Photography Tips & Tricks for Sewing and Testing

Honestly, there have probably only been two or three photo shoots that have gone as I had envisioned, hoped, or planned.  I've certainly learned a lot and still have lots of room to learn and improve, but I don't let it take the fun and enjoyment out of sewing anymore.  I used to.

The #honestcraftroomies scope hop on Periscope last night addressed photography tips and tricks for sewing and quilting, which we had planned several weeks in advance.  During the scope hop, each scope-er covered topics ranging from lighting, background, equipment, what and how to photograph, to why to photography even if you don't have a blog and aren't a professional.  For my part, I discussed what to photograph when testing a pattern for a designer, and also what to photograph when sharing a garment or handbag (or other project) to help others understand what features a pattern has. You can watch the replay of my broadcast below, and I've gone in to more detail in this post.  You can also always find links and details from my Periscope broadcasts by visiting the Periscope tab at the top of my site.  Also, I included links at the end of the post to watch the broadcast replays for the others in the scope hop - they really shared a lot of valuable tips and examples!

(It also happens that Art Gallery Fabrics recently shared a post with tips for presenting your handmade products on Instagram with excellent suggestions for great photography, and Pattern Revolution just started a series on photography tips for testers. It must be time for everyone in the online sewing world to talk photography!)

continue reading

Color Play Friday: Dry Sparkling Soda Seattle {Color Palette & Fabric Bundle}

This week's #ColorPlayFriday challenge was tough!  The image was taken by Trina at Dry Sparkling in Seattle.  I think what I am most excited about from this week is finding out about Dry Sparkling soda and discovering that a few stores not-too-far from me carry it (check out their store finder).  I am really intrigued by their flavors and enjoyed reading about the company and process.  I'm definitely going to try it out as soon as I am able.  As far as the color palette goes - this might be my first fail.  In fact, I was so restless with the first palette I made, I tried again.  You'll have to keep reading to see both bundles and let me know what you think.

continue reading

Houndstooth Rag Quilt Pattern from A Vision to Remember

I sewed my first rag quilt with this Houndstooth Rag Quilt pattern by Bobbie at A Vision To Remember.  She has patterns, fabric, and ready-made items for sale in her etsy shop - the perfect place to pick up your own supplies for this project.  In fact, all the fabric I used for this rag quilt was sent to me by Bobbie, along with a free copy of the pattern when she kindly asked me to participate in this tour.  Below I'll share how long it took, supplies I found helpful, why this pattern doesn't require as much cutting of pieces as I feared, and more photos!  Be sure to use the schedule at the end of the post to visit the other blogger's sharing their rag quilts this week.

continue reading

Color Play Friday: Starburst {Berry & Brown Color Palette and Fabric Bundle}

Candy isn't so much my thing, usually (I prefer baked goods), but the inspiration image for this week's Color Play Friday is delicious!  This is a big week that includes a giveaway opportunity and the most participants ever, so be sure to keep reading. I hope this palette and fabric bundle for Color Play Friday hosted by Trina (In An Otter Life) and Lorinda (Laurel, Poppy & Pine) will inspire you!  

continue reading

Instagram Boycott Over Proposed Changes: Why It Matters

If you use Instagram at all, I'm sure you've heard that they are planning to change the way they present posts on your feed.  Instead of a chronological listing of posts by people you follow, they plan to change to a feed that shows the posts that they think you will be most interested in. (You can read about the anticipated changes on the Instagram blog.)  People are not pleased.  If you haven't already signed the petition, or joined the Friday, March 18 boycott of Instagram, you might be wondering why it matters.  Here are just a couple of my own thoughts.

continue reading