I can't wait to see custom clothing designer, Sandi Henderson's first line of fabric, “Ginger Blossom”, this week at Quilt Market. I have seen Sandi’s fun and colorful, children’s clothing spotlighted all over blogland and on her own blog at Portabello Pixie.

She was invited to design fabric less than one year ago…and here is her debut line. 

Here is a sneak peek of the line and a post written by Sandi:

“Let’s start at the beginning.  When I was 16 I took my first job at the local fabric store.  I loved folding and stacking the fabrics and a life-long love affair with the world of textiles began.  That was when I really started sewing, creating skirts and various projects for myself.  I remember sewing my senior prom dress and that project cementing in my mind that handmade is best.

When my daughter was born, I found a new project to sew, children’s clothing.  The satisfaction in seeing my daughter wear my clothing spawned the start of my business, Portabellopixie, 2 years ago.  I am seldom asked why “Portabellopixie.”  I wanted to create a word that felt like me.  Portabello comes from Portobello Road, which to me means eclectic, a mix of vintage and new. Pixie is for fun and colorful.  The word describes me perfectly!   I have so enjoyed the time spent creating custom garments for my customers loved ones all over the world. It has been such a joy, and only deepened my love for fine fabrics. 

About a year ago I had the pleasure to meet up with Heather Bailey via blogland and after an inspiring phone call (in my stairwell, I can still see it) I put together a portfolio of artwork and designs and submitted the work to fabric manufacturers.  I signed a contract with Michael Miller and have spent the last 5 months putting the finishing touches on Ginger Blossom, my debut line of fabric.

The line is being released at Quilt Market this October 27-29^th.  Ginger Blossom is an eclectic sampling of my favorite things.  I didn’t take specific inspiration from anywhere; I just created art I loved.

When I look at the line, I feel I am looking at a little bit of myself.  Vintage flair with a fresh and fun twist.  The colors of the line are what you will find me surrounding myself with.

The line has two colorways, Blush and Fresh.  Blush is a colorway of corals, peaches, browns, aqua and pink.  Fresh is a colorway of bright greens and turquoise that are juxtaposed against orange and violet.  I’m happy to share a sneak peak today!

Up next?  I am working on the second collection of fabrics, and I will be releasing patterns at the Spring Quilt Market.  To begin with, I am staying close to my roots of children’s clothing.  There is a hole to be filled and I’m happy to do it.  So much sewing is being done for children, they’re so important!

I am looking forward to meeting up with Sandi at Market…Thanks for creating great stuff for us!

Note from Gina: P.S. Our design studio, Threaded Pear studio, has been busy…we will be introducing 12 new quilt patterns, 2 new apron patterns.  We are madly tying up loose ends and shipping our goods to Market, which starts on Friday of this week.  We spent the BIG bucks and got a double booth and will hopefully get a bunch of pattern orders from quilt shop owners throughout the world. Wish me luck.

(Photos thanks to Sandi)