tina givens

Just because... & love 70ideas.org

2012-01-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

What's in your Tote? -- Featuring Fortiny Pattern

2012-01-20T08:03:00.000-08:00


That's my Henry, he approves!

I am loving toting my Stylish Fortiny Tote around. As part of the Fortiny sewing pattern, (includes the Handbag shown on the front of the cover, and the tote shown in orange) we embellished this one in leather. It simply calls for cording, binding in contrasting color, but I found a local source for scraps of leather (wow!) and cut them into 1/2" strips. Overlapping them to create a long strip. We also tested the leather on a simple SINGER sewing machine with a denim needle. All good! A little embellishment on the handle.
When I go watch Mel's gymnastic practices I take my tote with ipad, crochet, sketch book, of course the phone and my mini workbook... sheesh it's all there but the kitchen sink!

This was taken recently at market. I had so many compliments on my bag so I am making it into a pattern. The wide strap, again is leather. Easy and large, I think I did have the sink in that one! PS I am wearing the Mia Dress... all patterns are available so go on make something!!!

Peacock Park Design by Gina Galvin

2012-01-20T07:47:00.000-08:00

These images are from Gina from Peacock Park Designs. Her incredible visits to Texas antique market last fall... she has an eye like you can't believe. Thanks Gina... hey I think I need to visit Texas soon!

Inspiration: Chinoiserie Home

2012-01-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

Love the grey with that orange... yummy

Love the fabric on those chairs.

Chocolate and white! Classic

Love the look!

Love the floral with that crazy carpet!

I am designing a garden room! Love this!

My favorite read this month... crazy issue!

That wall paper is killer!

Hmmmm...

So I am currently painting, a LOT... for several different products including textiles, paper and new collections that I am so excited for 2013. I paint mostly at night because it's a quieter part of my day, when the kids are in bed. So I am having late nights...
So online today I wondered into this busy, elegant and chinoiserie flavored world I thought I'd share. The funny thing is I am mixing 1700s textile and fashion imagery, with a little chinoiserie late 1800s with, wait for it, 1970s flavored florals!?!? Chaaai... we shall see.

Cid Pear: an INVITATION

2012-01-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Cid Pear: an INVITATION: Retailers Please join me this Thursday in Atlanta Where: ATLANTA'S GIFT MART BLDG 2 18TH Floor CR Gibson -- Thursday January 12th 2012 a...

POSH s u n d r e s s / TG-A6003

2012-01-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

POSH s u n d r e s s / TG-A6003

Win a chance to get the fabric...
Download the pattern and then tell me what you think. You don't have to make it, just look over it and tell me your thoughts!

If you get selected,
choose between 3 different colorsways:
PINK AND LICORICE AS SHOWN
ORANGE AND WATERMELON
YELLOW AND LIME WITH LAVENDER
Sign up for the newsletter and get the full story!

new fabric collection: PAGODA LULLABY

2012-01-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to get my hands on this collection when it finally arrives. I am designing a whole range of sewing patterns around this collection for both children and adults!
It's time for some new bags too... so watch for news on that.

I called it Pagoda Lullaby because I was in a very happy far off adventure reminiscent of oversized fauna, large comfy furniture with massive pompom trimmed cushions, the wavy sea and the Pagoda overlooking the private garden... with light voile curtains waving in the breeze! Ohhh, let's make all of these things shall we? And oh ~ decidedly joyful color palettes to choose from. Deep red grenadine and chocolate; morning garden brights and wine country fields! Lucious!
The line comes in cotton, voile and heavy cotton sateen (for those massive cushions of course!)

PAGODA LULLABY: Grenadine

PAGODA LULLABY: Morning Garden

PAGODA LULLABY: Wine Country

New fabrics coming 2012 / FORTINY

2012-01-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

FORTINY: Oasis

FORTINY: Train Window

Coming in the Spring 2012, this is a collection I actually created for our northern European markets, specifically Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. And we all loved it so much we decided to market right here in the Americas...
A little bit of a departure for me I think the colors are within the earthy tones I like. I added a bit of that soft tangy orange and aqua in the Oasis colorway; and Train Window sports a beautiful happy green and rich chocolate mix. Although they have a more traditional flavor I think they will make some very cool modern quilts too!
By the way, the scale is much smaller for me too! You'll see a hint of Lilliput Fields (my last collection) in the patterning but again, a much smaller scale! I can't wait to get my hands on these to create some warm and rich quilts!
Tell me which colorway you prefer!

January 2012

2012-01-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

NEW Fabric collection for next Christmas

2011-12-16T12:05:00.000-08:00

I had to share! This is a great collection. And we will be sharing it with stores in January for July shipments! What do you think? PS Watch for the Christmas Ornaments and figurines I do with Dept 56... they have these characters! Merry Christmas

And for you traditionalists out there, there's an evergreen and scarlet version we know you will LOVE!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

Cid Pear: NEW Bittersweet Designs available!

2011-12-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

Cid Pear: NEW Bittersweet Designs available!: Bittersweet Designs Available on our Cid Pear retail site... www.cidpear.com Gorgeous and ready to ship. Drop ship available at no extr...

Cid Pear: A New Partnership

2011-12-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

Cid Pear: A New Partnership: New for January 2012 We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with CR Gibson, a paper and licensing guru since the late 1800s......

Sewing Patterns Fall 2011

2011-10-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Apparel design for young girls...

2011-10-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Dress TG-K10502 Chakita Dress


Shirt TeaTime Medley, TG-K10508, Bizzie Coat TG-K10602

Mel in Chakita Dress TG-K10502

Dress, Make a Wish TG-K10504

Hat and Shirt, TeaTime Medley TG-K10508

All designs shown in my new fabric collection, Lilliput Fields... from rustic burnt oranges and dark rich browns. And a brighter palette in eggplant, pinky pinks and soft yellows. All cotton apparel weight. The line also has a range of heavier cotton sateen for Home Dec and my Bag patterns... will share soon! Come see these at Quilt Market, and book your trunk show with these garments soon. Time slots are filling pre-holiday people!

Bittersweet Designs

2011-10-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

Are these so lovely? As some of you know I am a big fan of Laurie Lenfestey's jewelry.. and we have been friends for a long while now. Mel and I recently went to one of her trunk shows right here in NC in a lovely store called DOVECOTE...

As usual everything looked beautiful, classic and unique. So, I am excited to tell you I am going to share Laurie's work at market this week. I will be in Houston at the Quilt Market, and on display with my new apparel designs, quilts and oversized fun bags.... will be favorite pieces from Laurie's collection. If you are attending the show, come by and visit with me. Booth 1261 and 63....
More on market to follow!

Market is but a few weeks away

2011-10-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hello my darlings.... Well since my last post I have refined the whole exhibit concept and it's changed just a tad! Of course you were expecting that right? Well the new concept is fresh, yet exotic, global and ancient, but new and current! Yikes how did I push all that together... but it's slowly coming together! Pics of the booth will be coming forth with!

Oh and I am talking about the upcoming trade show exhibit the International Quilt Show in Houston later this month.
We are in the middle of craziness and utter chaos. Freshly sewn items and quilts are coming in and out of the studio. It's a favorite time of mine although a bit more on the madness side this October!!!
--

So one of my sewing patterns is called MAKE A WISH for girls 4-9, and here my Amelia is modeling it in some of the new fabrics from the LILLIPUT FIELDS collection! This is the lighter side of the collection and I am thrilled to explore it's sense of humor!

She and Jonty are off school on holiday for an autumn break... 3 full weeks my dears, and yes prep for the booth and show, a photoshoot in Nashville for the Cid Pear catalog, and did I mention we're shipping out loads of sewing patterns this and next week. OMG people, can I keep it together with the two of them singing to Wii Idol at the top of their lungs (the studio is in the house)... not sure this is going to last too long!

Anyway, Mel baked the cookies from scratch... and then I asked her to model for me quick like! And of course she said "Why of course Mummy!" in her fake English accent. Mocking her mother to be sure! Isn't she darling!
The pattern is scruptious, roomy and a delight to make. It, among many other pieces from the Kids collections will be showing to the trade at Market in Houston. So stop by to schedule your trunk show!


TG-K10504 MAKE A WISH Sewing Pattern

LILLIPUT FIELDS part 1

2011-07-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while since I blogged. I get stuck sometimes because I have so much on my plate, sometimes it's difficult to become inspirational about what to blog. And then I thought well, maybe you'd be interested in what I am so busy with.

Among many projects right now and I'll get to those. I received 30 bolts of the cotton substrates for my newest fabric collection LILLIPUT FIELDS. This collection will ship to stores in the fall. In the meantime (and usually I get fabrics 4 weeks prior to a launch) I create a 'launch' plan to show off the fabrics to fabric stores nationwide and worldwide. Twice a year, manufacturers and designers like myself exhibit at the International Quilt Market. This is a large trade show where stores come to view what's new. They make appointments with the manufacturers and actually place orders. The next one coming up is the annual Houston event in October. At this show I will be sharing Lilliput Fields.
It's quite an endeavor and we'll go through the projects in a series of blog entries. Please comment on the blog and share, because you will be entered into monthly drawings for fabric give aways.
So let me briefly outline the plan.

THE FABRIC collection
itself inspires the theme. Lilliput Fields is a mix of exotic and far off fantasy designs, reflecting a global take on ancient weaving, tapestry and design. I started with the ancient Suzani tapestry which is an ancient tribal textile from central Asian countries. This is an example of a Suzani embroidery. I particularly love the disks of embroidery pattern and thus started sketching out my own versions.

Here's my version of the Suzani for the collection... and it comes in 3 colors. Sundapple, Violet and this one is chocolate!

OK, moving on. I also love the whole IKAT thing, another ancient tribal textile... from many cultures from Southern America, Central Asia and even African tribes. The textile was dyed playing with the weft and warp of the threads of a weave... thus achieving that rough edge of the design. See this old version...

And so I scribbled to create a similar effect for printed fabrics... here's mine...

So all that with a hint of victorian flavored florals...

So, 10 designs in all... here is the colorway I call Sunset Morgan.

So we have this decadent mix of pattern in rich hues. The others are a yellow I call Sun Flecked and Morning Dew.

So added to this lot, is the home dec fabrics. I chose just 3 of the designs,

in cotton sateen which is a beautiful heavy weight home decorator cotton. Nice to make bags with by the way!
--
So that's the fabric ~ what does it conjure up? I feel global, culture rich, but I also see old and ancient, cobwebs ~ ooh maybe an old storage room filled with textiles and old furniture. We could upholster the furniture, make large exotic cushions and mattresses, how about a headboard... large oversized quilts. Ooh what about a large screen for the walls... or leaning up along one wall. I like that!

An old lantern... beaded. Hey you guys this is working for me... so let's make our list thus far!
I have to think about the floor too...

SPACE IS 20x10
• Global = lanterns, tassels, embroidery,
• Culture = costume,... need more here! Asian newspapers or printed papyrus... hmmmm
• Flowers = orchids, leaves (although we are in an ancient storage room?) any ideas?
• Porcelain garden stool
• Asian cabinet - oh I have one! It's sort of a cupboard. We can open it and have fabrics, quilts in it!
• I have an Indian head, not on me but on my mantel. Can use that yes?
• Ancient Chinese vase (hmm)
• Some old prints, like dressed up monkeys... or florals...
• quilts... better get crackin'
• furniture pieces, i have an old little chair would be great, need another piece, like a little sofa of some sort... headboard
• lantern chandelier - I saw the most amazing piece at the Atlanta show. I would make it of course... yes I am ambitious about this piece (my little antennae went up on my head... beware beware Tina's going crazy)... anyway, if I can find a skeleton frame I can go from there...
• cushions, mattresses? definitely the large cushions and poofs. tassels..
• the screen... I shall send Kev to Home Depo for the wood pieces... he's going to be so pleased (lol)

Alright, so we have our initial list. I have one big issue. How do we display the current sewing patterns and finished garments and bags. Well, they'll be splattered about. Oh and I can do a display in the Westminster booth... please Nancy!

