Indygo Junction
This is a long post………but you’re gonna want to read it. Trust me.
You know when you meet someone and you instantly feel comfortable? That’s the way I felt when I met Amy at The Creative Connection. I was charmed! I was asked to attend TCC as a Social Media “corespondent”. My job was to gather information, have fun with Laurie (tip junkie) and Cindy (skip to my lou), tweet, have a twitter party, take a few videos, have more fun with Cindy and Laurie. It was a great time!
Well in one of the first panels we were “covering”, we got there early because we’re so professional……we saw a group of rather hip women gathered all chatting. We figured quickly they must be the gals on the panel.
While admiring all the different styles, Cindy leaned over and said “get a pic of that gal in the vintage jumper”.So I did……because I always do everything Cindy says. It was SO cute! As well as the person wearing it. Well that person was Amy Barickman.And little did I know we’d be chattin up a storm at a cocktail party later. What a SWEET SWEET person.Very Charming indeed.
While admiring all the different styles, Cindy leaned over and said “get a pic of that gal in the vintage jumper”.So I did……because I always do everything Cindy says. It was SO cute! As well as the person wearing it. Well that person was Amy Barickman.And little did I know we’d be chattin up a storm at a cocktail party later. What a SWEET SWEET person.Very Charming indeed.
I knew she was talented because she had a book out……..and I figured it was all on sewing……..so I didn’t worry too much about getting a book, since I didn’t sew. Well SHUT THE DOOR MABLE………It’s more than sewing……and I recently found out she is also the creator of the Vintage Workshop CDs.
Images from The Vintage Workshop and NOW I know her!!!I. HAVE. EVERY. ONE! I love them. I wish I would have known that then. But probably best I didn’t……I may have kissed her or knocked her over with the excitement fans have. She would have thought I was a nut case……hopefully she didn’t think that anyway.
Well, I got to do an interview with her!
ME: 1. First of all, I LOVE your style. I met you at The Creative Connection and my media partner and I were admiring your dress before one of the panels you spoke on. She even had me take your photo without you knowing. Do you have a favorite place you like to shop for vintage fabrics?
AMY: First off, thank you for the dress comment. That’s very flattering. My style has always been influenced and inspired by the talented artists and designers I collaborate with. Whether it be jewelry or clothing, I love to wear it, share it and sell it!! The dress I had on was one of Mary Ann Dozes patterns, Mod Top and Tunic I believe. Here is the link to the Mod Top and Tunic pattern (actually she wore a dress to the cocktail party from this pattern) As to fabrics, the obvious places are antique malls, estate sales, etc. I’ve found some wonderful fabrics there. One place that people may not have considered are quilting & sewing expos. Often, there are vintage fabric dealers that bring in some wonderful bolts and samples.
ME: 2. Are you a collector of all things vintage?
AMY: My collecting of vintage items is more of an addiction really. I’m obsessed by all things vintage. I love the thrill of the find and of taking it a step further by translating a vintage item into a modern product. Then, of course, I have to share it all…the find, the process, the product. I love having a blog to share it all on.I’ve also worked quite hard at integrating my obsession and my businesses too! Why not kill two birds with one stone? I am always searching for practical and functional items that could become great Indygo Junction patterns. For example, aprons are always on my list when I am out hunting. Another example would be children’s books with wonderful line art, many of which have been sourced for embroidery books like “A Stitch in Time with Mother Goose.” I’m also always looking for ideas for my fabric line with Red Rooster. My most recent vintage obsession is the Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences and it’s founder, Mary Brooks Picken. Years ago, I fell in love with the vintage artwork on the pages of their instructional books and newsletters. Once I started reading the essays and content, I knew my mission was to write a book to preserve, honor and share the story of this amazing woman and her institution. This is what produced my latest book “Vintage Notions.” Mary and The Institute not only taught a variety of home arts and the joy that can be found in everyday activities, they also were extremely focused on encouraging women’s entrepreneurism. They believed that anyone could turn talent into a means to improve your economic situation. “Sewing for Profit”, an Institute title, is the title of one of my most treasured books in my collection.
ME: 3. You’re the brain child behind Indygo Junction. Can you explain what people will find there?
