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? 
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!
Vacation Spot: Disneyland
Food: Birthday cake
*with Hattie
*Henry
..............
Here's a sneak peek of Charming!
https://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/new/charming.html
Charming will be in stores this August!
 ..............
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"

 


227 comments:

1 – 200 of 227   Newer›   Newest»
Daniellemay87 said...

Peony

Unknown said...

Cary Grant ❤

Collective Quilts said...

My favorite flower is. Cala Lilly!

Unknown said...

Peonies are my favourite flower

Elise Baek said...

Peonies ! Can’t wait to see this collection!

Unknown said...

Purple Rain favorite movie �� cant wait to buy all the lavander colorway

patricia said...

My mother and I watched Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant every chance we had. “A Love Affair” in all its many forms.

Unknown said...

Hibiscus are my fav!

Ericrazy said...

One of my favorite books is “It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It” by Robert Fulghum.

Unknown said...

Hibiscus are my fav!

Brooke said...

English roses.

Unknown said...

Tulips :)

Leslie said...

Lilacs are my favorite flower!

Chelsey said...

Singing in the Rain!

Amanda M. said...

My favorite flower is the gerbera daisy! Love Gertie's fun style! ❤️ So glad she had a collection coming out!

Alyssa Dolan said...

Dahlias are my favorite flower!

Lynleigh Sato said...

Currently, The Last Jedi! ;oD

Ginger said...

Orchids are my favorite ❤️

Shannon said...

Pink carnations are my favorite flower.

TheQueenofKings said...

My favorite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You. It’s awesome!

Tamina listening said...

Elizabeth Taylor is my all time favorite movie star!

Lynn said...

Daniel Craig is my favorite movie star.

kitty m. said...

Favorite movie is Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Katie said...

I gotta go with roses as my favorite flower... so I'm pretty excited for this fabric!

BchRatz said...

Favorite movie is easy, I can watch Snow White over and over again.

rltoney said...

Jane Eyre (book)

Dahlia said...

Dahlia's are my favorite :)

Unknown said...

Red roses!

Randissen said...

I love lilacs

Sassy Scarlet said...

Lilacs, roses, peonies and sweet peas, I could never choose just one!!

Unknown said...

My favorite flower is a red rose. Can't help but be classic! I'm so excited for these fabrics!

pup said...

Lillies

Unknown said...

I love a classic red rose! I'm so excited for these fabrics!

Unknown said...

Hugh Jackman

Kalie Jayne said...

Roses!

heatherfeather022 said...

Favorite Flowers are Lilacs

RobinJanae said...

My Favorite movie - Clue

VictoriaZoe said...

I love carnations! I know, they’re cheap but I smile every time I see them. Favorite book: The Aviator’s Wife. Favorite movie: Stranger Than Fiction.

Unknown said...

Peony. I love their clean scent.

Michaela belle said...

I love roses and my favourite film is blue hawaii and my favourite actor of course is Elvis Presley xx

Vivi.Deluxxxe said...

Favorite movie is The Fifth element

Unknown said...

Grace Kelly in High Society

Espooki said...

I love poppies!

Tenshi said...

My favorite flowers are lilies.

Nancy said...

Red roses

Unknown said...

Roses!❤️

Refugee Crafter said...

Meryl Streep is my favorite actress. I am so excited about this collection!

Unknown said...

My favorite movie is "The Awful Truth" with Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.

Louise said...

My favorite flowers are blue Hydrangeas, but I have a weakness for peonies too!

Jaime Askvig said...

Congratulations on your recent successes! Looking forward to the new fabric line. My favorite flowers are peonies. Xoxo

Unknown said...

Tulip, Grease, Pride and Prejudice

Unknown said...

Tulip, Grease, Pride and Prejudice

Unknown said...

Gardenia is my favourite flower, I love 'singing in the rain' the movie, I must have watched it 50 times or so. I admire what Gertie is doing. A beautiful collection, good luck ����

Jenhixon said...

Any kind of tropical flower, especially if it’s scented.

Unknown said...

Book: Pride and Prejudice
Movie Star: Grace Kelley
So hard to chose a favorite flower, but a bouquet of white daisies always makes me smile! And of course roses when they are on Gertie fabric! So excited for this collection 💖

cbnovick said...

Iris

Robin Broun said...

Gerber Daisies ♥️
frenchfooddiet@hotmail.com

Lindsey said...

