Euro Christmas Headband

xoxotova is offering this darling headband
on ebay, Designer Y loves the bling in the center!




click on the picture to see it now

Snow Lovely

Click on the picture to see the gorgeous
"Snowmen in Love" set being offered by
PrincessJenea04 on Ebay!

Big Cyber Monday Sale!

Click on the picture to search all of their etsy shops!

The Sales start tomorrow but you can
browse TODAY and check out all the goodies!

Search term: ABSD in tags and titles

Patty Young: Creative, Professional, Designing Mom

Designers X and Y had an opportunity to speak with Patty Young, creator of the new Andalucia fabrics from Michael Miller. Many of you may be familiar with Ms. Young from the ebay and etsy design scene under the label MODKID.

She has now moved onto textile designing and just returned from her official debut at fall market in Texas. We'd like to share our interview with you here so you can get to know this creative and inspiring designing mind!


[Patty Young]


**Note: A Generous Giveaway of a fat quarter bundle of the Andalucia fabrics is being offered by Patty! Leave a comment on this post and she will choose one reader as the winner!!**

Interview:

Q. How were you first approached for designing a fabric line?
A. I got in contact with Kathy Miller (of Michael Miller Fabrics) through Sandi Henderson. I have known Sandi for quite a while since we both have a background in children's custom boutique. She encouraged me to work on some designs after she signed her deal with MMF because she knew of my graphic design background. I did a few designs... I think it was 5 or 6... and showed them to Sandi one night. She forwarded my email to Kathy Miller and the rest is history. I signed my fabric design contract with Michael Miller fabrics in April of this year.



Q. Do you often use the pms color chart?
A. I do. I've been using Pantone books for about 15 years now and pretty much keep one on my left hand at all times when designing anything. It's an invaluable tool for me.

Q. What software program(s) do you use to design your fabrics?
A. I use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Some of my designs are sketched by hand on paper, scanned into the computer and either cleaned up and colorized in Photoshop or turned into vector art in Illustrator. I usually play it by ear... if I want a more precise look, I recreate the design in Illustrator using paths and if I want a more "hand drawn" feel, then I just use the original digitized drawing and colorize it in Photoshop.



Q.How many yards of each colorway are printed?
A. The first run is usually 1,500 yards of each design, then if the line goes for a 2nd or 3rd printing the amount produced is normally determined by the demand.

Q.Will you do her own repeats?
A. I have always done my own repeats because I feel I have more control over the overall look of the fabrics this way.

Q. Do you have plans to design another line of fabric, and what are your other plans for the future in design?
A. Yes, I am currently working on my second line of fabric designs. I will keep the details of this line a secret for now while it is still in the baby stages, but as soon as I am able to share, I promise I will. I am also working on a collection of boutique sewing patterns due out in Spring of 2009. The plan is to have at least 4 - 6 patterns by the time Spring Quilt Market rolls around. But if I have these completed beforehand, I will definitely put them up for pre-order on my site! Oh, and my website... that's another big project I'm working on. The plan is to have a fully working e-commerce site by the time my patterns are released.

Q. Please tell us about your background, and experience in design/textiles:
A. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and Photography from the University of Central Florida. I worked professionally in the design field for 13 years before deciding to stay at home with my 2 girls in 2005. My obsession with sewing and textiles blossomed out of the need for a creative outlet while being at home with my children.



Q. Other than your own, what lines do you find inspiration?
A. OH, there are too many to mention, plus I wouldn't want to leave anyone out. But what I can say is that I find the most inspiration in the modern lines. I have always been drawn to modern design whether it is in textiles, architecture, furnishings, art or fashion. And I absolutely love when I see vintage or retro elements being combined with modern lines in a pleasing way.

Q. Can you please tell our readers where else they may find you on the web?
A. Sure! I am an avid blogger. You can find my blot at: Modkidboutique Blog.
I am in the process of revamping my website. I will post a link on my blog as soon as it is completed. In the meantime you can also find me on twitter at: Patty Young On Twitter and on flickr at: Patty Young on Flickr. If you have any items made with Andalucia fabrics, I would love for you to join my Andalucia flickr group at: Andalucia Flickr Group.


We'd like to thank Patty for the opportunity for this chance to get to know her better and for sharing some of her design techniques and history with us.
Don't forget...
Leave a comment on this post, and you may be chosen as the winner of an Andalucia fat quarter bundle!

E is for Elf!

We're making our way through the alphabet
and ...E is for ELF!

Designer Y spied with her little eye....

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade designery.etsy.com

Don't forget to send :DESIGNERY a convo on etsy and ask to be added to the growing list of her favorite Etsians!