OK, so let me know your thoughts, and we shall go from there. In the meantime I'll start gathering the pieces and sketching the quilts.

--

PAPER JEWELRY

2011-05-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with this designer while visiting the National Stationery Show in NY. So much so I am inspired to create with paper. How delicious and I purchased a piece from her that is so extraordinary I can't take it.

New Handbag Patterns

2011-05-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well I've been at it and I think you will likee. I love all 3 new bag patterns which are going to be available in the next few weeks. Using my new Pernilla's Journey fabrics I had a ball making these up. I named each of the 3 after 3 of my special aunts. Sukie, Moira and Fortiny. All gorgeous, talented and strong women... I adore them and can't tell you how much they have played a role in my life.

Let me know what you think and keep watching tinagivens.com as we load them up. First seen here~

Fortiny Bag

Sukie Tote

Moira Duffel

A brilliant concept. I need to design furniture....

2011-05-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

I stumbled on this collection recently, and it blew my head off. I am inspired.... Here's a taste!
The whole mix of vintage and fabric is divine, n'est pas? I need to design a line like this. I love it, I think my fabrics would be superb and what a fun project. These pieces are from a small design firm called BOKJA, and they created these for THE QUIRICO COMPANY....

Celebratory Re-Design Sale! « Lark Crafts

2011-04-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Celebratory Re-Design Sale! « Lark Crafts

Pernilla's Journey Sweet Quilt

2011-04-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Check out Ellen Maxwell's work... she whipped this quilt up today and sent me a pic! Using my new fabric collection Pernilla's Journey in the black and pink palette I call Licorice Cloud. I am so thrilled I thought I'd share! Isn't she talented. I am hoping to have this as a freeby quilt for you guys... we shall see! I can't wait to see it in person. PS she used the cotton/linens for the quilt! Wonder what she used for the back, and what pray tell will she use for the binding! Omygosh! This will be on display at Quilt Market next month in Salt Lake City!

E-Sewing Patterns

2011-04-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

I am creating a slew of online downloadable sewing patterns and having a blast. I have been designing like a madwoman of recent months and created a host of infant, toddler and adult apparel. So they will be loading onto the website for fun easy downloadable fun for a short time. Then will go on sale at a nominal fee of $5.99 each. Just download, print out the 8.5x11 pages and gather them together, tape em together according to the directions and whalah you have a new sewing pattern. At a fraction of the cost of paper sewing patterns, it's worthwhile the extra time. And it takes no time really. If you're like me I am an 'instant gratification' girl - so finding something cute and fun, being able to download it in minutes and able to sew it that day without leaving the house is just amazing.

The only question is whether you have a stash of your favorite fabric finds available for cutting. All new sewing patterns are being created in my recent Haven's Edge fabric collection and my new Pernilla's Journey, which is delightful, delicious-o and oh my favorite right now!
For a quick hint, the first two infant patterns to go up include a super little outfit I call LITTLE NAARTJIE (pronounced NAR-T-GEE)... you'll have to download the pattern to find out what it means. And if you do know what it means, comment here for a chance to win fabric.... fabric and more fabric from the new collections. And then there's Mush Mush Girl, which is a sweet little smock dress with a center front pocket... too cute and you'll want one for the little baby girl in your life.
Jodhpur breeches for baby... yes of course and why not. They are darling, easy and oh so couture.... I call these Saddle Brooks... for riding on dad's knee they're the perfect baby wardrobe item! Oh yes indeed!

Alright I promise pictures and more soon... remember to comment for a quick win at some fabric!

Kisses
t

ps Happy Easter weekend to all

Beatrice Dress

2011-03-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

I recently stumbled on this dress made in my Beatrice fabric from the Annabella collection. Designer is Kelsey Genna.

Kelsey Genna is a handmade label based in New Zealand. Independently run with all garments being made to measure and in limited quantities. All pieces are sold exclusively through the KG Online Boutique. Kelsey, is a mere 19 years old and recently graduated with a degree in Fashion Design. Well done Kelsey and all the very best wishes and luck for your future. You have a bright one - and not just because you used my fabric in your collection! Gorgeous pics to, see Kelsey's stuff at www.kelseygenna.com

Kisses
t

Crumpets in design for 2012

2011-03-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

So inspired by those vintage shoes I recreated them for a holiday ornament collection I am working on. They're not quite where they need to be but thought it would be fun to share the inspiration and the painting bit. I may take these shoes even further down the fantasy Christmas theme... we shall see.

The figurine ideas are fun, my favorite is yes, the flying pig with his little friend Mr. Chipmunk on his back. The tiny bunny in the center there is too cute, she's a bit on the small side for you to see but she's precious.

Cid Pear: Pink Packages

2011-03-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Cid Pear: Pink Packages: "Photos by OLIVER SCHWARTZWALD are incredibly complicated and divine. These three are probably the most simplistic of his photographs....."

Shoe Inspiration

2011-03-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

So in the beginnings of Cid Pear stationery, I painted many shoes and handbags... And they were modern and hip and current and fab! And when shoe stationery was in they did well. Over the years they have waned and we get very few orders for shoe stationery... So recently was asked to design a new shoe collection for one of my special licensor clients who shall be nameless for now... not for paper but for a new gift program.... and I thought 'WHAT?' no passe.. n'est pas?

So I dabbled about online and found I was, naturally, drawn to VINTAGE shoes. Big surprise.... so in gathering all these little gems I started to get excited and have begun sketching based on the above inspiration panel! Are they not delicious! Who doesn't love shoes and who doesn't love vintage shoes? I must return to my painting desk right away... enjoy these for now, but wait and see their transformation into Tina'er-ism!

Maybe we should have a fabric of shoes? Yes? or No?

Kisses

Exterior space color

2011-03-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

Thinking of painting the new studio exterior this turquoise? Thoughts?

Titbits

2011-03-02T14:19:00.000-08:00

Found on http://carriecan.blogspot.com

New Fabric Collection

2011-02-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

Pernilla's Journey is debuting this May... There are 3 colorways I will share with you beginning with this warm and cozy group I called 'Sweet Treats'. Watch for the other 2, they will surprise you!
Pernilla's Journey was inspired by a childhood book, Ms. Z... I used to read the book over and over again. Last time I remember the book I was about 9 or 10 living in Africa.
Well, we lost many childhood items when we moved to Canada in the early 1980s.. I guess just because we couldn't take much out of Zimbabwe... emigration laws. So recently, I reacquired the book and my 8 year old Mellie read it to me out loud... you can't imagine the memories and images this conjured up for me. And so I took of on a journey myself and illustrated the story in fabric. I hope you enjoy, the parrot jungle, elephant run, unicorn herds and overall Chinoiserie take I seemed to inject into the collection. Enjoy.


Pernilla's Journey, Sweet Treats Colorway....

Inspired by
Miss. Z. The dark young lady by Angela Carter 1970

Cid Pear: Wedding LUXE: Chloe's Imagination

2011-02-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

Cid Pear: Wedding LUXE: Chloe's Imagination: " The first in a series of our new bridal series we're calling Cid Pear LUXE because it is just that! Printed on 100% rag cotton paper, ..."

Haven's Edge

2011-02-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

Available at your favorite fabric store....

Crumpets debut in Atlanta

2011-01-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

Crumpets on display in Atlanta

The collection debuted in Atlanta this last week and last Thursday I walked into the showroom to find them displayed so beautifully. The fabulous team I work with at Enesco's Department 56 are so talented and after much time and effort, they have finally come to life. The collection was presented so well and I was giddy to see my little figurines all looking back at me.

The detail is amazing and so well done revealing the characters little outfits, crowns and wings; the glass ornaments are gorgeous and flocked in their pattern and decoration, topped with swirled rope finials they truly are unique. Three little nested birds are too cute for words and the disc ornaments are a fun adaptation to a vintage ornament. I am so proud and happy with the collection.

The chair is upholstered in my 'woodland' fabric from the Opal Owl collection. Isn't it the cutest?

For more info on the Crumpets collection, go here!

Ornaments / Crumpets by Tina Givens

2011-01-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

Oh my! These have been in the works for a while now, and finally we are launching my ornament collection with Department 56 / Enesco this month in their Atlanta showroom. We created 3-d ornaments of some super little critters... Here's just a sneak peak. The collection includes glass ornaments, patterned and like these with the little creatures, 3-D creatures to hang in your tree and larger tabletop pieces. There are banners and wall art in a set. I'll be posting more on these little treasures.

The collection is called Crumpets by the way!
Kisses this New Year...
tg

Caramel Pavlova

2010-12-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

No, not this kind!

So we're off for a festive and relaxed dinner party this evening with some very good friends... I am taking the infamous Caramel Pavlova... simple to make but takes a long time. 2 hours to cook, 3 hours to cool and prep prior to serving! So a while... but all worth it!

Ingredients ~

6 eggwhites
1½ cups delicious dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract/essence
2 teaspoons white vinegar

2 cups whipped cream
2 cups strawberries, sliced
Bar dark or milk chocolate.... I use Cadbury's Chocolate bars because I luv them!

The Pavlova can be made one day ahead; just store in an airtight container. Assemble up to three hours before serving.

Instructions:~

Preheat oven to 400°F (or 200 C). Mark a 10" circle onto baking paper and place on a large oven tray.

Place the eggwhites, sugar, vanilla extract and vinegar in a large bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on high speed for about 10 minutes or until firm peaks form. Spoon the mixture into the marked circle, the guide is just that - just plop it into the middle of the circle. Place pavlova in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 200°F (100°C). Bake for about 2 to 2½ hours or until the pavlova is dry to the touch.

Cool the pavlova in the oven with the door ajar. Top with cream and strawberries. Using a vegetable peeler on the chocolate to form loose curls and sprinkle them over the pavlova to decorate. Could use a cheese grater too.

Don't freeze or microwave this desert!

And this is how I will look at dinner.... lol! Love those earrings Anna!