My favorite movie is a tie between Alien and Labyrinth. The sapphire line is stunning!

Wilma said...

Daffodils are my favorite flowers!

Unknown said...

Pink peonies!

Anonymous said...

My favourite flower is a protea.

Pastry Princess said...

Carnations

Olivia Carpenter Loy said...

Yellow roses, Harvey, Bette Davis

Unknown said...

Favorite movie: The Quiet Man

Etta Linton said...

Tulips!

Alexehatcher said...

Hydrangeas!

Unknown said...

Peonies, and Doris Day. Love this fabric line. Beautiful

CharlaMommyof7 said...

Mister Rogers is my favorite actor. Won’t you be my neighbor?

tbubalo said...

Lovely collection! My favorite flower is hibiscus, the book is The young lions, and Ava Gardner.

AK said...

Favorite flower - Sakura/Cherry Blossom
Book - The Westing Game
Movie or movie star - Summer Stock

Excited to get these fabrics!

Unknown said...

favorite flower: stargazer or roses
book: Harry Potter
movie: Kiki's delivery service

Love you Gertie! So happy to see your work here!

Anonymous said...

Deep red roses

Wendybed said...

Dahlias!

Yazmin said...

Roses and peonies.
Ender's Game series
Gone with the Wind
Judy Garland

Marisa Remak said...

I think I’m already in love with this new collection! Favorite book: Pride and Prejudice

Amber Barni said...

I’m a big fan of daffodils and the movie Pleasantville.

Unknown said...

Soulless by Gail Carriger

Anonymous said...

Purple iris is my favourite

Jen said...

Gone With The Wind

maemakes said...

Judy garland!

Unknown said...

Poppies!

Bee said...

Flower: roses
Book: Interview With The Vampire
Movie: Moulin Rouge
Star: Rufus Sewell

Sarah Sparkles said...

Flowers: roses and daisies
Book: A Prayer for Owen Meany
Movie: Mary Poppins

Unknown said...

Favorite flowers are roses.

EdieDarlene said...

Roses �� are my favorite flower. These fabrics are just gorgeous!!!!������������

EdieDarlene said...

Roses 🌹 are my favorite, Benedict Cumberbatch just makes me swoon, & there are too many books to list. This fabric is gorgeous, can’t wait to add it to my stash!!!!

Unknown said...

Roses!

Unknown said...

Louise Brooks: "if I ever bore you, it will be with a knife." Now that was a silent movie actress you'd need to think twice about messing with.

Joydicksonquilts said...

My favorite Flower is the iris.

Unknown said...

While I adore roses, I never say no to a double-blossomed peony.

Emily said...

Roses 🌹

adesigninggirl said...

All the flowers!

Shane R. said...

My favorite flower is a lily.

shangelx @ gmail dot com

Àparna said...

Favourite flowers are peonies and roses (I love both equally!). Favourite book is The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery. Favorite movie is Sleepless in Seattle. ��❤

Àparna said...

Favorite flower is a rose. Favorite book is The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery. Favorite movie is Sleepless in Seattle. ��❤

Liz 'Audrey' Harkin said...

Flower: Hydrangea: memories of holidays at grandmas.
Book: why Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book of course!
Movie: It's a Wonderful Life. Watch it with my elderly parents every Xmas Eve.
Movie Star: Audrey Hepburn. Such style.

Unknown said...

My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice

Tammy @ she wears flowers said...

I love hydrangeas!

Unknown said...

My favourite movie is - The Lobster
Favourite flower - Dragon Snap
My favourite book is - Catcher in the Rye
Favourite movie star - Audrey Hepburn

Kathleen said...

My favorite flower is a rose

Amber Verdell said...

Tigerlillies

Allie said...

My favorite flowers are hydrangea...but I'm allergic to them! Doesn't stop me from appreciating their beauty though <3

Sarah said...

I love larkspurs! And I'm so excited to see this fabric. I've been following "Gertie" for a number of years, have gone to a workshop she did, and am so happy to see her be so successful.

Unknown said...

Easter lillies are my favorite flower, my favorite movie is the Wedding Singer!

Katie said...

Singin' in the Rain is hands down my favorite movie ��

Unknown said...

I love, love roses! I have my eye on the fabric that has roses on a black background. Yummy!

scottylover said...

I love lilacs, hydrangeas and roses
I love Pitch Perfect and Enchanted
I don't really have a favorite movie star or book.

