Catching up with Amy Barickman

I just love that our community let’s me combine two of my favorite things; friends and sewing!  Today, Amy Barickman from Indygo Junction is stopping by for a visit during National Sewing Month.  You might remember me chatting about her latest book Dimensional Denim a few weeks ago.

Let me start off by giving some background-

I first met Amy a few years back at The Creative Connection Event.  Actually, to be more specific, I think I chatted with her mom more. She was looking so cute in one of Amy’s latest Indygo Junction patterns and what caught my eye was the styke tag hanging from the back collar. I just couldn’t help myself and had to chat with her. (Talk about brilliant marketing!)

Amy’s talent and interests span 3 brands: Indygo Junction, AmyBarickman.com, Vintage Marketplace  and let’s not forget you can add these key words to her resume: author, pattern & fabric designer, treasure hunter and most importantly mother. (Honestly, the list goes on!)

Over the years, Amy and I have continued to cross paths at different events and one thing that always seem to impress me the most is just how down to earth and relaxed she is.  I mean, when you look at the amount of patterns she has designed and published, you know she is one busy bee!

Please give her a warm welcome as we take a peek at what’s happening inside her world these days!

 

 Who inspired you to start stitching?

Amy: My mom giving me my first sewing lesson! (Fast forward) My daughter Emma and I at an Indygo Junction photo shoot. I hope that she is as inspired by my creative spirit, as I was by my mother. Emma is wearing the Kitchen Shirt Tales apron and I am wearing the Perfect Pullover.

 

What is your favorite project?

Amy: Crossroads Couch
In 2013 I launched my Crossroads Denim fabric line, fulfilling my dream of creating a line of gorgeous colored denim that is suitable for home decor and garment sewing.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am always looking back to our sewing sisters from the past to look forward–Vintage made Modern is our mantra for AmyBarickman.com. For years I have collected magazines, books, and vintage patterns that inspired many of our Indygo Junction books and patterns. From a vintage Mother Goose embroidered quilt that I bought a flea market to apron patterns I might find on Ebay I am always on the hunt for items that will light that spark of inspiration. For instance, I have quite a collection of vintage bandanas that inspired by my SoHo Bandana fabric line.

The search for timeless and endearing vintage content led me to discover Mary Brooks Picken and the school she founded, The Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences. I was compelled to share Mary’s story once I started collecting the schools sewing courses and Inspiration newsletters. The material from these publications had a timeless quality that I felt would appeal to the modern DIY audience. This led to the creation of my favorite project; my book Vintage Notions Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion & Fun.

Mary’s work still inspires me today. I recently released The Magic Pattern Book, which was inspired by Mary’s column The Magic Pages, which were instructions for creating patterns from diagrams for garments and accessories. Both Vintage Notions and The Magic Pattern Book are featured in our giveaways for The Sewing Loft! (Did you just catch that? Total insider info….. These goodies are part of  the National Sewing Month Giveaway.)

Inside Skinny-

• You can sign-up for Amy’s newsletter to stay in the loop on her “Vintage Notions” journey. AmyBarickman.com will be constantly evolving with new unique images, patterns and projects to inspire your sewing spirit. Amy offers free projects, vintage images, and tons of inspiration!  Be sure and stop by for a visit.

Did you know that???

• Amy has published over 1000 patterns?  Talk about busy!! Ranging from clothing to household decor with everything in-between.
• Amy’s started out running her own Teddy Bear business in high school.
• The entrepreneurial spirit runs in her family? That’s right, her mother owned a creative shop in West Des Moines, Iowa.
• And she is hosting a Magic Pattern Design Challenge?  I hope you all enter! 

Isn’t she just amazing! Be sure to keep up with Amy’s adventure here:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

 

Stay tuned for more inspiring women during National Sewing Month.

 

 

 

Hello! Are you new to The Sewing Loft?

If so, I’m glad you stopped by and hope that something has inspired you to keep your needle moving!  Don’t miss a single project and subscribe via email HERE! Bonus- free embroidery pattern with newsletter sign up.  Another great way to connect with me is via Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+ or Follow my blog with Bloglovin.  I’m looking forward to getting to know you and creating together!