Search results (tags) for: "burdastyle"

Oktoberfest Memories With BurdaStyle

2009-09-23T14:18:00-05:00

Open source sewing company BurdaStyle is a longtime friend of Etsy's (and a German one at that!), and when we saw their über-cute dirndl pattern on BurdaStyle, we had to let you know about it. "Based on the historical dress of Alpine peasants, the dirndl is the traditional dress of southern Germany and Austria. In Munich, wearing a dirndl is still a normal way to dress." If you use the dirndl pattern, make sure to show BurdaStyle your interpretation of it!

To get you in the mood, we asked Munich-native Benedikta von Karaisl to share some of her memories of Oktoberfest, both in German and English.

Die online Nähplattform BurdaStyle ist ein langjähriger Freund von Etsy (und zudem noch deutsch!). Nachdem wir diese übersüßen Drindlmuster bei BurdaStyle gesehen haben, müssen wir euch davon erzählen. "Basierend auf der historischen Tracht der Alpenbauern, ist das Drindl die traditionelle Bekleidung in Süddeutschland und Österreich. In München ist es beispielsweise immer noch normal sich so zu kleiden." Falls ihr das Drindlmuster benutzt, müsst ihr eure Interpretationen davon unbedingt BurdaStyle zeigen!

Um euch in Stimmung zu bringen haben wir die aus München stammende Benedikta von Karaisl gefragt mit euch in Englisch und Deutsch einige ihrer Erinnerungen ans Oktoberfest zu teilen.

My name is Benedikta, and I run BurdaStyle.com with my partner in crime, Nora Abousteit. On BurdaStyle, you can find open source sewing patterns, lots of inspiration and sewing tips, and over 250,000 sewing obsessed ladies to mingle with. A true Bavarian, I am excited to share a bit about the two weeks in September that make my hometown of Munich, Germany world famous.

Hi, ich bin Benedikta und leite zusammen mit Nora Abousteit BurdaStyle.com in Brooklyn. Auf unserer Seite findet man alles ums Naehen herum, und mehr: Open-Source Schnittmuster, Inspiration und Naehtipps wie auch ueber 250.000 naehbegeisterter Mitglieder. Als waschechte Bayerin bin ich natuerlich sofort dabei ein bisschen was ueber das Oktoberfest zu erzaehlen, insbesondere da es das erste ist was den meisten ueber die Stadt bekannt ist.

[Oktoberfest Hearts — Photo by Mark Briola on Flickr]

Growing up in the city of Munich is as peaceful as growing up in the countryside, with its picturesque neighborhoods and friendly residents. However, all of that changes during the last two weeks of September, when Bavaria’s breweries gather for its yearly Oktoberfest, the “Wiesn." Originally celebrated in honor of Ludwig I's wedding in 1810, it is now the world's largest fair with some 6 million people in attendance.

Wer in Muenchen aufgewachsen ist, kann bestaetigen: die malerische Innenstadt mit seinen freundlich grummeligen Bayern wirkt eher wie eine laendliche Idylle als eine Grossstadt. Damit ist’s allerdings dahin in den letzten zwei Septemberwochen, in denen in der Weltstadt mit Herz die Oktoberfestmusi den Ton angeben. Erstmalig veranstaltet als Pferderennen zu Ehren des Koenig Ludwig I in 1810, ist es mit seinen ueber sechs Millionen Besuchern heute das groesste Volksfest weltweit.

[Wiesn Rides by schmollmolch on Flickr]

Besides rides and attractions, the main focus is traditional food and Bavaria’s beer. The fact that about 7 million liters of beer and 520,000 chickens are consumed illustrate Munich's festive spirit during those two weeks.

Nebst Wilder Maus und Schichtl ist natuerlich das Bier mit passenden Schmankerln die Hauptattraktion. Fakt ist, dass waehrend der Wiesn an die 520.000 Brathendl und knapp sieben Millionen Liter Bier und konsumiert werden. Das letztere liegt offensichtlich der allgemeinen Festeslaune zu Grunde.

[Inside the tent by pokpok13 on Flickr]

My high school was so close to Oktoberfest that we would hear the Bavarian Umtata band sing from morning 'til evening. Hungry tourists and traditionally clothed Bavarians streamed by on their way to the Wiesn, only to return hours later with large Bretzn and a swing in their step. Since hotels are booked to the max, campers liked to park their vans on our school parking lot. As we would be late for first period, we would spot them getting ready in front of their campers to join the Wiesn. Those school days seemed to never end until the bell finally set us free to join the madness.