Anna Pavlova (1881 - 1931 )

So while writing this post I asked myself, why is the Pavlova named the Pavlova, and found that no one knows who first created the desert. However, the name and recipes first began appearing soon after the Russian ballerina Anna Matveyevna Pavlova toured Australia and New Zealand in the late 1920s. She was considered the greatest ballerina of her time and her visit abroad from Russia was an enormous event! It was said "... she sours as though on wings." Thus the light and airy desert!

~~~

Lottie Da Baby - by Amy Routh

2010-12-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

Lottie Da Baby again... couldn't resist this image.

Three Yellow Starfish

2010-12-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

How adorable..... Thanks 'Three Yellow Starfish' from Dallas Ft Worth area... very sweet! How can anyone resist?

Using Opal Owl fabrics... I adore these! And these little girls are too cute!

Cid Pear: Cid Pear Gift Certificates...

2010-11-24T10:20:00.000-08:00

Cid Pear: Cid Pear Gift Certificates...: "Don't know what to get that special bride, mom-to-be or wonderful friend... then a gift certificate from the online Cid Pear store is just t..."

Cid Pear / new website

2010-11-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

As you may know, I have a company called Cid Pear which has a creative philosophy of bringing beautiful tasteful papers and gifts to market. My stationery has been in the world for sometime now, and in fact it was my creative start to fabrics and so much more. So it's a first love along with the very many others I have... printing beautiful design on paper and then getting to personalize happy moments in life including baby announcements, bridal events and special birthdays and celebrations is so gratifying. Well, after many hours and months of preparation our new cidpear.com site is almost ready to launch. I am so very excited about it because it's pretty and fun and lovely to look through. Definitely an art statement with it's backgrounds, perfect imagery and the lovely stationery and products I have hand selected to bring to you. Including jewelry from my special friend Laurie Lenfestey of Bittersweet Designs. You will love love her stuff! Kids apparel from Biscuit & Poppet, and of course even some of my fabrics and sewing patterns from my studio! So watch, and subscribe for more detail. Cid Pear is definitely a lovely place to stop by!

The site launched next week so please stop by!

Artist: J Morgan Puett

2010-11-14T08:06:00.000-08:00

Back in the early 90s I was introduced to an amazing clothing collection by a woman I'd never heard of, J. Morgan Puett. The clothes were extraordinarily free and beautiful in soft natural fibers including linen and washed silks... she'd dye everything too, so the colors were muted and earthy gorgeous. If you've met me, I am sort of ant-trend in my clothing.... I tend to wear loose long linen dresses with oxford boots, several layers of scarves and long necklaces... always a pearl or string of pearls.

Not a great pic of me but see the dress... I must see if I have another pic of this dress.

I got many requests for this sewing pattern...

Anyway, so I fall in love with the J M P line and the next time I went to NY I had to stop in her, then Soho studio (then moved to Tribeca, which was a likely move because she is not what you'd call a 'commercial' artist and designer). Well, her studio was a dream for me. Within utilitarian rustic cement walls, she collects pieces of NY implements and artifacts ~ sort of a museum type retail experience, the store was accented with installation-inspired art. An amazing store, with hard cement counters and metal beams. The sewing machines were upstairs in a balcony overlooking the shop downstairs, and you could hear the low buzz of their work.

She had curtains outside of the shop and of course a beautiful metal shaped signature dress as her store sign. I was in heaven. She was not there unfortunately, but her staff were wonderful and wrapped my purchases in brown paper with a raw burlap string! Perfect.

Inspired I'd found a designer and clothing I absolutely loved... she decided to go 100% retail and not offer through my local fabulous shop her found her. Oh no... so every time I went to NY I took a b-line to the store and found my favorite delights. Eventually it was offered online and now can be offered on ebay....

A little history on J Morgan Puett ~ she received her Masters in Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1985. From 1993-1997 she ran her business which she names as a multi-disciplinary project taking the form of a small business in New York's SoHo, and other collaborative ventures with artists and designers; from 1998-2001 she collaborated on a New York-based experimental, retail-clothing manufacturing project. Her art has recently been shown at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and Wave Hill Glyndor Gallery, New York; she is currently working on a collaborative project with Mark Dion for the Fabric Workshop and Museum, Philadelphia. (from the J Morgan Puett site).

In 1997 she actually moved to establish an artists' colony in Pennsylvania. It continues to evolve today. It's called Mildred's Lane on almost 100 acres, and is a modern take on simpler times. Everything is truly a simple way of life but she styles everything in her signature baroque alchemy. Silver, glassware, vintage fabrics, gorgeous luggage. Her fridge shelves are covered in old table cloths (the cold preserves them!) The main house is built from local wood and is amazing with a sleeping porch, hinged pop-up windows and slated wood walls feel as though you're in a treehouse!

Surrounding the house are small outbuildings were artists and writers can stay plus an old barn housing the petrified clothing archive. Mildred Miller by the way was the former owner of the property and she lived in an old 1830s house that still remains, she lived there until her death in 1986. Puett named the colony after her.

Puett's life by her own words 'is art'. Being is my practice - eating, making, building.'

She's against throwing anything away and resuses everything from her wool jacket wearing it upside down, her dressing room tent from a store, now hanging over the bed as a canopy, she readapts old things into new. A nightgown becomes a table cloth, flour sacks slip-cover the dining room chairs. Obviously a collector, she and her best friend 'Peabody' collect things all year round and then give them to eachother at Christmas time. In fact I was in her first store and along the back wall were these beautifully simple wrapped brown packages with string, all with her name on them. I asked what they were, and the ladies informed me 'Oh those are Peabody's gifts to her from his trips around the world!' Hmmm....

Puett cleans with delight. It takes her a week to clean the house and she loves doing it because she rearranges everything... forever emerging, unfinished....

Some of her pics from Cottage Industry, see more at her site HERE

Christmas Ornaments

2010-09-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

Isn't she sweet! I have had the absolute pleasure to design a series of ornaments for Dept 56, and I recently received the 3-dimensional sculpts from Dept 56, and of course I had to repaint everything because I am a maniac... and they were just not quite there yet! The sculpts were incredible and the detail is spectacular... I am thrilled! From Believe Bunny to One Man Band bunny, Santa Bear and of course an amazing snowman with birds on his hat and in his arms... what fun. The collection is called CRUMPETS... and yes, you guessed the theme.. a forest filled with little creatures full of character all dressed up to dress up their snowman. The patterned glass ball, onion shape and teardrop ornaments are beautifully done and I can't wait to share more with you.
These are launching at market this January for Christmas 2011... and if you're visiting Atlanta and Dallas visit the Dept 56 showrooms because we're working on an amazing exhibit...I will no doubt be there to see my little creatures come to life....

BLOG TOUR GIVE AWAY

2010-09-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

Just visit the blogs listed below comment and you will have a chance to win the book, fabric 4 yards of multi prints, 2 boxes of stationery and 2 sewing patterns for kids... oh lalala....
Kisses, hope you win!

Blog Tour and a few freeby projects available

2010-09-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the release of Sew Tina! Lark Crafts is
throwing a little eparty! And you get the goods: three free projects, a chance to win a copy of the book (and other treasures), and a months worth of Tina – welcome to the first stop on her official blog tour!
Read on for the blog tour schedule!
Sew Tina! Blog Tour:
9/24 Lark Crafts.com
9/27 A La Mode Fabric
9/29 Quilters Buzz
10/1 Sew Baby
10/4 Sew Chic
10/6 Sew Mama Sew
10/8 Hazelnuts
10/11 Mama’s Pocketbook
10/13 House on Hill Road
10/15 WhipUp
10/18 Quilt Dad
10/20 HodgePodgeFarm
10/22 Pink Chalk Studios
10/25 Fat Quarterly Blog
10/27 The Jolly Jabber
I am so thrilled with these wonderful blogs hosting the blog tour! At each stop, you’ll hear from me (of course!) and get plenty of chances to enter to win the book.Visit Lark, they will keep you posted on all the fun happenings. Also, see the three free projects to get you in the mood.
HERE

Lottie Da Baby - by Amy Routh

2010-09-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Meet the work of Amy Routh... she crafted her own business from her passion to create.... This lady, is so fabulous.... A physical store providing a unique shopping experience... I can tell Amy is a woman of passion, loves her family and loves life in full color and texture....

She uses many fabrics in her designs, but I discovered some of mine and thought you'd enjoy seeing her work. She's so savvy with an additional online presence on etsy.... a lovely etsy store

....I adore everything she makes.

All items are 'handmade with love' in her little shop in Columbus Ohio, called, you guessed it

LOTTIE DA... cute cute... And she has a blog lottiedababy.com so check in and thanks Amy for being such an inspiration and creative genius...

Favorite quote from Amy's profile....

"I decided to create my own opportunity and make my dream a reality!"

Q&A: Sew What’s Up, Tina?

2010-09-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Q&A: Sew What’s Up, Tina?

Kids Clothes Week Challenge / ElsieMarley.com

2010-09-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this sweet blog called ElsieMarley and Meg the blogger has a kids clothing challenge this month... follow the link and find this lovely idea... Basically for one week you spend an hour a day making clothing for a kid with the objective to finish the garment by the end of the week. How superb! I was just contemplating time and how we must make time for the things we love. And how to nurture our creative self... well this is one idea to awaken the creativity in all of us. And I challenge you to this challenge... email me if you are and we'll ship you some fabric and a sewing pattern... remember to tell us your kids age... we have sewing patterns for infant to about 7 or 8.... see on the tina site.

Meg congrats, love the blog and love the idea it's so wonderful.

elsiemarley.com

My favorite book as a kid

2010-08-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

I was asked a question today, 'What is my favorite children's book?" Of course I have several, and illustration is key to me.... however reading to my young children is always been a fun past time and sometimes the art doesn't have to be fabulous for the message can be more powerful!
Anyhow, my favorite book as a kid was Miss. Z the dark young lady by Angela Carter.... I have been on the search for a long time, and today I re-looked and guess what? Found it... used but still there! I can't wait to read it to my daughter who I think will enjoy it too. I'm remembering the fabulous watercolor art by Eros Keith... an award winning artist and author. He also illustrated several other books but another by Angela Carter called I think The Donkey Prince which I should search for too.
Speaking of Angela Carter, she was an unusual woman who seemed to live at large and loved diversity, radical feminism and was curious about everything and everyone! An English woman who ran away from life in the late 1960's for Hong Kong... And returned a 'different woman'... and wrote and remarried and lived life out loud!
Thought I'd share... maybe Miss. Z, the dark young lady will be an inspiration for my next fabric collection.... parrots and unicorns anyone?

Eva Mei & Me

2010-08-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

Karyn of Queensland Australia connected with me online and she has a beautiful children's collection of clothing.... some amazing people in Australia.... down unda! She recently took a trip off East and took a few shots in Singapore..... yes there's a Chinatown in Singapore! ISnt this shot beautiful, definitely a colonial history here too. eek. Beautiful! Thanks Karyn for your work and clever eye!

Peacock Park Design

2010-08-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am a French Country addict at heart....


Images from PeacockParkDesign.Blogspot.com

A sale....

2010-08-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

Check out Quilt Home special sale section
50% savings on all in-stock Tina Givens fabrics (no coupon required)

Link

Opal Owl has shipped

2010-07-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

Stores now have my recent collection, Opal Owl.... and it's selling fast! So if you want to catch this already popular fabric visit your favorite quilt shop or fine fabric shop or online store and grab some of Opal!!!!

Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles

2010-07-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

