Romper Revamp Blog Tour and an Interview With Shelly

We all know Shelly of Figgy’s, pattern designer extraordinaire, and co-author of Sewing For Boys.

Shelly and I – Quilt Market 2011

You may not have heard of Craftsy. Craftsy offers courses in sewing and other handmade hobbies that feature online video tutorials taught by the best instructors around. Shelly recently filmed her first course with Craftsy, Romper Revamp, and when she asked me to be a part of the blog tour, of course I jumped at the chance!

The Romper Revamp course teaches the Zephyr Romper pattern, and also includes a bonus Zephyr Sundress pattern. I have to say, I had complete confidence that it would be a great course, knowing that Shelly was involved, but I was really surprised at just how great and well-done the course was.

Darling Romper Result

Shelly walks the class through each step, from how to correctly take measurements, to completing the romper and making pattern adjustments. I love that I was able to stop and start the video as much as I liked, and re-play any parts that I may have been daydreaming through :). And since the class will never expire, I can go back to it again and again as much as I’d like. After having so much fun making the romper, I’m dying to make the sundress now!

Throughout the course, Shelly throws in great little tidbits of her vast knowledge. Just learning her method of turning spaghetti straps makes the course worth it alone!

I made a romper for a niece that’s coming to visit this month, who happens to love wearing rompers.

I have to say I’m am so thrilled with how it turned out.

This pattern definitely does not lack in details. I love the pockets and the braided straps.

Instead of knotting the bottom ties, I stitched them down in place.

One of my favorite features of the course is that the participants are able to ask questions at any time, and the instructor will answer them. I made use of this when I needed clarification on one step, and Shelly answered back quickly. The questions and answers are visible to all the course participants, and I love that it’s not just a one-way course, where you’re left on your own. I really felt like I was in a class with an instructor and classmates.

I could talk about the course all day long, but I’m sure we’d all rather hear from Shelly herself. I got to have a little interview with Shelly, and I think you’ll enjoy it!

1. What made you want to teach the Romper Revamp Craftsy course?

When Craftsy emailed and asked if I would be interested in teaching I jumped at the chance. I love their platform and how affordable the classes are. Figgy’s has a strong European following and it was so great to know that if sewists in Australia wanted to take a class or workshop that I instruct but couldn’t fly into Portland for the day they still have the opportunity and they don’t even have to leave the sewing room.

2. Who do you think this course is a good fit for? 

Anyone sewing for a child ranging in sizes 18mo – 10/12 years old. Anyone that loves to take one pattern and turn it into 4 patterns with just a few changes. Sewists that would like to learn more about pattern adaption, fabric, interfacing, sizing or just wants to make a really cute outfit for a child they love with a little extra help.

3. You have an amazing and unique sense for design – where do you get your inspiration?

Oh gosh, thanks Abby! I love runway fashion shows and watching the kids here in town at the parks hanging out and playing. I like to create garments that look fashion forward but with comfort in mind. I also teach children how to sew in my home and I love to learn about what they love wearing.

4. You are such a natural in front of the camera – what’s your secret?!

I am?! Well, thank you but I guess you are your own worst critic when it comes to watching yourself. If I do look like a natural it was because of the Craftsy team I worked with. They were so fun, relaxed and knowledgeable and you could tell they loved their job. When I was a kid my dream was to work on the SNL set so I was excited to have my fun in front of the camera.

5. What can we expect from you in the future? Another Craftsy course perhaps?

I would love to teach another class for Craftsy! It was so fun and I learned so much I’ do it ten more times. The future holds some exciting adventures. As you know I teach children how to sew on the side and for a long time I’ve wanted to start the “Figgy’s Kids” foundation. I would love to help provide new handmade clothes for underprivileged children not just in my neighborhood but around neighborhoods all around the United States (to start). A lot of the kids and adults I teach love making gifts for others and I believe together with a little more space, teachers, and students, we can begin to make a difference in putting a smile on a child’s face. I’ll keep you updated! For Figgy’s Patterns I am working on a line for 2013 for a “range” of sizes…..hmmmm.

Figgy's trunk show

Thanks, Shelly! And yay for the hint of what’s to come! I’m excited to say that Sew Much Ado readers can go here to sign up for the Romper Revamp class for 50% off! That makes the course only $19.99, which is well worth the price of the two patterns alone! If you’re looking for a fun new way to sew, the Romper Revamp class is it. It’s worth every penny and then some, and I guarantee you’ll learn a lot along the way.

Be sure to follow along on the rest of the tour!

August 1 Sarah Jane
August 4 Sew Much Ado
August 6 Noodlehead
August 10 Susan Beal
August 11 Such Designs

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4 Comments

  1. I love how yours turned out, Abby! I thought about sewing down those ties too. I even bought cute little buttons for show, but Abby tied them up and loves them that way! Your niece will love it! Great review, friend!

  2. This is a terrific post Abby! Thank you. I loove the romper and I know your niece will too! Really like the ties stitched down as well.

  3. cute! How are rompers for pottying though? I love them – but am scared to make my 2year old one for fear we won’t get her out easily enough to pee.

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