Love these fabrics! I think this is going to be a wonderful partnership!
Sandy A

Claudia said...

My favorite movie is Vertigo, it’s a great film with fabulous costumes.

Vintage, Travel, and Fun said...

Roses and wisteria. I love all that you create. Thank you for the inspiring so many!

Cheryl said...

I love sunflowers and Hugh Jackman ��

lumenatrix said...

Myrna Loy is my favorite actress. The Thin Man is one of my favorite movies ever.

Unknown said...

Any pink or coral coloured rose is my favourite flower❤️

Unknown said...

I just love roses! Especially roses that are pink or have a coral hue!❤️

Tara S said...

Outlander is my favorite book ;)

Here's looking at you.. said...

Sunflower and Humphrey Bogart <3

Cindy Lawrence said...

My favorite flowers are peonies.

Unknown said...

Stargazer Lilly

Unknown said...

Stargazer Lilly

Unknown said...

My favorite flower is a dahlia. I can't wait to see your new fabrics!

Rebekah said...

My favorite old time movie actress is Ingrid Bergman.

Theresa Kaveney said...

My favorite actor is John Wayne and my favorite movie is “The Quiet Man”

Marz A said...

Flower : gardenia
Book: Bram Stoker's Dracula

AAA said...

I love lilac roses. I also love Doris Day. Classy, beautiful, and funny.

Unknown said...

The 'Star of Bethlehem' flower! My mum bought them for me after a singing audition and I fell in love with them. They're so hard to find!

Unknown said...

The 'Star of Bethlehem' flower! My mum bought them for me after a singing audition and I fell in love with them. They're so hard to find!

Unknown said...

Roses...planted, not cut

Unknown said...

Flower : Gardenia
Book : Bram Stoker's Dracula

Rebekah_SewFolie said...

Fav movie: Havana Nights: Dirty Dancing
Fav flower: pink jasmine( its smells Ah-mazing!)
Fav actress: zoe Saldana

Andrea said...

Favorite flower is the daisy.

amanda said...

Sterling rose

Sandra said...

Antique roses are my fav!

Lisa said...

Stargazer Lilies for me! :)

Meg said...

Ghostbusters, and I’m not remotely ashamed! X

Heather B said...

lilies are my favorite flowers

Brenda said...

My favorite flower is the Lilac! My favorite book is Left Behind. My favorite movie is Red. Gertie, Congratulations on your Gorgeous Fabric Line! I look forward to seeing more patterns and fabrics from you! Thank you for the chance to win this beautiful fabric fat quarter bundle! Have a fantastic day!

Aeriellele said...

I just love hydrangeas!

Kayla said...

Golden Wattle (Beautiful fluffy, yellow Australian flower), Catch Me If You Can is a an amazing read, my favourite movie is Rear Window and Grace Kelly is my favourite movie star (and style icon)!

What Comes Next? said...

I’m a rose fan!

Syndi said...

Forget me not.... Favorite flower

mary littfin said...

Lily of the Valley! I love their fresh soft springlike fragrance.

tac73 said...

Roses.

Jilly Bean said...

Orchids and Camillias

Unknown said...

My favorite movie is As Good As It Gets.

Unknown said...

My Favourite book- Vogue’s New Book For Better Sewing circa 1952. I would love to make a design from the book with this beautiful fabric!!

Unknown said...

Orange Tiger Lily's, Any books by Alice Hoffman or Melissa De La Cruz. My favorite movie is The Dark Crystal (has been since I was 6)

Unknown said...

Orange Tiger Lily's, any book by Alice Hoffman or Melissa DelaCruz. My favorite movie is practical magic or The Dark Crystal (since I was 6).

Unknown said...

I love roses!

Linda said...

I love the Christopher Reeve movie 'Somewhere in Time'. Lovely setting and time period.

Véronique Martin Paris said...

Roses! Red roses especially
I recommend the 1945 French movie "Falbalas"

Unknown said...

How about all of them... Lily Of The Valley, The Girl Who Owned A City, The Last Unicorn, and Harrison Ford.

Hanna said...

My favourite flower (for now at least) is the snowdrop

Hanna said...

My favourite flower (for now at least) is the snowdrop. I love it’s elegance and promise of the coming spring!

Eileen said...

My favorite movie is Harold and Maude and I love gardenias!

Matti said...

I love roses the most, I think. Very excited about these luscious fabrics!

Unknown said...

