Grand Revival Designs

Life Style Designer, yeah, that's the ticket...

Sew News recently did this article about the "hottest new lifestyle designers". I was thrilled to be included among my incredibly talented colleagues, Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, Anna Maria Horner, Tina Givens, and Valori Wells. It's funny though, "lifestyle designer" sounds so deliberate...I mean, I just design what I love, ok, I do picture the fabrics I design in a lifestyle context, that is to say, a white, bead board sun drenched room (usually this is what I'm thinking about) so I guess that's a lifestyle. I don't know though, what my fabrics (fabric in general really) give to me and what I hope they give to those who like what I design is sort of an opportunity to make my environment feel lovely and comfortable for me. I really feel like I could be happy anywhere as long as I have a sunny bare bones room, and a few yards of fabric, oh and some thread, oh yeah, some batting is also very useful, and I guess I could use a needle. I move alot, always have (haven't lived in the same place for more then 3 years since I was 18), and no matter where I go,  so long as I have the tools, which for me is some pretty fabric I love, I always know I can make a home. So I guess that's sort of a lifestyle, maybe it's the lifestyle of a frugal gypsy? Hey, maybe a name for my next collection, LOL...

talk to you soon,
t

Decision Made! Thank you!!

 

Well, you all helped me sooo much. I just finished up Darla Too!!! Thanks to you I decided to design Darla Too which will come out fall 09' and then follow it up with a more romantic collection called Petal to be released spring 10'. That way I didn't have to choose between the two impulses. I just couldn't get Darla out of my system, and it seems many of you agreed (thank you so much you sweet, sweet people!) so I used and reworked some of the patterns from Darla One and added fresh patterns that evoke the same feeling. Changed my mind while putting it together like a thousand times but it's done and I'm thrilled.

Now I can concentrate on making pretties and samples with French Hatbox which is coming out at Spring Market in May. I don't love these pictures of it, just haven't been able to get any pics I love of it, I'll keep workin on it... The collection does have a sort of un-abashedly feminine feel that brought to mind Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. I could and have watched that movie with the sound off, it's so incredibly beautiful.

Next I'll be fixing up all the little things that need it as we begin the process of showing our house to potential renters. I'm just wondering how I'm gonna be able to keep this place in show worthy condition from now until we rent it. Ugh!

Ok, now for the important part, The winner of the pattern giveaway is Rachael!!!

I usually pick at random using one of those number generator thingys and I loved and took to heart every single comment and am grateful to all of you who left me something sweet to think about, but this time I just really loved what Rachael said, it painted a picture and I could relate to it. Fabric always tells me a story, and this is what I try to do with my collections I love the story my fabrics told her. This is what she said:

Living in a big city and being surrounded by chaos and noise on a regular basis I'd find myself craving a quiet spot and a stack of magazines featuring countryside cottages and seashore homes. In my teens I could spend an afternoon in the walk in closet in my bedroom that I'd papered to look like it was sprung from the pages of one of those magazines. The clothes were soon kicked out of this little closet and I brought in a small bookcase and a reading chair. I'd spend hours at a time looking at photos of antiqued bedframes bedecked with softly colored linens and pillows bursting out of floral pillowcases... completely immersing myself so the noise from the street didn't even register in my head. When I first saw Barefoot Roses it took me back to those afternoons in my chic closet dreaming of country life and beauty everywhere- my initial response was THAT IS IT-- those are the colors, the patterns, the complete embodiment of the style and design I've been craving. It's been almost 10 years since I've sat in that closet- 10 years of commutes, noise, chaos, and promises to do something nice for myself to encourage a little relaxing "me" time. Barefoot Roses gave me the inspiration to create a bedroom and bathroom inspiried by the magazines I craved (and still do). I wake up every morning to soft but bright colors, clean lines, meandering florals, and sweet dots. It brings me back to my center and inspires me to take a little time to remember what I love in life instead of plowing through it.

Rachael, please email Linda at [email protected] as she handles the patterns.

Thanks again all!

love,

Tanya