Q&A with Designer Christine Haynes

This month Christine Haynes launched her new pattern line, which kicks off with two lovely patterns for summer weather: Derby Dress and Chelsea Dress.

You can order them on her website ChristineHaynes.com on this page and soon you will be able to buy them in shops around the country. After they ship, Christine will put a store list on her site so everyone knows where to find them locally.

I interviewed her via email earlier this month.

How long have you been working on the patterns and what made you decide to embark on this project?
I have been working on this since the fall of last year. I knew I didn’t want to do another book right now, but really wanted to continue releasing designs into the world. I decided last summer to do a Kickstarter campaign and when it was funded in the fall, I got going on it!

How much money did you raise via Kickstarter?
I raised just over $6,500 through Kickstarter, which is almost enough to pay for all the expenses to launch the first two patterns.

How long did you give yourself to raise the money?
I selected the maximum time limit, which was 60 days.

Did you think you’d be able to meet your goal when you decided to use Kickstarter?
Honestly, I had no idea if I’d be able to raise my goal or not! I thought I could, but there was an element of doubt from launch to funding, 24/7.

In your book Chic and Simple Sewing, there are no zippers or buttons on any of the clothes featured in the book. Will any of your upcoming patterns have any buttons or zippers?
Absolutely! My book was really all about removing the fear of sewing garments for beginners, so I didn’t want them worrying about fit and difficult details like darts and such. But these patterns are for levels beyond absolute beginners, so in the first two patterns there are details like facings, collars, princess seams, buttons, gathering, and more! But don’t worry, they aren’t super difficult. [Update: The book is now out of print. You may be able to find used copies on Amazon.]

What advice do you have for aspiring designers who want to create a line of sewing patterns?
Have a clear vision, more money than you think for funding it, and take your time to get it right! I am a bit frustrated that it’s taking longer than I thought it would, but I want them done right!

What inspires your designs?
I am really inspired by the 1950s and 1960s, but I never want to look like I’m wearing a costume. It’s a very fine line! I try to go away every year to just be, exist, and live. This allows me to do a lot of observation and clears my head from the clutter of daily life. It’s my most clear time to sketch and think of new designs.