Sew Darn Simple

New Pattern Shop - Craftsy

2012-02-06T18:20:00.000-05:00

I just found out about Craftsy this week - so I opened a shop for an additional place to sell my patterns.

Currently I just have the one pattern, but I am actively writing a second.

You can check out Craftsy, or like their facebook page.

If there is an item that I make that you would like to purchase the pattern for, let me know and I'll get started on it!

I'm also going to sell kits for my zipper wallet in my etsy shop, so look for that soon. A kit will include the printed pattern, 2 zippers, swivel hook and fusible fleece. Several zipper colors will be available.

Happy Sewing!

Susan

February Is Purple

2012-02-01T15:27:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe that it's February 1st already - where did January go?

February is the purple month to me - after all, amethyst is the birthstone (I know, my birthday is in February).

So my first fabric to work with in this new month is this lovely purple batik fabric.

Wonderful fabric, isn't it?

I'm not sure yet what all I'm going to make - and I have a mere two yards of it. So I'm going to use it all up, and you can check my etsy shop within the next few days to see what I decide to make.

If you like the fabric and want a particular item from it, let me know now!

Happy Sewing!

Susan

And the winner is!

2012-01-28T17:15:00.002-05:00

Announcing the winner of the set of box pouches: Shannon!

Shannon - I will contact you to get your maililng information and get these in the mail to you.

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!

Happy Sewing!

Susan

A Little Bit Selfish

2012-01-27T18:23:00.000-05:00

So I'm a little bit selfish. I did it.

I made a purse for myself using the great fabrics that Jen from Sis Boom sent me (check my two previous blog posts for the info and to enter the contest).

I did patchwork with all the fabrics and then trimmed the sides with the two different 'Paula' fabrics. The handles are made of both of the 'Paula' fabrics as well.

I like a zippered pocket inside. I just used a plain brown fabric.

The measurements are about 10" wide, 10.5" tall and 3" deep. I like a long strap (even though I'm short).

And because I have all that little stuff that I carry in my purse - chapstick, mirror, etc., I made a zipper pouch to go along with it.

I might still get ambitious and make a cell phone case too. And maybe a card case for my business cards.

We'll see.

If you want one like it, let me know, I'd consider making more until the fabric runs out.

Happy Sewing!

Susan

You Can Win!

2012-01-23T20:10:00.001-05:00

So I taunted you the other day with my Sis Boom fabrics, and said that I was going to do a give-away.

And I am - here it is!

You can be the winner of this set of two box pouches made using the Sis Boom fabrics. Each box pouch is pieced and quilted with a metallic thread. Approximate size of each pouch is 8" wide by 3.75" tall x 3" deep, has a zippered closer, tabs on each end, one with a metal d-ring.

Here's how to enter the contest:

1. Make a general comment on this blog post.

2. Follow me on Twitter. Post your twitter id in a comment on this blog post.

3. Like my facebook page. Post your facebook id in a comment on this blog post.

4. Favorite my Etsy shop. Post your etsy id in a comment on this blog post.

5. Join my Circle on Etsy. Post your etsy id in a comment on this blog post.

6. Buy something from my Etsy shop. Post the transaction information in a comment on this blog post.

The winner will be selected on Saturday, January 28, after 5pm EST.

Good luck and happy sewing!

Susan

Look what came in the mail!

2012-01-21T17:54:00.001-05:00

I was pleasantly surprised when the mail carrier brought me a package I wasn't expecting!

Jennifer Paganelli, the wonderful lady behind Sis Boom sent me a package of Girls World Vibe fabric!

I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself! What fun I'm going to have with making some great things from this lovely selection.

I'll be sure and tell you what I make! And I'm going to have a contest that you can win something made from it - more on that tomorrow.

Happy Sewing,

Susan

Kindle Case - Success!

2012-01-15T18:57:00.000-05:00

For a year, on and off, I've been playing around with a case for the kindle, and other e-readers. When I first started down this path, we didn't own a kindle. It's really hard to make a case that's somewhat specific to a device when you don't have one - or easy access to one.

After several failed attempts, I finally have a case that I'm happy with - both in the functionality of it, and the ease of making it.

Knowing my fondness for zippers, my goal was to make a case that zipped on three sides, similar to my gadget (ipod, iphone) case.

The issue I was having was that I wanted the device to fit snuggly, but not too much so. Finally, I figured out that I needed to make the case like it was a book - with a spine.

I love the result and I'm hopeful that sales will reflect the quaility of the item.

You can check out the selection I have for this style and a hipster style in my etsy shop!

Happy Sewing!

Susan

New Identity

2012-01-07T18:02:00.000-05:00

My fabulous husband is working on a new identity for Sew Darn Simple. I have a new logo - see my header above and he is also redesigning my business cards.

Here is the older banner that I was using, and you can see the new one above!

Hopefully my website will be next!

Let me know what you think!

Susan

Brand New Venture

2012-01-04T18:38:00.000-05:00

Over the past few years selling on Etsy, I've been contacted several times to see if I sold patterns for the items that I had for sale.

So, today I am releasing my first pattern - for the best selling zipper wallet.

The pattern is written for the smaller size, at some point I will probably update it for the larger size also. If you sew regularly, then you can probably figure out how to adjust the size for your personal prferences.

I'm also going to offer this as a kit - with the pattern already printed, and including the hardware - zippers, swivel hook and fusible fleece - you would just have to select your fabric.

Look for some additional patterns coming in the next few months.

This is an exciting new venture for me!

Happy Sewing!
Susan

Happy New Year! 2012

2012-01-01T08:56:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone! Here we are at the beginning of a new year and I'm one of those obsessed people who likes to (pretend to) make goals and objectives for the upcoming year.

I'm going to admit that I didn't stay up last night to ring in the new year - I was sound asleep before then - although I did stir briefly for the neighborhood fireworks that went off at midnight.

As you may now, I'm cutting back my day job work hours to 20/week, so I have some big plans for Sew Darn Simple this year.

To start out, I'm going to get back to organizing this room. I started this project last year - and I did get some new storage and am using it, although not as effectively as I'd like to! If you follw me on twitter, then you know I started doing some of the organization this weekend - on Friday, I finally got my box of zippers put away. And yesterday, I cleaned off my cutting table. Today I'm going to work on my filing - my new shelving has a filing drawer, and I'm going to finally use it!

I'm going to write down sales and financial goals for this year - since I will be working less hours, I plan to use those to increase my advertising and therefore (hopefully) my sales.

I'm working on identifying potentially new art/craft shows that I want to apply to this year. I've already applied to one new show, and I have at least two more new ones that I plan to apply to, and hope to get in!

I plan to work on some new products and expand my inventory on some of my best sellers, and I'm in the process of working on patterns that will soon be available in my etsy shop.

Also, I want to expand my blogging - and I'd love some suggestions on what you might like to hear about this year. I may do some tutorials, always write about my latest projects, maybe some guests??!?!!

Here's to a successful 2012!

Susan

Deal of the Day - It's Back!

2011-12-09T07:43:00.001-05:00

Deal of the day is back for the weekend! You still have time to get items before Christmas, most everything is ready to ship.

Today's special is 25% off wristlets - and they are already marked down, so no coupon codes!

I have two styles - first is this shaped wristlet - flat bottom, round top, several fabrics available

Second is the flat double pocket style.

Happy shopping!

