making it fun: Behind the Seams with Gertie!

Monday, April 30, 2018

Behind the Seams with Gertie!

Gretchen "Gertie" Hirsch

Beacon, NY

I'm a self-proclaimed international sewing starlet! I design glamorous vintage-inspired sewing patterns and fabric, write books, and travel the world teaching dressmaking workshops.

Q: What's your favorite piece of work that you have created, your favorite project or your favorite part of the work day?

A: My favorite thing I've created is my new independent line of sewing patterns, Charm Patterns by Gertie. These are beautifully designed and packaged dressmaking patterns inspired by the golden age of glamour. And of course I'm thrilled to be realizing my dream of having a line with Michael Miller Fabrics, as a longtime fan.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My goal is to release at least four Charm Patterns this year, so I am working very hard on that at the moment! But I'm writing this from my hotel at Disney World, as I'm just finishing up a three-week teaching trip to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Orlando.

Q: What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

A: To release more patterns and online courses, and to continue to travel the world sharing my work.

Q: What are you doing when you're not creating or at work? What hobbies do you have?

A: I love swing dancing, old movies, and rockabilly music!

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A: That I don't believe that I was born in the wrong era. I'm a very modern woman at heart; I just love old-fashioned things! Also: I'm not afraid to look unkempt when I'm at home.

Q: Do you have any favorite blogs/magazines/IG feeds that you follow or read?

A: One of my biggest inspirations (and expenses!) is following vintage sellers on Instagram. I love @Geronimovintage, @FabGabs, @Xtabayvintage, @sweetbeefinds, and many more! I also love Advanced Style for future ideas on becoming a fabulously eccentric old lady.

Q: Where else can we find you?

A: Blog
Website
Online Courses
Charm Patterns
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube

Q: What else should we know about you and your work?

A: Most of my inspiration comes from vintage designs. I love shopping for old textiles and collecting ideas for fabrics. Old hankies, tablecloths, napkins, and of course dresses are my favorite things to collect.

Q: Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?

A: I've been doing this for ten years, but I only feel recently that I'm really accomplishing the visual aesthetic I've been reaching for. Getting a little older and becoming more independent has made me more confident in my personal style. It's amazing how many self-limiting voices we can have, both internal and external. My goals lately are to listen to myself more fully and to trust myself to be in creative control of my own work.

Q: Do you admire any artists / people? (famous or not!)

A: Dita Von Teese is one of my main inspirations. Her sense of style and self is impeccable. When I'm unsure about a design, I often ask myself, "What would Dita do?"

Q: What is your favorite....

Color: Pink!

Animal: My rescue pets, a feisty chihuahua named Hattie and a beautiful grey cat named Henry

Season: Sundress season!

Movie: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Book: Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design

Vacation Spot: Disneyland

Food: Birthday cake


*with Hattie

*Henry

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Here's a sneak peek of Charming!

https://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/new/charming.html

Charming will be in stores this August!
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We are so excited about our partnership with Gertie and we want to share the excitement with you! Comment below and let us know your favorite flower, book, movie or movie star and you'll be entered to win a fat 1/4 bundle of Charming!

*And the winner is....

Jeanne!!

"My favorite flower is the Gerber Daisy or pansies it's really too hard to pick. I really am completely smitten with this new line I already have many ideas of what I would do with this Fat Quarter bundle"