And...If you're on Facebook, add designer Y to your friends
(Iam DesignerY)

Designer Y on Facebook

For news, contests, blurbs, features and also facebook friends only news!

A gift for the person who has everything?!

Designer Y thinks this is so cool!



A CHARITY Auction...

Stay Christmas Eve & Morning in the

"A Christmas Story" House!

Click on the picture to get the details!
Great Cause too!

Let's Get To Know: Fat Quarter Shop

The Fat Quarter Shop
is an online fabric addicts dream come true! Designer Y has been acquainted with this fantastic website for a couple of years and have never been displeased or couldn't find what I was looking for! I had an opportunity to interview Kimberly Jolly, owner and operator of The Fat Quarter Shop and I'd like to share our conversation with you AND....a coupon code, especially for readers of the Designing Minds Blog!

Take 20% off any order with this code: DESIGNINGMINDS
Offer Expires 3/31/2009 (Not valid w/any other offers, one time offer only)

Interview

Q. How long has the Fat Quarter Shop been in business and how did it all begin?

A. The business began in my spare time in 2003; during my past life in the corporate world. At that time, Fat Quarter Shop was a tiny operation run from my home.

Q. What is the one business tip you'd give women in business based on your experience?

A. Never become complacent in your work. Always be looking for ways to become better.

Q. What types of products do you make or carry?

A. We carry a huge selection of the newest and best quilting fabrics from the biggest manufacutrers, such as Moda, Lakehouse, Robert Kaufman, RJR Fabrics, Free Spirit, Michael Miller, Westminster. We also have a great range of pre-cut items and tons of exciting exclusive Fat Quarter Shop kits!

Q. What is the single most favorite thing about what you do?

A. I love getting to see new collections before they debut and planning new quilt kids and quilt clubs.

Q. Do you have a specialty or niche you are known for in the market?

A. Fat Quarter Shop specializes in pre-cut fabrics, which can make life so much easier. And, we're constantly adding to our inventory every day. We strive to have the best new stuff online before anyone else, and we ship super fast because we're very "now" people!

Q. What is your business philosophy or goal/mission statement in running your business?

A. We are adamant about only giving our customers the best of everything, from product to shipping to service. Shopping at Fat Quarter Shop should be an excellent experience, time and time again.

Lotsa Dots!

Allegro fabrics
has lotsa dots...all kinds of dots...
practically every fabric you can imagine with a dot on it!

I wanna be an ELF!

Designer Y spies with her little eye
Lots of Darling Elf Designs!


Check out all custom boutique "Elf" !

This one is from Painted_With_Grace
Cute Elf Top!
Handpainted in Santa's Workshop perhaps?



Click the picture to take a closer look!

Looking for some Nifty Gifts??

If you are a fan of Pettiskirts....You need this stocking!
Fur cuffed Leg Warmers.. festive and they look warm!
The coziest Mittens
sweet little Minkee bears
The ever popular Treasure Tote
and oodles more of the niftiest gifts under $50

Holy Schmolies!

25 of the most EYE POPPING listings on ebay right now........

LOOK


Click The Picture

Dog Lover On Your List?

Designer Y Spies with her little eye....

See what all the WOOF is about!

LOVE THEM!

Boutique Christmas Cards!

There is still time to order some of the most unique and memorable cards out there! If you haven't taken advantage of getting a truly unique holiday card, then you're missing out!
Take a look at some of these fab designs offered by artists on ebay...



(Sample of a gorgeous hand painted card by halfpintcreations, how cute is this?)





(Sample of samples of photo collage cards by Leeziebee, love the b & w!)


Click the pictures to see all the styles & packages that are available on ebay right now.
Nothing makes a statement that's more "YOU" than a custom designed and created holiday card from the heart of one of our very own talented designers!

A Heads Up For Your Designing Mom Mind...

At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

What does this mean for families like some of our readers?
You may not receive a television signal if you ...
a. don't have cable or satelite television
b. don't have a newer television with a digital tuner installed (most tv sets produced after 3/08 do have these inside, check dtv.gov for test dates so you can test your television(s) to see if they do or not, if not, they will need a converter box installed (or be connected to cable/satellite)

What to do if your television does not pass the test or you don't have cable/satellite:
Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:

1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

Designer Y applied online at DTV Gov Apply for Coupon for a coupon for a Television in my son's room that does not have cable and it only took a minute. The coupon is expected to ship in about 3 weeks and shipping will take 2 weeks. I will have 90 days to redeem the coupon and I can take it to any place that sells electronics. Most converters range in cost from $25-$70 and each coupon is valued at $40 so I shouldn't have to pay anything for the converter. Some families may be overlooking a television in a guest room or vacation home etc so think ahead!