Susan

Day 4 - Deal of the Day

2011-12-04T08:06:00.001-05:00

Well, editing all of those zipper wallets twice wasn't that much fun! I have a lot of stuff to do today, so to make things easy, today's deal of the day is Free US shipping - use coupon code DEALSHIP!

You can check out all of the items I have available in my etsy shop, and when you checkout use the coupon code and the shipping will be removed!

Happy shopping!

Susan

Deal of the Day - Day 3

2011-12-03T07:13:00.001-05:00

This is so much fun!

Today's deal of the day is 25% off zipper wallets. The zipper wallets come in two sizes, the larger size is big enough for an iPhone, iPod touch, droid, etc.

This is one of my most popular items at craft shows, so this is a great deal!

The price is already adjusted, so no coupon code or refunds needed.

Happy shopping!

Susan

Deal of the Day - Day 2

2011-12-02T07:32:00.001-05:00

What's that you say? Another Deal of the Day?!?

The day 2 Deal of the Day will be - Lanyards BOGO - Buy 1 get one Half off. To receive this discount purchase both lanyards at full price and the difference will be refunded.

This is so much fun!

Susan

Deal of the Day - Day 1

2011-11-30T20:05:00.000-05:00

I just decided that I'm going to run a 'deal of the day' for the next couple of weeks. I think I can come up with that many unique deals!

So for Day 1 (on December 1) - all wallets are marked down 50% - that's a pretty good deal to start with!

All are in stock and ready to ship. This sale will run until I post the deal of the day - day 2!
Happy shopping!

Susan

Other projects

2011-11-27T12:33:00.001-05:00

From time to time I do some sewing for a local interior decorator. Over the years I've done pillows, drapes, valances, and other small sewing projects for her.

This weekend I started a project making some throw pillows and a valance. Here's a picture of the first pillow - I'll be making four from this fabric.

There's a second fabric for four more pillows and a valance - I haven't opened the fabric yet, so I'll get to be surprised at what it is!

I enjoy the variation of work that a decorator provides, and love seeing the fabrics that she and her customers have selected.

Happy Sewing!

Susan

Sale Weekend - Joining the Fray

2011-11-25T07:42:00.001-05:00

I haven't had much success with sales in the past, but here we are again at this "biggest" shopping weekend, and what's a person to do?

When you purchase from my etsy shop this weekend (Nov 25 - Nov 28), you can choose your sale:

Free Shipping - US only - enter code BFFREESHIP

25% off - enter code BF25PCT

Enter your coupon code on checkout and Etsy shopping cart will take care of the rest!

This sale will be good on any item in the shop, but not applicable to custom requests.

Happy Shopping!

Susan

Decisions and Directions

2011-11-12T07:51:00.001-05:00

I've been working on Sew Darn Simple for almost seven years. Over that time I've tried many things. I'm at that place again where I'm looking at what I'm making and trying to decide if I need to drop items or expand my inventory.

I love making the accessories - cell cases, cases and pouches of all shapes and sizes, zippers, fabric.

But I wonder do I have too many different items, or not enough? And does it really matter?

Today's dilemma is wallets - I made some a couple of years ago, and then I've been sidetracked, so I only have a few left. I find that I sell more of an item when I have more variety of fabrics available. So do I keep wallets, and make more, or discount the ones I have and stop making them?

I have three styles:

1. Full size with slots for credit cards, id, bills, zippered change area, and checkbook holder.

2. Full size with slots for credit cards, id, bills and zippered change area

3. Billfold size with slots for credit cards, id, bills and zippered change area

Or should I make something brand new?

I'd love to hear what you think.

Thanks,

Susan

More "Special" Projects

2011-10-23T19:24:00.000-04:00

Not that I really needed new valances in our bedroom, but hey, I got the fabric 50% off original price, then an additional 20% off that - so why not?

Not that I have fabric to make new valances and sheers for the dining room windows that I've had for something like 10 years (actually I think it's more like 6), and I still just have it - not completed valances and sheers.

But I do think they turned out pretty cute!

The color in the photo is a little off - the walls are a sage green. The valance is purple flowers on a tannish background with green leaves. It's an upholstery weight fabric, and I dug in my trim box and found a matchiing purple and tan cording.

Of course, now I need a new dust ruffle....

Happy Sewing!
Susan

New Item - Zip Around Kindle Case

2011-10-22T16:56:00.001-04:00

Month ago, I started making the zip around cases for iPods, cell phones, etc., and planned to make then for both Kindles and iPads. It's a little difficult to make cases for these items when you don't actually own one.

I made the first prototype for the Kindle case and bummed a test from a friend who owns one. While the Kindle fit, when it was zipped it was pretty tight. So I needed to make it just a little larger. Then I got busy and didn't get around to making another one. And I didn't get around to making one for the iPad yet.

Recently, a great customer asked me to make one that would hold two kindles, along with the charger/cords. So back to the drawing board I went.

I knew for there to be room for two Kindles, that I needed to add a little depth to the case, as well as expanding the size so the zipper would move more easily.

The first prototype was ok, just a few minor tweaks, and here it is completed:

The outside has a zippered pocket that will hold the charges and cords. The case has a hipster style strap - adjustable and detachable. The zipper goes around three sides of the case. The inside has two lightly padded insert slots - which will house the kindles. Along with the slots being padded, the outside has two layers of padding for protection.

Since this was a special request, I don't know if I will make any more with this particular configuration, but it was good to be able to get back to a project that I'd set aside.

Happy Sewing!

Susan

Halloween Costumes

2011-10-09T17:17:00.001-04:00

When my two nieces were little girls, I made them Halloween costumes every year. For some reason, I'm the one who still has most of them. Now that their kids are getting to be the same ages, I need to give the customes to my nieces so their kids can play with them.

While I've been on this non-sewing for business kick, I made Snow White for one of the little girls. As I got started on it, I bagan to wonder about my sanity - kind of like the year I made a fur rabbit, and sneezed for weeks.

I pushed through and now it's complete! I think she will like it.

Now I just have to get it and all the other stuff packed up and shipped to them!

Until next time!

Susan

Let's Hear it for the boys....

2011-10-08T10:41:00.000-04:00

With all this extra time, I've been making some dresses for my great nieces. My youngest niece said that her little boy gets sad (he's two) when his sister gets something from me (like the apron I made for her) and there's nothing for him. So she asked me to make him a hat.

But, you know me, I can't just make a hat. I had a cute blue fish fabric that I bought last year when I bought fabric for dresses and aprons for the girls, along with a shirt pattern for boys. So, why not?

Checking out the pattern, I saw that it had a traditional collar (cringe). I can remember making things with collars in the past and always thought that was where you could just tell it was homemade, because they never seemed to turn out right.

The other thing was that, of course, it has buttons, which means that I had to make button holes.

Either my sewing skills have grown (well, I do sew a lot more than I used to) or I was just bad at it in the past, because I think it turned out pretty darn cute!

Th other thing that was funny about making this outfit - the hat was from a girls 3-6 pattern, and the hat fits on my head pretty well. So either I have a small head, or the kids have big heads!

Stay tuned, as I have more items to make for the kids. Hopefully my nieces will take some pictures and send me with them wearing their new outfits!

Until next time.

Susan

Extra time - Say What?

2011-10-02T17:17:00.000-04:00

I have one show left this year, and because I sewed up a storm this summer, I don't really need to make any inventory for it. I'll probably have an open house again too, and I need to get that scheduled.