[Oktobercouple by Cladia H, come back?? on Flickr]

Ich hatte das Glueck dass meine Schule so nah an der Festwiese lag, dass wir die Blasmusik den gesamten Tag bis in unsere Klassenzimmer schallen hoerten. Touristen wie Bayern geschmueckt in Dirndl und Lederhosn stroemten unter unseren Fenstern vorbei Richtung Oktoberfest nur um Stunden spaeter mit Brezn, singend oder tanzend wieder aufzutauchen. Da Hotels waehrend der Wiesn grundsaetzlich ueberbucht sind, hatten wir die Ehre hartnaeckigen Touristen mit ihren Campingwaegen auf unserem Schulparkplatz ein vorlaeufiges Zuhause bieten zu koennen. Das fuehrte hin und wieder zu dem Vergnuegen als Zuspaetkommer die Camper bei der Morgentoilette zu erwischen.
Schultage waehrend der Wiesn wirkten endlos, bis wir uns endlich unter die Festgaeste mischen und uns geniessen konnten dass es unsere Heimatstadt war, die waehrend zwei Wochen im Herbst Schauplatz des wohl ausgelassensten Festes der Erde ist.

[Enjoying the festivities by ragingwire on Flickr]

Have you experienced Oktoberfest? Are you doing anything to celebrate this September? Leave it in the comments!

More Oktoberfest Posts | More Bilingual Posts | Shop Local Germany

Guest Curator: Wardrobe Refashion

2009-09-16T17:00:00-05:00

Wardrobe Refashion came about when Nichola Presteds, a.k.a. wardroberefashion, decided she needed to be more eco-friendly. She started with the obvious stuff like drying her clothes on the line outside, using less water, and reducing the packaging her family uses, but she knew she could be doing more. Her thoughts turned to her sewing hobby and the global need for clothing. She decided to go 6 months without buying new manufactured clothing and instead refashion or make her own from scratch. She shared her idea on her blog and was overwhelmed with the response. Participants worldwide join her on the blog pledging to abstain from purchasing new manufactured clothing, instead choosing to refashion, renovate, and recycle pre-loved items.

Originally from the UK, Nichola Prested now lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband Kev and their three girls. She spends her days being paid to play with fabric at Tessuti Fabrics, enjoying time with her family, working with BurdaStyle and keeping Wardrobe Refashion running smoothly.

Although Wardrobe Refashion is all about refashioning and making from scratch, buying handmade items is accepted, which means Etsy purchases are allowed, particularly those that are recycled or refashioned! And Etsy has heaps of recycled/refashioned handmade items to offer...

M ethical green blue patterned slouch dress - 'sit down stand up'

A local designer who uses recycled materials in her work. I love this dress, it would work great in summer with some sandals and shades or in winter with thick tights and a cardi. By heidiandseek, $55.

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Black Leather Wristlet / Coin Purse

A cute little wristlet made from pre-loved leather jackets. By minaandoli, $40.

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Pretty Birdie's Antique Quilt and Feed Sack Dress Size small ON SALE

I'm in love with this antique quilt and feedsack dress! By stephanieteague, $154.

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Jack and Jill Necklace - Red

A cute little necklace made from recycled plastic and vintage enameled steel chain. By LianaKabel, $48.

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BIRTHDAY SALE Vintage Inspired Swishy Floral Frock

One of my favorite refashionistas, Veronica Darling, has used vintage fabric to create this gorgeous 1940s style frock. By veronicadarling, $20.

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Miss Madeline PDF Dress Pattern 6 months - 4 years

How cute is this little girl's dress pattern?! Use up your stash of old pillowcases and hankies. By littledresses, $9.95.

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Upcycled Cashmere/Silk Gray Top

A great everyday tee. By aTimeToHeal, $25.

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lilian asterfield triple ruffle upcycled blue green and pink neck kerchief/ascot

Keep your neck warm in the cooler weather with this fabulous kerchief made from neckties. By lilianasterfield, $120.

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Handknit beret hat in recycled eco-friendly Shetland wool / cadet blue ONE OF A KIND

I adore this chunky beret knit from reclaimed wool and embellished with vintage buttons. By miscusi, $25.

