Meet Gretchen "Gertie" Hirsch from Creativebug on Vimeo.
Have you all heard about Creativebug? They are a super cool new San Francisco-based company that produces online craft and DIY videos. They have a host of amazing teachers like Natalie Chanin, Heather Ross, Anna Maria Horner, and Liesl Gibson, so of course I was psyched when they asked me to be involved. One of the first things they did was come out to my place in Beacon, NY, and shoot a trailer which you can view above. It's kind of a mini-documentary where I got to talk all about sewing and feminism--and also try to get my pets on camera as much as possible. (Look for Rosie at 00:19! She's wearing a hot pink felt rose!)
Then last week I got to go out to San Francisco (which only my New York pride is keeping me from declaring the best city ever) and film a whopping four workshops. Yesterday, the first was released! It's a class on how to make these super cute retro tap pants. (If you click the link, you can watch the intro for free.)
Tomorrow, a second workshop will be released that shows you how to sew a petersham ribbon facing on a pencil skirt. This is a great alternative to a fabric facing, especially in thick winter wools (like the amazing plaid Harris tweed you see below).
I hope you enjoy the new workshops!
That is a really nice video - you introduce and explain yourself very clearly.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely produced, congratulations to everyone involved!!
I really like the idea of playing up our femininity as feminists. And the liberation of making ones own garments is fantastic, especially for us not-small women! You're truly inspiring. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely video, I enjoyed hearing about your beginnings with sewing and why you started. And being a native of SF, I can officially declare SF the best city ever (then again, I'm super biased since I haven't been to NYC yet)!
ReplyDeleteIts such a lovely video! I love what you are talking about! So looking forward to joining creativebug! Thanks for the discount!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Sunni
What an amazing site! I love that I can have immediate access to not just your tap pants class (which is exactly what I wanted to sew this week with some awesome berry rayon lining from my stash) but also a fan Anna Maria Horner maxi skirt, and Debbie Stoller showing my how to knit cables! It's the indie craftgirl's dream come true really!
ReplyDeleteI love the video intro, it's so stylized, but you come across perfectly as you.
Hi Gertie, I just wanted to let you know I received a review copy of your book from Abrams and I love it! I can't wait to bone up on my skills and hopefully sew a pencil skirt. Thank you for being such an inspiration. I have a book review on my blog with a giveaway: http://www.aestheticnest.com/2012/09/review-gerties-new-book-for-better.html
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I tweeted your giveaway earlier!
DeleteGertie, I watched the tap pant workshop yesterday and loved it. You are so darn cute on camera and an excellent teacher.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering: can I use the tap pant pattern to draft a pajama pant or even a sweat pant (or would a sweat pant need a bit more ease)?
I'm super long-legged and every year am faced with the seemingly impossible task of finding lounge wear pieces that are long enough for me.
Looking forward to seeing more from you on Creativebug!
Oh that's so great to hear! And yes, you could definitely draft pants from this. Just make sure that you measure each leg opening to see if you'll have enough thigh room. If not, you can add more ease at the hips and then extend that line down.
DeleteAll of the above applies to me too, I would say - I enjoy your Craftsy classes, the book is ordered (here in The Netherlands) and on its way, and I love the video and your sense of style. Congratulations on this new step! So glad we'll be hearing and seeing more from you.
ReplyDeleteMonique
You're too sweet! So glad you're enjoying the book!
ReplyDeleteNice couch!
ReplyDeleteJust got your book yesterday and have already recommended it on my blog to my readers, of whom many are interested in sewing. I think it's an excellent book. I love the design, the thought behind it, the patterns and the dresses.
ReplyDeleteGood job!
Oh I love your clothes! Love the red and white polka dot blouse. Just adorable! I just bought you coat pattern and the dress pattern from butterick and am waiting on my copy of you book! Can't wait til they all arrive!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a natural at the video classes it's amazing! I just adore your site and your sense of style for sure! You are an inspiration for my sewing room as well!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely video. I loved seeing you in action and I like this creativebug website a lot. I might try it out! Thanks for the discount.
ReplyDeleteGertie, thank you for the discount, looking forward to joining creativebug . Love all the stuff you do you're such a great teacher! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
ReplyDeleteHow nice to see you "in person. :-)
ReplyDeleteCharming, knowledgeable and fun, you got it goin' on!
I so wish I had the money to join! You inspire me in so many different ways. I love that you get to teach people how to do things themselves for a living!
ReplyDeletewhat a gorgeous intro video! Gertie, you're fabulous, you stay at dressmaking as Madonna stay at pop music! you're definetely my sewing Diva ever! I run out of money this month, but I will sign up for this next month! congratulations! and ehy, I received my copy of your book this week, it's perfect :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely video! I loved watching you in your studio, and house, and yard, and loved hearing you talk about your background! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I bought two copies of your book (one for me and one as a gift), and it is beautiful. Congratulations on your book-baby, you did well!)
squeee! i am so excited for you. and so hyped. you are the cutest sexiest thing on legs and even though im probably 15 years older than you, i want to be you when i grow up lol. ;)
ReplyDeleteeverything you do in so beautiful and inspiring. congrats on this new deal!
i'll stop going all fan girl on you now ;P
You got a great point of view in that documentary. Women should be taken seriously undependent on what they wear, especially if they want to dress feminine!
ReplyDeleteGertie,
ReplyDeleteI love how you speak with a voice that empowers your craft. It was a pleasure to watch your video, and I will definitely give Creative Bug a try.
Did you make a video that shows us how to make that beautiful blue dress (looks like satin...) you wear on the blog of creativebug??
ReplyDeleteWhy yes! Yes I do! I'm not sure if it's coming out next week or the week after, but I will keep you updated! :) Glad you like it.
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ReplyDeleteCongratulation! You have been such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI love that you have the tap pants video, it's like you were reading my mind. I've been wanting to make some for a while now but I'm stumped on material to use. I've looked at lining fabrics at my local store but they all seem too stiff and I'm looking for something more slip-like. Do you have any suggestions on where to find what I'm looking for?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete~Sewjourner
i didn't have to watch the video, signed up and after a few errands, will enjoy getting into it.
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