FAQ

What kind of sewing machine do you have? I have a the Bernina Activa 240. You can read more about it here.

What kind of sewing machine would you suggest for a new sewer? If I were to buy a new “starter machine” I would either buy this Singer, or this Janome.  Sturdy hand-me-down machines with a proper tune-up are usually great too. For a new, young sewer, I bought my 6 year old daughter this 3/4 size Janome machine.

Where do you like to buy fabric? I rarely buy new fabric.  Instead, I like to find it at garage sales, estate sales and thrift stores. Or use thrifted sheets as if they were yards of fabric.  But when I do, my favorite stores are in downtown LA and you can find them listed here.

Where do you like to go thrift shopping? You can find my favorite Southern California thrift stores listed here.

Where did you go to school? I received my BA in Fashion Design at Brigham Young University. Sadly, the Clothing and Textiles Department was closed shortly after I graduated.

What kind of mountain bike do you ride? My first mountain bike was a Trek 4300 WSD. But I quickly upgraded to a Santa Cruz Juliana. I loved that bike until it got destroyed in a rear-end car accident.  The bike I ride now is a Specialized Safire and I am learning to love it.  I just need more riding time.

What kind of running shoes do you wear? After a proper shoe fitting at the local running store, my first pair of running shoes were Mizuno Alchemy Wave 8’s.  I should have replaced them with Mizuno Alchemy Wave 9’s but they no longer came in my lucky race color, chartreuse, so I got the Mizuno Wave Inspire 6 because they were the right color. That’s just how I am.  In 2011 I started running in Vibram barefoot running running shoes to help perfect my running form.  Since I didn’t want to run in Vibrams exclusively, my local running store suggested I try New Balance Minimus Road shoes as to not revert to my old, bad running form.  I am now on my second pair of New Balance Minimus Road shoes (which I wear for longer runs and races) and I have also fallen in love with my New Balance Minimus Trail Shoes for trail training and racing. I still wear my Vibrams on shorter runs and to boot camp.  It took some patience to build back up the mileage with this shoe combination, but I am happy to say I’ve gotten faster than I’ve ever been and stayed injury free along the way.

My kids also run in New Balance running shoes as well. Just like any sport, you need the proper equipment to enjoy it.  You wouldn’t put your kid in soccer without access to a soccer ball, right?  If you want your kids to love running, get them good running shoes.

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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Sarah March 14, 2010 at 10:06 pm

Thanks Carrie for your advice I ended up getting the Janome that you recommended and I love it.

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sts May 29, 2010 at 5:21 am

You post great posts. Bookmarked !

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Connie June 7, 2010 at 9:16 am

Are your children really called princess, pumpkin and baby brother? Out of interest!

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Bonita September 26, 2010 at 9:53 am

Thank you so much for your instructions on how to sew the baby night gown. I was given some cut out gowns to sew for a charity group that makes newborn kits to send to Africa, but I could not understand the instructions. You have saved the day.

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Martha Walsh February 18, 2012 at 8:01 am

I copied your pattern for the He’s All Boy Baby Blanket, but couldn’t download the rounded corner pattern. It said the file was damaged. Is there a way I can get that? Please let me know. I tried several different times.
Thank you

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jenny johnson September 19, 2012 at 7:45 am

I think you are incredibly talented! I love all of your stuff, and your generosity in sharing your ideas is just awesome. I can’t wait to sew some of your ideas for my granddaughters – their moms will be wild for your designs. T hank you so much for your inspiration!

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Norma Weekley March 14, 2017 at 4:17 pm

What is a magic ring on the crochet baby turban pattern ? I had never heard of that term. Thanks

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