A Shocking Email from Urban Outfitters!!!

Beginners Sewing kit from Urban Outfitters

I've been sewing since I left the womb and as long as I have been at it, which is far more years than I can recall, it was never considered "hip". Well, I received an email today from Urban Outfitters that rocked me to my core. They , Urban Outfitters that is, home of the hipster, young trendsetter, location of the virtual tipping point, have declared to the world that Sewing is now Hip!!!!

OMG - imagine my joy!! There in front of my eyes this morning was a hipped up, retro inspired, Singer sewing machine, offered for sale to the impressionable young people of the world. Just when I thought the world of home sewing was gasping it's last breath the recession has given it some much need oxygen and apparently a hit of steroids and human growth hormone.



Here it is, the object of my exuberant jubilation. Looks very similar to the one my sister and I spent years sewing on, although ours had a yellowed enamel finish that was chipped up and rusty underneath. Like many of my generation, we learned to sew on an old fashioned Singer pedal machine. Then we graduated to a child's Singer that was great for sewing doll clothes. My sister was a Sears machine girl, while I was and still am a Viking machine fan ( I have two that cost me more than a cheap car in India!).

My Vikings

This machine is billed as Singers commercial grade machine but it looks very similar to my old basic Singer. I wish I had pictures of my old machine so I could compare.




I must admit that seeing this machine has really touched off some serious nostalgia for me. Sewing was and still is a great escape for me from the stress and monotony in life. When I am sewing I have the freedom to create anything. There are no limitations aside from my skill level. I can be a high fashion designer, a maker of toys and beautiful clothes for my children, a creator of fantastic gifts for my friends and family, or a fabulous interior designer creating unique decor for my home. Sewing allowed me to live a lifestyle that I would otherwise never have been able to achieve. My kids were always dressed to the nines in adorable trendy outfits that I made them despite my very limited budget. I was always able to have a new outfit anytime I wanted one - I just made it! I made extra income by sewing clothes for my friends, custom wedding dresses, and beautiful ballgowns. Later my knowledge of sewing helped me become a better Interior Designer and eventually helped me in writing my books and designing fabric. I would not be the person I am today if I had never learned to sew.



Urban Outfitters is also selling a collection of sewing, DIY and craft books and supplies including vintage inspired buttons and appliques.



UO is not the only large retailer to jump on the sewing bandwagon lately. Target has always had a small sewing section in which they used to offer one or two sewing machines for sale. At my last visit my local store had no less than six different machines including this adorable Hello Kitty machine for little sewers. They also seem to be expanding their selection of notions, and accompanying equipment such as irons and steamers.

Hello Kitty machine at Target

Michael's has also expanded it's sewing section with basic notions and pre-packaged fabric.

Doodling - Art & Therapy

I am a lifelong doodler. Sometimes I compare it to what spirit writing must be like. When I doodle it is just an unconscious flow of information from the mind to the hand. I don't usually think about what I am doing it just happens.


I have been surprised to see a few very high profile articles and news stories lately on the practice of doodling and its many newly discovered beneficial effects. I've been a long time doodler and for me it has always been a subconscious habit that many times I am not even aware of until I look down at my paper and see that it is covered with unintelligible repetitive patterns and words. I doodle on anything that is within reach which can be a very big problem. I've doodled over important information like client's phone numbers or vital measurements for a job. I doodled on checks, tax documents, even a certificate of completion for a course I took once. I've spent a lot of time trying to decipher the important information underneath the doodles that are covering it.