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Tire Swings... Lambswool Slippers from Recycled Sweater, Sizes 6 months- 4 years

A little something for baby. By woolybaby, $38.

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Recycled vinyl billboard - 'Rock and Roll' - Clutch / Wristlet

This cool little clutch is just right for a night out. Throw in a tube of lipstick, your wallet and keys, then hit the town. By seen1, $26.

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Vintage Zipper Slide Studs - Charcoal Gray

These vintage zipper earrings are fantastic! By AmaliaVersaci, $14.

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Ivory Peacock Hand-Painted Pumps

Oh, if only these were my size! These handpainted beauties are repurposed vintage heels. By ScholarlyArticles, $80.

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The Botany Coat

This vintage swing coat has been tweaked in all the right places to make the perfect comfy dress. It's also great if you're expecting! By brightpirate, $80.

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Vintage Sewing Pattern / Double Breasted Yoked Dress from 1965 / McCalls 8118

I'm a HUGE fan of vintage sewing patterns, especially from the 40s, 50s and 60s. From ZipZapKap, $7.75.

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UPCYCLED VINTAGE LINEN TABLECLOTH WRAP DRESS

This gorgeous dress was upcycled from a vintage flower-power psychedelic floral linen tablecloth. This would be ideal for a retro tea party. By MaisyBrownReproRetro, $89.

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Make Do and Mend

And how about this as a little reminder in your sewing room? By farouche, $18.

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Looking for past Guest Curators? Check out our archive!

Earth Tones Series | Environmentally Friendly Gift Guide | Upcycled Clothing

BurdaStyle How-To: Make Your Love Bloom Forever

2009-02-04T17:19:00-05:00

Our friends over at BurdaStyle (the online community for open-source sewing patterns) recently put up an absolutely charming (and easy) how-to. Learn how to make beautiful and simple ribbon or fabric flowers! Make a bunch and have lovely flowers that bloom on and on! As always, all projects and patterns on the site are copyright free, so you can sell what you make from them. This is a perfect project for Valentine's Day or a wedding in need of some handmade touches.

For full instructions with helpful photos, visit the How-to on BurdaStyle!

All you need for materials is...
Ribbon or fabric strips, embroidery needle, thread. Optional: wire and floral tape.

So easy! Sooo cute!

Handmade Weddings | Season of Love | Gift Guides | How-Tuesday Projects

Shop Live: Expert Shoppers in the Virtual Labs

2008-12-12T18:19:00-05:00

Last one tonight!!! Lucky Magazine - Fri, 12/12 @ 7pm EST.

Ever wish your favorite style-savvy magazine would somehow come to life and help you navigate the wide variety of items on Etsy? Imagine if your favorite blogger would magically appear and point you to the perfect holiday gifts for your friends and family... (sound of fingers snapping) Your wish is our command!

Etsy is teaming up with a bevy of talented tastemakers to bring you hot picks for the holiday season live in the Virtual Labs. If you've never visited the Virtual Labs, now is your chance to join in Etsy's multi-user, webcam-enabled chat space (yes, where you can also throw around virtual paper airplanes and toss hearts at people). It's going to be a whole lot of fun, so please spread the word and login here at the appointed hour!

Schedule of Shop Live events all in the Treehouse of the Virtual Labs:

Wednesday, December 3rd @ 7pm EST

Brett Bara, host of PBS' Knit and Crochet Today and Editor in Chief of Crochet Today, (which, by the way, is chock-full of amazing presents to crochet) picks her top crocheted gifts — and gifts for crocheters — available on Etsy.

Thursday, December 4th @ 7pm EST

BurdaStyle, your destination for do-it-yourself style, picks top gifts for the fashionista. See some of their previous stylings on the Storque.

Friday December 5th @ 7pm EST

Wired Magazine, your source for the coolest gear for everyone on your shopping list, picks their top gifts for the geek in your life.

Monday December 8th @ 7pm EST

Garth Johnson, the rock star of craft blogs, ExtremeCraft, shares his extraordinary Etsy picks.

Tuesday December 9th @ 7pm EST

Andrew Wagner, Editor in Chief of the illustrious American Craft Magazine, picks his favorite contemporary crafts on Etsy.

