Light.

September 6, 2012

The blog has been full of pretty things and projects lately, and I've not really taken the chance to share a couple thought's I've been having.

Have you ever had the experience of being completely down, broken or vulnerable but to look up and see a certain sky that is so breathtaking and so unique you know it was meant for just you?

I have.

Many times.

Our little fixer-upper cottage sits on top of a hill where I can see the sunset every day. And I often wonder, when those post-stormy sunsets burst through, "I wonder who that one is for tonight."

I've struggled enough to know that those moments of bursting sunlight through the clouds can be just the symbol needed to smile and keep my gaze up. And because I get to see it every evening, I think about all the people seeing that same glorious setting and who might need it most.

I tired mother? I newly widowed neighbor? A frustrated teen?

I don't always think about these in more than abstract thoughts, but it does make me recognize how far our fire can go if we just light it.

Do you see those sun rays spreading over miles of sky? Piercing through the last bits of heavy cloud?

I'm going to be honest with you, and say that I'm actually a naturally shy person who feels comfortable with the few close people in my life, namely my family and a few friends. Sharing my art started as an experiment and has turned into more than just a hobby. But I won't lie and say that I often wish I could just keep myself behind that cloud. Especially when I'm tired and times get hard. Cause they do. But seeing this sunset yesterday.... seeing those beaming rays from one little peek of sun.... reminded me that while it can be hard to put myself out there all the time and every day....you really never know how far it can reach, or who will chance to see it.

And that is a beautiful concept. It's passion that pushes me out of my shell....passion for art, for children, for beauty, simplicity and what could be.

So, I guess you could say that I'm convinced that we all have a light to shine, but just as important, we have light to inspire us to keep the fire going.

Joy. Love. Passion. Care. Deep Curiosity. Ambition. Motivation. Self Purpose. Heart.

These can ebb and flow. Thank goodness for "lights" that whisper to us to keep our light shining.

I'm peeking through today to nod to all you fire-y beautiful people. Incase anyone needed to see a sunset. Love to you all.

Sarah

OUT TO SEA BLOG TOUR: Out to Sea Quilt Pattern

September 5, 2012

This is a project I know many of you have been waiting for!!

When I designed the OUT TO SEA collection, I wanted to make sure to include some really fun panel prints, and border prints as I know they are becoming more and more popular to work with! This quilt is a really simple way to display those lovely larger blocks and at the same time, makes this quilt an art piece as well as a snuggly sailor quilt:)

Amy Smart, (of the ever popular blog Dairy of Quilter) helped me put this all together. I designed the quilt with her, and she translated my vision into a perfect crib wall/quilt. She's even put together a PDF download for you to take and make yourself! And even better, if you own a fabric shop, this is a great kitting idea!

CLICK HERE FOR THE TUTORIAL & PDF

And FYI...remember this embroidery project? Well, the quilt pattern can be translated in lots of ways...here it is as a framing for the IF I HAD A SHIP embroidery Pattern.

Thanks Amy!!

Enjoy!!!

Hey, Guess What? You've been waiting for these...

August 31, 2012

Well, after a few {little} bumps in the road, these have arrived! I'm so excited to get these out to you!

The Iron-on transfers are so great. Because these designs are very illustrative, the iron-on takes all the guess work out. These designs are actually very simple in terms of the stitching involved....the only thing that can get tricky is getting the lines just right when you are tracing. Ironing on the lines takes the guess work out, and makes for an really nice stitching experience!

A few things to know about these:

The transferred lines are not really erasable. They can be, but I'm not going to suggest trying. This is why I offer both the PDF and the iron-on, so you can choose. However, the lines are very thin to make sure they are covered after you stitch, so it shouldn't be a problem.
The transfer paper can be used as many as 6-7 times. Your best transfers will be the first 4, but with several uses, you aren't going to be wasting it all on the first attempt. Yay!
These patterns have all the same information as the PDF versions ...the only difference is in the actual transfer paper is included. And you get a cute thank you card from me and a pretty package in the mailbox:)

Here's where you can find them: My Online Shop & ETSY shop

So there you go! Happy stitching everyone! Please do share your projects (on the FLICKR group page, or on my Facebook Page)...I'd be thrilled to see your lovely work!

Happy weekend everyone!! And if you are in the States, happy 3 day weekend!

Sarah Jane

My lovely Ann.

August 30, 2012

You probably know from my ABOUT page that I have a very valuable asset to my business;) Ann. She is amazing. She works part time for me and handles all the orders, customer service, emails, etc. She is my saving grace.

Well, the past year or so has been a busy year for her with meeting an incredible guy, and getting married this month!

Isn't she a beautiful bride?

These photos are all from Tara B Photography. She's amazing, and if you live in Utah or Idaho or anywhere close, she's amazing.

I haven't really talked too much about Ann here (we have a long distance relationship:) and so we aren't together very much! But thank goodness for instant message, email, and cell phones, she handles everything so beautifully. She's a creative spirit who dreams in spreadsheets. You don't find that combination very often!

Congratulations Ann! I'm so happy for you!

And thank goodness for me, she can pick up and move anywhere and still be part of this Sarah Jane story. I'm the luckiest person!