Most of my doodling occurs when I am on the phone. I seem to have a deep rooted need to always be doing something with my hands and this subconscious need rears its ugly head when I'm listening to phone conversations. I don't just draw shapes and patterns I also write words over and over. Profound words like yeah and okay. I don't know why, it's just something I am compelled to do. The doodles above are the cleanest examples I could find. Most of my doodled pages are a big mess and show no creativity whatsoever. But since this is a post about artistic doodling I have cheated and included some reasonably legible doodles.

an example of the work of a serious doodler via Flikr

Susan Smalley of The Huffington Post published this article entitled:

Doodling and the Wandering Mind

"Doodling is the expression of a wandering mind and new research is suggesting that a wandering mind may be a good thing for humanity. A wandering mind appears to be a time when our brains are not 'doing' but rather 'being' and in that state (called a default brain state) we seem to increase in self-awareness (Raichle et al., 2001; Lou et al., 2004). By that I mean we gain a greater intuitive understanding of 'who we are' in relation to our bodies, thoughts, feelings, and actions, to others, and the universe at large. This increase in intuitive self-awareness may be a key to authentic happiness (Cloninger, Feeling Good, 2004)."

Read the full article here

This article by the BBC sites statistical data and scientific studies that are showing significant benefits of doodling.

Doodling May Help Memory Recall

"Doodling may look messy, but it could .in fact be a sign of an alert mind, a study suggests."

"Plymouth University researchers carried out memory tests on 40 volunteers, asking them to listen to a phone call and recall names and places. Doodlers performed 29% better than non-doodlers, the team found."

Read the full article here

Zentangle

I recently stumbled across a company that has systematized the doodling process for "non-artistic", "art phobic" and novice doodlers as well as the artfully inclined. They give instruction on their form of doodling called Zentangles. You can buy a beautifully put together kit which includes squares of special paper that they say are the perfect size and quality for creating your original doodle artwork. A pencil, and a Micron Pigment pen ( My personal fav and what I do all of my illustrations with) and an instruction booklet and CD. The whole thing is enclosed in a classy looking box. The kit is pricey at $50 but I think it would make a great gift. (hint - hint)

Zentangle

The Zentangles crew give seminars about their process and are encouraging children to tap into their creativity. As you know, I am a huge fan of anyone who can instill a love of art in children - a sorely neglected aspect of our kids lives!




Here are a group of kids from a Montessori school checking out their artistic handy work.



Apparently there is currently a popular artistic movement that encourages doodling and some of the resulting work is quite amazing. Just search doodles on Flikr! You'll be amazed at the art people have posted.



One self proclaimed doodler I found on Flikr is Margaret Storer-Roche'. Her work is amazing and she obviously has a lot of natural talent. Her doodles range from totally abstract to providing little commentaries on moments in her life.




She has turned these doodles into cards on her website / blog Water Blossoms

She seems to like hearts and has a whole series of these heart shaped images.


She uses colored pens, black pens, pencil, and watercolor.




I love this image and the vibrant color. She often incorporates little statements or quotes into her drawings. I think I see a Mary Emerling influence here.




Here are a couple of examples using a variation in pen colors.






I love the message here :: Simplify ::

Check out her blog for more inspiration !

Customer Service - Alive & Well at Microsoft

In a world that is often times devoid of personal service and lacking in corporate accountability I was AMAZED at this email I received today.


Hi Jackie-
My name is Jeff and I work with the Windows Outreach Team. Sorry to hear that your experience with Vista hasn’t been what you had hoped for. I’m not sure if these tips will fix your specific problems, but nonetheless they should help speed up your computer a bit.
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/83ec0ffe-ee04-4d53-8b87-25d1f05c954e1033.mspx
Cheers,
Jeff
Windows Outreach Team


Well my new friend Jeff let me just say that in my few years on this earth and as an author who writes books teaching design professionals how they should provide exemplary customer service to their clients I am blown away by your quick and helpful response. I posted this blog entry last night around midnight west coast time and I received your email sometime between then and 10 am this morning. You were hard at work trying to solve my problem even while I was sleeping!

Now I am new to Vista but I am a die hard PC user (yes, I originally was a MAC but I jumped ship years ago) I am sure that most of the difficulty that I am encountering can be put down to user error and a learning curve. But how splendid to know that Bill Gates is monitoring his web hits regarding potential problems and sending helpful employees like Jeff to solve our problems and put our minds at ease.