Wednesday December 10th @ 7pm EST

Jonathan Butler from Brooklyn's biggest blog-about-town, Brownstoner, picks must-have housewares and art for the holidays.

Thursday December 11th @ 7pm EST

Aya Kanai, senior fashion editor of TeenVogue, your source for Style-conscious girls everywhere, picks the best fashion-forward gifts for teens.

Friday December 12th @ 7pm EST

Ami Pak, Senior Online Editor, Lucky Online (known for combining shopping + style) will share style savvy gifts for her.

So snuggle in and shop with us every weeknight until December 12th! Remember there are only 100 seats in the Treehouse of the Virtual Labs, so get there on time! You don't want to miss these picks! If you want to find out more about this newfangled Virtual Labs thing, check out this post.

Want to help spread the word? Why, thank you! Aren't you a doll?! Here are some cute graphics (thanks, Anda!) for your website or blog. Please link your readers back to this article, so they can be in the know!

Shop Live: BurdaStyle's Picks

2008-12-05T15:06:00-05:00

Alden from BurdaStyle popped by the Virtual Labs last night and shared her top fashion finds! We had fun picking out Holiday outfits and getting some fashion tips from the community! Did you miss it? If so check out some of her picks for the fashionista below!

If you were there, let us know what you thought in the comments below. If not, make sure to tune in tonight at 7pm (EST) as Wired shows off top picks for the geek on your shopping list!

See the complete Shop Live schedule here.

Trends: BurdaStyle Meets Fairy Tale

2008-07-09T13:43:00-05:00

This summer, against all odds, we at BurdaStyle have decided to relaunch the myth: the fairy is back in town.

The Sibylle dress has been making waves within the BurdaStyle universe due to its relentlessly floaty behavior and the unmistakable magic about its hems. This sew-it-yourself dress pattern leaves its wearer short of nothing but wings — don't be amazed should someone ask you for three wishes when you're flaunting that number on the streets.

Blame it on the springtime colors, blame it on the chiffon about your knees, blame it on the irresistible waistline, but don't you ever blame it on the moonlight, should your surroundings be star-struck with your appearance!

It's no wonder we were pleased to find that fairy air swooping through Etsy's nooks and crannies, and not merely the good, the bad and the ugly fairies as we all know them. Read on for BurdaStyle's favorite pixies as found on Etsy.

This emo fairy may be facing a little teenage dilemma at present, but with that dress no catastrophe could be a long term disaster. [Polka Dotted Pink Black White Mix Stretch Ruffled Dress by PinarEris]

Some like it hot, but this dress likes it hotter. This fairy is seriously dressed to party! [Pink Purple TOOLE Ballerina PARTY DRESS Original by lynnsrags]

This fairy was clearly born in the 1960's. No matter how old the good old times, Tinkerbell is ready for the 21st century now. [Sketchy 60s Sheet Dress by 123LaLaLovely]

This dress seems to be inspired by a Freudian dream sequence, but don't even try to analyze this: no psychoanalyst could ever find as many folds in the human mind as this dress is made of. Scrap the theory of the tripartite soul — this fairy is nothing but divine. [Paper-doll dress - Size s/m - Eco friendly by tiinateaspoon]

If genius is 99% hard work, then 87% of all magic must be a practical mind. At first sight this dress may seem more domestic than fairy-esque, but on second glance it comprises all it takes to do some magic: clean-cut aesthetic efficiency. [Mod Jumper Dress by missbrache]

Any postmodern fairy would have a fairly light conception of clothes: this dress puts it into perspective. This item is so flighty you would not even know whether you were wearing it or not — in short, an existentialist fairytale. [Black Butterfly - Black Silk dress with Lotus shaped sleeves and hand sewn beads in front by unitedartistudio]

Check for more fables on Etsy! Make this summer your fairy tale.

For more Trends coverage, check out our previous stories!

Burdastyle Pattern: Make a Tie for Dad

2008-06-11T11:20:00-05:00

For those of you who are into making crafty projects for Father's Day gifts — or those of you who are just plain out of time — here's a Burdastyle pattern for a very tasteful tie, tastefully modeled BTW by our very own Matt and Rokali.

Father's Day Showcase | Gift Guide for Him | Father's Day Gift Guide | A Dude's Perspective

Etsy in Action: Upcoming Events

2008-05-28T11:22:00-05:00

Check out what's next in Etsy-sponsored events...

