Yay, it's Friday! Which means it's time for this week's Freebie Friday. Today's giveaway is special because we'll have two winners. This week's giveaways come from Lisette, the new line of fabric and women's clothing patterns from Liesl Gibson of Oliver + S fame. We got the chance to chat with Liesl about the new pattern collection. Read on through this great Q&A and you'll find Freebie Friday information at the bottom!
Stitch: Adult women all over
the world who love the Oliver + S brand are thrilled to have sewing patterns
designed by you in their size! What is your design philosophy behind the
Lisette pattern and fabric line and what do you feel makes it unique?
Liesl: I always tell a story when
I'm designing a collection. The story behind this brand revolves around a
fictional character named Lisette. She's a sophisticated woman who travels the
world, gathering inspiration everywhere she goes. She brings home images and
objects from all her travels - Moroccan tiles, Chinese cloisonné, Indian
saris - and incorporates them into her own aesthetic and lifestyle. So she's
being influenced by the world but reinterpreting it for her own backyard, in a
sense.
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Freebie Friday package #1: Passport Dress + Jacket pattern plus fabric
Freebie Friday package #2: Traveler Dresses pattern plus fabric
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Our motto is "Sew Your
Style," and that's exactly what I wanted to do with these patterns. They're
very versatile. The design concept really focuses on practical, fashionable
clothing that can also stand the test of time and that isn't too trendy. These
are pieces that can be worn to the playground or the park with the kids as well
as to work or to more dressy events. The finished garment really depends on
your fabric choices and which details from the patterns you include - there are
lots of options to choose from.
Stitch: As an experienced
pattern writer, you understand how to help sewists build their skills with the
way you write your pattern instructions. Tell us about the special sewing tips
and hints you have added in the Lisette patterns.
As I test the instructions and sew through a pattern, I take note of the
areas that might be tricky or confusing to a beginning seamstress and try to
offer additional tips and hints to help. And sewing terminology can be
confusing, so we offer reminders about what an edgestitch is, for example.
Stitch: What is your plan for
rolling out new Lisette patterns and fabrics?
Are present, we're planning three fabric collections and two pattern
collections per year. I'm just finishing the Fall 2011 patterns as I write
this, and I've turned in the designs for the Spring 2012 fabrics already.
Stitch: How do you balance
designing patterns for Oliver + S with designing the Lisette line?
Everything is scheduled out very carefully for pretty much a year in advance.
Sometimes that's the most challenging part of my job - just making sure I have
enough time to concentrate on each item. But so far it's working out very
nicely. We're staying busy, but it's not too much. I'm fortunate to have an
excellent business partner (my husband!) and good relationships with the
companies that we work with.
Stitch: Which Lisette pattern is your personal
favorite and why?
Liesl: The Portfolio tunic will be in heavy rotation in my
wardrobe this summer because it's so easy to wear and fun to make. And I wear a
lot of Traveler dresses, too. They're comfortable and versatile while still
looking professional.
We have two packages to giveaway this week! Each contains a Sew Lisette pattern with enough fabulous fabric for a complete project. Package one contains the Passport Dress + Jacket pattern in size H5 (US 6-14) with fabric. Package two contains the Traveler Dresses pattern in size R5 (US 14-22) with fabric. Leave a comment below between now and Monday to be entered. The patterns are different sizes, so if you'd only like to be considered for one, please indicate that in your comment - otherwise we'll enter you into the drawing for both.
Happy Friday and good luck in this week's Freebie Friday giveaway!