My husband is a militant MAC head and thinks my loyalty to the PC is insane, but is Steve Jobs up late at night sending out

I Have a New Baby at Home

After almost three years of working exclusively on a laptop to the detriment of both my eyesight and my posture I have decided to expand the family.



Meet my new baby, a double wide, super charged, 24" supersized window into my world.

Notice the comparison to my now dwarfed laptop (please forgive the gross fingerprints on the screen ). Now don't get me wrong, I still love my Sony and it has served me very well but it has seriously messed up my eyesight and has caused all of my back muscled to atrophy due to what I call "laptop fatigue". This occurs after years of sitting every day with your laptop on your lap with your body reclined in a cushy office chair and your feet up on your desk. Not the position one should spend 99% of their waking hours in. The extent of my muscle damage and fatigue are making themselves known by the shooting pains I am experiencing from trying to sit upright for the first time in years at the new screen. Hopefully the damage isn't permanent and I will be able to hold my head up on my own again soon! If not, it's a full body brace for me....

I'm in love with the new baby and we are bonding quite nicely. Check out the great picture on this thing! I feel like my eyes are ten years younger. Of course I still can't see the screen without my glasses. The new PC is a total pain in the butt though as it is Windows Vista - now I know what all of the complaining has been about. Why did they screw up the good thing they had going with Windows XP? It seems like it takes twice as long to do or find anything. I'm sure I will eventually get the hang of it but there are only so many new tricks that this old dog can learn.

In the meantime I can still go back to the old system on the laptop as soon as I get it repaired. Remeber that missing screw I mentioned when I posted about replacing my laptop keyboard? Well one of the reasons I had to spring for a new PC is because that loose screw is fouling up the laptop and I have to send it in for repairs. That little do it yourself project ended up costing my about $1000. So much for saving a buck!!!

Here is my new screen saver - one of my new fabric patterns called birds & branches ( great name huh?)
UPDATE -

In a world that is often times devoid of personal service and lacking in corporate accountability I was AMAZED at this email I received today.


Hi Jackie-
My name is Jeff and I work with the Windows Outreach Team. Sorry to hear that your experience with Vista hasn’t been what you had hoped for. I’m not sure if these tips will fix your specific problems, but nonetheless they should help speed up your computer a bit.
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/83ec0ffe-ee04-4d53-8b87-25d1f05c954e1033.mspx
Cheers,
Jeff
Windows Outreach Team


Well my new friend Jeff let me just say that in my few years on this earth and as an author who writes books teaching design professionals how they should provide exemplary customer service to their clients I am blown away by your quick and helpful response. I posted this blog entry last night around midnight west coast time and I received your email sometime between then and 10 am this morning. You were hard at work trying to solve my problem even while I was sleeping!

Now I am new to Vista but I am a die hard PC user (yes, I originally was a MAC but I jumped ship years ago) I am sure that most of the difficulty that I am encountering can be put down to user error and a learning curve. But how splendid to know that Bill Gates is monitoring his web hits regarding potential problems and sending helpful employees like Jeff to solve our problems and put our minds at ease.

My husband is a militant MAC head and thinks my loyalty to the PC is insane, but is Steve Jobs up late at night sending out helpful emails like this - I think not!

Thank you Jeff for your helpful tips and encouragement. I will think of you immediately next time I have a problem - Facebook me!

I Have

New Fabric Strike Offs and The CHF Academy.

It's almost midnight here in Vegas and I am feeling guilty for not posting very much lately. I'm working like a maniac which is the norm for me but right now it seems even more intense than usual. I am having a great time with the fabrics design process. I just received a new set of strike offs in the mail today. It is so exciting to see the designs coming to life.




I'm working with Jeanelle's talented graphic designer Mandy over at Adaptive Textiles to make sure everything ends up the right size and in a workable repeat.



It is a process that requires a lot of trial and error to get things just right.




On another note I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to post about my trip to the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in North Carolina. I spent a weekend out there with this talented crew of designers who graciously signed up to attend my class. Thanks Girls! We had a great time!!!