Mark your calendars! Next Sunday, June 1, from 1-3pm, The Etsy Labs is hosting a free Brooklyn Tee Party! Meet young adult authors Rachel Maude, Lauren Mechling, Emily Gould and Zareen Jaffrey as they share readings from their latest books. Then, get hands-on with a DIY t-shirt reconstruction workshop from the designers of BurdaStyle and Compai.

Bring an old, oversized t-shirt with you to recycle and refashion. We'll show you how! (Fresh out of old tees? Not to worry, we'll have some spares.) Ages 12 and up welcome. Please RSVP to rsvp@etsy.com, as space is limited.

Not in Brooklyn? Join us online in the Library Room of the Virtual Labs, where we'll be broadcasting the event live.

Brought to you by Etsy.com, BurdaStyle.com, Compai, Delacorte Books, Little Brown, and Razorbill.

Hey, vendors! Looking for a new venue to sell at this summer? ...Shoppers: seeking out the lastest in art, healthy edibles, handbags, jewelry, accessories and antiques (...offline, that is)? Check out the Providence Open Market. Located on Westminster Street in the heart of downtown Providence, the Market features a different group of artists every week ensuring that each visit will be unique. Open for business Saturdays, starting May 31st and accepting vendor applications online now!

Saturday, May 31: If you're in the Chicago area, be sure to stop by the Indie Arts Market, showcasing over 30 up-and-coming local artists, selling paintings, jewelry, collages, sculpture, silkscreen prints, letterpress, zines, textiles, stationery and much more!

This one-day event will be held in the heart of Lakeview at Schubas Tavern, 3159 North Southport at the intersection of Southport and Belmont from 11am to 3pm.

See the gallery below for a sampling of Indie Arts Market and Providence Open Market vendors.

News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere: April 24, 2008

2008-04-24T12:40:00-05:00

Spring is finally here and I couldn't be more pleased. I encountered the smell of fresh cut grass (very unusual in New York) on the way to work, and it was — what's a less intense word for transcendent? Magnificent, basically. Here's to more inspiration for your day! Design and style, onward!

In case you didn't know, the friendship bracelet is all the rage this season. Kate at For Me, For You pointed out the work of Ray Fenwick, who paints friendship bracelets and cute teen slang (like you'd read in a yearbook) on old book covers. So adorable!

BurdaStyle made my heart swoon this week. Their post and interview about Blythe Church's soft sculpture was truly inspirational. It's a typewriter! Man, oh man! (She also has an Etsy shop: sewnbyblythe!)

My vote for coolest zine site goes to Cafe Royal, hands down. Swiss Miss pointed them out, and I just keep poking around, looking at all the amazing artists they've managed to corral. As Swiss Miss states, "[Craig and Joanne of Cafe Royale] realize there's a fine line between Fine Art and Craft, as there is between Illustration and Drawing. That doesn’t concern them too much: What interests them the most is the DIY ethic that makes artists’ zines and books so interesting and valuable. Each one is like wandering into a curiosity shop of the artists’ mind." Check it out!

Design For Mankind posted about these wooden USB sticks. Who knew technology and nature could intersect into something so organic? I kind of love it.

Any amazing finds this week? Great new blogs or resources for the artsy and craftsy community? Leave 'em in the comments! Inspiration is always welcome.

Handmade Weddings: DIY & Refashioned Dresses

2008-04-01T15:49:00-05:00

Dear Handmade Wedding Series readers: if you’re into the idea of making your own wedding gown or bridesmaid dresses, you're in for a world of challenges and ultimately — hopefully — exactly what you want! But where to start?

Well, there's one place in NYC that some of you may be familiar with (if you watch Project Runway): Mood Fabric!
Prepare to be overwhelmed! Before you venture out to your local fabric store, do a little brainstorming. We asked Burdastyle, an online sewing community where people share open-source sewing patterns, for a good starting place. Benedikta from Burdastyle recommends this pattern: the Cate Dress. There are a bunch of patterns for ladies who want to make their own bridesmaids dresses. She says patterns are easily adaptable to have a shorter skirts or alternate kinds of fabric. The Burdastyle community is there to give you advice, too!

“This simple yet elegant dressy dress is befitting for any evening event you attend or host. The guests will be charmed by not only your radiant personality, but also by your sparkling dress! Make it especially delectable by choosing a sheer fabric with sequins or lace and lining it in a luxurious silk charmeuse.”