Since I have extra time - SAY WHAT?!? - I've been doing some sewing other than for my shows and etsy shop.

I started with new dresses for my great-nieces. I made them some the beginning of the summer, but I had one fabric left that I bought specifically to make - so I finally got it done!

I think it's an adorable pattern - it has a v-neck, zipper back, and that little ribbon at the bottom.

I made a white fleece shrug-like jacket also, so she can wear it all seasons. Of course, she could also always put a long sleeve shirt under it.

The dress for the other great-niece is the same fabric, but a different pattern. I still have to make her jacket.

This dress along with some birthday presents for her older brother will be heading out with the mail later this week.

For the other great niece, I'm now also making a Snow White costume for her for Halloween. And her little brother doesn't like when I send her something and there's nothing in the box for him, so I'll be sure and take care of that.

If I'm lucky, my nieces will send me photos of the kids in their outfits!

Until next time!

Susan

Etsy Team Craft Night

2011-09-21T17:06:00.000-04:00

A local etsy team that I belong to (Owl & Elephant) had a team crafting night at Igloo Letterpress in Worthington last night. We are a very casual team - we connect mostly using a google group and once in a while we see each other out and about town!

One of our members Grace Hester (GraceHesterDesigns and GraceHesterPapers) set up this great craft night for us.

We started out our evening with everyone introducing themselves, talking about their etsy shop or craft, and what their alter-ego day job was!

Allison then talked about her business, explaining the presses, and process to us. Each person then got to select something and print it.

I thought the spider was a little creepy, but how great it this for Halloween?

Other team members and their shops who were at the event:

ArtsiBitsi (home of the
BeckySeymourDesigns
Tsurubride (currently on sabbatical)
DaisyMaeDesigns
Cram
AdoreJules

I know I missed a couple, at my age, I'm lucky to remember anything!

Susan

Change

2011-09-13T07:57:00.000-04:00

For anyone who does art / craft shows, you know that all kinds of things can effect how well you do - meaning how much you sell. Weather, economic situation, type of show, etc., all impact the bottom line.

But have you ever thought about change? I mean money change.

I always try to make sure that I have enough change when I go to a show. At my show in July, however, it was a big bill day for some reason. I was close to running out of $1 bills a couple of times, and sent Jamie out to get some - luckily there was a water vendor who seemed to be collecting more than I was handing out! I think I came home with six $1 bills.

So, heading to my show last weekend, I made sure I had lots of $1 in case it turned into the same kind of day. Strangely enough, most people had change, so I came home with more $1 than I'd taken.

Just saves me from getting more change for my next show.

Susan

End of Vacation

2011-09-06T17:59:00.007-04:00

The last segment of our vacation, before the drive home (I won't even go there!) was to finally visit the area where my husband went to camp growing up - the actual purpose of the trip!

We left the Portland area, and I decided it was at last time to visit a quilt shop! So looking at the route we were headed, we ended up going to the Calico Basket Quilt Shop in Windham. I found a few fabrics to purchase!

We traveled on to Weld, where we were staying at the Kawanhee Inn. We were a little early for checkin, so we drove around the area a little - Jamie trying to remember where things were. We found a little bakery to get a sandwich and pastry and headed to a picnic area and had a lovely view of Center Hill. I sat and relaxed after our lunch, while Jamie took the hike up the hill.

Below are some pictures from the inn.

We checked in, relaxed with our books down by the lake, then took a canoe trip down to the end of the lake in hopes of catching a moose - no such luck!

We had a drink on the porch watching the sunset, headed in for our dinner time, and ran into some folks that Jamie knew from his days at camp.

The next day, we headed over to the camp - they had made several changes since Jamie was there (ok, he admits it was too long). One of the items he found was this plaque with the names of all the campers who had passed the Junior Maine Guide program. Yes, his name is on there!

Our second night there, we had the 'New England Boiled Dinner' - lovingly called corned beef by the rest of us, and spent a great evening with Jamie's old friends that were also there.

The next day we started our trek home - just in time to avoid Hurricane Irene, which was headed in that direction.

I hope you enjoyed reading about our trip - now it will be back to business!

Susan

Continuing the Vacation

2011-09-01T16:55:00.010-04:00

On the next part of our trip we headed back down Maine to Portland. Since this was our 'anniversary' trip, we splurged and stayed at the Black Point Inn in Scarborough for just one night.

Our arrival there started with some drama. We checked in, got our keys and the porter was taking our bags when they stopped us and said they'd put us in the wrong room - and updated everything and gave us new keys. So we get up to the room, open the door and start to get stuff set up, when we realize there was already someone in this room! Glad they weren't in the room at the time - it could have been very embarrassing all the way around! So the original room was the right one.

We got there just in time for cocktails by the pool - free wine (well, maybe not free exactly!) and cheese and crackers. A quick stroll down to the water, then some relaxation in the Adirondack chairs until people with wound up kids joined us.

We dressed up a little for dinner (it was included in our package also) - since we were celebrating early! Breakfast the next morning was included too, and then we headed off to check out some of Portland.

We headed to Old Port, checked out some of the shops, which were many and varied - some of your typical tourist type of shops, and then some really nice art shops.

We headed out to the Portland Head Light,then headed back to Scarborough to check in at the Higgins Beach Inn for our last night on the coast.

We headed to the beach, it was late enough in the afternoon that I wasn't too concerned about getting a sunburn, and spent a little time there relaxing, reading our books, and watching the waves.

Dinner and breakfast there are the inn were both great, too!

Stayed tuned for part 4 - this will be the best part!

Susan

Vacation Tales - Part 2

2011-08-29T19:41:00.008-04:00

Our vacation continued from the Adirondacks to Maine via Vermont and New Hampshire. Little bit of a slow drive through the Adirondacks, especially when they close the one road for a parade.

Our next stop was in Southwest Harbor and Acadia National Park. We spent a couple of nights at the Cranberry Hill Inn, which we loved. We got there somewhat late the first night, so just went up the street to get some dinner and relax. We had planned to go whale watching the next day, but the fog didn't cooperate with us. Instead we did some shopping in Bar Harbor (yes, I did buy t-shirts for my great nieces and nephews), along with some other novelty gifts.

We decided to head back to the Loop Road in Acadia and stop at some additional places we missed the first time, and along the way, we ran across signs for an arts & crafts show, so we had to stop there! Wonderful works of art!

We headed to the lobster pound for dinner that evening, and had another relaxing night at the inn. I started reading 'The Help' - I can't even tell you the last book I read before that.

What's next? Stay tuned.

Susan

Vacation Tales - Part 1

2011-08-28T18:33:00.006-04:00

Hello Friends! The next few posts are going to be about the vacation we just took - not too much about sewing or crafting or my regular stuff.

This September is our 10th wedding anniversary. So we thought we should go somewhere special (not that it's not special, but we normally spend our vacation with my husband's parents at their place in Northern Michigan). We had originally talked about going to Hawaii since that's where we went for our honeymoon, but I've become somewhat averse to flying. That's entirely different story

My husband spent many years of his youth at a boys summer camp in Maine. I've heard endless stories about it, and met some of the friends that he made there, and we've talked many times about going to Maine, so we decided that's what we would do for our special year.

Our trip started out with an overnight stay at a friend's cabin (she calls it a camp) in the Adirondacks. It was about half way between home and our first Maine destination, and a really lovely place. Neither of us had been to the Adirondacks before, and we enjoyed seeing the area. The ducks came by in the morning to say hello, and we headed on our way to Maine.

