Featured Designer Kate Johnson of Monkeysbug Patterns

I'm happy to announce that our current featured designer is Kate Johnson of Monkeysbug Patterns.  Kate is not only an awesomely talented designer, she is also a camping enthusiast, and incredibly generous - she is offering our readers 30% off EVERYTHING in her shop with  the discount code: REVOLUTION  through next Sunday on www.monkeysbug.com

.Go check it out - and t ell us which patterns are your favorite! 

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For several years now I've been a part of the online sewing community. I've had opportunities to get to know many designers, interact with them in groups, and see how they relate to other fans and customers. If there is one thing that I personally can say about Kate of Monkeybug, it is that she is ALWAYS friendly and professional.  I guess that's why her average feedback on Etsy is 5 stars, because she deserves it!

Below you'll find my interview with Kate and all the photos submitted by her adoring fans. Enjoy!

Can you give me a little background about yourself? 

I'm Kate. I'm a book fiend, dog lover, history buff, aspiring photographer, married mama of two. I'm not a girly girl, which is ironic, since I love to make girly clothes. I hated wearing dresses as a kids, and my current uniform is generally jeans, tee shirt and converse. But, I have an obsession with fabric that weighs heavily on my bookshelves. I find beautiful fabric irresistible. Fortunately for me, my family is understanding of my obsession. 

Who taught you to sew and when? 

My mom tried to teach me to sew when I was a kid, but I didn't have any interest. I was an outdoorsy tomboy, and sewing wasn't happening. Of course, that all changed when my first baby was born. Then I went running back to mama to teach me how to thread my secondhand machine. Between my mom, web tutorials, and the painful death of many, many yards of innocent fabric I became a reasonably proficient seamstress. 

How did you get started in design? 

After trying my hand at paper patterns when I was new to sewing, I realized that sewing doesn't need to be painful. The simple step-by-step instructions and photos of online tutorials appealed to me. Between that and a burning desire to keep my babies in comfortable, age-appropriate clothes, a designer was born.   

How long have you been doing it? 

My first pattern was released in 2007. I started out slowly, but I now have over 40 patterns. 

What inspires you? 

For the longest time, my daughter's interests were the inspiration for my patterns. I parlayed sewing for her with designing new patterns. Her whims were my motivation. Now that she is a big kid, I had to dig a little deeper. I'm still drawn to comfortable, simple designs. I love to design clothes that kids want to wear as soon as they're out of the laundry. 

What are your future plans for your shop? 

As well as continuing with the sweet, little girl clothes I'm drawn to, I want to spend more energy working on tween and teen styles. Kids outgrow handmade clothes too early. Trendier patterns could keep kids and mamas happier longer. 

Is there anything you want our readers to know?

My pattern-making goal has always been to get people over their fear of jumping into the sewing world. There are too many gorgeous fabrics to be scared away by the process. Almost all of my patterns are written for beginners, because everyone should experience the joy of walking out of a fabric store with enough fabric to be considered a workout. 

Check out these gorgeous fan photos! Credits (in no particular order): Sarah Upshaw, Bridgett Wright, Deb Whitehead, Carrie Burnett, Crystal Thoreson, Tami Meyer, Lawren Galloway, Kymy Johnson, Mommy's Apron Strings- Lisa, Fagan Noriega, Heather Benton, Ashley Talbot, Elizabeth Pires, Holly Mc O, Brenda Howson, and Nicole Phillips.

Featured Designer: Susan of Kikoi Patterns

Our Featured Designer to kick off August is Susan fro Kikoi Patterns.  I was first introduced to Susan when we worked together on the Review of her Polka Dots Dress - what an adorable number!/  She is just as sweet as can be and specializes in easy to wear modern clothing with a bit of a vintage flair for all the girls in your life.  I have quite a few of her patterns on my 'To Sew' list - starting with that Polka Dots Dress.  Susan is offering a wonderful discount to all of our readers.  Buy one Pattern - Get One Free!!!!  Who doesn't love a BOGO????  All you have to do is add one item to your cart, then say 'hey, I am here from Pattern Revolution and I would like X pattern free' .  That easy!   

This offer is good for the WHOLE MONTH OF AUGUST!

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Hi there, I'm Susan, a designer, illustrator, Pilates lover & proud mom. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate, because my job, such as it is, simply entails doing what I love. I’m lucky enough to work with an amazing team of designers and developers on making and constructing sewing patterns. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the sewing. 

This is Susan...so so pretty  - and nice, more importantly NICE!

These are some of my favorite patterns:

1. Harem pants (https://www.etsy.com/listing/153254209/harem-pants-pattern-for-girls-children?ref=shop_home_active) - they are very comfortable and suitable for jumping around.