Benedikta also sketched her idea for how the Cate dress could be adapted to be a white bridal gown.

She added a bit of a train sweeping down the back, which could be in lace or silk charmeuse.

Another important point: if you and your partner are two brides, there's an added benefit to going handmade. You can customize what you wear by having some elements go together without having to buy the same dress. Many same sex couples don't want to be too matchy matchy. One of you can also go with the classic tuxedo look. Here's a particularly adorable one from neneee:

One thing newbie sewers often need help with is picking appropriate fabric. There's nothing like going down to the fabric store and touching the fabric and seeing how it drapes. But there are some things to keep in an eye out for when doing your research.

I spoke with Brooklyn dress designer MinnaK about popular fabrics for bridal dresses. A good thing to decide early on is whether you want something flowy or more structured.

Here are some fabrics to get you started:
Chiffon: sheer with a matte finish.
Duchesse Satin: a more affordable silk satin, sometimes blended with rayon.
Organza: sheer, crisp in texture, and often used as a top layer.
Satin: very soft and drapey.
Silk: more expensive. And gorgeous.
Silk Charmeuse: soft and silky with a nice subtle gloss to it.
Taffeta: a stiffer fabric with some stucture, known for its interesting sheen and iridesence.
Tulle: the netting fabric made famous by ballerina tutus.

There are other fun things you can do, like play with textures or beaded fabric, like these:

Lace is much sought after, but the good stuff is usually imported from France and EXPENSIVE. Ask for the price by the yard. Lace can sometimes get up to $100 per yard!

You can also try adapting a vintage dress or finding a vintage pattern. Posh Girl Vintage (www.poshgirlvintage.com) is a “couture to street fashion” website with a gorgeously curated offering of vintage prom dresses and bridal gowns. You could get a vintage dress and adapt it to be more formal if that’s what you’re going for.

SkivvyLuLuVintage has a bunch of vintage dresses that could work for weddings.
Brigitte of Posh Girl Vintage notes, "Sometimes [the brides] tell me they alter them or add a cap sleeve but most of the time they want it original." Or just rock the original vintage style! She adds, “many women want vintage wedding dresses… Women are using all kinds of party dresses as wedding gowns… I get a lot of comments that it's eco friendly, too.” However, you have to be willing to dig, dig, dig: “Sizes are very difficult. People were smaller in the 50's, so sizes are limited most of the time.”

There are so many interesting shapes and textures when looking at vintage designs, and you definitely won’t look like other brides with out-of-the-box dresses.

Colorada, a dress maker in her own right, offered a few links to wedding related clothing or possibly bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride, etc.

bonzie's whole shop has that neo-Victorian style.

AllieJDesigns' tutus can be sweet or punk rock. Depends on how you accessorize.

I'm a fan of MinnaK's Valencia dress in silk geogette.

JustVic's Ines dress would be perfect for bridesmaids, and she'd probably lengthen it for you for a custom wedding dress.

Wouldn't LaMadeleine's dress be adorable as a bridesmaid's dress? Colorada points out that "she has several custom and a design your own listings."

Janebonbon offers really pretty plus sized dresses and a custom wedding dress, too. I'm loving the special flowers and added details she does!

srbdesigns's A-line dress would work well as a bridesmaid's dress in a retro 60s-inpsired wedding.
Big thanks to MinnaK, Burdastyle, and Colorada. Good luck on the hunt, dear readers!

Wedding Gift Guide | Wedding Category | Wedding Showcase | Handmade Wedding Series

Making Eco Friendly Bags with Burda Style

2008-03-21T15:00:00-05:00

MP4 | Youtube | Blip.tv | Subscribe in iTunes

(Music by Barry London )

The next time you're asked if you want a paper or plastic bag at the grocery store, you will be able to politely decline and then put your goodies in this handmade shopping bag. Strut out of the store with DIY pride!

Our friends at BurdaStyle gave us a run through of how to make the fabulous open source Charlie grocery bag pattern. This bag folds up into its own pouch so you can carry it wherever you go. You can help keep our planet green by reusing your own handmade grocery bag. It's easy to make, so you have no excuse! Go make one and put a link to a photo of it in the comments so we can see the fabulous creations you've made!

