainty loop/button fastener or ribbon ties can be added to the keyhole neckline.

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There are lots of sleeve options, too! Three separate sleeve patterns are provided for each size: a short sleeve, a long sleeve, and a cuffed sleeve. The short sleeve has an additional cutting line for cap length. The long and cuffed sleeves have multiple cutting lines to make a range of lengths from ¾ to full.


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Like the sleeves, the bodice can be made in a range of lengths. Shorter tunics are great with jeans and shorts, while longer tunics are perfect over leggings. Tunics make great beach or pool coverups, too!

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Recognize the little blond standing between the models??? We were lucky enough to go "on location" with EmilyKorff, the outstanding woman behind the lens at Veralana Photography. She and her adorable girls did such a beautiful job showing off the design possibilities for the Sophie Tunic. Jennifer and I just couldn't be more thrilled with the pictures!

Finally, I have to send a HUGE thank you to my team of testers!!! This great group of women (and one man) gave me so much encouragement and input to make this pattern the absolute best it could be. Not only did they test out the patterns to check for accuracy, they proofread and helped me to clarify the instructions where needed. Their hard work is so greatly appreciated! Of course, the best part of it all is seeing the pictures of their beautiful daughters beaming in their tunics!


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The Sophie Tunic is available for download at YouCanMakeThis.com . If you've never worked with an eBook before, get ready for a treat! The instructions are very detailed - every step is illustrated with a diagram or a photograph. The pattern pieces are printed and taped together to make durable, full-sized patterns. Plus, you can print out the sizes you need when you need them. You can make gorgeous tunics for all the little girls in your life (and pretty soon you be able to make them for big girls too :) )!

23 comments:

minnie2 said...

Carla, I love your blog! Almost as much as I love your patterns and I was honored to be a tester for you and Jennifer!

Courtney said...

WOW! I was so excited to see this online last night! It is just absolutely AMAZING!!! How exciting for you to be working with Jennifer!!! It sounds like you two have more in the works for us!?!

GREAT JOB!!!

Jennifer Paganelli said...

I love all the testers and Emily our extraordinary photographer!! I stole the collage you made and it makes me incredibly happy!!!!! Fashionistas every one of them a winner... Tickled to the brim ...I can't wait for the next..this is living proof that you never quit before the miracle!!!

HeatherSue said...

Thank you so much for letting me be one of your testers! It's such an honor. I LOVED working with Jennifer's fabric on this one, too! Thank you, Jennifer!!

This is probably one of my favorite patterns. I just couldn't get over how quickly it all went together!! It's SO easy!

Shannon said...

What an honor and absolute thrill to be able to test your fab designs, Carla!

Leslie said...

What beautiful test models! ;)

I can't wait to try this pattern out!!

Mindy said...

I was so happy to be chosen as a tester for this pattern! I love it and Jennifer's fabrics couldn't be more beautiful! This pattern is so perfect and easy! I already have more in the works! Thanks again and I can't wait for more!

...t. said...

Congratulations on a beautiful new partnership and pattern. The Sophie Tunic is sure to be a hit. I hope it is the beginning of many great things to come from this dynamic duo!
...t.

Kelly said...

I love it Carla!!! You two are fab together!

Tom said...

We love this pattern! Thanks Carla and Jennifer for teaming up!

Cathy said...

Awesome pattern and fabric!!! I love how you made a collage of the pics! This will be such a big hit! I am recommending this pattern to everyone! It is so useful and easy to sew! Even a beginner can do this cause you made it so clear and explained every step!!! Thanks so much Carla!!!!

Jeanne said...

This pattern is already a favorite and I can't get enough of Jennifer's fabrics! I am nothing but honored and priveledged to test your patterns! You are the best!

Caroline ~ TrilliumDesign said...

Love it!! It's going to be turned into a swim cover for DD this summer. Already snagged me a copy - thanks Carla :)

Emily Korff said...

I'm so excited to see this pattern launched! I am so excited that the girls and I got to be part of your project :) I love seeing all of the photos from your testers!

Micayla said...

Carla, this would be perfect for an adult ebook at YCMT!

Jodi Nelson said...

Discovered you through Jennifer. Love your blog! Can't wait to see the big girl patterns! ooxx`jodi

phins_jazy said...

I'm gonna have to get this for my lil girls but can't wait to see it for the big girls too!!

C said...

Congrats to you!

Karamat said...

I'm so excited to try this pattern!! I've loved looking at all the testers' pictures!

And I'd love an adult version too (I've been buying tunics for myself this spring and would love to make a few from some of the great fabrics in my stash)

Jennifer said...

Are you planning on posting the momma size? Maybe it's posted and I just missed it?
jenniferobrienadams@gmail.com

jcaroline said...

I bought this pattern last week and I love it! It is so well done. You made sleeves a snap (and I HATE sleeves)!

You can see my handiwork here:
http://jcaroline.typepad.com/jcaroline/2009/06/the-sophie-tunic.html

I'm definitely making more of these and a Patricia for me too! Congrats on a great job!

Anonymous said...

I just got this pattern yesterday and I love it...so many options and so easy.

MichelleRenee said...

I just love this pattern! I made two tunics in a matter of a few hours. You are a master of simplifying things--the facings and the sleeves were breeze to do.

The only word of caution for others, is the pattern runs a bit bigger than I'm used to. Be sure to check the dimensions before choosing which size to make.

Thanks!!

Michelle