I had the opportunity to enjoy dinner which included a few margaritas with the wonderful Margie and Andy Nance who own and run the Academy and the uber talented Susan Schurz who is one of their premier teachers and a fabulous designer and manufacturer in her own right.



If you have not had a chance to attend a class there I would highly recommend it. It is well work the expense and will really set you up with the skills to excel in your business.

I'm going to bed now! Got to get up early and start working on fabric all over again.

Last Chance to Register for the Party!!!

This is it!!! Today is the last day to take advantage of the 3.0 Presale Savings and it's also the last day to register for the Launch Party happening tommorow, March 31st at 1:00 PM (Eastern time.)

I know it's hard to imagine but now we will be giving away $8,000 worth of door prizes, even more than last week. Check out the prizes below! This is an opportunity, you just can't afford to miss. The event is FREE but there is a catch...you must attend the live online Webinar to win! Log on early, we will be giving away over $1000 worth of prizes during the first 10 minutes of the Webinar.

Door Prizes . . .

Yes you read it correctly, we are giving away almost $8,000 worth of door prizes! So join 15 minutes early for your chance to win in every session!!

1:00PM - Debbie & Casey welcome everyone & Session I Door Prizes:

• $197: Jackie Von Tobel Module
• $189: Studio Space Planning Module
• $100: Orion Designer Bag
• $ 49: Minutes Matter University Course Voucher
• $247: Studio 3.0 Upgrade
• $220: M'Fay Patterns - Designer's Digest & Workroom Manual (includes supplement 8)
• $ 50: IWCE/Vision09 Seminar Voucher from Grace McNamara Inc.
• $180: Three Design Directory of Window Treatment, by Jackie Von Tobel

1:15PM - Features & Functions of Studio 3.0

1:25PM - Session II Door Prizes:

• $197: Jackie Von Tobel Module
• $147: Quick Start 2009 for Designers
• $150: Orion Iron Art, Wood Art, Italian Collection, Tropical Collection
• $247: Studio 3.0 Upgrade
• $ 50: IWCE/Vision09 Seminar Voucher from Grace McNamara Inc.
• $ 65: One-On-One Studio 1-hour Training Session
• $247: Blog setup by Minutes Matter (New Service)
• $ 49: Minutes Matter University Course Voucher
• $ 59: DeGangi Group "Accessorizing for Design Professionals"

1:35PM - Merlyn demonstrates Studio 3.0

1:50PM - Session III Door Prizes

• $ 197: Jackie Von Tobel Module
• $ 65: Pate Meadows Laminated Designer Packet
• $ 147: Quick Start Class for Designers 09 by Design Success University
• $ 65: One-on-One Studio 1-hour Training Session
• $ 49: Minutes Matter University Course Voucher
• $1000: Creative Camp 2010 Voucher from The Custom Sewing Institute (Houston, TX)
• $ 247: Studio 3.0 Upgrade
• $ 395: Drapery & Window Coverings Full Conference pass (Jacksonville, FL)
• $ 398: Custom Home Furnishing Academy 2-Day Course (CHF)

2:00PM - Jackie Von Tobel discusses images and new fabric designs

2:05PM - Merlyn demonstrates how to create a rendering from Jackie's book

2:20PM - Session IV Door Prizes

• $197: Jackie Von Tobel Module
• $495: Society of Decorating Professional (SDP) conference Pass (Kansas City, MO)
• $349: Interior Design Summit - Spring 2009 ($349 value)
• $247: Studio 3.0 Upgrade
• $120: Two Design Directory of Window Treatment, by Jackie Von Tobel
• $ 49: DraperyPro one year memberhip to online forum
• $125: Minutes Matter Measuring System
• $ 65: One-On-One Studio 1-hour Training Sesson
• $ 55: Rowley Company's Finestra Decorative Hardware Sales Binder
• $600: Simplified Websites One year website hosting for customized website

2:30PM - Questions from audience

Register NOW or miss out on all of these fantastic prizes!!!!

www.minutesmatter.com

I'll see you at the party.....