I will say that not a lot changes between us when we drive - when I'm the navigator, and he's driving, he doesn't listen any better than when we are at home.

Stay tuned for where we went next!
Susan

Vacation Purse

2011-08-27T16:07:00.007-04:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've written - it was a busy summer. We just got back today from a week or so in Maine - we drove, so that's why I say 'or so'.

I thought I needed a new purse for vacation. I was still using the one I made last fall and it was too big to start with, so in my opinion, way to big for vacation.

I picked out a brown patterned print, and made a small purse with an adjustable strap, a small zippered pouch and a new wallet from the fabric.

I wanted to use the purse myself to see if it was a size/style that I would want to make and sell at shows and from my etsy shop. Overall, I liked the purse. I think the strap needs to be a little sturdier, and perhaps attach from the top rather than the sides.

I liked the wallet too - it was basic with a zipper area for change, a slot for cash, and several slots for credit cards, etc.

A few modifications and you may see these start to appear in my shop!

Until next time,

Susan

Backwards Weekend?

2011-06-14T12:44:00.009-04:00

Just a short recap of my weekend show. I was in Chagrin Falls OH, for Art by the Falls. It's a lovely town with a real artsy feel. I did this show several years ago and it was an awesome show for me then.

Of course, I kept checking the weather forecast (as if that's ever right!) for the few days before the show. Scattered thunderstorms for Friday (setup) and Saturday - the first day of the show. Cooler and sunny on Sunday.

Most of the times, shows are busier on Saturday, than Sunday. Not so with this show this year - Saturday the crowds were much sparcer than I recalled or expected - I thought maybe that 'scattered thunderstorms' prediction was keeping them away. Sunday was a much larger crowd, at least early in the day.

Credit card sales - do most other people experience this? Normally, my Saturday credit cards runs 20-30% of the total sales, and on Sunday it can creep up closer to 50%. I'm not sure what was going on this weekend - but my Saturday credit cards were 60% of my total - crazy! Sunday was about 30%.

So - as I say - it was a backwards weekend!

By the way, the storms on Saturday never happened where we were. It sprinkled just as we were closing down for the day. And Sunday - well, the sun didn't appear until we were leaving - and cooler - you bet - I don't think it got above 62 or 63 degrees. Glad I took a pair of jeans and a jacket along!

Until next time!
Susan

It's show time!

2011-05-16T17:25:00.007-04:00

I had my first show of the season this past weekend (ok, I did a couple of small shows in April), and overall it was a pretty good weekend. This is the fourth year that I've done the Delaware Arts Festival, and it's been a good show for me the last couple of years.

The weather was a little crazy this year - 80 on Saturday, a short (1/2 hour or so) thunderstorm with some pretty heavy rain, and 50 on Sunday, pretty much a drizzle and more all day, with a few dry spells.

Here is a picture of my booth on Sunday morning - I see my orange price signs are pretty visible!

Given the crazy weather, I was really happy with my sales for the weekend.

Next show is Art by the Falls in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, June 11 & 12. I'd better get sewing!

Susan

Weekend Wrap-Up

2011-05-01T13:08:00.005-04:00

I had a show this weekend (Friday evening and Saturday) in Athens, Ohio at the Dairy Barn. I spent four years in Athens attending Ohio University, so I was a little excited to go back and spend the weekend.

I wasn't really sure what to expect from the show. The Dairy Barn is a wonderful venue for setting up, tearing down, and amount of space per booth. I thought the selection of vendors was excellent - all had very nice items, and many of them have done the shows at the Dairy Barn many times.

My sales weren't too great, though, so I doubt if I will go back.

Since it's about a 90 mile drive (each way) to Athens, and Friday night wasn't over until 8pm, I decided I didn't really want to drive back and forth. It was Mom's weekend at OU, though, so there weren't any rooms left by the time I decided that I wanted to try this show. We ended up deciding to make a weekend of it and got a cabin in Hocking Hills. The cabin was nice, the hot tub was awesome - what a way to relax after a day at a show!

For those of you who have heard me tell about Mimi cat, you know she's pretty needy for a cat. We really were only going to be gone for 2 nights - the Husband came home after work on Friday and made sure she had enough food for the weekend - and we got back home just before noon today (Sunday). You would think we could leave her alone for such a short time.

Apparently not. At some point, she threw up IN her food bowl - so I'm not sure how long she was without food - but she acted like she was starved when we got home.

Poor Mimi cat.

The car is all unloaded and my inventory put away. My book keeping is done for the event, and so now I have the rest of the day to work on - something!

Until next time.

Susan

Re-organization lost

2011-04-02T15:27:00.014-04:00

You may recall that I got on a reorganization project the beginning of the year. You also may recall that it seemed to stall out - I got about half of what I wanted to get done - or maybe not even half.

One of the problems I had was the the shelving I bought from IKEA had a couple of items out of stock when I originally purchased it. So the parts that I needed finally came in, and I got the drawers put together.

And here they are:

I did manage to get a "few" files into the filing cabinet, but most of them are still in a box across the hall.

This may be the only thing in the drawers for a while:

I won't even talk about the stuff under my cutting table....

Until next time,

Susan

Zip Around Case for Kindle 3G

2011-03-20T11:46:00.004-04:00

When I started making the zip around case for your ipod, iphone and other cell phones and electronic gadgets, I said I was also going to make them in larger sizes for your kindle and other e-readers, and also for ipads, etc.

This morning was the time of promise!

The exterior of the case has the vertical zippered section (unpadded) and the detachable wristlet strap and the zipper around three sides of the case.

The inside features several pocket sections - on the left side, there is a fabric pcoket and a netting pocket.

On the right there is a pocket for storing your kindle when not in use, and then each corner has tabs to hold the kindle in place when you want to use it.

The case is padded with a heavy weight fleece, and there is a waterproof barrier in between.

I don't personally own a kindle, so once I find someone willing to let me use theirs for a photo, I will get that picture and list this in my etsy shop.

Next on the agenda will be the case for the ipad, so stay tuned!

Susan

Of all the things I should be doing.....

2011-03-17T18:49:00.005-04:00

Making a purse for myself usually isn't too close to the top of the list.

I have signed up for more craft shows this year, so I should be building inventory. I have a several room project for a good friend of mine, that I need to get done. Just today I got a call from another friend looking to have some home decor stuff done.

So last night, rather than doing what I needed to do, I made a new purse for myself. I'm carrying an oversized patchwork purse that I made last fall. I just thought it was time for something else.

It's short and wide - I'm not going to make any comparisons....

Love the colorful print!

Susan

March On!

2011-03-06T08:16:00.005-05:00

February was one of those months where there was something going on every weekend. I looked at my March calendar and nothing special was scheduled other than yesterday where I got together with a group of friends to celebrate my birthday (it was in February).

So I started out this past week thinking I was going to get all kinds of things done.

Alas, it was not to be. Somehow my week just disappeared and I didn't spend any quality time sewing.

The one thing I did finish was the February angel project that I'm doing for Dee (twitter). You can see her blog where she posts each month's project and final results!

Here's my February angel:

I sure hope the rest of March is kinder to my sewing time than this week was - I've scheduled two craft shows in April!

Until next time,

Susan

Challenge - Complete!

2011-02-25T16:20:00.003-05:00

As you know, I got 10 items cut from the single yard (actually it was 35 inches once I evened the ends up) and I finally got them all sewn up.

Here's a composite picture of them all together:

Look for them to be listed in my etsy shop soon!

That was fun, but I know that a single yard of fabric doesn't let me get even one of each item made that I keep in my inventory, so I'll have to be selective with the smaller cuts to get the 'right' items made!

Happy Sewing,

Susan

One Yard Challenge - Cutting

2011-02-16T19:37:00.005-05:00

So, I think now that I'm trying to decide what all to make from this yard of fabric, why I started buying two yards when I'm not sure what I'm going to do with a piece.

I can't get everything that I want to from a single yard. Here are the ten items I did get cut from this yard:

Lanyard

Large Cell phone case with flap

Large Cell phone case with zipper

Wrap Around zipper gadget case

Regular Box pouch

Small Box Pouch

Zipper wallet/change purse

Mini pack purse (hipster)

Round top flat bottom wristlet

Small Flat Bottom zipper case

Here is what's left:

Not much that's usable. I have containers of scraps like this - anyone interested?

Next time I'll show the selection of finished items.

Susan

One yard challenge

2011-02-13T19:06:00.005-05:00

I make a variety of items for my etsy shop and for craft shows. Often when I work with a fabric, I make several items from that fabric. Depending on how much fabric there is, what the pattern is, how I feel that day, and what Mimi cat thinks (ok, that part isn't really true) I may get from 5-10 of my smaller items from it.

So today I am challenging myself to see how many items I can get from a one yard cut with as little waste as possible.

I'll make a list of the items that I've been making, and work on some cutting layouts and then go from there. Should be fun!

Just to clarify, the one yard will be the exterior fabric only, I will use a coordinating fabric for linings.

Here is the fabric I selected to work with.

Check back later this week to see how it worked out.

Susan

Zip Around Success

2011-02-08T13:06:00.004-05:00

I made the first prototype of the zip around case back at the end of December. I've been using it for my iTouch and love it. I keep the earbuds in one side and the ipod in the other side. If I plan to go anywhere and need to include the USB, I can include that in the outside pocket.

I made a few more (three to be exact) until I felt like I had a good solid process, and I did list the three prototypes in my etsy shop at a reduced price ($15). The regular price on this size will be $22. Before I could get the first one listed at regular price, I sold two!

My next plan is to make this in a larger size for ereaders and perhaps iPads. I also plan to make them more in a regular wallet style - large enough for unfolded paper bills, a couple of credit card slots, etc.

Let me know if there are options that you would like to see, and specific fabrics also!

Susan

Sewing Help

2011-01-30T16:59:00.005-05:00

I've been alternating sewing and the re-organization of my sewing room, and it's been exhausting.

Mimi cat is worn out from the entire process.

Susan

Walker Basket / Bag

2011-01-23T17:33:00.006-05:00

I've made a couple of bags for my mom for her walker over the past few years. This pretty green one is the most current. I think it's the prettiest one I've made for her.

My husband's aunt recently began using a walker and my mother-in-law asked me to make something for her also. They wanted something that was more like a basket - you can't see it from this picture, but there are pockets on each end that can hold a can of pop or bottle of water.
There is a little change pocket on the outside and then inside is a zippered pocket and a divided flap pocket.

I hope it works out for her.

Susan

Supplies - Organized!

2011-01-21T16:15:00.007-05:00

Most of my 'supply' items have now been organized. By supplies, I mean metal and plastic rings, slides, hooks, snaps, clips and buttons, to name a few. It also includes thread, trim, and beads.

The top half of the middle section is where I have these items organized. I purchased some inexpensive plastic stacking baskets from Big Lots and separated each item or category of items into these, along with some regular lidded plastic containers.

The bottom of this section will eventually have two drawers (the drawer fronts were out of stock when I bought the shelving) and hopefully there will be enough room in those drawers for the zippers and ribbon. Above the drawers and below the supplies, I've moved some of my pattern and other reference books.

I still have one section of shelving left to get organized, then it's on to the other side of the room and, most importantly, under the cutting table!

Stay tuned!

Susan

Carried Away: The Etsy Bag Makers Team: Featured CABTeam Member - Sew Darn Simple

2011-01-20T13:27:00.000-05:00

Carried Away: The Etsy Bag Makers Team: Featured CABTeam Member - Sew Darn Simple: "This is the first of a new monthly series which will appear on the CABTeam Blog the third Saturday of each month highlighting a member of ..."

Organization - Yes it continues on!

2011-01-19T18:01:00.004-05:00

I know you probably thought that I just gave up on the organization since I hadn't posted any new pictures or status in over a week - but it is still progressing!

I'll start with the right section, since that's the one that's done. This is a 6 shelf section a little over 5 feet tall (like me!) and I'm almost embarrassed to say that it's just fabric overflow.

Yes, I said overflow. I have a closet (a pretty large one at that) clear full, and what I put on this section was partly in one of the smaller shelving units that I plan to reuse somewhere else in the house, and partly stacked on the cutting table, floor, etc.

I like to organize fabric like such: themed fabrics, so cat, dog, animal, then by color if it doesn't fit a theme, so black and white, browns, etc.

I will admit that I have fabric under my cutting table that I haven't gone through yet. Other than my holiday fabric, I believe most of it is home decor leftovers and other remnants, but I guess I'll find out for sure when I venture under the table.

Stay tuned for the next installment!

Susan

Organization Step 2

2011-01-10T20:31:00.004-05:00

The space is empty no longer!

My wonderful husband spent most of Sunday afternoon putting the new shelving together. The only thing he didn't get completed was the drawer in the middle bottom - they didn't have the front in stock, so that means another trip to Ikea sometime in the future.

Mimi cat wasn't too enthused with the process - it was too noisy for her with the vacuum and drill running on and off all afternoon. But she was willing to do a final inspection, as you can see from this picture!

I also didn't get drawer/door pulls, so the towels are in place so we can get those sections open to finish putting the handles on.

Stay tuned for loading of the shelves!

Susan

Organization Step 1

2011-01-09T14:28:00.010-05:00

If you follow me on twitter you know that right before Christmas I started to have designs on reorganizing my sewing room. Of course, I wasn't able to do anything about it then.

Here is a before picture of the section of the room that I am tackling first. As you can see, I have an old entertainment center and pretty large tv in the room - just taking up space that I could use in better ways. I have a mishmash of shelves also.

Yesterday, we went to Ikea in Cincinnati, and started with some new shelving and are putting it together today. Here is the same space as above with the entertainment center and tv removed.

Stay tuned to see the finished shelving section and a synopsis of the space once I get things moved back in!

Susan

New Year

2011-01-01T14:19:00.002-05:00

So here we are on the first day of a new year, and like many others I like to spend some time planning things I want to get done this year.

If you follow me on twitter then you know for the last week or so, I've been talking about doing some cleanup and organization of my sewing room. I have a decent sized space, but with the lack of cohesive storage, I feel like it's out of control more often than not. So one thing that I'm going to work on, and plan to get completed in January, is to replace some of this mismatched and disorganized storage and replace it with something that is more functional and allows me better organization.

While I'm working on that, I'm going to collect some of the many things in the room that I know I'm never going to use, and either sell it or give it away.

In January I also have to work on craft show applications and pictures, so I'll be working on that pretty quickly, as the first one is due January 15!

