Craft: transforming traditional crafts

In this week's installment of Checkin' In, we touch base with talented designer and seamstress Christine Haynes to find out what creative projects she has in the works these days. First, let's take a look at what crafty goodness Christine has contributed to the pages of CRAFT magazine.

In CRAFT Volume 03, Christine wrote a great feature called "Anatomy of a Sewing Machine," where she breaks down all the parts and details what they do. Here is this handy article in our Digital Edition for your referencing pleasure.

Then, in CRAFT Volume 04, Christine showed us how to bring a vintage garment to life by smithing and forming copper into a custom floral button. Hot!

And finally, Christine taught us how to make two adorably stylish dresses. The first, in Volume 05, is a festive cocktail dress made from your very own personalized, reusable pattern:

The second, in Volume 08, is a customizable summer classic that you can make as a halter, with shoulder ties, with straps, strapless, with ruffles, or none! It's like learning to make a whole closet full fo skirts and dresses. And the circular ruffle tutorial is awesome. Who doesn't need more ruffles? Here's one variation:

And what has this fab seamstress up to these days? Here's what she said:

"My big news is that I have my book coming out on April 14, called Chic & Simple Sewing. It is available for presale at the moment at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and at my publisher's site, Random House."

"I also am teaching sewing classes at ReForm School's Home Ec Department. For March I have 2 sessions of Sewing 101 for adults, and one session of Sewing 101 for teens. I'm currently featured on the cover of CraftStylish with my restyle project. And as usual, I have my website [christinehaynes.com], full of dresses, skirts, tops, and home accessories."

"In the works are kits, a collection of patterns, a second book with Random House, and a new Spring/Summer 2009 collection."

Thanks, Christine! We'll look forward to checking out your new book. Coming from you, it's guaranteed to be beautiful.

Folks can pick up back issues of CRAFT Volumes 03, 04, 05, and 08 in the Maker Shed.