Sneak Peek - JVT Fabrics

I've been burning the midnight oil on my fabric designs for the past month and things are beginning to come together. I have thrown out twice as many patterns as I have kept but I'm narrowing down the final selections. We want to have 40 distinct patterns available in the collection available in several color ways all on organic grounds.




It's quite a challenge to try to create designs that are classic but still address current trends. I think this may be one of the most difficult projects I have ever taken on but it has also been very rewarding.




I've learned many new skills on photoshop, although I still have a lot of room for improvement and I've learned a bit about using watercolors. It's also given me a whole new appreciation for the talented designers who have created all of the beautiful fabrics that I used over the many years of my carreer. I had no idea the amount of work that goes in to creating one pattern. The man hours are staggering!


I am supposed to receive a new batch of test strike offs on Tuesday so I will share them with you then. We are experimenting with different ground cloths and colors right now and then I will fine tune all of the motifs and we'll be ready for a final print.


The first patterns of the collection will be unveiled at the International Window Fashions Expo in Atlanta May 12. I can't wait!!! I hope many of you will be there to help me celebrate.


On another note, I know I have been drowing you with shameless self promotionlately but:

Don't forget to register for the Minuites Matter 3.0 and Jackie Von Tobel module launch party on Tuesday, March 31st.

You must register to win one of over $5000 in free products that will be raffled off during the event.

Click HERE to register!

Minutes Matter Jackie Von Tobel Launch Party!

WOW! We already have hundreds of people registered for our BIG online event on March 31!

We are hosting a live, online, Launch Party for Studio 3.0 & Jackie Von Tobel Modules on Wednesday, March 31st at 1:00 PM (EST).

We will be revealing all the new features of Studio 3.0 and you'll be the first to preview the first Jackie module. Over $5,000 worth of door prizes will be given out during this live event (must be present to win). Merlyn Corcoran, and Caterina with Pate Meadows will be joining us as guest panelists.

Unfortunately, the class will only hold 1,000 attendees. Due to this restriction, we limited the number of private invitations to a select group of 7,500 Minutes Matter Fans and let me tell you the excitement is buzzing!!!

Register Now!!!

Would you like to know what the buzz is all about?

We are preparing for our biggest release ever! Over 3,000 hours have been invested into designing, developing, and illustrating Studio 3.0. Here are a few of the exciting features and functions we will be revealing during the party . . .

~ Studio 3.0 ~

• FREE!! All M'Fay & Pate Meadows Images Included: The latest illustrations from M'Fay Patterns & Pate Meadows collections are INCLUDED in Studio 3.0. Other software companies charge hundreds of dollars for a single M'Fay module; the result is a cost of nearly $5.00 per design!
• Exclusive Photo Scale Tool: This unique tool automatically adjusts the Drawing Scale just by knowing a dimension in a photograph.
• Exclusive "Step System:" A systematic process to quickly create renderings.
• Custom Index: Add your own custom design(s) or image(s) to the Main Index.
• Applied Trim: Trim has been applied to many of the Quick Designs to make illustrating even faster.
• One-Click Trim: Add trim to the drapery panel lead edges in only one click.
• Sleek New Look: Studio 3.0 has a new customized look. This sleek new design includes ribbon toolbars similar to the 2007 version of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Quick Access Toolbar: Customize the toolbar to include your favorite features and functions.
• Icon Preview: Thumbnails images magnify when you hover over the image with your mouse without decreasing your workspace.
• Automatic Backup: Studio 3.0 includes an Automatic Backup feature to prevent accidentally losing your project.
• Ruler Bar Settings: Ruler bars can now be set in either feet, inches or centimeters.
• Professionally Illustrated Images: All Studio images have been completely re-illustrated to bring you fabulous, totally new, designer images.
• Pre-filled Images: All images are pre-filled with a neutral color palette to create a bigger impact when using the innovative "Design-in-5" technique.
• Drop Shadow Tool: Easily add a drop shadow to Studio images.
  
  ... we've saved the best for last ... the release of a Jackie Von Tobel Window Treatment Module!

