Onto Spring Patterns....

I looked at my last blog post and thought to myself has it really been a month? Where does all the time go? Where did April go? I am incredibly busy with a lot going on with the patterns and a little of everything else.

We are closing in on Spring Quilt Market in Salt Lake with only about three weeks to go. The new patterns are slowly trickling onto our website and available for Pre-Order! I know how busy everyone has been and must admit although Mom and I will be driving and walking the show it does seem a little hectic for us?

The designers have really out done themselves again with their new designs. If you haven't had a chance to check out our website you should today. In the coming days and weeks i'll be uploading Favorite Things, Maw Bell, and many more! Don't forget to Pre-Order now so your shop isn't left out on our initial shipments. I know your customers will find these new designs irresistable.

Now don't forget Mother's Day on May 8, 2011. You might have finished your Easter outfits for your little ones minutes before Sunday but now it's time to start thinking about Mother's Day.

We have the three new Oliver + S patterns in-stock and are flying off our shelves and available today in one of our Retail stores near you!

We are now carrying the Patterns by Annie line and are available today. A five pattern collection of fun flirty dresses and a bib cloth perfect for those spring and hot days of summer.

We will be receiving ModKid Boutique's four new patterns by the end of next week. Once again Patty has done an exceptional job adding patterns for misses', tweens, and plus size ladies.

Always remember we are your first choice distributor for all our boutique style sewing patterns, shipping the same day on in-stock patterns.

If you have not yet created account with us you can email me your business licence and/or tax id, create an account online and I will switch your account to wholesale. We are sew much more then smocking....

Make it a great day!

Spring-A-Thon Patterns

I have to admit with only one day left of March can we please all have a little spring weather? Today was a balmy 58. I know too most people this would seem cold but to us in Bend, Oregon it was shorts n flip flop weather!

As our weather transitioned from side-ways snow to the balmy 58 I was thinking what patterns do we currently have in-stock that are perfect for spring and summer?

I walked through the warehouse today and randomly picked a couple patterns from previous years that are best-sellers during the dog-days of summer.

The Bridget and Lucy patterns are all used with Moda Jelly Rolls and remember these patterns can all be purchased through our company. I chose one of the four patterns but all four are available for purchase.

Hot Scott Patterns has a variety of patterns but two of the most popular ones during the summer are the Cargo Shorts and Bermuda Shorts. Please check back soon for their newest patterns on our website.

And we have come to The Handmade Dress with Miss Lily an adorable little bubble dress.....

I will be adding more of our favorite dog-days of summer patterns to our blog in the coming days! Do you follow our facebook page? If not you really should because I add the pattern of the day and all new patterns as they are released from the designers.

Is there anything you would like us to add to our blog, fb page, twitter, website, or pattern companies?

I hope everyone has a wonderful day and hope to hear from you all soon! Now don't forget we are your one-stop distributor with all the greatest boutique style sewing patterns for all your customers' needs.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I am not Irish. I am Norwegian so in retrospect this Holiday really means nothing to me. In fact I feel odd calling it a Holiday because is it one? I think as one person told me earlier today it is really an excuse for drinking beer. I am (surprisingly) not going to discuss the weather because I am currently stationed at Mt. Hood for a couple days and am enjoying the beautiful winter wonderland around me.

Now with all of that out of the way....I can start talking about all the exciting things going on at Creative Smocking in the next couple of months.

Are you ready for Easter? Do you have your new patterns purchased in your shop or are you a customer shopping for that special pattern?

Who is going to Salt Lake for Quilt Market? I will be going but as an attendee....I am planning on being in town for one day and then travelling around Utah. I haven't been to Utah since the olympics....what a shame Quilt Market isn't in the winter! Does any of my Utah friends out there have suggestions of places to go? Sadly i've really only been to SLC and Park City. I am thinking about Moad but that might be too long of a drive?

The Oliver S patterns will be released soon (april). I highly suggesting pre-ordering these patterns because we our shipment is a set quantity and usually sells out....so Pre-Ordering is highly important!

