there's a new kid in town

I opened Figgy's 2 years ago. I felt like the new kid at school. There are so many amazing talented artists I didn't know if I could ever compete or feel accepted. Entering the handmade world I discovered being the new kid isn't as bad as I thought. I made clothing, knitted creations and spent time giving to my friends and family but when I decided to open a shop and show the world I couldn't believe how helpful and kind other artists were to me.


A much needed local shop in Ohio opened and that was the true beginning for me. I discovered a world of fabric that I had never experienced. I had only been to the big box fabric shops because that was all Columbus had to offer. I began the fabric addiction and opened my imagination as to what the gorgeous fabric would become. Feeling so welcomed, the shop took a chance on me and I taught my first class. Shortly after I began working in my element my family moved to Oregon.

I was about to start all over finding my place.

Oregon blew me away with all the markets, and even more talented and inspiring artists. I knew I had to find the best local fabric shops and tell them I must teach in their shop. I was amazed and blessed that when I met with the owner of Bolt she and I had a connection and she allowed me to teach in her shop. Next stop was meeting with the owners of Cool Cottons and tell them I must teach in their shop as well. My opinion: these are by far the best shops in Portland.


Soon after my need to create more and more I decided to begin designing patterns. I created my first pattern "Ella's Bubble Bottom Skirt". The first edition was how do I say, pathetic. I can't believe I actually sent them to shops all around the USA looking as they were and not to mention mistake after mistake I had made. BUT..I kept pushing and kept trying even if some shops laughed at my attempt. My online BFF just happened to be a graphic designer and she took my little drawing and booklet and beautified it. I fixed my booklet and reprinted the beautified pattern.

I sat back and felt proud. So. needless to say I began to create two more patterns, "Mary Go Round" and the "Holy Jumpsuit Batgirl". This time I made the corrections first and had my little line drawings fixed by the lovely Karen. Once finished I moved on to markets and more teaching. I pushed my way through the doors of Lake Oswego's after school program via the community school and now I get to teach children too (so fun).

It's been almost 9 months in Oregon and I can now say it's starting to feel like home. I'm so thankful to the people of Portland for giving me a chance and for helping guide me to where I am supposed to be. I'm not a household name and am light years away from a book signing :) but it's a start.

I have found a few Figgy's fans. Here are a some spotlights:

Julie from Strongrrl: she has some wonderful recipes!

Junko from ChoCho world: she makes amazing felted projects

Karen from One Girl Circus: the most amazing seamster/graphic designer

Let There Be Snacks & Hens and Chickens

Gina from Bolt Neighborhood: fabulous local fabric shop

Modern Retro Textiles in Australia

Brittney from Shiisa Quilt Shop

Anita from Sew To Speak

Thank you so much for supporting Handmade and Figgy's! Without your support I wouldn't be the same.

Brrr it's chilly, Grab your Jacket

Jackets and Coats for Little Girls handmade with love with creations by Figgy's and One Girl Circus. Karen is an amazing artist (and has the cutest model) and I love to show off her work whenever I can. To visit her site or mine just click on the photo!

where in the world is figgy's

Since my arrival in Oregon I have learned A LOT and grown A LOT. I have found what pleases me the most. Seeing the satisfaction in the eyes of my clients and knowing they just received a one of a kind piece that was sewn with passion and love, reading the feedback of satisfied clients on my websites and TEACHING! :) I have been teaching adults most of my teaching career but just recently started teaching childre. So very rewarding! Markets have been a very fun road traveled this past summer. They are hard work, long hours and can be spectacular or frustrating. So with that I'm still running two shops online, teaching at the fabric shops, teaching after school programs, private sessions and designing patterns. Seems to be a lot but if I eliminated any of those it just wouldn't feel right.


Most everyone that stopped in the shop at last Saturdays market asked if I was going to be selling at the December Holiday market. I was originally planning on attending until I read my teaching schedule and then some early custom orders began to flow in for Christmas time. So for those of you wondering where in the world is "Figgys"? No worries I'm here and a few other places.

Last Market of the Season
First Thursday Art in the Pearl
5:oo-10:00 pm

Sewing Classes

Bolt Fabric Boutique

Bubble Bottom Skirt

Monday 11/2 6:30-9:00 pm

What a great way to learn how to make a darling little bubble skirt than from the designer herself. Shelly has created a skirt that is not only cute but is for the beginning seamster. Shelly will take you through the pattern step by step and for those seamsters that have more experience she can teach you how to add piping, ruffles or a fabric flower to the skirt. Oh, did I also mention the skirt is REVERSIBLE. Soon the holidays will be among us and this skirt is perfect with tights and kicky boots or as gift for a little loved one.

