08 JULY 2024
I wanted to share a special project I recently completed – a handmade dress for my girl, and it’s not just any dress. This dress features fabric with my own lobster pattern on it!
I can’t ask for a better model ❤️❤️❤️ Seeing my own design on a dress for her is super cool. The lobster pattern looks so cute and makes her look awesome. It’s so fun to make something from scratch, from drawing my own pattern, then printing it on fabric with the help of someone else, of course, and then sewing a dress from this fabric for my own child.
From sketching the lobster pattern, to collaborating on printing the fabric, and finally sewing the dress, every step of this project was filled with joy and creativity. There's something incredibly rewarding about turning a design idea into a tangible product, especially when it’s for someone you love.
I chose a lobster pattern because it’s whimsical and unique, just like my little girl. The bright, playful design adds a fun element to the dress, making it perfect for summer outings or special occasions.
The same lobster pattern fabric used for this dress can be purchased on my Spoonflower shop. It’s perfect for all sorts of projects, from clothing to home decor.
It was tricky to sew jersey fabric for the first time eve, but I managed! 😀
Free shirt dress pattern is not by me, but can be found here.
24 MAY 2024
In our journey through life, the paths we take are often unpredictable, yet every step offers a chance for growth. Today, I’m reflecting on a quote by Morgan Harper Nichols that beautifully captures this sentiment:
"She does not know what the future holds, but she is grateful for slow and steady growth."
It's a reminder that not knowing the future isn't a setback but an opportunity. It allows us to focus on our growth at the moment, finding gratitude in our progress, no matter the pace.
This quote is particularly resonant for anyone embracing change or facing new challenges. It encourages us to cherish each small victory and to trust in the gradual unfolding of our potential.
As we continue to grow and evolve, let's hold onto the appreciation for our journey, recognizing that each moment is a step towards something greater.
This quote is showcased alongside the Groovy Abstract Space Round Shapes and Stars Design from the Whimsy Visions collection. It gently reminds us of the beauty in not knowing everything ahead and finding strength in each step we take.
Wishing you a wonderful week of meaningful progress and quiet reflections!
Warm hugs,
Irina x
17 MAY 2024
Yesterday I unwrapped a new piece of fabric that I ordered from Printfab, and I’m excited to share the journey with you. The fabric is a soft, high-quality cotton jersey with a fun pattern I designed myself, featuring lobsters and seashells. It's wonderful to see my design on fabric!
This fabric is for a simple t-shirt dress for my daughter, Lydia. You can find the pattern here. I’ve made lots of quilts over the years, but this will be my first time making clothing (I don't count a couple of other attempts a long time ago). I’m both excited and a bit nervous.
Why the nerves? I’ve never sewn with stretchy fabrics before. Cotton jersey is perfect for a dress, but it’s trickier to work with compared to the quilting cotton I’m used to. Despite my worries, I’m diving in because, after all, if you don’t try, you’ll never know what you can do.
The pattern for Lydia’s dress is straightforward, which should make the process easier. I’m hoping everything goes well and the dress turns out as nicely as I imagine. I can already see Lydia rocking her new dress, looking adorable in those lobsters and seashells.
Stay tuned, because once the dress is finished, I’ll share photos and videos of Lydia in her new outfit. I’m looking forward to showing off not just the dress, but the joy of creating something special for my daughter.
Wish me luck on this sewing adventure! I’ll keep you updated with my progress and any tips I learn along the way. Here’s to new projects and the excitement they bring!
Best, Irina
10 MAY 2024
Hello everyone! I'm Irina from Irenic Bears, and I'm excited to be back blogging. Some of you might remember my quilting blog Zephyr Skies, but now I'm focusing on my design work and Irenic Bears. I'm kicking off with a quote that really speaks to me, and I hope it inspires you too.
"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." – Ella Fitzgerald
This quote is featured alongside my Strawberry Cupcake Design from Sweet Delights mini collection. It’s a sweet reminder of how love and passion in what we do can lead us to success.
Ella's words encourage us not to give up. Whatever we love doing, that’s where we should put our energy. It’s about sticking with it, even when it gets tough.
I’ll be sharing more quotes like this one to keep us all inspired and moving forward. Also look forward to more design stories and tips, behind the stage, and all about staying creative and motivated. Stay tuned!
Irina x