We’re happy to introduce Pattern Patti, a new shop featuring PDF sewing patterns in fun, accessible designs!
Cindy, any meaning behind the name of your shop?
Well, funny you asked. One Sunday evening, I was struck with the desire to open an Etsy shop selling sewing patterns. I was looking at all of the beautiful boutique sewing patterns and thought,”Why can’t I sell those”. Then I thought, “I will sell those. What should the shop name be? Well, my sister’s name is Patti, I could call it Pattern Patti.” That’s it. Nothing profound. I just thought of my sister and named the shop. I had no idea I would sell my own patterns. I didn’t even know for sure that I would sell any patterns at all.
How did you get started sewing in the first place, and now making your own patterns?
My mother and both of my grandmothers sewed. One grandmother hand-sewed quilts and the other machine-sewed garments and crafty things. My first sewing project, that I can remember, was a skirt for 4-H. If I remember correctly, my grandma Audrey did more of the sewing than I did. I just stood next to her and watched. Since then, I have sewed in waves. I sewed a little in high school, a little right after I got married, and then a little when my 2 oldest girls were tiny. Skip a few years. We moved across the country, had a couple more babies, and I started sewing again. I guess I’ve been sewing steadily now for the past 5 years, learning to use patterns and learning techniques. Google and YouTube are my friends.
About 2 years ago, I was introduced to the wide world of modern fabric designers. I fell in love with Heather Bailey’s Pop Garden, especially the reds. I like red. I bought 3 of the pieces and had to find a way to use them. I also needed a new bag. I decided to make a bag that could show all three pieces to fulfill both of my needs. Many of my friends loved it and asked me how I made it, so I wrote up the instructions for it. I taught a little workshop for ladies at church and passed out the instructions. At the time, Pattern Patti was selling only pre-printed patterns by other designers. I listed the tote on a whim and it sold, quickly. What a thrill. People liked what came from my mind and heart. I loved it. I loved the process from idea, to making, to writing and publishing. So, as the ideas came, I made, wrote, published and listed. I eventually sold all of the designer patterns and now Pattern Patti is solely an expression of me. How cool is that?
What is your number one tip for others interested in opening an Etsy shop? Any wisdom you’ve picked up along the way?
I’ve learned a lot of things from selling on Etsy. But, my best advice is, Do what you love. Pattern Patti is my 4th Etsy shop. I’ve sold little crafty things I’ve made. I’ve sold custom, personalized photo mats and I even tried following the ‘green’ movement, selling eco-friendly, upcycled, handmade items for dolls and baby. These things never really did much, not because there was not room for them on Etsy, but because I was not in love with the work. It wasn’t really an expression of me. I was trying to do what I thought others would buy. I love sewing and meeting my needs and my families needs by doing my craft. I’m also pretty crazy about technology. I’ve always been interested in desktop publishing and photo editing. Writing the patterns allows me to create, using all of my skills and interests. I get to do what I love and make a little income doing it.
What are your most essential sewing tools?
1. The sewing machine, obviously. I use a Janome DC2010. Nothing fancy, gets the job done.
2. A cutting mat and rotary cutter. I rarely use scissors.
3. My notebook. My companion. I grab it to sketch up ideas. Once I get around to pounding out the idea and sewing it up, I write all of my measurements and steps there. In fact, it’s sitting right next to me now.
4. My seam ripper. I’m only human.
5. A coke. It has to be from McD’s and in Styrofoam. Substitutes are unacceptable. Unless I’m desperate, of course. 🙂
6. My technology. I love my phone and my laptop. They are invaluable. I use them for writing, tweeting, research and the occasional chick flick.
The giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winners:
#25: Mom C: “I like the patchwork tote bag pattern. So many uses.”
#84 Jqluo: “I like the Tote bag pattern.”
#66 Billie Kretzschmar: “I’m a Craft Buds follower.”
Giveaway!
Leave a comment on this post and you could win your choice of sewing pattern from Pattern Patti! There will be 3 winners!
1. To enter, visit Pattern Patti and leave a comment telling us which of her sewing patterns you’d most like to try. (one entry)
2. For a second entry, be a Craft Buds follower and leave another comment. (one entry)
This giveaway will end on Friday, September 2, 2011 at 11:59pm (EST). Giveaway open worldwide!
115 comments
I really like her messenger bag style pattern, very nice.
Thanks for the giveaway.
I love to follow Craft Buds via RSS reader.
Cute patterns. I’d love to try the patchwork tote handbag.
I’m a follower of Craft Buds.
I am a follower and you are posted on our Blogs, Sites & Things We Like at World of Charity Stitching.
Dona
I love all her bag patterns, especially the messenger bag style – purse for girls kids teen tween – Mini Hipster!
I am a happy Craft Buds follower 🙂
I really like the look of the messenger style tote bag, so I’ll choose that. Thanks!!
I’m a Craft Buds follower!
I’d also like the messanger style please. It’s so cute 🙂
I am also a Craft Buds follower 🙂
Right now, the Mini Hipster Messenger Bag is exactly what I need when walking my daughter to school or picking her up, then my pockets won’t be full with phone, wallet, her name card, etc. Thanks for the chance!
I also am already a Craft Buds follower on Google
I like the messenger bag pattern and the little bracelet. Very cute.
I’d like to win the Patchwork Tote bag pattern.