Kev and I are here in Los Angeles, multitasking various projects as usual. Between watching our oldest in his last club soccer National Finals, reviewing Biscuit and Poppet, my clothing collection with reps and stores here, visiting my favorite stationers here who carry my stationery lines including Cid Pear (one of whom I actually bumped into at a restaurant here in Santa Monica (at Ivy at the Shore no less)... how weird to bump into someone you know in the middle of LA....
Regarding kid style..... The kids in Los Angeles (and I am sure along all the west coast in varying degrees) definitely have their very own west coast style. They are little stylish fashion divas with the most amazing sense of self. I wonder where this comes from? It's got to be an environmental thing, not the green kind but the social kind. Women here are short skirts or jeans, the highest platform shoes possible, hair messy and a lot of ponytails and strappy tops. No shyness about those busts or legs let me tell you! I have not seen a pair of Khaki shorts or pants for that matter!
Now the kids are in bright brilliant color, lots of little dresses and loose long hair! Layering of tanks and skirts, some in leggings although it's quite hot here this weekend.

Yesterday we drove through a shopping area in Los Angeles on Larchmont Boulevard, between Melrose Avenue and and 1st street. The LB Association strive to maintain their village within a city.... and it is truly quaint and perfectly lined with shop after shop for clothing, home, salons and spas, with a homey down to earth feeling.... We dropped in to see an old customer of mine for stationery, Landis Gifts and Stationery... part of an old General Store, Edie Frere has a perfect little spot dedicated to stationery, invitations and giftware. Edie has been carrying my stationery lines including Cid Pear for many years now. After many giggles and discussion of the paper industry we headed off to visit FLICKA, the cutest little kids apparel and home dec shop ever. The tiny little shop was chockablock of apparel for infant to young girls, as old as 12 or 13 when they start refusing to shop at boutiques like this one! Darling for kids and wonderfully packed with customers looking for outfits for their little stylish divas.... and little dudes. Labels seemed to be either local designers, Mimi and Me for one, Left Bank Babies of course and more; and of course some bigger brands too, but mostly the little home spun designers which is glorious to me.
For those store owners or thinking of a retail space.... This was an ordinary tiny long space which the Flicka owners creatively turned into a sweet and homey little space loaded with shelves, wood wracks of clothing, an island for hanging apparel and space for toys, puzzles, accessories and more. Butterfly mobiles hung everywhere. The ceiling was my favorite though. They placed beams into the ceiling creating artificial rafters meeting at the center point of the ceiling! The store was so busy I didn't take a picture, but so very clever indeed. Sort of amazing that by adding a simple architectural detail one can completely create a unique environment with personality!
I didn't approach Flicka owners who were busy with their customers but this would be a perfect store for Biscuit and Poppet.
For those of you who live in the LA area or are traveling through with grandkids or kids to buy for, stop by Flicka at 204 N Larchmont, grab a smoothie, see Edie at Landis at 138 N Larchmont for stationery and maybe a gift or two for friends back home. Don't forget the book store, Cottage Antiques at 562 N, and of course Crumbs Bake Shop at 216. Yummmmm......

Today is the Gift Show here in LA at the moment, The Apparel Mart and of course visit with a few fabric shops here who carry my fabrics....

Did I mention, our flight was canceled on the 2nd portion of our trip, and so were bumped to another airline, and of course the luggage was lost until this morning when it finally arrived 2 full days and 2 nights later!? Needless to say medication had to be reordered and picked up, early shopping for clothing... and cosmetics. I will not be packing my cosmetics and meds in my luggage again.

Missing the kids, we have another soccer game (final game) tonight at 5pm so wish the boys luck. The last game was so exciting they even had me jumping up and down and screeching. Something I don't ever do...... lol

Ok walk on the beach time..... Until later,
t

Biscuit & Poppet

2010-07-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Biscuit and Poppet Kids clothing line is so beautiful. I am so proud of this little venture with Westminster Fibers/Coats... we launched it last October. Have a look at the new site at www.biscuitandpoppet.com, it features a new form of catalog that I had fun working on. The clothing is scrumptious and manufactured right here in the USA in smaller quantities... a couture like apparel collection for kids from infant to aged 7! Have a look I just love it!

SALE at quilthome.com

2010-06-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hmmm.... a sale at quilthome.com.... Rare, crazy and I love it. And they have a new inventory of that Pink polkadot from Fairy Tip Toes that everyone is crazy about.... so get in while the going is good!~
And remember to look up Kimono Suit and Angel Smock on my site for pattern enhancements. Just clickety click on the sewing pattern image and you'll find the download pdf.

I have attached the link to quilt home, but if it didn't work cut and paste the following into your brows-ah!

http://quilthome.com/Tina_Givens

Sewing Patterns, some new some old, all with soul sist-ah!

2010-06-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Four little outfits from the booth!Top right is the Kimono Suit Pattern TG-K5029 which we have just enhanced with detailed technical illustrations and more.... Top left is a new pattern called CHAKITA GIRL which is coming soon, along with bottom left TeaTime Medly for infant to little girl! The tutu isn't mine it was a Target buy.... Love that color! To the bottom right is the infamous COOKIE COAT pattern TG-K5021 a must for any little girls wardrobe and reversible too. More details coming on new sewing patterns. In the meantime, we're working through some of our first series with enhanced illustrations, tips and know-hows... Also a 'basic' technique section because as you know Tina has her own way of sewing..... cutting, and doing just about anything!

Quilt Market Opal Owl 1

2010-06-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

I promised some pics of the booth at Quilt market in Minneapolis, so here we go. More to come just wanted to give you a few to get started!

I enjoyed cluttering up the shelves with all sort of thing including my favorite little glittered birds. We used the 'book panel' fabric to make little sachet cushions... too darling. They were all over the display! We simply cut up the pages and created little rectangle cushions featuring the words and characters on the front side. I had three appliqued canvases on display, the green bunny here is TULA. She's super! I show you how to do this technique in my upcoming book, SEW TINA!

I loved decorating this booth! It was a much smaller space than we usually do so we ate up every inch! It was like my little shop! The carpeted checkerboard makes for great impact.... The yellow tall table bar you see on the right is a 'chunky bar' from West Elm and we paint it each show we do. This time it's yellow.... With the chocolate walls and ivory shelves I wanted to break the monotony and whalah, yellow it was! On that back wall you see the big new GAME DAY TOTE, and matching cushions! I don't know about you but my little butt needs some cush when I am watching soccer, gymnastics, baseball or really any time of day!!!! The ottomon sitting in front of the little closet is perfect for any room in the house. So easy to make.... foam, batting, fabric and your nimble sewing fingers....
The little closet housed samples of the patterns made up.... These all went off to Australia for a show there....

Again, clutter! My clutter though. There's Ella Pearl the dolly sitting ever so prim. I love fedoras and made this little one for my 8 year old Amelia. She loves it.... even though she's Ms Sporty, she wears it sans feather. The dolly shoes were cute ~ we added pompoms. I love that tray too! Oh and the 'A', Amelia painted that when she was 3, added glitter and all.

Everyone has an old ottomon sitting around I know it. So recover with a slip cover. It's so easy! I have had this little square ottomon for ever, and it's seen many covers. Simple measure, add your seam allowance, use a welting (I covered this with the same fabric) it makes a big difference, measure the sides, add top seam allowance and hem allowance, I pleated at each corner and you see the pleat at the front... well that's where I sort of had too much fabric and so made an arbitrary pleat - it works ey? I love this! It now sits in my home under a white table and Lolita, my fat cat has claimed the orange ottomon as her own!
I usually hate the hallway carpet the shows choose but this time I kind of liked that royal blue against all my color...

A nice little corner pic looking into the booth. Again the cubbies along the left there are from West Elm, and painted ivory this time. This was a fun little wall because we were on a corner. So making it open with a window, but closed off so we didn't feel like we were floating and gave me more shelving to clutter up with goodies....
Covered lamp shade added some warmth too!

Oh, that's me wondering around. This looks like first day and I am already exhausted. Looking at something I wanted to change or move or something.... ah, my work is never done. A little more planning went into this one because of the size difference, but usually we just made a whole bunch of stuff in the fabrics and when Kevin is done with the walls and shelving I go for it. Patterns did well and we f

Show Prep

2010-05-10T16:17:00.000-07:00

I am knee deep in creating pieces for the upcoming International Quilt Market in Minnesota. You know all the pieces we created for the Paris show? Well, those were out of the last collection, Olivia's Holiday, so here we go again creating all new samples, quilts and fun stuff around the new fabric collection, Opal Owl! But get this, I didn't get the fabrics until Friday of last week... the show is May 21st.... the booth gets filled with finished pieces out of the new collection. Imagine 60 different fabrics within the collection ( 6 cottons in 5 different colorways, flannels and a project panel - more on the panel later)... and we want to show it off.
So, then I start creating - well it's no surprise I love to sew for children... so I have a whole selection of goodies for kids.... then I have bags, adult pieces and of course quilts.... So because the fabrics were delayed in production, many of my seamstresses pulled out, or went on scheduled trips or something or other... so we have a skeleton crew including myself. I am very hands on in the development of the shows. Again, we start with the whole list of items... but of course, when I get my hands on the fabrics... well a whole new world opens up... it's amazing to me that as I design, paint, create the collection, select each and every color.... review each approval stage of the development of the fabric you'd think I'd be close enough to it that I can say, yip... this is what we are making for the show. Well, only half true! I get it, and my whole world explodes....
The list gets ticked off but I start throwing new items into the mix.... have a good giggle, change all the paint colors for the booth... change the logo color, request new shelving... a new pattern spinner for the sewing patterns.... and revise all the decor from earthy bird cages and tree branches. Instead, for Opal Owl... it seems that the story for the show is now this sparkling but magical rock and roll glam for kids..... here's a few items... my new toddler jacket is now the Rock n' rolla jacket, fedoras for small people, cool bags for kids, magical wands, rhinestone chic, a superb silver owl money-bank, berets and goodies galore to inspire the retail buyers.... in fabulous rich color of Opal Owl! The tricky part is to be loud without losing the sophistication.... a fine line let me tell you.
Let's see if I pull it off... I promise pictures and more pictures... you tell me!

See Opal Owl on the site here!

SEW TINA ~ a peek at a few images from the book

2010-04-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received the color proofs of my book, SEW TINA! to review. I saw pdfs to correct a few weeks ago but getting the pages in glossy paper stock with all those beautiful images just made it that much more yummy!

The photography throughout is extraordinary... The photographer Lynne Harty has posted a new blog which you should see. She's an amazingly talented lady and someone I like very much.... she and her lovely assistant Melissa were gems... read a little in her blog and see more pictures from the book on her blog here.

The pic here on the left is an image that sadly did not make the book... I had way too many projects of course so we had to cut them. However, we will have them available for you online..... this here is the Tea Time Tent. A lovely little idea for quiet time for your little reader. As you know I am a big tea and crumpet person, so of course she's having a 'cuppa'.

Visit Lynne on her blog, she's a talented lady!

Photo courtesy of Lynne Harty Photography © All rights are reserved

Canceled...

2010-04-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

Well, today we started our day with the belief that we may indeed be on the flight for Paris this evening... At 11:30am this morning our flight status changed from 'On Time' to 'Canceled'... Although this was sort of the inevitable, it was the start of a surreal snowball effect.... Our plane apparently never left Paris this morning for Atlanta... so of course there was no chance whatsoever we could even think to wish otherwise! Wow! The airline then said, well we can get you on a plane next Tuesday... My show ends later this week and next Tuesday I'm supposed to be teaching my 3rd and 4th workshop! So no that would not work....