Spring Forward

I was just informed this weekend we will be spring forwarding. It sorta seems like we just changed our clocks? I guess time just goes too fast! In the spirit of spring forwarding this must mean warmer weather, longer nights, bbq'n is on the horizon! I couldn't be more pleased since I woke up to snow this morning.

On another note we have many excellent new patterns coming out for Spring.

Bonnie Blue has three new patterns and two revised and are available now in our shop.

A couple new ones from Oliver + S are now on our website and available for Pre-Order with a release in April. The book from Liesl is also available now.

The ladies at Marie Madeline have a new peasant style dress and will be in our shop early next week.

The Sew Sensible pattern "Hope Joy" has been revised and is now Hope Joy Bubble Top & Twirl Skort.

All the YLI ribbon is 30% off! We still have many colors available!

Last Day of the Month-thankfully

Today is thankfully the last day of February! I am ready for spring. I prefer summer dresses, skirts, and warm weather. If you have read my previous posts or comments on our facebook page then you know I live in snow country but really prefer warm weather.

Today we received four new spring inspired patterns from Bonnie Blue. Hopefully the patterns were pre-ordered because those will be shipped first. Otherwise you might need to wait for a 2nd shipment.

Easter is April 24th. There is still a lot of time to purchase and sew up something cute for your little one or yourself. I think its always important to wear something new for any holiday or perhaps its my excuse for a new outfit.

February is Coming to an End

Are you tired of shoveling snow? Are you ready to start seeing spring flowers?

We had a very warm month of January with highs in the 60's while the majority of the Eastern United States was buried in feet of snow! I was starting to believe winter was over here in Oregon and spring was on the way. My dream for an early spring was tarnished a week ago after we received 9 inches of snow in one night. I figured ok, this was a random thing after all we have global warming here on the west coast. No we have had several storms since with the grandiose on saturday bringing another foot of snow. At this point, i've given up shoveling the walk and I drive over the mounds of snow.

Are you wondering why I am writing about the snow in Oregon? It's simple. I am ready for Spring, fresh new flowers popping up in my flower beds, and new patterns.

Our new patterns for Spring are starting to slowly trickle in and I am thrilled because this means spring weather is around the corner and I no longer have to wear my Norwegian sweaters (ok but I love them), sorels, etc.

So without further ado here is the list we have of today available for pre-order! It's very important to Pre-Order the patterns because they do Sell-Out and I know you want your customers to shop from you and not elsewhere.

Bonnie Blue:
Abigail (replaces Kayla)
Cassie
Holly Hunter (replaces previous Holly Hunter)
Jenna Leigh (replaces Lindsey)
Summer Irene

Pintucks & Pettiecoats
Baby Lyric Long Romper

Sew Sensible
Hope Joy Bubble Top & Skirt

Australian Smocking & Embroidery issue 93 has sold out! We are expecting Issue 94 in April.

Valentine's Day Treats

A wonderful new book in-stock and available today!

I am looking at this book and must admit this book is a must-have in your shop NOW! You and Your customers are going to find so many adorable projects and ideas they will just go gaw-gaw! A 137 page, hard bound book with a collection of everything from Tutu's, Backpack, Juggling balls,and drawstring bag, and so much more........

Patterns......

Today I am going to talk about my patterns.

As many people know (or might not know) I took an entire year off from exhibiting at Quilt Market. Last Spring I decided I would sew a garment to wear during the show. If I can't have a booth then what a better idea then to walk around the show wearing one of these fabulous outfits from one of my designers.

A Little Story about my Patterns

late March/Early April Pattern #1 was the Street Fair Skirt from Marie Madeline. I bought the Fabric, cut all my squares, sewed em' together, cut out the skirt, sewed it up, and put the skirt aside and resumed my daily life. Fast Forward: A week before Market and knowing all I need is to install the zipper and I will have the cutest skirt ever... A very large problem has arose and my sewing machine does not have an invisible zipper foot. I frantically read the owners manual and yes there is one for the machine. I think to myself excellent! However due to time I better enlist my mother and head up to her house. I show her my skirt (which she thinks is adorable) and plan on using her machine but no invisible zipper foot. I call frantically every Bernina store in the state of Oregon.....I buy a couple different foots for my machine and my mothers (just in case). I am desperate at this point. I can not believe what is happening and how can a sewing machine not have an invisible zipper foot when so many patterns require one? Long story shortened, all foots sold to me do not work on mine or her machine. Now fast forward to Quilt Market and I inquire about this invisible zipper foot for our machines and it turns out Bernina DID NOT make one for either of our machines. Lesson learned. The owners manual might not always be the best resource.........

