Betsy Ross' Journal

bittersweet

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:13:00 +0000

With a mix of emotions that I'm not even going to try to fully analyze, I've decided to suspend production on Betsy Ross patterns. I've been going full-steam-ahead since 2004, and I guess I feel I need to challenge myself in other ways. Sometimes you just need to direct your attention to other areas of your life, and I'm finding that's what's happening. Rather than fight that, I'm going to see where some other paths take me.

This doesn't mean that I won't consider making new patterns or even continue production on the old ones, but for now I need to focus elsewhere.

If you are looking for patterns, you can always check with one of my retailers on my links page. If they are sold out, I have very limited copies of 003, 004, 006, 007, 008, 009, 011, 012 and 013 that I will be selling on a first-come, first-serve basis at reduced price of $10 each. Please contact me directly to order at betsyrosspatterns {at} gmail {dot} com.

Thanks to all of my customers for your creative spirit, helpful feedback, photos, and advice over the years! From the first drafts of the patterns made over many late nights back in Chicago, to all of the hot summer craft fairs, to teaching classes here in Philadelphia, I have truly enjoyed myself. I have learned so much from this, and am so thankful to have had such a great run!

Made in Philly!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:04:00 +0000

I'm excited to announce that Betsy Ross Patterns will be featured in the Made in Philly exhibition, in conjunction with Design Philadelphia. The opening reception is Friday, October 9. Come by and check it out!

The best part is that not only does Betsy Ross Patterns appear in the show, but they will also be available for sale on the Made in Philly website! It's a great idea and I'm so pleased to be involved.

i love summer skirts

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:24:00 +0000

My friend Leya made an adorable skirt from my 001 A-Line Skirt pattern that I thought you would like to see... great fabric!

customer photo!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:58:00 +0000

I just wanted to show a great skirt from my 001 A line Skirt pattern, made by a customer. How cute!

What really charmed me was the great label she made to put in her skirt, reminding her of the fact that she shared the experience with her mom!

Thanks for passing along the photos!

apartment pants

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:50:00 +0000

My friend Leya of Curiousbird just made the cutest pair of apartment pants from my pattern, and I just had to share!

Love the fabric- the pants are made from a tapesty she snagged on sale at Urban Outfitters. Best part...I got a pair too! Thanks, Leya!

I'm featured on fabric.com!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:04:00 +0000

I'm happy to report that there's a great write-up on Betsy Ross on the fabric.com blog during their celebration of 10 years. So honored to be featured! Thank you, fabric.com, for the sweet words! Keep in mind that although betsyrosspatterns.com features only a limited selection of patterns, these folks carry a lot more of the line. Check them out, and buy some great fabric while you're out it!

action!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

Just like Chuck Norris, we've been punching and kicking our way through 2009. It's been a busy start to the new year!

A lot of the activity has to do with finding some great new retailers to carry Betsy Ross sewing patterns. I'm very excited about the wider availability of the patterns. For a full list of the places that carry the patterns, please click here!

glowing lantern fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:38:00 +0000

Fabric design website Spoonflower is having weekly contests for designs. A recent winner, Bronwyn Landvatter (who, incidentally, has a fun blog) won with this great print. I love it- I would use it for a curtain in my bedroom. And the great thing is, you CAN buy these limited edition prints through Spoonflower's Etsy shop!

Register for the weekly emails from Spoonflower to participate in voting and to keep on top of what is being offered. I get lost on that site for an hour everytime I click on it!

New Pattern from Betsy Ross!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:40:00 +0000

Introducing the newest pattern from Betsy Ross, #014 Apartment Pants.

Two important things about this pattern: it's unisex, and it's easy! It will only take you an afternoon, and if you trace the pattern pieces onto another piece of paper, you can use the pattern over and over for different sizes.

*Thanks to Michael for suggesting the name for the pattern, Mary Beth for taking these great photos, Marissa for sewing two great pairs of test pants, and Marissa's guy Mike for modeling with me!

NEW WEBSITE!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:57:00 +0000

Betsy Ross has a brand new look...check it out! It was created by my friend Ry, of Your Thorax. He's available for website and design work- let me know if you would like to get in touch with him.

Sewing Room Envy!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:31:00 +0000

I love this room I spied on Free Closet. How bright, cheerful and organized! What's your ideal sewing space look like?