Wardrobe packed, all the 'sample duffel bags' packed and sitting ready to get loaded for the airport. Last minute plans and direction for staff, and, well, 'Oh, canceled...'.
Sort of in disbelief we sat for a bit, thinking about all the people stranded and sleeping on their arms, suitcases and on the floor in airports, and miles away from their homes. All the folks in hotels wondering if their next flight would be canceled. And, oh, what about all the cargo. Leading me to my next problem. We have all the kits ready for 50 people signed up for my classes / workshops and we can't even ship the kits to them. It would be too late! Due to the backlog the couriers can't guarantee anything and even tell us straight it would take a minimum of 5 to 7 days....
So, we get in contact with the 'Pour l'amour du fil' organizers and express our disappointment and they can't believe it! We have a dedicated space waiting for my samples and set up on Wednesday, and here I sit in frustration that I can't be there to meet my obligation to them and their attendees. I don't think they believe it still, they posted the classes on their blog today (this made me cry). Just a weird state of affairs don't you think?
I must say, I am glad the decision was made for us, heading off into the air with the looming ash cloud business, leaving 3 children behind is not the best idea in the world. And tonight we hear on the news, another blast of ash has been spewed, with the possibility of a second shut-down even before the first has started up again! What a mess for many many people.
My postcards will be delivered to the hotel in Nantes, maybe... tomorrow, and we will try to divert them here to North Carolina but I suspect with the enormity of this crazy situation, I may never see my postcards in reality!

Kisses to all and my best wishes to all of you stuck somewhere trying to get home. Safe travels for all of you!

In Limbo....

2010-04-19T05:27:00.000-07:00

Well, as you may be aware, there is this enormous black ash cloud made up of tiny crusty little black spheres of hard ash! Apparently this can cause an engine of a plane to shut down completely... thus you crash! Well, as a result all the European airports are shut down, including Paris and all surrounding airports except for Corsica for some reason! We've been looking for flights from Spain, Portugal, Italy... nothing is available. And I watch the news and I am sick at all the poor people stuck in hotels and airports all over the world! It's awful so I am pleased I am still home sleeping in my own bed...
I even received a call from someone I know going to the show this week in Nantes and she lives in Germany - but get this, she's stuck in Charlotte NC. Was scheduled to leave Friday and is now scheduled for Tuesday and that's a maybe! We are scheduled to leave TODAY!
However, we have been waiting for our flight from Atlanta to Paris to cancel... but all weekend it says it's' on time'! When something like this happens it's called 'limbo', yes? Oh my... so do we pack or don't we pack! This morning we finally got through to the airline and get this.... it's not canceled, still going, but the big wigs in Europe are meeting right now to make some decisions...
So the question is... do we pack, get to Atlanta and then they cancel the flight to Paris? Do we risk the long flight through the volcanic ash... Oh how to be brave and ferocious!

You know I will update you!

The Postcard for the show

2010-04-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

For every show I do we produce a lovely postcard type piece of literature for visitors to the booth or to pass along... It's a small piece of the whole presentation, but it's a vital one. Here's my marketing hat back on... That's my daughter right there. She's my model, my muse and my inspiration for many of the clothing I design for little girls. You have seen this face and will continue to see it for some time to come. She's growing up too fast... I adore creating apparel and fun things for children, it's way too much fun! And for how much longer is she going to tolerate me dressing her up. She's an athlete like her two brothers, and usually will not wear anything I make... boo hoo!
Anyway, here she is, and for most shows I do she's there looking right back at me every step of the way.

The front of the postcard features prints and art from 'Olivia's Holiday' fabric collection, and on the backside, we focused on the new collection about to debut in May, Opal Owl; the book slated for October and the sewing patterns which are now available all over the world... including Paris and Nantes where I will be showing and teaching the workshops.
By the way, I frame each postcard we do with my Amelia posted on the front side.

Pour l'Amour du fil {For the love of thread}

2010-04-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to exhibit at a wonderful French show in Nantes by Quiltmania. A publisher of an amazingly popular quilt magazine printed in 3 different languages. They also produce quilt and sewing books in Europe. So, they visited us in Houston at one of the Quilt Shows here, and loved my booth so invited me there. Well, we leave this Monday evening, hopefully if the Ash cloud from the burping volcano in Iceland lets up... The scary thing is that we decided not to ship any last minute stuff for the show because it may not make it in time! Yikes. So here we go, many bags, travel via air then train to Nantes... Hopefully customs will behave themselves.

A bit about the show, there is a website, see www.pourlamourdufil.com for more info. However, it is a boutique show open to everyone, not just the trade which will be a first for me and the fabrics... Usually we exhibit to the trade where stores and buyers from everywhere come to see what the fabrics look like and we provide a lovely aesthetic to look at.... I do this for each collection. It's an enormous task, where all sewing patterns are recreated in the new fabric collections, I can't help but design items around the new fabrics and naturally I always take way too much. I have to literally stand up and say, ok I think we have enough!!!

I am going to blog a little on what I have prepared for the show, and workshops... oh, yes did I mention I am scheduled for 3 different workshops... the trip in general. Of course it's Paris, and it's spring, so I must take the husband don't you think? Poor thing, but he loves every minute of it all. Guess who sets up the booth... he's known as Mister Lighting! Obsessive about how everything is lit! It's a good thing! So here's the itinerary:
Monday 19th April We hopefully leave for Paris
Tuesday 20th ... We arrive in the am, then take the 3 hour train to Nantes....
Wednesday 21st... Set up for the booth, show and fluff and stuff
Thursday 22nd ... show starts
Friday 23rd ... Workshop 1: Kimono Suit for Baby {Tailleur de Kimino pour les enfants}
Saturday 24th ... Workshop 2: Goddess dress and Zig Zag dress for little girls
Sunday 25th ... close of the show, return to Paris
Monday 26th ... Paris
Tuesday 27th ... Workshop in suburb of Paris called Marcoussis, Everything Bag and Reversile hat... I'll post all about the workshops too. The hat and bag is a new sewing pattern and is gloriously easy but has a little 'stunning' injected into the finished product.... wait till you see!
Wednesday 28th ... Home

So, it's a busy schedule but it's great. A lovely show, visiting with people I adore, a little inspiration, a tiny bit of teaching, a little practice with the french language, a little scenery, a little French food, a lot of wine, and a little romance... what more could I ask for.

So stay tuned... loads more to follow!

Robes...

2010-03-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am a comfort girl.... I work hard through the day, and when I am home I like to stroll around in my Kimono, or robe, or glorious kaftan... I just dont have enough! When I travel I always find a wonderful addition to the collection.. and so it grows. Always robed from head to toe I adore being swathed in fabric. Have always done so. So it's natural that I would come up with a new sewing pattern for this purpose... Don't know what it's called yet... but I'll come up with a nifty name I am sure!
I created the above robe in 2008 I believe in the Zazu collection in raspberry... isn't it scrumptious... and for flavor I made the soft kaftan nightgown in chocolate brown underneath... It's a beaut with raw edges... out of batiste.. which is not actually easy to sew with....

This week was a busy one... I reviewed the color 'lasers' for the book. It's well under way now after 2 years and much work. 30 projects loaded with personality for kids. It's already listed on Amazon. I think once the ISBN publishing UPC # is assigned, Amazon jumps on the bandwagon and there it is! So apparently pre-ordering is an option! The name is SEW TINA! I had an emotional moment when I got to see it in full color loaded with type, pics and the projects!Not only that, the art director, Pamela Norman, did an amazing job! I was thrilled. Worried for a while because I am picky about how the art and pics are laid out! I mean with the stationery business, Cid Pear, I oversee every inch of paper that is laid out. Very hands on! But whew, I was proud of me because I handed over all the art, we had chats about it of course, and then I had to let go! Mumma mia.... she did good! Yeah Ms Pam!

Our flights for Paris have been booked and we are all set to fly April 19th. That's coming up, you say! Yip! Not vacation but of course we will relax, eat much food and take in the sights of the fab city, naturally! A little shopping for Ms Tina of course! But what I am psyched about... is I am teaching workshops in the city at a few local fabric shops! This is the city where I get to do the crazy creative stuff! We also are exhibiting at the fabric show in Nantes for a few days. Full booth (display) with Olivia and some of Treetop, and a little......

I have a little one getting into my bed right now with a stomach ache... so I must sign off soon.

... where was I? Oh and a little of Fairy Tip-Toes. So all the seamstresses and myself are busy bustling to get quilts, the kids collection, adult 'robes', and all the workshop stuff done... eeeek.

Well, more to follow.... must attend to little boy here.

Kisses to you all...

TG

Olivia's Holiday

2010-02-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Olivia's Holiday is now available online here.... at www.fatquartershop.com

Fat Quarter does a fabulous job of showing the fabrics... I thought I'd share some of my favorites too.....

Kids Clothing

2009-12-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

Zoe Dress is full and wide with a gathered neck line and elastic in the under arms for playtime fun!
Gathered in on the sides for extra poofy-ness... Zoe can be worn as is or with leggings and a T!

Bria in a reversible coat showing off my new fabrics from Olivia's Holiday! Isn't she cute?

So working on a new collection of kids apparel for both the Gift and Apparel markets. A few of the items shown here. I am designing them to fit toddler aged kids for gift stores. Bria here is just 14 months old and a sweet little darling...
The collection includes hats, sweet scarves, pocket bags for tots, coats, pinafores, dresses and more...
necklaces you'll want for you too!
More to come on this project! STAY TUNED...

Goldbug Studio

2009-12-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

Today, Amelia and I had the pleasure of visiting a local artist, Ashley Carter! Ashley's business, Goldbug Studio Collection is housed in a wonderful old building which used to mend old firetrucks. You drive up and the white washed brick building is highlighted with a perfect acqua blue garage door (which leads into her warehouse). Around the corner we went to discover a perfect courtyard leading into a double glass garage door entrance to her showroom. For those of you who don't know what Ashley does, well she creates these one of a kind embellished, mixed-media pieces that are absolutely fantasy like in their vintage millinery florals, papers, tinsel and art... You can't believe the amount of work that goes into these creations! Detailed crowns for birthdays, bridal, Christmas or just because. Incredible ornaments I couldn't resist... and fairy tale boxes that boggle ones mind! She's a genius and her lovely art is available worldwide. This is truly a woman who has maintained her own personal creative integrity within a commercial and demanding main stream world. Just look at the crown above. This is actually a holiday tree topper... available at Anthropologie....
So thank you Ashley for a delightful afternoon. My Amelia was granted a beautiful Goldbug wand with which she cast good wishes all the way home.

Olivia's Holiday - more colors

2009-10-26T17:28:00.001-07:00

These blues remind me of that pool side evening... the kind when you have a few close friends or family lingering around, the day has been long and fun, you've all had a little too much sun. And now it's that final cocktail hour at sunset before you settle down to a meal of some sort! The sun is going down and all the pinks and blues of the sky are starting to gel into one darker tint of smokey gray! "Let's have a Mint Julep and some tapas for eats?" Bring the soft cushions and quilts out to lounge about!

Then there's my favorite... Pink is my thing! What can I tell you. This is not just any pink palette, and certainly not for the meek minded... A delicious array of pinks and lemon yellows with a rich gray slate and oh, a touch of fuchsia just to mess with ya.... This is that mix of afternoon nap and a great book to doze with... but just enough color to keep your mind free to wonder! What are you thinking?
Let me know what your favorite color group is in my latest fabric collection!

New OLIVIA'S HOLIDAY fabric collection

2009-10-25T18:13:00.001-07:00