OUT TO SEA BLOG TOUR: Patterns

August 29, 2012

Hello sewers! So far in this blog tour, most of the projects that I created for the launch of OUT TO SEA fabric, have all been created by myself or by others who are offering tutorials. Hasn't it been great? There are more projects ahead, don't worry! But for today, I want to mention the many patterns that I purchased to make the booth displays!

Croquet Dress Pattern

So many of you have commented about the this Croquet Dress. Isn't it perfect?

This is an OLIVER & S pattern that I just had to have. It has a sailor dress feel, but with a twist. I LOVE the dropped waistline and the flap collar. I can't get enough of their patterns!

CHILD SIZE MESSENGER BAG

Another must have, is this shoulder bag. Ian, my 6 year old, is always carrying around a shoulder bag with his "collections" inside. He gets quite attached to his bags. And for this one, I used the map fabric as it covers so well. He's traveled all summer with it, and it's still holding up great!

Sketchbook Shirt and Shorts pattern

And not to miss this great outfit. The shirt is my favorite. So simple and classy! The pattern comes with the option of long and short sleeve!

(The tie was made by Mrs.Moulton)

Sweetie Pie Quilt Pattern

I didn't have a lot of time for quilts for my booth...or so I thought! I wanted to have bunk beds...to make the set feel like a nautical themed children's room....so I had to think of quilts that could be made rather quickly, but really show off the designs. Enter April from Prairie Grass Patters. She had made a quilt out of my CHILDREN AT PLAY collection, and I loved how it turned out. But rotate the petals and you get all sorts of different patterns! Charming and sweet!

I just loved using the Map Fabric for the back of some of the quilts. So much cuddle time with little fingers following along the nautical lines.

The Must Have Pillow

I love floor pillows for kids rooms. Easy to carry around and cuddle up with. This the Amy Butler "Must Have" pillow pattern. It comes in 3 different sizes, and there are so many top piecing options! it's a great way to get some extra sitting space in a kids room. Not too big at all!

Beach Bag

This Beach Bag came from the book "Quilting in no Time" by Emma Hardy

I've used this as my church bag all summer. Love how it feels with the rope straps!

And I'm seeing more and more people start to post pictures to my Facebook page, and Flickr and Pinterest. Keep posting! I'm going to start featuring some of my favorites here in this space, to help you all get more ideas!

Happy Sewing!!

THANK YOU!

August 27, 2012

Thanks so much you guys! Over 700 of you filled out the survey from last week and it really did give me such a glimpse into what you guys value and love about coming here!

I've really learned a lot about what your favorite products are, what you would like to see more of, and what you love seeing here on the blog. I'm just so energized by hearing your input!

It might sound silly, because I have a public space where I can communicate often with you, but designing and creating a business can be a very lonely road. Mostly because my creations are my own....and even though I've been doing this for almost 5 years now, there is that nagging feeling of "Will anyone even like this?" Creating from your heart while trying to make sure that people are still connecting to you and your work is a balance that I find very enjoyable....but it can be lonely at times! So, hearing your feedback and input was just what I needed. Thank you!

Here's a print I did this weekend and I'll be making more to release in about a week-ish. More Out to Sea inspired artwork and stuff to go with the fabric that you are starting to find store!

Horray!

Have a lovely Monday, everyone! And thanks again!

PS: The coupon code at the end of the survey is valid only through Monday, so don't forget!

xoxo

OUT TO SEA BLOG TOUR: Peter Pan Collar & Skirt tutorial

August 21, 2012

When I created the Out to Sea fabric, I had of course planned it to be for children. But I wanted to get some use out of it too! So I made sure to include textiles that were sophisticated and simple enough to wear and use myself!

(Perks of designing your own fabric is getting to design when I want to wear!)

Another GREAT perk is that this fabric is a new quality than my last....called Cotton Couture: It's a high density cotton that is VERY soft to the touch and perfect for apparel but not gauzy or too light for quilting. I knew this line would be perfect for clothing, and so I wanted to make sure that it wouldn't be harsh on the skin at all.

So when I got the fabric (12 days before Quilt Market) I needed to create an outfit out of my own fabric. And I dreamed of a navy anchor skirt with a peter pan collared blouse.

And knowing Liz of Cotton & Curls, she'd want to share how to make it...and she agreed to sew for me!

She's WAY cuter than me so I'm posting this fab pic of her wearing this elastic a-line skirt perfect for any body type!

Head on over to her (INCREDIBLE) blog and learn how to make the Peter Pan collar and Skirt!

(These were made in the Anchors Away Navy and the Sea Flowers Nacy prints)

CLICK HERE FOR THE TUTORIALS

I want to hear from YOU:

August 22, 2012

Last year was a big year for Sarah Jane: 2 books, 2 fabric lines, a new assistant, a new website and some new opportunities! But with all that, came a lot less time to work on products for the shop. I look at all your amazing creations on the FLICKR groups, see the pictures of your children's rooms, and I want to be putting more effort into creating products to foster creative play and whimsical design for children.

So, with my 2 oldest in full day school, I'm rededicating to making myself more available to hear what you'd love to see in the shop this year!

I've created a (VERY SHORT!) survey where you can let me know what it is you are currently loving, and what things you'd like to see here at Sarah Jane.

And in honor of a new school year, let's have a sale to go with it: