Devoted readers of this blog learned last week about Gretchen Hirsch's awesome sewing blog, Gertie's New Blog For Better Sewing, her passion for helping shelter animals (via a sweet tutorial to help make the pups and kitties--the rare kitties who'll stand for being dressed up, anyway--look super adorbable and adoptable), her new book, Gertie's New Book For Better Sewing (STC Craft, September 1, 2012), and her NYC book party this Saturday (if you're in the area, see the invite below and come meet the maker in person)!

If you don't know her yet, and you love Mad Men style, retro Vogue patterns, and, of course, sewing your own vintage-inspired wardrobe, then you must check out her blog, which was started as a way for readers to follow Hirsch’s progress as she stitched all fourteen fashions from the iconic 1950s sewing book, Vogue’s New Book for Better Sewing (a "Julie & Julia"–esque experiment for the modern sewist). It quickly became a place for Hirsch to share tutorials and lively posts about sewing as it relates to fashion history, pop culture, body image, and gender. Whether you're familiar with "Gertie" or not, read on to be inspired by the inner workings of her madly creative mind! 

My name is Gretchen Hirsch and my crafty alter-ego is Gertie!

Today I'm freaking out (in a good way) about being in San Francisco, but I'm freaking out in a bad way about being jet lagged.

My crafting weapons of choice are 10-inch dressmaking shears, silk pins, and my Bernina 1008.

My favorite designer is Christian Dior.

When I am looking for inspiration I look through my vintage pattern collection.

What I like best about vintage patterns is the artwork and special design details.

What I find most challenging about vintage patterns is envisioning them on a modern body.

When I think up a new project I get a little manic.

I got started crafting when I was in girl scouts.

I prefer retro to modern because it suits my figure and girly aesthetic.

After a long day of making things, I like to nap.

If I ever stop sewing, you'll find me dead or on a cruise.

The first thing I do when I wake up is get coffee and cuddle in bed with my husband and dog.

I can’t live without Coke Zero.

My favorite luxury is expensive fabric.

To me, DIY means self education.

My least favorite word is slab.

The fictional character I relate to most is Pippi Longstocking and Elizabeth Bennet.

My favorite thing about making is the intellectual challenge.

Thanks Gretchen! We here at Kollabora can't wait to see you the party!