My new fabric collection recently launched at the fabric show, International Quilt Market in Houston earlier this month. I think it is an elegant and sweet fabric collection. I created this collection reminiscent of 1950s holiday on the coast. Olivia is a cat on holiday with her human family enjoying the sun baked beaches, shade under the mangroves and breezy flower beds along their walk to the ocean! Colors are bright and cheerful yet soft and subtle in palette for dusky evenings, warm sunrises and afternoon naps in the gardens!

This colorway I call Breezy Beachsand... in soft yellow ivory, greens and blues!!! It's minty fresh don't you think? It also is a true quilters collection! The colors and patterns create a textured palette but maintain the integrity of each design without getting lost! Stick these patterns into a quilt and it'll turn out soft and wavy like the breezy water surface of the sea!!! How romantic is that? I am designing a quilt around this collection so wait for the freebee pattern...

Other colors include a pinky-yellow group I call Afternoon Sleep, and maybe my favorite.. also Sunset Walk in blue and pink and a delicious stoney grey! Watch for more images....

This collection is available now, so check with your favorite shop or call your rep.....

Lil' Dresses & my daughter!

2009-10-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

I am mad for creating fun eclectic little visions for little girls.... My Amelia is 7 going on 21! She's an old soul, and although she models for me beautifully, she is completely not a fashionista, funcky chic (she told me so) or anything to do with unusual clothing. When she was 2, 3 even 4 and 5 she'd wear almost anything I put on her, and she loved it! Now, she has, well, a mind of her own and will only wear bright neon leggings and crazy t-shirts, a baseball cap in watermelon raspberry and maybe a pair of boots! Usually it's Nike runners or something absolutely not ok with me! Where does she get this stuff? Well I buy it for her naturally, because that's what she wants to wear. I do grit my teeth, but I believe, she's got to wear her own thing! Express her own individuality not mine! Eek, where does that leave me in designing for little girls! Well, I know I can design fun couture and extraordinary shapes for toddlers and slightly older, but six and up maybe not! Unless they were like me and always wore something mad! Madness I created myself I might add!

In the end! I am so very proud and happy to have an independent daughter who's as stubborn and maddening as ever! A little girl who expresses herself clearly! And I am lucky enough to be her mom! A little gushy I know, but all true!

Right Bank Babies

2009-10-08T12:16:00.001-07:00

Right Bank Babies is a special childrens clothing manufacturer out of Los Angeles
by Ellen Uzarowicz. As you can see she has great taste in textiles... tee hee. I say so because she's selected some of mine in her collections and I am thrilled.... It incorporates a vintage flavor and a unique mix of the fabrics --- just as I love it! Thanks Ellen and congrats on a fabulous collection of kids clothing... see more at rightbankbabies.com for more and to shop!
TG

Love this in Chloe's Imagination mixing the orange I called Marigold Palace and blue, Azur Tea....

Fabric from Annabella collection, featuring Beatrice in avo and navy! Perfectly delicious!

From Chloe's Imagination, this blue pattern is called Fortiny after my great aunt!

Love the fabric on the left, but mine is on the right, Chloe in Blue (Azur Tea).
Fabulous piece this little reversible coat! A must for any stylish child's wardrobe!

Sewing Patterns Article

2009-06-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Sew News Magazine featured a few designers and that although we design quilt weight fabric, there are many other uses... such as clothing, bags and more.... Nice article, thanks Linda Lee.
A lot of designers ask me why I create sewing patterns, and the answer is to basically share what you can do with the fabrics. Thanks to all of my pattern supporters... who have worked with me in developing and refining the patterns. Watch the tinagivens.com site for pattern upgrades, revisions and updates.... We're always looking for ways to improve on our patterns so let us know what you think? we'd love to hear!

Treetop Paver Quilt

2009-06-17T09:43:00.001-07:00

These images of the are part of an upcoming German Craft Magazine... featuring the Treetop Fancy fabric collection... this quilt being a favorite right now. Pattern is available here on the blog if you're interested...

Pink Polkadots..... & kits

2009-06-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

What great timing..... Felice from Georgetown Indiana wrote me a darling note, and attached was her daughter, Lila who will be 2 soon.... dressed in the sweetest outfit! She chose the pink pokadots, TG66 and Medallion Bird in green, TG65....
To add to it, wouldn't she look great in Cookie Coat in this TG61 Green?

I am inspired Felice... I think we need to kit out Cookie with Fairy Tip-Toes... what do you think? I have also been thinking of kitting Fairy panels with backing and coordinating binding to make small blanket quilts for the novice... would make perfect baby gifts!
I am off on a tangent once again, thanks again Felice! Great pic of Lila....

From Fairy Tip Toes.....

2009-06-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

I have always loved polkadots.... this is one of my recent fabrics, TG66 in pink {also comes in peaches and chocolate, and a ivory, chocolate and yellow combo which is also delicious!}... anyhoo, this fabric is now also available as an invitation and notecard.... watch your local stationery shop for these little gems.... we'll be listing stores online here soon where you can find a stationer who can personalize...... eek! I am so excited about this!
PS Polkadot Silhouette above is one of my best selling fabrics as simple as it is.... I think that is it's charm!

See Tina's new stationery collection at tinagivensprose.com

SEWING PATTERNS

2009-05-25T18:17:00.001-07:00

AND THEY SHIPPED! After months of production and pulling my hair out, the sewing patterns from series 1 have finally shipped to our distributors... and they are awesome. They look good, they are sweet and thanks to so many of you who have been waiting for this round in production. Printing thousands of patterns is no small feat, and now we have our systems in place series 2 is going to be a breeze! All of you who have ordered our sweet sewing patterns, they are on their way. They are shipping everywhere including Europe... so look out for them in the near weeks. I am already working on series 2, including some fab adult frocks and fun things for you to make!
If you know me I love comfort... I love wearing loose dresses, and have recently designed a new 'apron dress' and a super cool 'belted dress' that is so flattering you'll want one! Since I turned a year older today, I am reminded of my new body shape... and we must embrace the change, right?
Anyway, I digress... watch for the patterns, they are a-coming!

Shown above is 'Angel Smock' in fabric from Chloe's Imagination.

NY Trade Show

2009-05-25T17:57:00.001-07:00

Renee and I thoroughly enjoyed the National Stationery Show this year. Our booth was sweet and pink, Kevin did a fabulous job of adapting the fabric display to the stationery show. We launched the new fabulous stationery collection and the response was wonderful. It's a small community within the stationery world and it's tight. I experienced many laughs with both retailers and other stationery manufacturers... we had a lovely time!
The collection is soft and sweet, we named it Tina Givens Stationery because it sort of fuses the fabric design with the stationery design.... some of you fabric lovers will recognize the 'silhouette birds' in the invite on the left in the above image. Now you can show off stationery matching the fabrics.... ooh! I am enjoying myself!

t i n y p r o s e

2009-05-08T05:29:00.001-07:00

You can hardy see them here but these are the sweetest greeting cards ever.... I have always wanted to put words to my cards and this is just my 'cup a' tea'... Small and sweet, I named the greeting cards 't i n y p r o s e'... little ivory cards with little perfect motifs and a sweet message on the inside... Yummy delicious... and for stores who want a 'spinner' we have one to show off at National Stationery Show... it fits 40 of these delightful little sentiments and messages... choose between tiny, wedded, holiday and baby prose! Cute for words!!!
Tee hee. Booths 3254,3252 May 17-21 '09 see you next week!

National Stationery Show

2009-04-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

I am busy prepping for the National Stationery Show.... we skipped last year due to the fabric shows, and this year committed to returning! I love doing this show... there is much fuss, prep and highly enthusiastic competition for everyone! The creativity that goes into each booth, or in European and Australian terms, each 'stand', that it simply boggles my mind. At the International Quilt Markets we have won best booth twice in different categories... but at the Stationery Show, even we have not won the infamous award of best booth!!! It brings me back to our very first booth 5 years ago, with a pink flokati rug, chocolate brown fabric walls and sweetly framed pink felt to show off our hot off the press recently printed invites and cards.... down in the basement in our last minute booth space.... and wow were our heads spinning at the rush of stationers from around the world clammering for our sweet little collection, Cid Pear. Now we have walls and perfect lighting and manage a key space each time among Anna Griffin, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, the lovely Jack & Lulu, Stacy Claire Boyd (a veteran in the business) and even unbelievable Elum the perfectly delicious letter press designers!
Times have changed and each year we have seen changes in buying habits from both consumer and of course retailer, and again recent changes with the awareness of a changing economic climate.... so we must change! We must, or we will not be able to bring our beautiful invites to the market... thus the new Tina Givens stationery collection.... it's perfectly lovely, very sophisticated and whimsical again all at the same time, but unlike Cid Pear's classic high-end price - point, we are able to bring this new collection at unbelievable prices. This means our stationers and book sellers and gift shops around the world will be able to introduce a Tina flavored collection to everyone! Not just those lovely fans of Cid who can afford Cid Pear. I am even encouraged to tell you, our most influential Cid Pear buyers are lining up for the new lower priced collection not because of the amazing price point, but the quality and design of the line. This is a wonderful compliment.
And for those of you who are fabric buyers and collectors of my fabrics.... you'll love this collection because it has a connection to the textiles I design for Westminster Fibers. They're pretty and full of mischief and those florals and fairies are all invited to the stationery party! So join us, come to the National Stationery Show next month. It's at the Javits in New York (trade only sorry) ... May 17th to the 20th.... We're booths 3252 and 3254..... I hope to see you there, and if you mention Tina's Blog password, which is 'BLOGGEDY BLOG BLOG' you will receive 20% off your show purchase! Big yeah! I will continue to post and will post through the show to give you folks who can't attend a flavored peek into the world of the stationery show!

Free Quilt Pattern / Treetop Paver Quilt

2009-03-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

The two latest collections, Treetop Fancy and Fairy Tip-Toes were featured in fabric shows in France, Spain and in Germany. They were received so well.... so much so that there is an upcoming show in Prague and one of the most simple quilts I did is being shown at the PRAGUE PATCHWORK MEETING and EXHIBITION in a few weeks... April 4th to be exact! They are featuring the quilt and creating kits.... wow! I thought you'd like to see. I have also added the quilt pattern to Free Patterns look on the left there, so hurry and get yourself one. Treetop can be found at any one of the stores listed and online at quilthome, fabric.com, fatquartershop and more. I want to make this same quilt in the pinks and yellows... oh maybe in the Eggplant Souffle colorway! What do you think?
Yummy! PS this is a big square quilt... fab for picnics and fireworks watching in July here in the USA!

25% discount at QuiltHome.com

2009-03-24T04:26:00.000-07:00

Quilt Home also now has TreeTop Fancy, and they have a special 25% off in stock fabrics and sewing patterns. That's awesome.... Check it out! Here

FatQuarterShop.com

2009-03-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite online shops is FatQuarterShop.com and they are currently featuring Treetop Fancy among other collections... wow, and do they do a great job of creating fabulous images... here's one of theirs... featuring my Clementine palette from Treetop.....
And visit FreeSpiritFabrics.com for a free pattern we created for Treetop.... I had the same quilt at market in the Pink Papaya palette.... so pretty.... I mean this is a quilt that caused a few gasps... It's rich with color, and striking with large piece patchwork.... take a look! Free Quilt Pattern.

NEW GIFT WRAP

2009-02-20T19:52:00.001-08:00

I was tickled today when I received a lovely batch of new CR Gibson catalogs hot off the press. Right on the cover the fabulous CR Gibson team featured two of my wraps.... and they look so good. I want to share more images with you but for the time being here's the front cover! The top box is in BEATRICE, a favorite of mine.... and then there's the bottom box clad in ENCHANTED GARDEN. I promise to load more images as I get them.... the baby wraps are delightful! Susie I adore working with you!
Tinks
See more of the collection at crgibson.com

Cookie Coat Sewing Pattern TUTORIAL

2009-02-07T15:03:00.001-08:00