We Were There! New York Fashion Week (Short) Re-Cap

2008-02-15T16:37:00-05:00

New York always has interesting things to do and see. However, certain events can be a little more exclusive, and aren't always open to the public. However, wonder of wonders, the ladies of the Storque received some last minute tickets to New York Fashion Week for the Vera Wang show, from our friends at Burdastyle. Unfortunately, since it was so last minute we missed the show. (And have no pertinent Project Runway information to share, sadly.) However, we did have an exciting time people watching and taking in the fashion! See our flickr photos for more of our exciting day.

What's your take on fashion week? Leave it in the comments!

Etsy in the Press: Best of 2007 and Then Some

2008-01-04T15:50:00-05:00

Happy New Year to all!

Have you seen the January 14th issue of Business Week? It's got a great story about how the modern arts and crafts movement is being transformed as it emerges online. They talk extensively about Etsy, and also about our friends over at Burdastyle, Craft, Instructables, and Make.

But before we get too involved with the new year, let's take a look at some hits of 2007. Namely, us!

Etsy is sitting comfortably in the top five of Time.com's 50 best websites of 2007. You can still vote, so head on over and make your opinion known. About.com also chose Etsy as on of their Top Ten Best Sites of '07. We graciously accept.

Jumping back to the present, The Guardian Weekly (UK) and The Taipei Times both predict that Etsy will be one of the next big things of 2008. We hope to prove them right.

Several great sellers have gotten noticed by the press over the last few weeks as well. In U.S. News & World Report, there is a story about toy safety which features usnavyretiredvet and sweetestpea as purveyors of fun, healthy toys. Southern Tier Business News ran an article describing how catlover1 started her business while remaining a stay at home mother; it's an inspirational story. The Lincoln County News in Maine tells a similar tale about bluebirdbaby. Heading southward, The Orlando Sentinel had good things to say about the jewelry of cindyforrester. Online, Chicagoist put forth an interview with moon23 about her artwork and bookmaking, casasugar picked some JoshuaStone vases as their recent faves, and Hippyshopper sent lots of love to melissavest for her totes. Congratulations to all!

Open Call for Designers: BurdaStyle Wants to Hear from You!

2007-12-12T12:17:00-05:00

Attention fashionistas and seamstresses!

Our friends (and former office mates) over at BurdaStyle have put out a call for designs for the Summer 2008 collection. They want to see your entries by December 22nd. Find out more about their open call for designers!

BurdaStyle is an online community where you can share and modify open-source sewing patterns. It's a great idea and they have a lovely site.

Etsy Pets: NoMoreNekkidDogs Dresses Up Your Pups for Fall

2007-10-15T06:01:00-05:00

Now that fall is coming and it's getting colder, your pets "will be more than happy to wear that cow or dragon costume to keep their bums warm," according to NoMoreNekkidDogs. This Monday's Etsy Pets piece goes out to NoMoreNekkidDogs' pooches, who are her models for her Etsy shop. We came across these "lovelies" while looking through CostumeCon entries. Since we published KathrynRiechert's hairless cat as an Etsy Pet, we've been on a bit of a "Fur? Who needs it?" kick.

We also wanted to point dog-lovers to this BurdaStyle open-source pattern for dog coats! Keep em warm, Etsians!

An endearing letter from NoMoreNekkidDogs:

I love making these outfits to keep my dogs warm, but most of all I love sharing that joy of helping other people keep their dogs warm and happy, too. I love all of the comments and pictures I get, too.

I saw my first Chinese Crested in the arms of another lady. I fell in love with this little boy even though he couldn't be mine. I approached her and asked if I could hold him and he nearly licked my face off, hah! He was so loving and really affectionate. That sent me on a search for my own.

The next day I went on the computer to search out these strange looking but very affectionate breed. I found my first one almost five years ago. We went to see her at the breeder’s house and I instantly fell in love with this little white ball of fur. Even though I wanted a hairless one, this one was a powderpuff. She was such a love bug. We brought her home and that night put her in an old playpen in our bedroom and not more than 5 seconds later she jumped out and onto our bed! She was five months old, but boy, could she jump. Her name is Mia. Every day when daddy comes home from work she sings to him (howls) and tells him she loves him. She loves to sing and if you ask for “lovies,” she wraps one arm around each side of your neck and lays her head on your shoulder just like she is hugging you.

