Check out my interview on Thread Cult, a podcast for the sewing, fashion, and textile obsessed created by Christine Cyr Clisset of the blog Daughter Fish.
I was honored to be Christine’s first guest on the show. Tune in to the latest episode to hear us chat about how Jamie Lau Designs got its start, current textile inspirations, my new book BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern, and more!
Join me at these upcoming events to celebrate the launch of BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern in New York, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz this month!
To kick off the book tour, I’ll be doing a book signing on December 10, 2012 from 7-9pm at the Manhattan Textile Arts Center, where I’ve also been teaching sewing and draping classes for the last two years. Highlights include sweets from Momofuku Milk Bar (did someone say compost cookies? yum!) and a free gift from BurdaStyle with a book purchase.
Later on that week is my New York book launch party on December 13, 2012 from 7-9pm in Brooklyn at 3rd Ward, where I teach sewing classes as well. Not only will there be door prizes and an interactive photo booth with printable photos from Have Booth Will Travel, but confetti and a pinata (yes, a confetti pinata) will also be in order from CONFETTISYSTEM. That’s not all! There will also be yummy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts from Rucola, and DIY make-and-take sewing stations led by the BurdaStyle crew. Get your stitch on and make a tote bag or drawstring backpack using beautiful fabric from Spoonflower.
If I haven’t lost you yet in this wonderful sea of food speak, I’ll be off to the west coast for a book signing at a lovely fabric shop in Santa Cruz called Hart’s Fabric, which has been around since 1969. Join me for an afternoon of DIY making from 4-6pm on December 17, 2012 plus a free gift from BurdaStyle with a book purchase.
Last but not least is my San Francisco book launch party on December 18, 2012 from 7-9pm at Britex Fabrics. As an SF native, Britex holds a special place in my heart. It is one of the very first fabric stores I ever visited growing up in the city and has been a constant source of fashion and sewing inspiration. In addition to giveaways from Makeshift Society, MOO, and more, join me for drinks and sweets from Tartine Bakery and macarons from Miette Confiserie. Britex will also be hosting DIY make-and-take brooch/hair fastener and button making tutorials.
Preview the garments from the book, get a signed copy for yourself or as a gift, and meet other DIY makers at these upcoming events! I’m SO excited and look forward to a month of great fun!
Paging all fashionistas, DIY sewers, handmade hobbyists, and vintage enthusiasts! My new book is coming out in exactly one week, entitled BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern: Mastering Iconic Looks from the 1920s to 1980s. In fact, it’s already available for pre-order on sites including Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound.
Working on creating the designs and projects featured in this book has truly been a labor of love. It’s so surreal to think that all those countless hours of hard (and oftentimes painstaking) work have finally resulted in a beautiful, tangible object to share with the fashion sewing community and beyond. Nothing about working on this project in the past year and a half has fallen short of the words “DIY.” I wore multiple hats throughout the entire process, including co-author, lead designer, technical writer, art director, photo shoot producer, and yes – even project manager!
BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern comes with five customizable sewing patterns that yield literally endless variations, such as transforming a 1920s drop-waist silhouette into a modern-day Jackie O.-inspired sheath dress. Starting with basic forms for dresses, pants, skirts, and shirts (and yes, there are even menswear projects!), you can transform from one look to the next with my easy-to-follow instructions and comprehensive visuals.
In addition to sewing and pattern making tips, you’ll also get a crash course in vintage fashion. Each chapter focuses on a different era including signature silhouettes, designers you should know, must-have accessories, and style icons.
The book comes out on December 11, 2012, but help start spreading the word today! BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern is the perfect holiday gift for every sewer, from beginners to experts, and offers enviable vintage looks with modern sensibilities.