Bird Mobile

Tuesday, 12/1 6:30-9:00pm

This is the perfect class for the hand or machine seamster. This is a great class to use up those scraps sitting in a scrap basket just dying to be used for good. These cute birdies have so many uses. A mobile for the nursery, an art display hanging in your front window, sachets for your drawers, stuffed toys for the little ones and the list can go on, think Holiday gifts. Stop by the shop to see a sample creation.

The To Go Artisit

Wednesday, 12/9, 6:30-9:00 pm

I have designed a pattern that will help you organize your art essentials.

This darling organizer can hold pencils, crayons or even knitting needles and you can

roll it up and drop it in your bag to go. I will take you through a pattern and teach you how to change up the look of your organizer to meet your specific needs. This will be a wonderful and quick way to show your love to an artistic pal or a parent of a future artist. A terrific class for the beginner seamster to perfect their topstitch and learn how to use ric rac or piping.

Sewing Classes

Cool Cottons Fabric Shop

Grocery Tote Monday 10/26 6:30-9:30pm Going green has never looked so cool. Make one (or more) for everyone on your gift giving list, they are sure to be appreciated. skill level: Beginner

Bird Mobile Tuesday 11/3 6:30-9:00 Make them by hand, or bring in your machine…use up some scraps, or coordinate a bunch of fat quarters. These birds are great as a mobile on a branch, or as ornaments on a Christmas tree or pretty package. You make the birds, we’ll provide the stuffing! skill level: all skill levels welcome

Favorite Things Slippers Class Monday 11/9 6:30-9:30pm Cute slippers you can make for family and friends any time of year, or great as gifts for the upcoming holidays! skill level: Comfortable Beginner

I am currently teaching sewing for the Lake Oswego School District via The Community School. If you have a son or daughter interested in learning about hand stitching, machine sewing or other fun craft projects, please visit the LO community school website here . I would love to teach your child!

So Figgy's won't disappear during the Winter months. I will just be inside sewing, sewing and a little more sewing.

For the fans of Figgy's One of a Kind Clothing or Patterns remember the holidays will be here before you realize so if you have custom orders for your child, grandchild, friend or maybe even yourself visit my online shop or just email and we'll chat fabric!

oh my gauze, this is fabulous

Like most of you, I’m a fabricaholic. I have had my obsessions with designers and stalked many manufacturing companies but I have recently stumbled upon a fabric like no other. Double-Gauze Cotton, my new love.

At first I was drawn to the fabric because of the gorgeous prints and Asian influence but now after spending some time and creativity with it I have many more reasons to justify my love.

What is Double-Gauze Cotton?

Double-gauze cotton is two thin single pieces of cotton gauze, that have a loose open weave and are of similar weight to cotton voile. The two layers of gauze are attached by using a grid of tiny invisible stitches. Because of the double layer it keeps the fabric from being too sheer.

What is it used for?

You name it.

It’s a wonderful fabric for handbags , children’s fashion, adult apparel , quilts and home décor.

Is it hard to sew with?

Not at all. After you wash and dry your fabric you’ll love how soft and rich the fabric feels in your hands. You’ll notice little difference in the shrinkage and you’ll be happy with the loft result.

The fabric has a bit of stretch to it, more than your average quilting cotton but less than knit.

It will ravel easily so I suggest: Don’t work/play with the fabric so much after washing/drying.

Use a sharp needle size 70/10

Lengthen your stitch length to 2.5

When I use the fabric for apparel I prefer French seams. I like to finish most of my seams using this technique because it makes me feel that my seams are secure. If not using a French technique I would recommend stitching your seams 5/8” and zigzag your edges.

The fabric has a wonderful drape so when you think of apparel think flowing or layers.

Buttonholes: I recommend using Pro-Weft Fusible interfacing because it is a knit and woven interfacing combined into one product that breathes well because of it’s unique weave. Very flexible.

When pressing use a hot setting and you’ll be so impressed with the turn out. When you’re ready to decorate your home with pillows and curtains and you need gorgeous straight lines to work with, pressing is the key.

Quilters be warned: once you create a gorgeous quilt for someone with double gauze cotton know that they will want more!

I hope you enjoy your new love affair as much I as am!

Shelly