Pattern #2 Serendiptiy Studios "Claire". I bought the fabric, cut out the pattern, and ran out of time. I was heading to quilt market in less then a week. I'll be honest here and admit that my mother became my savior and sewed the dress for me. She did an excellent job of sewing the dress but unfortunately I did not measure and had her sew a medium. The dress was to big but my friend Anita has enjoyed wearing my dress.

I am posting this message a little late and one reason is that apparently I forgot to post it. In my inner thoughts I had two ideas. 1) I could delete the entire post and 2) start a new post. Since I actually find the above two pattern stories a little hilarious......I am sharing!

So for tonight's post:

I have at my disposal a variety of adorable patterns whether that be for adults or children? When I receive new patterns my first thought is always, "I want to make this one for myself, friend, friends child, etc". I take the pattern, buy the fabric, cut-it out, and put it aside. I admitedly have done this with so many patterns that I keep telling myself to "Stop"! The truth is that I really have little time to sew. If anyone is familiar with Central Oregon it is a mecca of outdoor activities. When I am not working I ski, hike, ride my bike, take my dog for a walk, or relax. How much I really do enjoy sewing and find sewing very relaxing its often hard for me to sit down.

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday with your families....hard to believe tomorrow is December 1st.

Patterns and Books

One of my favorite parts of working at Creative Smocking is receiving books from publishers before their release date (to the general public). Today was one of those days. I received two new books and let me tell you I just had to take home with me; with ofcourse the intention of sewing one of those nifty crafty items in the book.

Fast forward to this evening as I was sitting at my kitchen table and looking through the book and imagining all the crafty items I would start sewing tonight. At the same time realized this would actually not happen because I don't have a copy machine at home (most books released have pull-out patterns). Ok, so I show the book to my boyfriend (Jerry) and start showing him everything nifty and crafty that I am going to start sewing. His response, "why are you showing me this"? I was a tad disappointed but at the sametime remembered not everyone understands the excitement of a new sewing book or pattern. I had a 2nd thought which was "who can I tell my excitement too". I could post it on my facebook page but again most of my friends don't necessarily care about sewing, quilting, and quite honestly don't really understand my fascination with sitting at a sewing machine and sewing for hours upon hours.....i'll post on Creative Smocking's facebook page but had a new dilemma. I have too much to say about my fabulous new book.....so here I am writing on my blog and knowing someone out there also shares in the same excitement when they receive new patterns and a book?

The End.

Broccoli

I have several favorite seasons. The fall in Central Oregon is beautiful. The days are warm and the nights are cold. I sit inside my house and look out the window and see the trees changing color, the blue skies, and cherish these last couple of days where I won't see snow falling from the sky. Tonight is a beautiful night and what a better evening for a Fall Pattern Release Party.

I worked very hard today on Columbus Day uploading new patterns from Butterfly Kisses, Frances Messina Jones, Lila Tueller, and Revel Designs.

Check out our website at www.smocking.com for all the newest patterns

Stocktoberfest

We are having an on-line garage sale!
Stocktoberfest-stock up now!

The good news is that you don't have to scan Craigs List the night before and prepare your 'who to hit' list, and jump in your car in the wee hours of the morning to be first in line, and start early morning bartering. I've done it all for you and the good news is that you can sit in your jammies, sip your coffee, and shop, shop!

Are you wondering what "Stocktoberfest" is?

We are having our first ever once-a-month and on-line warehouse/garage sale on Saturday October 9, 2010! We are busting at the seams with patterns and need too clear our inventory for all the new goodies! I like you want a bargain and I think you too will be pleasantly surprised with what I have available.