Today already, I've created my new annual spreadsheets, updated my website with the show information that I already know about, changed all my calendars and been to the New Year's Day sale at Quilt Trends (one of our local quilt shops). Oh wait, that doesn't have anything to do with being organized!

On a personal note, I'm going to work harder at getting just a little exercise most days (I already did the Wii Fit for 1/2 hour today), and I want to read more books.

Happy New Year!

Susan

Ending the year with something new

2010-12-31T13:57:00.004-05:00

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.....

2010-12-24T12:29:00.005-05:00

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

2010-12-21T18:29:00.004-05:00

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!

2010-12-12T16:21:00.005-05:00

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

Storage Project

2010-11-02T20:15:00.004-04:00

My in-laws offered us a couple of side tables several months ago, and we finally picked them up this weekend. One of the tables we were removing (ok, it only went to the basement) had doors with storage inside. What to do with the stuff that was inside?

I decided to make a storage bin to put under one of the tables. I remembered that I had a pattern with a fairly large storage bin as one of its items, so I searched through my patterns and found it.

Here's the finished storage bin.

The exterior is dark purple corduroy. The interior is a home decor weight fabric: cream with purple flowers. The bottom and all the sides have double faced fusible peltex to give it structure.

Now I'm going to take it downstairs and fill it up!

Susan

There's always something good....

2010-10-04T20:05:00.006-04:00

This past weekend I tried out a new show (for me) in an area where I've not done a show before. It was a large show, lots of vendors, but ended up not being a good fit for the items I make. On top of everything else, the weather was unbelievably crappy. It went from being in the 80's last week to a high of about 52 on Saturday and rain to top that off. On Sunday, it was even colder, and, although it didn't rain on Sunday, the wind was about 30 mph, so it was CHILLY!

My wonderful husband kept me company this weekend (he loves to help!) and we discovered that our neighbors were the nicest couple ever. In their 70's - he did woodworking items - like pumpkins and Santa heads with lights, and a really cute Rudolph. She made snow people from fabric - all handmade, and just wonderful work.

They had this beautiful wooden cash register, and after commenting on it, discovered that he had an extra one that he had made for the next neighbor who coveted it. So on Sunday, I purchased one from him - just beautiful!

The cash drawer has coin and bill dividers, and the middle section will be great for my scissors and stapler and extra sales books, etc. The top also opens and will make a nice storage spot for something. Each side has a place for business cards, there are three places where pens will rest, and there is a spot for staging the payment.

So, although the show itself didn't end up being a profitable venture, the fun of being next to these lovely people and then great cash register made it worth it.

Susan

I say Tomatoes!

2010-09-06T15:01:00.011-04:00

You probably think that sewing is all that I do, but you would be wrong!

This weekend I went to my friend Kathy's to get some tomatoes from the garden she and her brother have. Last year, I got enough tomatoes from them to can 39 pints.

Here is the box of tomatoes that I broght home before I did anything with them. I knew I had too many when Jamie winced to pick it up and carry it into the house!

Hours later, I got them all canned. Actually, I started on them Sunday afternoon, and finished the last canner after noon on Monday.

49 pints. So much for not needing to do as many as last year!

The good news is, that we will be able to have lots of pasta, chili, etc., this winter!

Susan

New Fabric, Continued....

2010-09-04T21:03:00.010-04:00

My last post was about the fabrics that my mother-in-law picked out for a new purse and accessories for her.

I did a little shopping of my own that day.

I usually buy quite an assortment of fabrics when I shop, and this trip was no exception.

Sometimes I have specific themes or colors that I look for, and other times it's just what catches my eye.

This time I was looking for some masculine fabrics, which I found a couple, and I also look for new cat fabrics (because I don't have enough). I also found the companion fabrics to one I'd bought a while back, so now I have matching fabric for lining/straps when I make the totes from the fabric.

I also try to keep my eye out for dog fabrics, because I always have someone accuse me of being prejudice against dogs. It's not that (well, maybe a little), it's that the dog fabrics just aren't as cute or easy to use as the cat fabrics. I did find this dog themed fabric, so hopefully it will satisfy a few dog lovers!

You should see some items from this fabric in my etsy shop this week, as I already have some items made from it!

Susan

New Fabric, New Projects

2010-09-01T17:19:00.010-04:00

Jamie and I were visiting his parents for a few days and while he and his dad were fishing, his mom and I did some shopping - which of course, involves fabric shopping for me! One of the local shops close to where they live is Renee's House of Quilting and my stop there was a bit lethal.

A couple of years ago, I had my mother-in-law pick out fabric for a purse for herself, and she decided while we were there that it was time for a new one - this one more fall/winter in colors.
Here are the fabrics she selected for the outside (the circles) and lining (gold/tan print). I'm also trying out a new product, but I'll leave that for once I have it made and have pictures of how it all turns out!

She also decided that she wanted a new wallet and this brown is what she selected for that.

I think she picked out great fabrics, and can't wait to get started on these!

Susan

Perception

2010-08-21T16:56:00.007-04:00

As many fabric addicts do, I buy all kinds of fabrics in varying colors, themes, patterns, quantities. You may have seen pictures of my fabric closets (the one that isn't large enough) in previous posts.

Earlier this week, I decided that it was time to make myself a new purse. I had purchased this black, brown and butter yellow batik print a while back, and it was what I selected to make a purse for myself.

I had it all done but for the straps, but my husband hadn't seen it that day. The next day when he came home from work, he came up to my sewing room, looked at the purse and said something to the effect of 'old lady fabric' about the purse I was making for myself. Now, I do realize that I am older than him by a few years, but I don't think that I'm an 'old lady' just quite yet.

Of course, now I can't carry that purse because of what he said, even though I don't see whatever he saw in the fabric.Yesterday I decided to make a patchwork purse which I haven't done in a while. I think it turned out very well - and apparently it's not 'old lady' fabric, because my husband said when it saw it completed - 'that one will sell'!

Weather....

2010-08-15T10:49:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, we headed to the quaint town of Yellow Springs, Ohio for Art on the Lawn, sponsored by the Village Artisans. I had done this show several years ago, but then it conflicted with another show the next few years, so I hadn't been back.

It's a nice setting for a show, on the lawn of a school, especially in mid-August when the temperature and humidity can be, well, let's say 'unbearable'. We had a spot under the edge of a tree's umbrella, so started off with a little shade.

I had tweeted on Friday where I would be, and for those of you who have experienced this, it's always fun to meet someone that you know from twitter. Linda (Croneandbearit) stopped by to say hello and it was fun to meet her and her husband.

Unfortunately, about 3:30 or so, the weather took a turn for the worse, with some serious rain, thunder and lightenting, so some hurried packing occurred, and no worse for the wear (ok, I may have rusted a little from the drenching) we headed home a little early.

New item in the making - lunch tote

2010-08-01T10:52:00.010-04:00

I have a neighbor that I've done some window treatments for and she asked me a while back about making her a lunch bag. So she came over last week and picked a couple of fabrics and we discussed style, size, etc for the bag.

When making a new item, I like to experiment and make a couple to perfect the process, before I make 'real' ones to sell.

Here is the first one I made:

I quilted the exterior, added a pocket on one side and lined it in PUL for easy cleanup. I didn't use the insulated interfacing in this one, nor did I use the stiffer interfacing for the bottom, but overall I was pleased with how it turned out.

There were a couple of things that I didn't like about how I made it, so I tried a second one changing those things, and actually didn't complete the second one yet, because I liked the things I changed even less.