I already am a Craft Buds follower, which is how I learned of this giveaway. Thanks!
I like the messenger pattern
I’m a follower 🙂
I follow!
I would love the messenger bag pattern.
would like to try the patchwork tote, messenger bag and the burp cloth patterns’
And, I’m a Craft Buds followers!
I am a Craft Buds follower via google reader! Thanks for the giveaway.
I love the Messenger bag, too. Lots of cute patterns there!
I like the mini hipster = ) other great patterns as well!!
I follow Craft Buds!
I like the patchwork tote bag. Very nice!
I would choose the tote bag sewing pattern.
I follow you w/ google friend.
I’d love to win the messenger bag pattern. Thanks for the chance!
I follow Craft Buds. They have such great giveaways! Thanks!!!
Oh how wonderful! I’ve put Pattern Patti on my etsy favorite list for the future.
I’d love to win the Baby Bib and Burp Cloth pattern. I know a few people who are expecting and this would make a great gift. But, in all honesty, I really hope to be making them for myself one day soon.
P.S. I’m already a Craft Buds follower. (I love you guys!)
I like PP’s tote bags!
I’m a craftbuds follower!
I’d love to try the messenger bag! Thanks.
I need the messenger style bag pattern for my 2 girls! thanks for the giveaway
I love Patti’s tote/hand bag pattern!!!!
I’m a craft buds follower too!
I like the messenger bag!
I follow craft buds!
i really like her messenger bag pattern!
i follow craft buds! thanks!
I am a follower!
I’m a crafts bud follower.
I like the tote bag pattern. Thanks!
I like the bib from t-shirt pattern.
I’m a GFC follower.
I love the patchwork tote bag.
I am a Craft Buds follower! Great Blog.
Love the messenger!
I really like the messenger bag pattern. I added this giveaway to my bloglist https://craizeecorner.blogspot.com/p/blog-friends-giveaways.html
I am a craft Buds follower!
I like the patchwork tote bag
I’m a Craft Buds follower.
I would love to try the patchwork tote bag
I follow craft buds
Like the nano case!
I follow Craft Buds!
I’m a happy follower!
I like the Patchwork tote bag 🙂
I follow you!
Very fun! This is a “new to me” shop, so thanks for the intro!
It may be that darling mushroom fabric that has my attention, but I really like the Mini Hipster…my girls would love it too! 🙂
Thanks!
I’m a Craft Buds FAN!!! 🙂
OH, I just love the messenger bag.
Thx
I already am a Craft Buds follower.
Thx
I really like the messenger style girls bag. The fabric used is very nice.
I like the tote bag pattern!
The tote bag is a great pattern.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
I think I would like to try her Patchwork Totebag. Thanks for sharing.
I am a follower of Craft Buds (of course!)
I am a follower!!
I likes the Tote bag pattern.
I am a Craft Buds follower.
The tote bag looks so roomy and nicely proportioned. Thanks for the chance.
I am a Craft Buds follower.
I liked the patchwork tote bag 🙂
I would love to do the burp cloth and bib
I’m a follower and love it
I like the bib and burp cloth combo. I’ve made burp cloths before for gifts, but a set like this would be nicer!
I’m a follower.
Hmm, I like the bib and burp cloth pattern. Or the little girl’s purse. Cute patterns.
aliben7 (at) gmail (dot) com
I like the burp cloth pattern!
I am a follower!
I would most likely buy her bib from t-shirt pattern. I could certainly use it, LOL!.
~Kimberlee
SpunkyDiva at live.com
I am a gfc follower.
~Kimberlee
SpunkyDiva at live.com
Thanks for the opportunity! I would pick the tote bag pattern.
The Patchwork Totebag is too cute.
I am a follower 🙂
I love the burp cloth pattern…so cute!
I am also a happy Craft Buds follower 🙂
I love her iphone Earbud case sleeve…adorable!
I am a craft buds follower!!!
I’d like to try making the messenger bag. Thanks for a chance to win!
twelve30{at}gmail{dot}com
I’m already a follower of the CB blog. Thanks for a chance to win!
twelve30{at}gmail{dot}com
Wonderful site…I like all of your items, but in particular the Patchwork Handbag Tote is one I’d definitely like to try, as well as the Messenger Bag Style Purse.
I am definitely a follower via Facebook. Keep up the excellent work!!!
I like the patchwork tote bag pattern. So many uses.
I really enjoy Crafty Buds and have been following for a while. Thanks
I love the Earbud Case Sleeve! Genius idea!
I’m still following you!
I would like to sew the messenger bag!
I’m a follower of Craft Buds via GFC!
Cute….love the messenger bag!
It’s me PATTI. I don’t sew and I never will. BUT I am sure proud of my big sister for all her beautiful projects.
love it…
I would love to get the tote bag pattern…
Love the messenger bag pattern. I have the perfect fabric in my stash for it too!
I would love to try the patchwork tote pattern. I am in need of a new work bag.
I’m a craftbuds follower.
I’m a follower of Craft Buds! 🙂
I love the look of the Patchwork Bib and would LOVE to try it out! 🙂
i <3 that patchwork tote bag!
definitely the patchwork tote bag, it’s super cute!
and i’m a follower!
I love The Secretary new bag that can be made into 3 sizes. It is awesome and I would love to win the pattern.