~ Jackie Von Tobel Window Treatments (Module 1) ~

In addition to launching a new version of Studio, we will also be releasing the first of four modules from the must have resource, The Design Directory of Window Treatments by Jackie Von Tobel. Studio will be the ONLY graphic software program to offer these illustrations! Now you will have the ability to customize Jackie's renderings to meet your client's needs! All four Jackie Von Tobel Window Treatment Modules will be released throughout 2009. Module 1 includes . . .

• An assortment of designs taken from The Design Directory of Window Treatments.
• Over 250 designs are included in this first module; making it less than .69 cents per design!
• Important: Studio 3.0 upgrade is required to install the Jackie Von Tobel Modules. Studio 2.0 and Studio Lite 2.0 users are not eligible to add the Jackie Modules to their existing program.

Order TODAY . . .

Studio 3.0 (Upgrade) *SALE: $197* (Retail: $247)

(Use Promo Code: prelaunch3.0)

JVT (Module 1) *SALE: $167* (Retail: $197)

(Use Promo Code: prelaunchJVT1)

*Remember only 250 Raving Fans will be able to order at these prices!* Note: If ordering Studio 3.0 & Jackie's Module, be sure to use both codes during checkout.

Upgrade: Click Here To Buy Now!

Have you been thinking about purchasing Studio? Now is a great time to get on board! Not only will you receive our latest version Studio 3.0, you'll also have the chance to pre-order the first Jackie Von Tobel Window Treatment Module at the introductory offer!

New Purchase: Click Here To Buy Now!

Door Prizes . . .

Don't forget, we are giving away over $5,000 worth of door prizes! So join us for your chance to win!!

Prize #1: Jackie Von Tobel Module ($197 value)

Prize #2: Studio Space Planning Module ($189 value)

Prize #3: Orion Designer Bag ($100 value)
Prize #4: Minutes Matter University Course Voucher ($49 value)
Prize #5: Studio 3.0 Upgrade ($247 value)

Prize #6: IWCE/Vision09 Seminar Voucher from Grace McNamara

Inc. ($50 value)

Prize #7: Jackie Von Tobel Module ($197 value)
Prize #8: Nika Stewart's Email Newsletters for Designers book ($179 value)

Prize #9: One-On-One QuickBooks 1-hour Training Session ($65 value)
Prize #10: Minutes Matter Measuring System ($125 value)
Prize #11: Studio Space Planning Module ($189 value)

Prize #12: Rowley Company's Finestra Decorative Hardware Sales Binder

($55 value)

Prize #13: Quick Start 2009 for Designers ($147 value)
Prize #14: Orion Iron Art, Wood Art, Italian Collection, Tropical Collection

(2 Sets of these 4-color selectors; $150 value)
Prize #15: Jackie Von Tobel Module ($197 value)

Prize #16: Creative Camp 2010 Voucher from The Custom Sewing Institute

($1,000 value)

Prize #17: Studio 3.0 Upgrade ($247 value)
Prize #18: One-On-One Studio 1-hour Training Session ($65 value)
Prize #19: Minutes Matter University Course Voucher ($49 value)

Prize #20: Jackie Von Tobel Module ($197 value)
Prize #21: Minutes Matter Measuring System ($125 value)

Prize #22: Studio Space Planning Module ($189 value)

Prize #23: Interior Design Summit - Spring 2009 ($349 value)

Prize #24: Studio 3.0 Upgrade ($247 value)

Prize #25: Jackie Von Tobel Module ($197 value)

Prize #26: IWCE/Vision09 Seminar Voucher from Grace McNamara

Inc. ($50 value)

Prize #27: M'Fay Patterns - Designer's Digest & Workroom Manual (includes new supplement 8) ($220 value)



Check out the new Minutes Matter Blog here.

Bedding Book - Finished Cover

My new book, The Design Directory of Bedding, is due to hit stores on October 5 and I just received the finished image of the cover! I've written in the past about the process of designing the cover and how many versions are produced before you find one that everyone can agree on.



Here are just a few of the covers that didn't make it!