AMY: Indygo Junction is a pattern and book publishing company. We offer a wide range of patterns and books, most of which we publish in-house. We deal in all sorts of techniques – quilting, sewing & embroidery. Two books we recently published, “Buttonware” and “Hankie Style,” are focused on two of my favorite vintage collections! We are also planning to expand Indygo’s offerings, adding many more of the products and supplies related to the patterns we publish. As well, a blog will be launching soon on IndygoJunction.com so be sure to sign up for our enews to be kept in the loop on all things Indygo Junction.
ME: 4. Do you make most of your clothing?
AMY: Surprisingly, I currently do not make any of it. Maybe someday…but right now it’s mostly about finding the time. I have two elementary age children and any extra hours I have are spent with them. I do still sew, but it’s almost exclusively with my eight-year old daughter. Recently, we worked on a pillow. She even mentioned last night that she would like to make her own clothes. I am hoping she continues to interested in sewing as I think it is a wonderful distraction from all of the technology in her life, not to mention the self-esteem it builds!When I wear Indygo Junction patterns, like the Mod Top or my other favorite, the Over the Top Tunic, I usually have the designer make up a sample for me.The fun part is choosing great fabrics. This season has the best selection of fabrics for fashion sewing that I have seen in the market in my 20 years in the biz.
ME: 5. What is your favorite thing to make right now?
AMY: This year, I have been focused on Christmas Ornaments, making some with my kids to give as gifts. Last week we made stacked button ornaments – a reindeer and snowman. This past week I found another fun idea at a local antique mall that uses wooden spools. I’m hoping I can try those out soon and post on my blog before Christmas.
ME: 6. What are you hoping people will take away from reading your latest book?
AMY: On a creative level, I hope that “Vintage Notions” inspires people to bring more beauty and enjoyment into their everyday activities. I hope it encourages folks to seek joy in simplest of activities – like arranging flowers or setting a pretty table. Also I hope it inspires people to embrace some of the vintage activities like sewing and embroidery. Go out and try something new!I also hope that the book moves people to reflect upon Mary Brooks Picken’s everyday philosophy for life. Throughout, I have shared it via her essays in each chapter. A peer of Mary’s described Mary’s philosophy and teachings as “Living a contented and gracious life.” I would hope this for everyone.Finally, I hope that “Vintage Notions” will encourage women, as The Institute did, to build communities around the domestic arts & share with friends the joys they find thru the home arts. When The Institute was at its peak, Institute Clubs were chartered across the country. I hope “Vintage Notions” could encourage that kind of activity. I also hope the book is a catalyst for woman to make new friends through their creativity. We’ve heard through our retailers that many women are buying an additional copy to give as a gift. This is the perfect way to start or nurture a community of creativity and the home arts.
I hope you all enjoyed Amy’s interview!
About Kim
Kim is the author of Today's Creative Blog where she brings you the best creative blogs out there. Being ranked #5 for overall best Craft Blog, she has featured over 500 blogs.
I would love to win the book!
Oh, this must be a great book! I’m in for this one. I’ll keep my fingers csossed:)
Greetings.
count me in on any type of sewing and i love vintage style anything!
What an interesting interview! Thanks for giving us the chance to learn more about Amy … fascinating! I can hardly wait to try some of her ideas!
What a neat book, I’d love to win!
What a great post! Thanks for sharing. And thanks for the chance to win.
Oh, how I love EVERYTHING this woman touches!!! Would love to win!!!
I love vintage! I’d love to win this book!
What a wonderful looking book! Of course I would love to win it! Thanks for sharing, Kim!
I am intrigued! Love vintage fabrics….
This looks like a promissing book- I would love to win it. Have a nice day.
I’d love to win!!! I have some Indygo Junction patterns that I’ve used over the years…..love them!
I would love to win this book! What a fun read!
I love that in a time when life it getting so “virtual” with computers, rather than hands on, that there are people out there that are reintroducing us to the domestic arts. I would love a copy of this book. Whether I am chosen or not thank you for introducing it and Amy to me.
~~Nik
What a special book. Would love to win a copy!!
I’d love this book!!
I have used several Indigo Junction patterns, and loved them. Would love to win a copy of this book.