Once I've completed the ones for my neighbor, I plan to make some for my craft shows and etsy shop.

Stay tuned!

Susan

Weekend Entertainment

2010-07-25T12:23:00.022-04:00

Yesterday was a fun filled day. I had asked some friends (one from out of town) to go to Picnic with the Pops yesterday evening. My out of town friend said she would love to come down and also spend some of the day doing some fabric shopping.

Who could turn down an invitation like that? Not me!

Not that it mattered, but the local quilt shops were having their shop hop also. We didn't get an early enough start to do all the shops - the driving distance this year was pretty substantial. We picked ones that we hadn't been to recently, along with one of my favorites!

I was looking for more black and white prints, as they are very popular. Most things I make from them sell quickly!

I've also been on the lookout for a new masculine fabric, since the brown herringbone is gone.

Of course, I found some cat themed fabrics that I just couldn't pass up!

And here's the rest - including my two free fat quarters from a couple of the shops!

Now, to have time to make things from all this, as if I didn't already have enough fabric in my stash!

Susan

Craft Show Preparation

2010-07-12T20:51:00.005-04:00

I've been doing craft shows for a few years now and I think I finally have a routine down for the week before a show.

After each show, I evaluate what I sold so I know what to make between shows, and I try to work on those items on a daily basis. A couple of my big sellers are the zipper wallets (now in two sizes), what I call the 'mini pack purse' which is a small hipster style purse.

We pack up the car the night before the show with the following:

1. tent and weights when it's an outdoor show
2. grid wall, hardware and shelves
3. chairs
4. bags
5. inventory

The morning of the show, we load the cooler with the needed refreshments to keep us through the day, and of course, the cash box for change.

Now - what did I forget?

Road Trip - GASP!

2010-07-02T14:47:00.008-04:00

Last weekend, the husband and I set out for our first vacation together (without family) in about seven years. We headed to Asheville, NC, to Biltmore. I had been there as a child - I'm thinking I was probably 9 or 10 - so many years ago - and have talked over the years about going back.

It's about an 8 hour drive from Columbus OH, and all interstate, so really a pretty quick drive. We spent the first night in Bryson City NC and took the Great Smokey Mountain Rail Road trip on Sunday. The weather was pretty much as we had been having at home - warm and humid.

We spent a couple of days in Asheville, toured the Biltmore house and grounds, took a trolley around the city to see more and learn some of the history, and headed back home on Wednesday. I would attach some pictures from our trip, but we really aren't picture takers, so there were only a few.

Why GASP! in my title, you may be asking? Well, I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've been anywhere that I didn't go to a fabric shop of some sort. So my fabric stash didn't grow with this trip!

Shaker Heights Arts & Music Fesitval

2010-06-21T20:49:00.006-04:00

Despite my best efforts, there was nothing shaking and sales didn't reach new heights at the Shaker Heights Arts & Music Festival this past weekend (June 19-20, 2010) in Shaker Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio.

Last year was my first experience at this show, which seemed promising. Last year's event was held on the grounds of a prestigious preparatory school for girls: Hathaway Brown. But despite the pedantic setting, the show was rather pedestrian. Parking was challenging, there was an admission ($5), the weather was lousy and the economy was lousier.

Despite flat sales, I was persuaded to give the show another chance this year. The event had a new venue closer to the heart of town, admission was free, parking was plentiful, my jury fee was waived, the entry fee was lower and the economy was improving.

As it turns out, the weather was better, too. But, it was hot; so hot that an elderly woman fainted in front of the booth directly across from us. We, too, were withering.

Sales were better than last year, but not nearly enough to persuade me from returning next year.

I haven't given up on northeastern Ohio. My best show ever was in Chagrin Falls. And I have high hopes for my July 17 show in Willoughby, Ohio: the Willoughby Arts Fest, which expects more than 10,000 people. And as a fellow artists told me, these people come to shop.

Smartphone cases

2010-05-31T17:24:00.008-04:00

It doesn't seem that long ago that phones weren't that smart. Now people seem disappointed if a new phone doesn't come with Internet, email and turn-by-turn directions.

According to Boy Genius Report, smartphones now account for 39 percent of U.S. marketshare. As that number grows each year, so do their physical size.

For a long time, my standard cell phone case (which measures 4.5" tall x 3" wide) fit most phones on the market, including the BlackBerry Curve (although snugly).

To adapt to changing times, I am now designing a larger cell phone case to accommodate the iPhone 3G and 3GS (4.5" x 2.4" x 0.48" inches), the Motorola Droid (4.55" x 2.35" x 0.55") and all BlackBerrys. My redesigned case measures 5.25" tall x 3.5" wide and may include additional features, such as a velcro flap, a pocket and/or a zipper.

No, there is not an app(lique) for that. But I take custom orders.

Miniature aprons

2010-05-02T17:51:00.003-04:00

My brother and his two daughters lived with me for several years. During that time, I made a number of outfits for my neices.

So, it makes sense that my neices are asking me to make clothes and accessories for their children.

Two of my latest creations are aprons for my four-year-old grandniece Hayley. Her mother says she loves to help out in the kitchen and pouts if she is unable to.

I have never tasted any of her creations, but I have seen her create a convincing birthday cake out of Play-Doh.

No matter what she whips up, this little sous-chef will be ready when the sauces and batter get flung.

(BTW: My husband thought he would be funny by Photoshopping Hayley's image. I'll be sure to take a real picture of her in one of her new aprons.)

Paisley is a timeless pattern

2010-04-05T20:13:00.008-04:00

Before researching paisley on Wikipedia, I would have guessed that the paisley print was first introduced in the mid-1970s, when it was a popular print for extra-wide neckties (at least for my grandfathers).

According to Wikipedia, the paisley print dates back to the Safavid Dynasty of Persia (1501 to 1736). Perhaps that is why American quilters refer to paisleys as "Persian pickles." I'm not sold on the pickle idea; I have always thought paisleys resemble colorful amoebae. But, I agree that paisleys resemble Yin yang symbols, so that is why they are a fitting pattern for a spring ensemble.

I recently had a custom order for a colorful paisley wallet ($32), and I continued the theme to a mini pack purse ($24), a box pouch ($15), a mini zippered wallet ($11), and a lanyard ($6). Then I used a blue paisley print to create a Passport wallet ($10).

Whether a paisley resembles a pickle or an amoeba, it can be patterned and colored in myriad ways. And most paisley prints I come across are a lot more appealing than they were in the mid-1970s.

Craft day

2010-03-28T10:58:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I had three friends over for a craft day, a first for us. All of us worked on our craft projects at my two work tables in my sewing room.

One friend mended pants, another organized photographs for scrapbooks, and another cut the fabric pattern for an Ohio State-themed purse and worked on her cross stitch. I finished some of my home decor projects, including draperies for my mother-in-law.

We broke for lunch at 1:30 p.m. I cooked Mediterranean chicken in the crockpot, which included stewed tomatoes, Greek olives, and marinated artichoke hearts. We also had a seven-layer salad, sticky buns, a bottle of Bogle Merlot, and a bottle of Barefoot Chardonnay.

After lunch, we went back to our craft projects for a few hours. We broke for Campfire S'Mores Bread Pudding at 5:30 p.m.; imagine bread pudding drizzled with melted chocolate, mini marshmallows, and crumbled graham crackers.