This is a tutorial to be used in conjunction with the COOKIE COAT sewing pattern. The coat is a gloriously wide coat with 3/4 sleeves... the pattern includes 3 sizes, small, medium and large, for a toddler aged 2-3 to a 6/7 year old.
Sizing for this coat:
Small 2T/3T: length from shoulder: 22"
Width at waist: 21"
Sleeve length: 12"
Medium: 4T/5T: length: 23"; width: 24.5", sleeve: 14"
Large: 6/7: length: 25", width 26" and sleeve: 15"
I recently made the Cookie Coat for my Amelia... who is 6. She's a petite 6 with long legs... Anyhoo, we selected 2 fabrics from one of my recent collections, FAIRY TIP-TOES, Cupcake Medley in Blue and Pink Silhouette Polka for the lining, neck and sleeves....

So, the first step for this is to prepare the fabric and pattern. I designed the bodice for the coat to be cut all in one piece. A little unconventional but a method which is quite efficient. Simply fold your fabric in half lengthwise (as it comes off the roll), and fold again along it's first fold. Lay the bodice pattern with the neck at the folded point, sleeves facing toward the selvedge edges. Pin so the center of the bodice lays down the double fold, and the sleeve top lays across the short fold. Cut through all 4 layers. Then first cut the back neck shape through all layers, and then just the front layer you're going to cut the deeper neck line which would be the front of the coat bodice.
Next carefully cut through the front fold and only the front fold as in the image, to form the front openings of the coat.
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Next is the skirt part of the coat.
The pattern piece is used to cut both the front and the back. First lay the piece along one fold of the fabric, and cut out the skirt as the pattern indicates, then using the same piece repeat for a second piece. Once cut out, again cut through the fold of just one of the pieces - to form the front openings of the coat.
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Then cut the bands, and strips for the remaining bits and pieces for the coat as indicated on the pattern pieces.
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Now repeat for the lining fabric - both bodice and skirt are cut the same way as above.
NOTE: If you use a fabric like I did here, with a directional pattern, when you fold the fabric the second time to cut the bodice out in one piece, the birds will be upside down on the backside. So, what I did here was to cut the front and back separately with a 1/4" seam allowance along the shoulder top. Once cut out, I simply seamed the shoulders to form one piece.
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SEWING
The bodice calls for two coordinating strips topstitched onto the bodice piece. The image shows placement of these strips.
The next item is the pleated strip along the back waist band of the coat. I love this because it ads such flavor to the coat. Pleat the band so it measures 21" or sits inside the edges of the sides of the coat.

Next is the skirt. On the pattern I show pleat marks where to pleat so as to fit along the bodice edge. Use your judgement here, I created a deep pleat center back, which was enough to fit the bodice edge.

The next images simply illustrate sewing the lining coat to the exterior coat along the front yoke strips; adding the frilly collar, and binding to finish the raw seam allowance.
And finally an image of my Amelia in her finished coat.

FAIRY TIP-TOES

2009-01-15T19:46:00.001-08:00

FAIRY TIP-TOES is glorious... I have been working with the collection now for a while.... the large panel is a yard long by 44" wide and it is F. U. N. I designed backing fabrics to match.... never too matchy matchy, the fabrics are a nice compliment to the larger panel. Designing the panels were fine until I realized that all that artwork had to be contained in a maximum # of colors... 16 to be exact... so each unit had to be carefully marked with color chips.... Through the approval process with the mill I questioned my sanity in creating the panels. And if you know textile design, if I didn't like one color in the acquas, if I made that change everything in the panel would change.... yeowsa! But thankfully it worked!
This one I named Meranda.... she's so colorful and pretty. Check out the other two - Ella in soft pinks and Persephone - in violet and soft yellow.
The panels I use in clothing for kids.... use them in dresses - talk about coversation starters! More pics coming.... In my upcoming book I used 'Ella' and created a perfect little top, called 'Annie's Top'... with fun and full frilly sleeves and unexpected collar!
Yummy!
Check out the other panels on tinagivens.com, HERE.

The collection has shipped so check for it. A few online stops:
The Quilted Castle
Hancocks-Paducah
Sew Mama Sew
Sweet Peas and Angels

Georgina and Zazu

2009-01-15T10:02:00.001-08:00

Working with my own fabrics is an interesting thing.... We work with one collection at a time (well sometimes two at a time), and right now it's new Treetop and Fairy Tip-Toes. I get so acquainted with the fabrics from inception, through the design process, and onto the arduous production process through revisions and finally months later the finished yardage! Then we get to play, cut and have fun with my new little friends! Or children, which is a little odd, but true!
Well, a funny thing has happened.... I am constantly reminded of my older collections through projects, bolts in the studio and images I have.... but I actually miss working with them..... I spend weeks and weeks with them, and oh well onto the new....
Well I thought I'd share a few of my favorites...... Zazu and Georgina..... I selected the ones I had most fun working with.... Please visit them, and maybe collect them too - visit quilthome.com and see them all waiting to sit on your fabric stash shelf... awaiting a project or two!
Let me know which you choose!
My best this cold wintery day to you and you and you!

Book in the works!

2008-12-02T13:58:00.001-08:00

Decorating for the holidays is so much fun! I took myself off to the bookstore today and piled up all the magazines filled with trees and sparkles and fantastic ideas... One of my favorite companies for holiday decoration is Cody Foster & Co. They are perfect with their scope of categories and an amazingly lovely eye for getting it right in an eclectic way! Anyway I thought I'd share!

Other news, I escaped the sewing studio today because I have been a mad woman for a while now designing and creating tiny and sweet items for the book in the works. Some of the items include little squeaker booties and hats for babes, of course the fabulous crib bumpers and they came out fantastic using new fabrics due out in the near year! I created a super-easy scalloped crib skirt I know some of you will love love love, a changing pad cover and several unpredictable projects you will not want to miss for infants' room. OK, then there's the toddler years and the duds I designed for both boys and girls I think you will find irresistible! I had both at the same time, boy and a girl and dressed them uniquely... boys are just as important as girls and these sweet little outfits say it so! I am working on the 4s and 5s who are crazy flexible and require flexible couture no? Finally for the oldest kids, 6/7.... I am working on fantastic projects you will love! I have two this age and they personally approved the project list!

When I get a few pics I'll share, so stay tuned for tiny peeks into the book... still working on that title... 'sewing with Tina' is not cutting it right now! Any ideas? Eclectic, fun, creative, unpredictable, colorful! All for kids... so come on help me out!

If you live in the USA, hope your Thanksgiving Holiday was a treat! I ate much pumpkin pie and whipped cream...

Picture: © Cody Foster & Co.

Vera Neumann

2008-11-24T19:25:00.001-08:00

Oh my goodness! I have discovered VERA NEUMANN... Me Oh My! What a clever lady... and I love the story... she was an artist and turned textile designer using post WWII silk parachute to screenprint her designs... Apparently she started this just past the age of 40... I am in love with her free spirited hand... and that color is to die for. Vera designed everything for a 36" square scarf... and adopted the ladybug as her trademark for good luck, long life and happiness. Later in 1950s and a grown staff and facility, her company was releasing as many as 500-600 designs a year... that's a lot! In the 60s a clothing line was added and the fabric was designed with the garment in mind... Finally selling the company but working on as designer, she worked 6 days a week, Tuesday was reserved for her hair appointment and the board meeting in Manhatten (by the way, the board accommodated her schedule). Apparently working until her death in 1993... the old gal was 86 when she went....
I love this story and will find out more about Vera... I must begin a new collection of vintage Vera Napkins.... what do you think?
Best, T

Bakelite Buttons

2008-11-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Antique Bakelite Buttons



Bakelite Buttons are so gorgeous! I have decided they are my favorite of all the buttons in the world! I am working on my book and as you may or may not know, I love embellishing my stuff with everything from charms and beads to sticks and crystal droplets and of course, buttons and ribbons. And when doing the Quilt Shows I found amazing buttons... and they are not inexpensive, but well worth the find. If I had more time I think I'd make this a serious collection activity... but then again, as I write this I hear my two little ones making their normal busy 'ruccus' upstairs! And I am reminded my time is limited for self-absorbed activities like browsing flea markets and vintage stores... But wow... I do find them on my fabric travels, and this amazing thing called the internet! Whewee.... thank goodness. So here's a few of my favorite sites. and a short blurb about the history of Bakelite! A history of Bakelite Buttons : http://www.antiquebuttoncollecting.com/Antique_Bakelite_Buttons.html and http://collecting-jewelry-metalware.suite101.com/article.cfm/vintage_bakelite Sites to shop for buttons: www.antiquebuttoncollecting.com http://www.wtv-zone.com/julia801/Site/Bakelite.html www.vintagebuttons.net/ccplastic.html http://www.tinseltrading.com/catalog/cat-buttons-buttons.php http://www.primrosedesign.com/buttons.html http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5705479

Fairy Wings

2008-11-08T21:05:00.001-08:00

fairy wings
Originally uploaded by tinagivens

She's such a little fairy... this is my angel and fairy all rolled into one! Wearing a dress called Angel Smock (sewing pattern available). And a sweet little topper! The wings will be discussed and instructed in my new book in the works due out next year!
I am also now officially a 'flickr' participant.... so see more images there!
My best and happy Saturday to you and you and you!
T

Shoes

2008-11-05T07:44:00.001-08:00

Besides handbags, shoes are another fav of mine! I have always been a shoe-lover (who isn't?) So at market I wore these fabulous shoes which actually deserved their own photograph. These literally stole the show... and worked well with the booth! Slingbacks and I am sorry you can't see the adorable little red buckle closure!
Anyway, short and sweet. I got 'em from SoHo Shoes here in Raleigh and I believe they have some in stock so go for it....

I believe the manufacturer is LaLove or something like that - It's a difficult label to read.

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Baglady Sewing Pattern - tutorial

2008-11-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

One of my recent patterns is this fabulous bag pattern I called BAGLADY! I am very definitely a 'baglady'... love bags, some of my favorite all time bags are from Orla Kiely, Kate Spade and fabulous tote and canvas casuals from Hable Construction.... Anyhoo.... apparently bag patterns are a hot these days.... and I am so very pleased I have this one. I am designing more for you other bag fanatics out there.
The crazy thing is I have been designing and making my own bags (and hats) for a very long time. My very favorite I called a 'YaYa bag' I created out of a deep wine velvet... it truly was a little vintage inspired Granny bag... thus the 'YaYa' label (Greek for Grandmother). I was also into ribbon embroidery at the time so I embellished the opening with loads of narrow silk ribbon 'french-knots'... Oh I am so off on another story here... oh well.

The Baglady Tutorial

To be used along with the hard copy of the sewing pattern BAGLADY by Tina Givens # TG-A5029.

So the 'Baglady' Tutorial.... I love this bag because it's large, casual and fabulous. You need this bag for everyday fun. I mean I am off to the studio with my portable harddrive, camera, various cables, a few files I keep on me including work, but personal files too, kids stuff, etc. The phone of course, the wallet, little makeup pouch for touch ups, a few tissues, business cards, daily mail, oh let's not forget the watercolor tubes, paint brushes, tiny sketchpad, journal and pencils. A pen, check book, miscellaneous items like a few toys, gum, oh my gawsh.... ok you get the picture...

Baglady measures a wopping 18.5 " wide x 13" in height plus another 9" for handles, x 5" deep.

For the tutorial I selected one of the new fabrics from Treetop Fancy collections, actually called TREETOP (TG48) in Pink Papaya.... lined in Gossip Tree TG51 (pink papaya). Now if you don't have the infamous Baglady sewing pattern... purchase it at one of these fine locations: FIND IT HERE! This blog post may make no sense without.

Ok, so let's start. Once all of your pattern pieces are cut out, fuse the pieces as the pattern instructs, then we begin with the handles. They're easy enough. When designing the pattern I made the handles long enough so shoulder carrying can be an option.

Next is top-stitching the side panels for the bag, which I love because not only does it add flavor and secures the fleece (which I can never get to completely adhere - does anyone else have issues with this?), but it also adds a professional touch. We can't look too hand-made right?