2. Black bow pants (https://www.etsy.com/listing/130502019/girls-pants-pattern-pdf-elegant-black?ref=shop_home_active) -  the black bow makes this pants very elegant and stylish.

3. Retro shirt (https://www.etsy.com/listing/150807111/retro-shirt-pattern-pdf-toddler-sewing?ref=shop_home_active) - This is my bestseller and my personal favorite.

4. Sailor shirt/dress (https://www.etsy.com/listing/155912890/sailor-dress-pattern-2-in-1-girls-summer?ref=shop_home_active) - By using this pattern you can make shirt with big yellow bow or above knee sailor dress.

I am inspired by modern elegant design, especially by young indie designers and their fresh ideas. (MIDSArtwear, girlishstyle...).

Happy sewing :)

Susan

Featured Designer- Lisa from Funktional Threads

Hi everybody! I am so pleased to have the opportunity to tell you a little more about today's featured designer, Lisa Williams from Funktional Threads. Although she is relatively new to the pattern scene, Lisa is no stranger to the boutique world. Her one of a kind works of art have been worn by hundreds of thrilled customers including myself. I kid you not, I have considered framing the hand appliquéd custom she made for my son as part of his room decor.
	Lisa has long been drafting patterns to use for her customers, but finally caved in to pressure from her fans and friends. She began creating easy-to-sew and embellish patterns so that we can fulfill our creative vision and sew like rockstars too! Lisa's patterns are available in her Etsy shop. She is a premiere designer in the ever expanding genre of knits, but also excels at woven designs which are stunning without embellishment yet provide the perfect canvas for appliqué work.
Some of my personal favorite patterns have been the Zoe and Audrey skirts, the Lauren and Rachel dresses, and most recently the Leilani top, which I had the pleasure of testing and is scheduled for release soon. Lisa's signature is the way she always provides multiple options, so that the only limit is your imagination. My only warning is that her patterns are highly addictive, so watch out - you'll always be hungry for more! Whether your style is euro, Traditional, funky, modern or eclectic I promise these will become your "go to" patterns- they are certainly mine:) ~ Nicole Crean
Ever have one of those patterns that you absolutely cannot wait to sew? I do. It’s the Lauren dress by Funktional Threads. I love the countless ways to make it unique. It is really well written! The pictures and step-by-step directions make it seem like a piece of cake to sew up, even for a beginner like me. ~ Kari Steiger
	This is the Grace Ruffle Dress pattern, from Funktional Threads. It is so sweet, and I love how it turned out. Best part-Loo loved it too. ~ Evelyn Griffin
Lisa of Funktional Threads is one of my absolute favorite pattern designers. Her patterns are unique and include many options making the pattern itself a great value. She also goes above and beyond if there is a step you don't understand or if you have any other questions regarding the patterns. ~ Kelly St. Gelais
	My daughter just loves her Leilani Flounce Top. The top is still in testing, but this is already her 2nd one and she is insisting on having a third. It's super comfy and fits great - and helps me use up all those old t-shirts I have by the heaps. The best thing though, has to be all the options - my favorite feature about Lisa's patterns! ~ Amanda Simon
I must admit that I am a brand spanking new fan of Funktional Threads. I had the opportunity to test the Christina Patchwork Skirt and fell in love when I saw it's fluffy-ruffly sweetness on my baby girl. Lisa is not only a great designer who gives loads of versatility within her patterns - but also a designer who truly listens to the feedback of her testers and customers. I may only own three of her patterns so far, but I know that I will be sewing these (and hopefully many more) for years to come! ~ Suzanne Winter blogs at Winter Wonderings...
	The Rachel Upcycle pattern was one the first patterns that I really understood how to deal with knit properly! The pattern is wonderfully written at the beginner level. After only a few times of making it you will be feeling like an expert!! I’ve made so many of them now I’ve lost count! The pattern is simple enough I can make a dress in a matter of a couple of hours, start to finish! Love it, it’s by far my favorite pattern right now! ~ Nicole Cantwell
I have completed two of Funktional threads patterns. I love them both! The best part about them is that there are so many different options that you can make from these patterns. The instructions are explained in great detail and the accompanying pictures are very helpful. My favorite is all the hints that the designer gives. They are so helpful and I learned new and easier ways to do things. These patterns are perfect for any skill level! ~ Jennifer Zegowitz
	I am an avid pattern buyer and Funktional Threads has amazing patterns. I have seen behind the scenes a little pattern testing from her and let me tell you she leaves no stone un-turned. All of her patterns are very well written, easy to follow,and dont have those confusing moments where you are trying to decide exactly what it is the pattern writer means for you to do! I would recommend any of her patterns in a heart beat and I have many on my list todo and have done list! ~ Amy Schwartzkopf