In our third installment of this series, we are happy to introduce you to “The Three Fabri-teers”… that’s my name for the trio of very creative women behind Izzy & Ivy Designs. Based in Utah, Shasta Parry, Jana Nielson and Lauralee Billingsley produce a series of absolutely adorable patterns for little girls. Ruffles and flounces, buttons and bows… they make me wish I could still get away with wearing a puffy skirt with four tiers of colorful ruffles… without being mistaken for a giant pastry. The princess skirt on me, maybe not, but one of Izzy & Ivy’s signature saucy bags and purses it totally up my alley. These are happy patterns; I think it’s because they’re designed by such happy and upbeat people. With sixteen children between them, what I see as happiness could simply be lack of sleep, but I think it’s really a genuine love of working with their hands to create something fantastic. Shasta, Jana and Lauralee exude an infectious optimism.
The Fabri-teers recently sat still long enough to answer our questions and give us a peek into their wild worlds of family, sewing and selling… doing it all and keeping it fun.
We have a tutorial coming up from the Izzy & Ivy gang and they’re putting together a sweet prize for our Great Giveaways series. So… lots to learn now and lots more to come.
S4H: Izzy & Ivy… the backstory: How did your passion for sewing develop? What is your typical day like? What is your background… did you study fiber arts, learn from your mom, teach yourself, or …?
S4H: We love the fabrics you select to make your items and recognize several designs we’ve used on Sew4Home. What is it about a fabric that grabs your attention? How do you decide it’s “right” for your pattern?
S4H: So often the right fabric choices are the difference between love it and hate it. Do you have any advice on how to choose and combine fabrics and palettes?
S4H: What and/or who inspires your designs? They are so sweet. Are you all ‘sugar-and-spice girlie girls’ as your designs indicate… or is there a secret tomboy hiding in there somewhere?
S4H: You create such lovely ruffles, tiers of flounces, bows and fabric flowers. Any tips or tricks you can share for building and actually stitching these types of embellishments?
S4H: Currently, I see adorable patterns for little girls, plus cute-as-can-be hats, and numerous “saucy'” bags and purses. What are you noodlin’ on for Spring 2011. Anything new coming up you want to share… maybe a new collection that will debut at this year’s Spring Market?
S4H: Sometimes it’s hard to convince people to take the sewing plunge. Do you have a favorite story of off-the-shelf versus made-it-myself?
S4H: Do you remember your first sewing project? Was it a horror or a hero?
S4H: At Sew4Home, our goal is to expose people to sewing for the home, which we see as being a very broad category — could be a pillow or a tablecloth; could be an apron or a tote. Any encouraging words for beginners who feel intimidated? What would you suggest as a first project for a beginner?
S4H: What tools are sewing “must haves”? And, are there specific things you look for when you’re shopping for machines and tools?
S4H: What advice would you offer to someone who wanted to start selling their handmade goods online? 
Visit Izzy & Ivy online. Check out their blog.
Their patterns are available in store and online at numerous retailers, including fatquartershop.com and fabric.com.
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