Once this is done, we add the handles to the side panels. I do this in two steps. Once pinned in place as the pattern indicates, I sew the handle tops in place at the 2" mark (note pattern); then I pin the handles back upward, pin and again stitch. This all makes for a strong handle. Remember, we carry all but the kitchen sink in there right? So now our handles are in place.

Easy! And on to the zipper panels. The pattern makes it all easy. Just follow those instructions, you will use the technique again and again.
Now the bottom panel. Simply a long rectangular piece, pinned along the bottom edge of one side panel, and upward on each side.
Stitched in place. The image here shows that bottom panel pinned in place. We add the top zipper panel, here. And then topstitch the bottom panel to the top panels on each side, you can see the 3 rows of stitching here.

Then onto the other side of the bag, which is easily sewn onto the combination 'half-a'bag' you just put together. Now, inside out it should look something like this!

From here, we move to the lining, which is done identical to the exterior pieces but for the zipper, the handles and an inside pocket. The pocket is very important for those tiny things and that very vital phone... it should look something like this! My birds I used for the pocket are indeed side-ways but I am really only the one who gets to see it (instead of wasting fabric).
And that's all there is to it. Cutting out the pieces takes about half-an-hour to an hour, depending how many children are talking to you while you are doing it. And the actual sewing to completion takes about 3 hours... that is it. Not bad I'd say. So let me know if this was helpful to you... Get the pattern if you don't have it already, and let me know what you found difficult or easy!

Note: The above tutorial is to be used along with the actual hard copy of the BagLady Sewing Pattern by Tina Givens #TG-A5029 as shown above.

Sewing Patterns

2008-10-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

QuiltHome.com is a big fan of mine.... They have fabulous online service and carry almost everything, including most recently, my line of patterns, Series 1. See them all here!

Shown is Little Goddess Dress which I adore and have had many requests for an adult version. Stay tuned for that one!

Regarding S I Z I N G ... all sewing patterns for children include 3 sizes, small, medium and a large. Because my designs are loose and fun they can be less restrictive in size. Small is for a toddler 2T/3T, medium is 4T/5T and large is for 6/7. Kimono Suit is for infants, again small, medium and large. 0-3months, 6-9 months and 9 to 12 months.... And adult kaftan and lounge suit are again in 3 sizes. Loosey goosey is the trick there.. made for comfort with lounging style.

Fabric shown here is from the Chloe's Imagination collection, TG46 in Oberon Red. And yes, instructions for that little heart embellishment, so easy to do, are included.
Again, thanks for being with me. And let me know if I can answer any questions on the patterns or any requests you may have. Series 2 is on it's way!

Anna Maria Horner

2008-10-31T08:57:00.001-07:00

One of the best parts about designing fabrics and being a part of fabulous Westminster Fibers is being associated with people like Anna Maria Horner. She's a sweet, funny, crazy talented, divine person... I am not exaggerating, she's lovely. She's superwoman too with more children than most of us and a happy husband. Whewee girly girl how does she do it? Besides designing fabric within the same company, Anna Maria and I share other things in common. She's designing a super cool stationery, she's a mom of course, she's also Greek! I dunno if you know this about me, but even though I was born in Africa, my mother is English and my daddy was born in South Africa into a crazy Greek family. From Cyprus the family immigrated to Central Africa in the 20s. And pops was born in 1940! Long lovely story, one day I will bore you with it. Anyway, I am of course off on a tangent once again. Back to Anna Maria Horner.
Anna has a unique flavor she injects into her design, she is a gypsy at heart I think, very talented and has this bohemian quality she maintains in her color palettes and design. With her new book out, patterns on the way and a very busy schedule, she manages stints with the queen mother - Martha Stewart. My guess is she'll be appearing with her signature giggle on Oprah. We shall see! In the meantime, catch up with Anna on her site and blog.
Oh see her booth here, she won 1st place for booth design..... again!
Rock on Anna!

Embroidery is coming!

2008-10-30T05:55:00.001-07:00

Just two of the 12 perfect little images soon to be available in 'embroidery'.... Yes... I am so thrilled about this. Coats and Clark are producing a super package of 12 embroideries on disk for your machine embroidery projects. Motifs include the fabulous Fairy (shown here), plus 2 more Fairies; the perfect ladybug and acqua bee I love so much and featured in Chloe's Imagination fabric collection; Spats Bunny shown above as well as several more children's embroidery projects. I can't wait to get my copy so I can play too. We're still working out the details of color and thread.... and when available I will be sure to inform you!

(Tina's fairies are featured in her new fabric collection 'Fairy Tip-Toes' shown in the Preview Gallery at FreeSpirit - user name and password 'designer').

International Quilt Market: New Fabric Launches

2008-10-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a very busy trade show, the International Quilt Market in Houston! Wow, what an energetic week we had. Again we displayed the new fabrics and again I am so overwhelmed with the kind words and super fabric orders we received from all over the world. The UK and Australia, France and Germany, Canada and of course home, USA. We were also excited about the tremendous enthusiasm within the fabric, sewing and quilting industry. What hiccup in the economy? We didn't see any evidence of a slow down in fabric sales which means textiles and sewing are the place to be. And an enormous increase in young and new sewers.... interested in fun and colorful, new and current design and projects for children, the house and clothing! So loads of great news for the industry!
For me personally, I am thrilled to be a part of the Westminster Fibers team... my booth was directly across from my friend and the queen of design, Amy Butler. We shared giggles and smiles the entire show! More on Amy, Anna-Maria Horner, Jane Sassaman, Kaffe Fassett and fabulous Brandon Mabley in a future post!
Anyhow, enjoy a few pics to whet your taste buds and stay tuned for much more on new fabrics, patterns and projects, my book in the works and more....

Doll - Ms. Mona

2008-07-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

Meet Ms. Mona....
I am tickled pink about this little lady! First, over the long weekend I was finishing my project list for my upcoming book, sewing for children - an instruction book by LARK BOOKS. Anyway, I've been working on a doll idea for sometime, well working it in my mind. This is never any good because when I actually get to do it, it's always different as I work out the kinks! So I finally decided, I want to make a doll... So I began... I started on her body, with something lean in mind for little fingers to hang onto; then her face. Oh, she needed a little character in her face right? And I was missing something! After several tries I decided to review what the fabulous and effervescent Elinor Peace Bailey would do. I couldn't do what she does because, well she's a genius people! But, how does she get to create such perfect and clever faces? So examining her work I decided it has to be in pieces, the crown, the chin and a profile of sorts... and upon cutting and cutting and recutting and sewing and pulling and tugging and Kevin peering over my shoulder with a "Hmmm..." And finally, ahhhh. That's it! Oh, ok! And now I want to make more faces, with other expressions and tiny little lips in lipstick shades! Ms. Mona has a fun expression doesn't she. That's "Pink Madrah" lipstick-shade, thank you very much! Or pale-pink cotton embroidery thread I found in Mellie's sewing box!

So, now I sewed the head onto the body, and then, the best part of all. Dressing her! Oh my did I have fun! All night till the wee hours I gathered, and cut and my little machine whirred away. I stitched and listened to some old movie because I was too busy, way to busy to look up. "Are you done yet?" I hear... "Almost!" Well, almost in my world is hours from any minute in time! And, finally... I held her up and Kevin gasped, "From the back she looks like you!"

Anyway, thanks for reading my spew on Ms. Mona. But, I am delighted with her and thought you'd get a kick out of her too! Ms. Mona's wardrobe is in Chloe's Imagination, naturally! As chic as she is!

Oh, and if you don't know who ELINOR PEACE BAILEY IS!
I have always loved handmade dolls, my favorite doll maker in the whole wide world is none other than ELINOR PEACE BAILEY. Please visit with her online and see her work - she is truly a scruptious lady. She even looks like her special and unique dolls - I mean this woman dresses and lives in society as a flamboyant frilly doll maker, and that's that! Taker her or leave her! And with a soul as kind and sweet as an angel, Elinor is loved dearly by anyone who meets her. Anyhoo, this fabulous doll lady is available to visit with online at http://www.epbdolls.net/!

Say hi from me!

Treetop Fancy

2008-06-25T14:08:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd share a little on the new fabric collections debuting in October, and to ship to stores November/December 08. Here's a few pics. Some of which will change with revisions because I am not completely happy with them, but that's normal at this stage. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Oh Sweet Bird PATTERN

2008-06-11T13:10:00.001-07:00

Well, I promised to give you the pattern for the sweet little birds I had in my booth, so here it is! It's so Easy Breezy... let me tell you. Little bird little bird, reminds me of a poem from one of my heroins, Emily Dickinson,

Have you got a brook in your little heart,
Where bashful flowers blow,
And blushing birds go down to drink,
And shadows tremble so?

So, above is an image of the bird we're going to make.

MATERIALS: 2 unique fabric scraps, about 11x5" ea.
Coordinating thread, I use Coats ® products.
Cotton fiber-fill,
Ribbon/Trim (about 3" for loop), 8" for around bird body (optional)
Buttons, Beads, Charms, Strings and Lace (all optional embellishment)
Embroidery Floss (again optional for embroidering eyes)
You can make this Sweet Bird oh so simple, or oh so embellished....

TOOLS: Sewing machine (one could make this by hand too), hand sewing needle, turning tool.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Lay out pattern pieces, cut 2 for the body, and 1 piece (along the fold) for the breast. I usually contrast fabrics but you could use one just as well ~ She still be sweet!
2. Take your 3" trim or ribbon piece and lay inward on your bird body (where marked on pattern) and sandwich inbetween body pieces (right sides together please)
3. Sew from underneath bird chin, around it's pointy beak, (swivel at beak tip), along the bird's back, and finish at the end of it's tail.
4. Unfold breast piece and pin in place, again right sides together, sew along one side all the way; and sew the other side leaving a 3" opening for turning and stuffing.
5. Clip corners, beak tip, and curved edges close, and turn the little bird right side out!
6. Stuff "Oh So Sweetly" with cotton fiber-fill until your critter is puffed up and proud to go.
7. Hand sew the opening closed with a slip stitch, carefully and with tiny stitches.

Optional Embellishing:
1. Wrap a piece of trim or ribbon around your bird body, and stitch in place, meeting at the trim loop.
2. Sew a button or buttons on your bird where ever you prefer. I like it's side!
3. Tie a few ribbons or trim, leather cord, stribng or floss into a simple knot, and sew onto the bottom of your bird so it all dangles on it's under belly. I added a simple crystal charm here too.
4. Instead of under belly ebellishment, one could simple tie a bow on it's back, add a charm or two and whalah, your bird is complete and ready for hanging, sitting, swinging, nesting or whatever you have in mind for it!

See, simple, quick and easy! That's the way I like 'em.

Any questions please email me or comment right here! We'll be sure to address any queries and do send images, we'd love to see them!

TG

PS Print out this page, and adjust bird pattern (enlarge in a copier) to accommodate 9.5" measurement a shown.

CR Gibson

2008-05-31T19:41:00.001-07:00

I am so ecstatic about working with CR Gibson. They are such a great group of professional people. The spring 2008 collection debuted in New York at the National Stationery Show. It looked marvelous. I have to say, when I design for other companies, as well as my own, I am a stickler for quality in all areas. And what is so lovely, is working with people who allow me to be a control freak. Haha, isn't that a laugh! It sounds so contrived but it's so vital since I am going to have my name on the end product - should I not have the right to be stubborn on it's final presentation? Working with companies who allow me to see the final vision through are the ones I like to work with, and apparently I do a good job because they return. For all of you contemplating me to design your wall paper, rugs, paper products or home decor projects, don't be fooled I am no vigilante, I am as sweet as can be. I meet deadlines and I surprise going over and beyond the scope of what's expected? Don't I sound delicious to work with? So modest too!
See an example of the fabulous CR Gibson social stationery collection, which includes a large number of skus in organizational desk stationery and accessories. To see the entire collection go to their site www.cr.gibson and look for Tina Givens.
All for now! However, stay 'posted' for more design news!