Two years later I got the itch again and that is when I brought my little Lizzy Lou home. She was just 8 weeks old and nekkid as a jaybird. She is the little black girl model in my shop. My hubby said she looked like a rat. But boy she was the cutest rat I had ever seen. She has not left my side since the day she got here and I will probably go to my grave with her glued to my leg. The breeder had the sleeve cut off an old sweatshirt for a shirt. That is when I decided I had to get busy. I started sewing for her and the outfits were pretty primitive at first. I would sew one for her, and when I was done I would put them on her. She would dance around and act like she was the prettiest princess that ever walked the earth. She loved it when I would finish so she could put it on. On Halloween that year I put costumes on both Mia and Lizzy and she kept trying to take Mia's off. Mia doesn't really like to wear clothes, but will put up with it for me. Since Lizzy is the only princess that reigned in our house, she wanted that outfit off Mia. It was hers!

I slowly got better at putting the outfits together and added to my list of ever growing patterns for dogs. I also made my own pattern for a dog bed. My dogs love to burrow under covers and pillows. I constructed it so that when they got in the bed it would snuggle down on top of them and keep them warm. I also made them pillows for their crates.

My friends kept asking me to make clothes for their dogs and kept telling me I should sell them. That is when I found Etsy. I started up my shop right away and quickly found out that it wasn't going to be easy. I had to work hard to get my name out there. I finally am getting some sales and I love all of the comments and pictures that I get from all of my customers. I have even had a couple of repeat buyers and my best customer has visited me several times. She is as crazy about her dogs as I am about mine.

Sew Useful Contest: Interviews with the Winners & OLPC

2007-09-26T08:35:00-05:00

This past summer, Etsy and Instructables held the Sew Useful Contest. It was a pretty intensive process to enter: contestants had to list a useful handmade item on Etsy and create an accompanying how-to on Instructables. The main thrust of the contest was to put your creativity and know-how forward for the greater good.

Etsy and Instructables also worked with OLPC (One Laptop per Child) to donate proceeds and how-tos. OLPC gives $100 laptops to children in developing countries and we had the chance to interview Lauren Klein who works for OLPC to collect education content for the machines. (Burdastyle is in the interview too, talking about an open-source sewing pattern for laptop cases!)

Following the Sew Useful Contest, Alison and I got in touch with the winners and interviewed them over the phone. What follows here are the stories behind their entries.

Turns out John, aka BlondietheBlond, entered the contest to impress a girl. Unfortunately it didn't work, but his Rain or Shine Solar Charger sure does! Listen:

La, aka caballera speaks about her motivation for sharing creative process behind the Fire skirt: bringing a little beauty into the world "Everyone should have a glow outfit." She actually got a marriage proposal from all the exposure she got from the contest. She politely declined. Listen:

Kerri, aka kerri9494, talks about her drive to make everyday, useful objects for her son. The Hearing aid drying pouch came out of his needs at summer swim camp. Listen:

donovanbeeson explains her compulsive paper-hoarding and her inspiration for the Envelope book. Listen:

Elli, abitabite links her motivation for making the Plushie Personal Boom-box / Goodnight Pillow back to when she was a kid. Her mother had to separate abitabite and the many foster kids they had growing up into two rooms: one for those who liked music while they fell asleep, and one for those who needed quiet. Listen:

Julia of pauljuliadesigns speaks about her drive to help elderly and share her Walker Bag designs with the world. Listen:

We also interviewed Darren of djlz about his Emergency Recordable Bag, which he decided to make after watching the confusion after Katrina. Many people lost their prescriptions, important phone numbers, etc, and the recording device would allow people (especially people who cannot write) to audio record a few quick messages as they weather a storm or disaster. The design ranked high in the voting. Listen:

We were also big fans of rabbitears27's Print Faux-co, her take on the Gocco printer, and wanted to find out how she figured out her design. Listen:

Big congrats again to the winners! We hope you are enjoying your sewing machines.

And congrats to my sister-in-law Kim, aka vanfan, whose entry ranked up at the top but was removed from the running for being a relation. She sold one of her Insulin Pump Garter Belts which are sew useful for diabetics! Oh, and she had a healthy baby girl, my new niece Ramona!

See the original announcement of the Sew Useful Contest winners. You can see all the entries still listed by searching with the tag sewuseful.