I hope this was helpful to our readers! For more info, go to
Digital Television Transition Project

Christmas chenille

I can think of at least one holiday
where this chenille would be useful!

Damask and Dots from Designer Y!

Designer Y spies with her little eye..."D" is for Damask and Dots!

Etsy Buy Handmade designery

***CHECK OUT THIS LAUNCH!**

Search NieRecovery on Ebay Thru Nov. 15

Ivylane for the Holidays!

click the pictures or HERE





Take a gander at all the designs Ivylane is offering for the upcoming holidays

And the Winner is

President Obama
So how are you feeling? How will an Obama presidency affect your family.

I am going to start us off by saying I voted McCain/Palin. I really studied the two and the one thing I believe McCain would do is bring us closer to energy independence. We have 100 years or more of coal, natural gas and oil we can be utilizing in this country. In Alaska Sarah Palin had already gotten the ball rolling on bringing Natural gas to the lower 48. I agreed with their energy policies. The best thing for our country is to be energy independent. We need to use and create ways of using solar, and wind, but that may take many years. Using our own sources of gas and oil in the mean time is a nobrainer. BUT Obama only said he would consider drilling, said he will bankrupt the coal industry, and that was why I went the way I did . Now that he is elected I really hope that is one issue he flip flops on, because I really do believe energy independence is the way to secure our country, and if he doesn't start drilling offshore, China will be here shortly. IMHO

Romeo, Romeo, Where for art thou?

Right here....SILLY!!!

BOUTIQUE BOOSI has this DARLING
Romeo coat listed on ebay this week!
OMG, I am in LOVE

(is that hat called a Capulet?
he he he, designer Y is cracking herself up today)




Click the pic to get your bid on ladies!

I voted!

Did you??
I made this nifty icon for you to use
(a virtual I voted sticker!)

Copy:
<a href="http://www.designing-minds.blogspot.com"></a><img src="http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii105/shellypint/ivoted.png" border="0" />

Election day fun for the FUTURE VOTERS

Ok all you crafty Moms!
if you're looking for something fun to do with your kids to commemorate one of the most memorable general elections in recent memory, here are some fun ideas for
Mom & Me time!
(courtesty of www.caboose.com)


What you'll need:

* Frozen juice can lid
* White acrylic paint
* Paintbrush
* Felt: red, white and blue
* Scissors
* Glitter star stickers
* Pin back
* White craft glue
* Black marker
* Pattern

How to make it:

1. Place the juice can lid on to a piece of red felt. Trace the lid onto the felt and set aside.
2. Paint the juice can lid with white acrylic paint and set aside to dry.
3. Cut out the patterns, the larger piece from blue felt and the smaller piece from white felt.
4. Glue the white felt cutout onto the blue felt cutout.
5. Add another coat of white paint to the juice lid if needed and allow to dry.
6. Take the red felt that you traced the lid onto and cut a scallop (wavy) design around the trace line.
7. When juice lid is completely dry, glue it to the red scalloped felt.
8. Glue the blue and white felt to the back of the red felt.
9. Use a black marker to write “future voter!” on the juice lid.
10. Decorate with star stickers.
11. Glue a pin back to the back of the red felt and let dry.

Tips:

* Voting is important and many young citizens don’t take part. Do your part to educate your child about the importance of voting.
* If you don't have a juice lid, you can always use a round of white felt for the center of the pin and fabric paint to write on the felt instead of using marker on the juice lid.

And we have Winners!

Paula H has won a starbucks gift card
comment number 68
Betsy Also won a Starbucks gift card
Comment number 150
And the winner of the cards is
Loralynn is the winner of the Christmas Cards
We had 294 entrants wow!
Thanks everyone for taking part of the giveaway
Congratulations Ladies!!

This is so CLUTCH!

Designer Y has been making her way (albeit leisurely)
through the alphabet on Etsy finding some of the
coolest handmade items!

We started with A for Apples,
B for Bailey (Heather Bailey)
and now we're on C for ...Clutch!

I've fallen head over heels for the
trendiest style of handbag, the awesome clutch.

They range in style and design but they're so hip!

These are some of Y's faves:

Dino-Mite!

Designer Y spies with her little eye...
lots of adorable Dino designs!

(by Magical*Hope*boutique)



(Little*Red*Bird)





(Spoiled_Silly_Shop)

These cute boy's dino items can be found
on ebay right now!

Saw my first

official Christmas commercial last night
for OVERSTOCK.com
at least they waited until after midnight