By now it’s probably old news to many of you that BurdaStyle is coming out with a book that will feature some new BurdaStyle patterns and variations on them created by BurdaStyle members. I was invited to submit a top-secret design, so I sketched up a variation on the coat design they sent me, without entirely thinking through the consequences. And then the actually chose my design, which I was not expecting. At first I was like, “Sweet! My sewing is going to be in a book!” And then suddenly, I was like, “Oh crap, I have to sew a whole coat in a couple of weeks.”
I’m very proud to be a part of this great project and this is a very cool opportunity. But a piece of me is pretty apprehensive as well about being able to get this finished and having it turn out ok. I should have thought this through beforehand! I rarely ever sew on a deadline and I’ve got a busy month ahead of me. I haven’t got all the materials I need for the coat yet, and I’m not sure where to get them, and the fabric I received from BurdaStyle is not exactly what I was picturing for the design, though it is very pretty. It’s not entirely free labor- in addition to the glory, the designers also get the garments back to keep after the BurdaStyle folks shoot them on models for the book. But they said to expect about an 18-month turnaround time, which means it will be long enough before I get the coat back that for now it feels like I won’t be sewing it for myself, but for someone else. And you know how that usually goes for the Selfish Seamstress ;)
Wish me luck!
27 comments
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July 2, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Darci
Awesome news! Congratulations, Elaine! I’m SO excited to see what amazing creation you design!
BTW: Love the extra posting goodness. Maybe you should send Dan away more often! (j/k)
July 2, 2010 at 1:27 pm
SewSister
OMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!
Winter, fall, spring, summer? What fabric? What colour?
HOW EXCITING FOR YOU!
I agree w/ Darci, Dan must go on more business trips!
July 2, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Gertie
I have a design in the book too! Mine’s a handbag, which is ironic because I’m so not a bag girl. I was a little bummed they didn’t choose my dress designs, but now I’m pretty pleased that I just have to make a little bag!
E-mail me if you need moral support!
July 2, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Laura
congrats!
July 2, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Karin
Oh man, another coat! I think half of the contributors (at least!) are making coats. Interesting! There should be a load of inspiration for coats in the book :-). I’m making one too, and I’m equally apprahensive, especially since I’ll be off travelling for a week and a half…aaah!
Therefor: friday night at home, soon about to stickytape the pattern-pieces…
Good luck, or should I say break a leg?
July 2, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Jane S
Fame and fortune are sure to follow. Well, ok, you have the fame part already. This is such exciting news. Congrats. Sometimes I need a deadline to finish a project but your inspiration is enough to make this happen. Now I’ll definitely be buying this new book.
July 2, 2010 at 2:15 pm
SewBissy
Congratulations! What a fun opportunity, though I completely understand you. As soon as a deadline is introduced, everything changes. Just think how pleased you’ll be when it’s finished and in print!
July 2, 2010 at 2:20 pm
oonaballoona
another coat-tackler, eh? seriously, stops me dead in my tracks– i was hoping you were doing something! i’ve got a blouse variation, i’m so excited. the variation peeps should start a support group :)
July 2, 2010 at 2:24 pm
seemane
Ooooh, this is so exciting! I think everyone involved in contributing to this BurdaStyle book is kinda like being a bridesmaid at someone else’e wedding – you know it’s an honour to be asked, and in the end the fun to be had at the wedding day will be worth it – but you gotta do what the bride says & it could be tough work working to her deadlines/needs LOL!
July 2, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Robin
congratulations!! Figure out what you need for the coat and post about it. We’ll mail you whatever you need – you know that, right? This is really great.
July 2, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Fran G
How fun and exciting for you! And for all of us who follow your amazing adventures! Congratulations!
July 2, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Tanit-Isis
Wow, super cool! Let me know if you need slave labour… ;)
July 2, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Elizabeth
Very cool! Congratulations!
July 2, 2010 at 10:23 pm
lunatepetal
ah! another coat person!!(so am I)
I was/am a bit apprehensive too… I didn’t receive the type of fabric I was imagining for the project either… I understand some compromises need to be made, but it is a huge bummer and turn-off for me… well, just need to get over it, and get to work!
July 3, 2010 at 1:09 am
Lauriana
Great! I’m making a coat too. So good to know you’re in on this project as well. Ever since they first announced it, you were one of the people whose involvement I was betting on ;) And, by the way, I’ve got a similar fabric issue as well.
July 3, 2010 at 1:50 am
Alison
Wow – good luck! Just think of it as sewing a gift for yourself that’ll turn up and surprise you in 18 months time :D
July 3, 2010 at 8:04 am
Laura
Congratulations! Waiting 18 months to get your garment reminds me of the old-time version of credit–layaway!
July 3, 2010 at 8:33 am
Meredith P
That’s very exciting! With the 18 month turnaround, you could think about it as someone made something for *you*, since you’ll have forgotten about it by then!
July 3, 2010 at 12:18 pm
PetitePear
Congratulations and good luck! So do you get to make the coat in your own size? If so, how will they be able to find models that fit in everybody’s sizes?
July 5, 2010 at 10:29 am
Tasia
Congratulations, that’s so exciting!! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. It’s kind of fun to sew on a deadline, you have an excuse say no to other events and stay home to sew! (Like you need an excuse but still!) Good luck!
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July 15, 2010 at 6:22 am
Mirela
:D I love this post of yours, I’m also doing the coat and have the same exact feeling. I have been away the first week of the month, then had a party to plan the next, I have to finish it today or tomorrow, since I will be away next week and then it needs to be shipped out…and then I won’t see it for an year and a half… :( Ohh! So I literally had only 4 days to sew a whole coat plus lining, plus go shopping for all the supplies.
July 16, 2010 at 1:45 pm
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Eeee! That is so cool! I wasn’t really thinking about buying this book, but now I have to. :)
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