It's a Cinch!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:48:00 +0000

My friend Alice just made both versions of the #013 "It's A Cinch" Sundress pattern from Betsy Ross. With each pattern, you have the option to make a top or a dress. Both are easy and quick, making this pattern one of my most popular so far. No zippers!

Alice used some really cute fabric and came away with two summery, versatile garments for her wardrobe. Bravo, Alice!

006 cuteness

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 19:09:00 +0000

My Fun Betsy Ross Bag, originally uploaded by jumpupanddown.

An adorable bag from a Betsy Ross pattern, posted on Flickr.

Pencil Skirt Inspiration!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Click on this image to see how to make those cute pencil skirts you've been seeing!

New Retailers!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:43:00 +0000

I'm proud to report a slew of new retailers carrying Betsy Ross patterns. Some are brick and mortar shops, and some are fantastic online resources. Please take a look and visit them if they are in your area.

Thank you all for your support!

Pink Chalk Fabrics

Sew to Speak, Columbus, Ohio

The Quilting Loft, Seattle, Washington

Crazy Eighths, Chesterton, Indiana

Fabric.com

CatyLou Quilts

Funky Fabrix, Grange, Australia

Vintage fabric store opening soon

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:51:00 +0000

For those of you in the San Francisco area (or those who need an excuse to plan a vacation...) you'll be pleased to hear about the opening of Urban Burp, a rare vintage fabric shop. True Up features an extensive photo tour of the soon-to-be-open shop. According to True Up, they are located at 170 Columbus Ave, Ste. 110. I hope they have a good website, since I'm not planning on heading out west anytime soon!

(Photo courtesy True Up)

Summer's End

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:22:00 +0000

Summer's End, originally uploaded by aimeedoats1.

I love three day weekends. I spent 12 hours sewing yesterday, working on both Betsy Ross and personal projects, mending, and getting some work done on a quilt. Now I'm putting the sewing down to take a walk on a nice Sunday afternoon. Hope you're having a good Labor Day weekend too.

assembly line sewing

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:19:00 +0000

Raise your hand if your sofa has ever looked like this....

happiness is...

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:04:00 +0000

....Happiness is receiving a big box of the newest Tula Pink fabric in the mail for Betsy Ross projects. Big thank you to Jen McClean (the brains behind the line) for making it happen.

Finished projects revealed in the near future!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:11:00 +0000

Charts are Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:47:00 +0000

Use this handy chart to keep a record of your body measurements, that way you don't have to do it every single time you start a new pattern. You might also want to keep track of your size for each pattern company since they are all a little different.

I found this chart in an old textbook for Home Ec!

{Click for a larger image!}

City Paper Mention

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:38:00 +0000

The Philadelphia City Paper featured Betsy Ross patterns in their "What We Heart" section this week. Check it out!

Sew Simple Magazine mention

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:57:00 +0000

Guess who's in the new issue of Sew Simple Magazine? That's right....Betsy Ross!

We got a great mention in "The A List" section at the front, and then they used the Betsy Ross #010 Charmed Dress to make this awesome "Piping Dress" in the issue. Check it out!

New Blog!!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:00:00 +0000

June has been a crazy month... I've had a lot of big things happen to me lately, and I am constantly amazed by this world and how things can change minute by minute. Change is constant with me lately, and although it can be uncomfortable sometimes, it's necessary and ultimately very exciting.

The big news is that I have been hard at work lately on a new blog, which I am calling Label-Free. Label-Free will give me some space to post about sewing, fabric, notions and whatever comes to mind. I want to provide a place for all things sewing, geared to those people who would rather make things than buy them, and who believe that "homesewn is not a dirty word."

There will be tutorials (eventually in video format), guides, downloadable patterns, fabric swaps, a virtual "library" and more....and it will all be free. Importantly, Label-Free is a collaborative venture; I am inviting some amazing bloggers I admire to participate. You no doubt know a few of them from their beautiful blogs and businesses, and I am just as excited as you are to see what they will come up with. Over the next few days I will introduce them individually and then let them speak for themselves!

I am very excited about Label-Free. I will, of course, still post here with things that have to do with Betsy Ross Patterns. My new awesome intern, Anita, is helping me develop some great ideas, which I will show you soon.

Please be sure to bookmark the new blog and check in to see what is new.

Here's to new beginnings!

Fabric Countdown: 54-41

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:30:00 +0000

(Click for larger image!)