A cup of tea and this book sounds like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
What a fun interview! I must say, many of the patterns you’ve shown look a LOT like patterns I sewed for myself “back in the day.” I’ve got to get over to Amy’s site and enjoy!
Blessings
That book is on my Santa list! It would be swell to be the winner.
We just got this book in at our library and I was browsing it the other day. I’d love to win a copy of my own!
woww I would love to win the book!!
I would love to win this book.
Fab giveaway! Ooooh – that book looks so neat! Thanks for doing this. Cheers!
what an awesome give away – WOW – keeping my fingers crossed~!~
How fun! I love it!
Great book; thanks for the opportunity!
Oh how cute – all of it!!! I love crafty stuff and this book seems like the perfect excuse to indulge myself
amber (afren07@gmail.com)
Way cool book and interview. Hope I win!
I dearly love that tunic pattern! Great giveaway!
Great giveaway, great interview! Thanks for sharing – please count me in for the giveaway!
I am a subscriber. Thanks, mamatkins@hotmail.com
Just looking at the beautiful cover makes you want to see more.
I’d love to win it!
Thanks, Kim, for featuring Amy’s book. I LOVE vintage and use lots of vintage buttons on my handmade hats.
I would love to win this book!
Beautiful book! I would love to win this book. I would put it to a great use.
Thank you for this great opportunity.
Gayle Taylor
gaylememories@sbcglobal.net
I have wanted this book for sometime. I hope I win. Pick me, pick me, (hand wavying in the air).
)
This would be a fun and inspiring read, I could use it right now!
ah! i’d love to win this book! and i love her dress! heehee!
I couldn’t ask for a better Christmas gift (for me)
Thanks so much for this giveaway! -amy
What a neat book! I’d love to win!
I love this post!! And I would love to win this book
Simply adorable ideas!
I would love to win this book!
Sounds wonderful, I sure would love to win.
I would love to win this book!
Count me in to win.
Sounds really interesting! I’d love to win it.
Wow I really hope I win this one!
I love vintage and this book would be a wonderful addition to my library! Thanks for the chance to win.
I’m loving that tunic pattern that you show. Looks like a great book and a sweet woman.
Wow, this looks like a lovely book! I’ll put my name into the hat!
What a fun interview! I’ll have to look for that book….I HEART all things vintage!
This sounds like an interesting book. I’d love to win it. I enjoy checking your site each day.
I didn’t know that the Vintage Workshop and Indygo Junction were the creations of the same people. I love her style too!
Oh, how I love vintage. She’s got some mad talent!!!
I NEED this book! It looks incredible.
A friend brought this book to one of our craft club meetings and it was super cute. I really love vintage textiles and notions.
Loved the interview. I like her patterns and designs. I have a couple of her crafting patterns and also some of her art cd’s. So very creative!
The more I read about this book around blogland, the more I want to own it!
I have used Indigo Junction patterns for years. Nice to put a face with ideas.
Oooh! That book is right up my alley! Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to win this giveaway!
I looked and looked at her book at the Creative Connection and just didn’t get it … maybe this is why, the possibility of winning it!
This would be a great book to explore with my daughters (handy excuse for their mom to handle a lovely resource for channeling hankering for vintage textiles)! I so appreciate Amy’s dedication to highlighting home arts.
Our Florida vacation.
I’ve been eying that book, and i’d just love to win a copy!
Great interview. Would love to dive into that book!
Look at you doing two giveaways in a row! Thanks!
That looks like such a fun book. I love that tree skirt in the picture.
Thanks for bringing Indygo Junction and Vintage Workshop to my attention. I love anything vintage and am happy to find Amy. Thanks for doing a giveaway!!!
What a great interview! I first read about Amy about a month ago. It was fun to learn more about her.
I love vintage. That is my kind of book, would love to win.
My best friend pointed this book out the other day at the store…we’re two midwesterners who found ourselves out here in the Pacific Northwest. SHE is the one that is the answer to the “You know when you meed someone and you instantly feel comfortable?” She’s my best friend, she’s my 2:00 o’clock in the morning phone call friend, my voice of reason, my “you can do this” voice, my “up to no-good girl-fun” goodwill shopping buddy. And so much more. If I won this book…..she’s gonna get this!!!!!!
I would love a copy thank you for the chance!