The Rules (yes their are rules):

1. I will start the sale at 1:00am Saturday. The good news is that I live in Oregon so I really won't need too stay up too late.

2. I will end the sale at 12:59 pm on Saturday. The bad news this will mean i'll need too stay up late...

3. I will post "Stocktoberfest" on our website at www.smocking.com and this will be where you can locate the stalk-up-now deals.

4. I will be posting periodically and very randomly throughout the day on our Facebook page.
a. If you really want a deal I would be in close contact with our Facebook page.
1. As an example, I will be giving away patterns, 2-for-1 deals, and much more.

5. The Stocktoberfest is good for Saturday October 9, 2010. Please do not call or email me and say, 'you missed the sale'.

6. If all goes well I plan to make stocktoberfest a monthly occurence.

Make it a Great Day!

Early Fall Arrivals.....

This time of year leads to one of my favorite Seasons. The trees start too change color, the days are shorter, and NEW Sewing Patterns!

If you are not aware their is an annual trade-show in Houston, TX. The show is Quilt Market and with that brings our favorite designers new pattern collection for Fall.

I am accepting Pre-Orders and will expect shipping by Oct. 25th.

Summer's Over and I am Still Around

I realize when my mom (Cheryl) starts emailing me that I have not updated the blog since June 15 I better get back on the blogging bandwagon.

I will start with saying I had a wonderful and relaxing summer which is probably due to my lack of posts. I now have a facebook page and i'll admit posting there is easy and simply.

Oh goodness we are so busy right now or shall I say bustling (is that even a word) with excitement. We have new pattern designers, the upcoming Fall Quilt Market, and Holiday patterns.

Creative Needle Market

I spent 2 days in Birmingham, AL for the Creative Needle Market. I had such a fabulous time and too finally match a face to all the phone calls and emails with customers and vendors. I am so pleased to be a part of such a wonderful group of ladies. I enjoyed my time down in the South and can not wait for my next trip (January 2011 for those who are keeping track).

Fall Quilt Market 2010

The new patterns have started to trinkle (is that a word) into our shop. I'll be uploading patterns to this blog, FB page, and website as they become available. Most all patterns are all pre-orders and will be available for shipment mid-October.

New Designers

Ok, If you haven't checked our website in a while then you'll want too see all the new designers we have added with more coming in the upcoming weeks.

I am going to add a new pattern designer who is solely selling her patterns on CD's. Let me know what you think, please!

So I come to our Facebook Page. I post all new patterns, pattern of the day, etc on my FB page daily.

If you follow our blog I promise to not be so neglectful.

Tiff

Distributing Scientific Seamstress

I am pleased to announce we are now distributing four patterns from

The Scientific Seamstress.

Each of the four patterns contain multiple design options and cover a wide range of sizes. The instructions are written in a clear, logical manner with extreme attention to detail. Whether you are a new or seasoned sewer you will appreciate the simplicity of the designs and the clarity of the instructions.

The instructions contain full-color for very clear explanation of the sewing steps, and provide a great deal of visual instruction.

Discounted Patterns

Have you checked out our "Clearance" link on the CS website? Have you ever wondered what happened to a certain (out-of-print) pattern and if you can still locate one? If you can imagine after being in business for 33 years we have many patterns that are now out-of-print but available exclusively through CS. I also have many, many patterns that we need to clear-out of the warehouse to make room for all the new ones arriving daily. I think everyone likes a deal so check it out today!

I have a new "Vendor Clearance" link on the website. If you remember the vendors name but not the pattern, simply click on their direct link to all the clearance items.

I also will be adding (in the coming days) a damaged pattern and pleater section. From time-to-time I receive returned patterns that are slightly damaged but can no longer sell. The pleaters I will be re-selling will have replacement needles and tested.

Make it a Great Day!

June 2010 Patterns

How are you all doing? I have been gone for awhile but am back with new patterns from Quilt Market. I am really pleased with a couple of these new designers...they are so talented!

