Ending the year with something new

I'm always trying to think of new things to make or new ways to make the same old things. We all have our cell phones, ipods, cameras, or other gadgets and this week I finally had a chance to try out a new case I've been thinking about.

You may know I like to use zippers - and usually two when possible! So this new case is a zip-around closure with a zippered pocket on the outside.

I put a tab with a small split ring on it, and I made a wristlet strap, although I see I forgot to attach it for the photo shoot!




The inside has a 'netting' pocket on each side, although it could easily be made with a set of cards holders on one side instead. My original thought was for an iPod and ear buds...


I'm pretty pleased with the outcome for a first try, and will continue to perfect it, along with decide on alternate sizes (maybe one large enough for a kindle?)

I'd love to know what you think!

Until next year,

Susan

Thoughts beginning.....

For a while now I've been mulling around that my sewing room is out of control and I need to reorganize it. So here we are the end of a year, and as seems to happen, the new year brings the need for changes to the forefront.

I'm privileged enough to have a fairly good sized room for my sewing, and yet, I also have managed to take over space in both of the upstairs bedrooms as well. So whenever we have company, I'm scrambling to move things out.

It's time to get organized and I'm going to really do it this time!

I have two 8-ft tables side by side in the center of the room that are inteded for cutting space. When I work with decorator fabrics, I want to be able to put them out. However, as table space does, it's turned into a dumping ground for stuff, and then I still have to move things around when I need to cut larger items.

I also have this old entertainment center, and a pretty big tv, and yes, I'm going to admit it - a fairly large vinyl album collection taking up valuable space.

Also, when I got my serger (ok, that's been almost two years ago) I never really organized a space, so it sits on my cutting area too.

Here are a couple of pictures of what I'm dealing with.



So over the next few weeks, I'm going to get organized, get rid of stuff that I'm never going to use, and take back my spare bedrooms and recreate my space to be more functional and organized!

Of course, Christmas is this weekend, so don't expect too much until next week!

Stay tuned,
Susan

Feedback

My friend and former coworker found some material that she asked me to make a purse from - it was three coordinating fabrics from the 'Man's Best Friend' line from Leanne Anderson and Henry Glass. The blue has all sorts of cute dogs, bowls, bones, etc. The brown has coordinating pawprints, and the cream has bones and dog 'talk'.

She didn't have a specific style in mind, so after harrassing for some measurements to start from, the purse below is what came out. I really love the style, and think I can adapt the pattern to a couple of sizes.

I passed the purse off via some mutual friends, so didn't get to see her reaction, but this is what she had to say:

" The purse was fantastic! My friend loved it! Everyone I showed it to loved it also. I think her (my friend's) comment was "oh, I wanted a Susan purse and this is so cute!!", so count yourself among the Vera Bradleys, Kate Spades, and Stella McCartneys of the world. You are now a product line name! :) "

Wow - talk about making me feel good.


I think I will call it the 'Holly' purse after my friend who let me be creative in making it!

Look for this style in at least two sizes after the first of the year!

Susan

It's a Surprise!

We have these wonderful neighbors across the street.

They have this cute Scottie dog (Kelly) who's my pal.

I found a great Christmas Scottie Dog fabric, and so I've made them this for Christmas.

Shhh - it's a surprise!

I think they will love it.

Susan