Tulips are my favorite flower. Glad I stumbled upon your site.

Sun-Hee G said...

My new favorite movie is What a Way To Go with Shirley Maclaine! The costumes by Edith Head are scrmptious 😍 I'm so excited for Gertie's fabric line!

austinhigh said...

I recently heard a 6 part podcast series about Jane Fonda and am in awe of her work and accomplishments. Jane Fonda is my favorite actress

Miss Moxie Sue said...

I love sunflowers and wildflowers in general.

Unknown said...

I love hydrangeas and irises.

Amy said...

Any movie with Jean Arthur in it, especially Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. And you scored a coup with Gertie as a designer!

monthlady said...

Lilacs. I love all movies good and bad!

Jeanne said...

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

Unknown said...

The Peace rose has been my favorite since childhood.

Unknown said...

My favorite flower is the "Daffodil" they always welcome in spring!

Marguerite said...

Red rose is my favorite flower.

Nona said...

I love my Iris.

SevenHearths said...

The timeless red rose is a favorite.

Rosa said...

Dais íes are one of my favourite flowers

Anonymous said...

“ Harold and Maude”. I’ve seen it 14 times

Tatiana V. said...

Rita Hayworth and Roses 🌹❤️
☺️😘

Unknown said...

Audrey Hepburn is my favorite actress, especially playing with Cary Grant, wearing a full flowing dress with roses on it, high heels, and red lipstick! I would LOVE to win a bunch of this fabric ... It's so very beautiful!

Dawn Tenneson said...

My favorite flower is the Lilac and movie is Hello Dolly! love the dresses!

Pamcakes said...

Love roses! My favorite are the ones that not only look pretty but that have a great smell too

sueandsew said...

Love, love, love Loretta Young...I can still see her coming thru the stage curtains on her show, wearing those skinny leg pants and a split skirt billowing behind her.
Flower...hyacinth...epitomizes old world elegance...

Sew Savvy By Brandy said...

I love Hydrangeas and pansy especially in the purple hues. They remind me of my grandmother Lois who was an independent woman before her time. She taught me to sew and introduced me to Gone with the Wind and Little Women. Thank you!

Thomaseena said...

It's a 3 way tie on my favorite flowers are roses, red poppies and carnations. Favorite book is Boone, a biography of my grandfather Daniel Boone. Favorite movie Overboard.

SewRogue said...

The Quiet Man. Who can ever get enough

Kelly McGurk said...

The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice is a favourite book of mine ��

Sewalatte said...

Favorite flower: lilac, book: pride and prejudice, movie: love is a many splendored thing, movie star: Sean Connery.

Brenda @ Songbird Designs said...

My favorite flowers are hydrangeas - especially purple ones! But I love roses too! Love your new fabric line!

Unknown said...

I love lilacs, peonies, and pansies. This fabric is gorgeous!!!

Nannie B said...

My favorite flower is the gardenia. I love their scent and how it makes me happy just seeing one bloom or more in a vase.

Penny said...

Hooray, Gertie has quilt fabric! Love her style! My favorite flower is pink dahlia.

Karrie said...

LOVE the fabric! Roses are my favorite.
Ksmith8@emich.edu

Unknown said...

My favorite flowers are ranunculus. Thank you!

Unknown said...

I love poppies

Krisha nadine said...

Favorite movie is Donnie Darko.

Miniclanger said...

My favorite movie is Elvis Blue Hawaii. The clothes, the styles and prints are gorgeous!

Miniclanger said...

My favorite film is Elvis Blue Hawaii. I love the clothes. The styles and the prints are gorgeous!

Noreen said...

Hydrangeas are my favorite flower.

Amanda said...

Irises are my favorite flower.

Rebecca Marcil said...

Roses

MM said...

Clematis.

Unknown said...

Peony has to be mine also. My Mother's name is Gertrude and they call her Gertie! Can't wait to make a quilt out of it.

Unknown said...

Gardenias are my favorite flower

Tracy-STL said...

Dahlia & Gerber daisies

Guila Greer said...

I love Freesia - many beautiful colours and smell heavenly.
Favorite book - Remains of the Day
Favorite movie - The Greatest Show on Earth

This new collection looks awesome! Congratulations!

Kristen said...

I love star gazed lilies!
Beautiful fabric!

Faby said...

Roses ��
Clark Gable, and James Stewart ��

Angela said...

Lily of the Valley is my favorite flower :)

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