Do you follow us on Facebook? If not you should because I upload all the newest patterns on Facebook, as soon as the patterns are uploaded to the website.

I have not listed the entire list of new patterns. If you visit our website the entire listing of all patterns new are on our homepage.

We are now carrying "Retro Mae" a 6-pattern collection.

A new Adorable bag and accessory pattern line from "Hemma Designs"

Australian Smocking & Embroidery 91

Looks like i'll be a little busy before I head off to MN.

Today we received Australian Smocking & Embroidery 91. I will start shipping auto's on Wednesday and hopefully get everyone's magazines out before next week.

Included in this issue:

Ava: a Vibrant floral dress with fully smocked bodice.

Bella Rose: Beautiful bishop dress for babies.

Caitlan: Cheerful striped dress with smocked insert.

Babe in the Woods: Delightful batiste square yoke dress

Frockstar: Gorgeous Amy Butler print bubble dress

The little bookwarm: Pretty dress with co-ordinating bag

Objet De'Art: Sumptous silk cushion featuring italian smocking

Lemon Fizz: pique dress with beaded smocking.

New Patterns

Is it really May? We are going to have snow tonight....seems like I am always talking about the weather. I really dislike our winter's and am always patiently waiting for Spring. Looks like we will be missing out on Spring this year.

I have added a new Pattern Designer to our distribution list.

Retro Mae Patterns.

For the entire pattern list please click on the above link.

I now added the majority of all our new Spring 2010 Quilt Market patterns to the website.

Available Today:
ModKid Boutique 4 new patterns and in-stock
Venezie Designs 2 bag and 1 apron patterns in-stock
Serendipity Studio

May
Lila Tueller 3 new patterns and will arrive by the end of the week
Pink Fig 5 new patterns and will arrive and in-stock when I return from MN (May 24th)
Jackie Clark
Bonnie Blue
Apron Lady

June
Favorite Things 4 new patterns
Little Londyn
Portabellopixie
Olive Ann Designs
Sew Liberated
Maw Bell
Bari j. Ackerman

New Patterns for Quilt Market 2010

Hello sewing friends,




As many know we (CS Distribution/Creative Smocking) live and work in snow country! We are expecting snow tonight and not a dusting but 2-3 inches. I find the idea of snow unimaginable but then again i've seen snow as late as May 20th (my dads birthday) what can I do but pray for warmer weather.



I have the majority of new patterns for the Spring International Quilt Market in Minneapolis, MN on our website. If you are not able to attend Market I have a separate link for all the Market products.

New Patterns (the following are approximate dates of arrival) you can expect a 2-3 day turnover (from the initial date of shipment):

Pintucks & Petticoats: Available Now

Sew Sensible: Available Now

Ellie Inspired: Available Now

Pat Garretson: Available Now

ModKid Boutique: April 30th

Butterfly Kisses: April 30th

Love n' Stitches: May 1st

Portabellopixie (Ruffle Pants): May 3rd

Bonnie Blue Designs: May 3rd

Pink Fig Patterns: May 15th

Lila Tueller Designs: May 10th

Serendipity Studio: Before/After Market

Portabellopixie: After Market (May 27th)

MawBell Designs: After Market (May 27th)

Favorite Things: After Market (May 27th)

My partner in crime when I am at home at night and working on the website, FB page, or blog is my kitty Wilbur.

More new Patterns

I added two new patterns from Ellie Inspired and Bonnie Blue. I expect too have each in-stock by the first week of May.

Ellie Inspired "Dancer" “Dancer” is a fun and flirty smocked or shirred skirt with attached shorts underneath. This twirly skirt has lots of kid appeal with the comfortable elastic waistband, attached shorts, and option of a single layer or double layer “twirl”!
My patterns are created to be easy and fast to complete. The directions are clear and easy to understand for beginning sewers but include details to entice experienced sewers as well.

Bonnie Blue Designs "Aimee" is an easy summer dresses, tops, and shorts. Two styles of unlined summer dresses with tops, and short variations.

View 1: Dress top ties at back of neck.
View 2: Shoulder straps

Both styles include an easy fit, elastic casing, back shorts included.