We all had a lot of fun and look forward to the next craft day.

Facebook ad

2010-03-21T12:30:00.004-04:00

In putting together a marketing plan, I realized my biggest challenge: reaching a global demographic on a shoestring budget. I have 5,650 followers on Twitter and a Sew Darn Simple fan page on Facebook, but that is not enough.

After doing a little research, I found that Facebook ads have a low click-through rate, but a high impression rate and the potential to reach millions.

I ran my first ad campaign on Facebook from March 10 through March 20. I targeted 25 to 64-year-old females in the United States, or more than 39 million people.

The first ad consisted of my logo, which includes my tagline: Custom Sewing for Your Home and More...Purses, Accessories, Home Decor. The logo was a hyperlink to my website (http://www.sewdarnsimple.com/). The verbiage below the logo read: 100% cotton purses, wallets, cell-phone cases, lanyards, accessories and so much more. Custom orders. Global shipping.

Because Facebook has a low-click-through rate, I chose to pay up to $0.68 per click, not to exceed $5.00 per day. During that 10 day advertising campaign, my ad had 86,778 impressions and 21 clicks, for a 0.13 percent click per thousand (CPM) rate, and a 0.024 percent total click-through rate (CTR). My average cost per click (CPC) was $0.53 and my total campaign cost $11.17.

Although I do not track how customers hear about me, during my first Facebook campain I had 4 new customers, 8 total customers, and 10 total sales. My average sale is $9.00, not including shipping.

I began my second Facebook campaign yesterday (March 20). I substituted the logo with an ad that has pictures of my merchandise. I kept the maximum pay per click at $0.68 and the daily budget at $5.00 And I kept the verbiage below the graphic, but changed the hyperlink to go directly to my Etsy landing page (www.etsy.com/shop/SewDarnSimple), where I sell my merchandise. I already have had 60,630 impressions and 10 clicks.

It's in the bag

2010-03-14T14:09:00.004-04:00

To paraphrase a commercial by a well-known electronics juggernaut: there is a bag for that.

My online shop has backpacks, reusable baggies, cosmetic pouches, toiletry bags, and purses of all designs, shapes, and sizes. Occassionally I'll make a CD case for a grand-nephew, a crayon case for a neice, or a diaper bag for an expectant mother.

My latest project is what I call the drawstring project bag, which is approximately 6.5" in diameter and 13" tall. The bottom is weighted with heavy, fuseable Peltex interfacing.

I envision my project bag being filled with yarn, thread, fabric, and needles for those who like to knit, crochet, needlepoint, and/or sew.

My first project bag includes words and appeals to the wordsmith. I also have a similar fabric with numbers for number crunchers. But, if typography isn't your bag, Austin Powers, I have hundreds of other prints and combinations.

Fourth time is a charm

2010-03-07T20:10:00.004-05:00

Many great painters have painted over a canvas several times before creating a masterpiece. I am finding that sewing isn't much different.

As I often do, I based a new wallet design on two modified patterns. But, it took me four tries to create a saleable wallet.

On my first attempt, the zipper (for coins) was in an odd place, just below the flap. Also, I later discovered that most of the credit card slots were too narrow.

For my second attempt, I moved the zipper to the middle of the wallet, but I still did not like it being on the outside. And, I did not like the Velcro flap.

My third attempt was pretty good. I substituted the Velcro flap for one with a magnetic snap, but I forgot to put fabric behind my zipper to make a pouch. I corrected that problem, but the design was still missing something.

For my fourth and final design (paw-print fabric), I added a see-through vinyl pocket to accommodate an ID. The wallet also has an opening that runs lengthwise to accommodate paper currency, a zippered pouch for metal currency, three distinct slots for credit cards, and a pocket under the credit cards for more cards, such as business cards.

Plastic, plastic, plastic

2010-02-27T15:45:00.004-05:00

Plastic water bottles, plastic shopping bags, plastic baggies, and plastic surgery seem to be ubiquitous these days. Of the examples given, plastic surgery has the most longevity, but Pamela Anderson and others find that some features have to be retouched before old age sets in.

What is so silly about much of the plastic we use is its very short lifespan. People cart bottled water to the gym or on a short walk, then pitch the empty container 30 minutes later. I'm not sure when we got away from laughing at the thought of buying bottled water, most of which is common tap water. But, it makes much more sense to use a washable aluminum or plastic bottle. Or fill a glass with cold water from a pitcher with a filter (e.g. Brita).

Typically, the lifespan of a shopping bag is much shorter than that of a water bottle. Customers fill shopping carts with plastic bags full of groceries to make it easier for the one-minute transfer from the shopping cart to the trunk of the car. Then they use the plastic bags another three minutes for lugging the groceries from the car to the kitchen.

Granted, the recyclable grocery bags sold at checkout counters are worthless, unless you live in Europe and/or you are just picking up a loaf of French bread and a couple items from the produce aisle. Those bags also contribute to the detriment of the environment because most of them are made in China and freighted around the world. And, unwanted bags end up in landfills. Substituting cardboard or plastic boxes makes more sense. Plastic milk cartons are ideal, if they are not obtained illegally.

Plastic baggies without a ziploc are such a waste because they are only needed from the time a sandwich or snacks are prepared until they are consumed a few hours later. Reusable baggies are much more environmentally friendly, and fashionable. I make them in two different sizes, starting at $6. My reusable baggies have pull tabs for easy opening and are:

Machine washable
Dryer safe
Polyurethane laminated 100% cotton
Lead and Phthalates free

2010-02-21T15:14:00.002-05:00

I am thinking about writing a monthly newsletter, but I wonder if it will be worth it. I already have a Blog and a Twitter account, so coming up with fresh material might be difficult. But, if I get subscribers, then Sew Darn Simple will be top of mind (at least on the newsletter issue date).

Another consideration is the newsletter's design. My husband came up with a one-page template that resembles a purse, but I'm not sure I like it; it is too busy and too purple (if that is possible).

Also, once I have a design I like, what should I include? Monthly tutorials might have some value. And adding events to show readers where I'll be makes sense.

If anyone has any ideas concerning newsletters, I'd love to hear them.

Susan

susan@sewdarnsimple.com

New look and feel

2010-02-14T15:01:00.004-05:00

My husband is taking digital design courses online, through the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. In his current class, he has had to create a new logo, a newspaper ad, a newsletter, and a website layout for a client (real or imagined). His client is Sew Darn Simple.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to create marketing collateral; after all, my time would be better spent in the sewing room. My husband has been promising me a new logo and a newsletter for the past several months. So, his latest class is topical and timely.

To update the logo, he used ragged edges to mimic pinking shears. He also found a handwritten, casual, fun, and free font at http://www.fonthead.com/. Creative products do not conform to all the rules, and GoodDog typeface conveys this.

The picture shows one idea for an improved website home page. The revised logo appears in that picture.

Before too long, I hope he puts his ideas into Dreamweaver and gives my website a new look and feel. Until then, I'll keep dreaming and sewing. (Weaving isn't as much fun.)

Putting a dress form to good use

2010-02-08T19:02:00.004-05:00

After years of allowing a dress form to occupy space in my sewing room, I decided to use it to display my purses and backpacks. I receive quite a few questions regarding strap length, and pictures display the merchandise how it is to be used. Cropped carefully, the viewer should not be able to distinguish between a dress form and a human model.

The dress form has been around since the 1950s, when my mother used it to make clothes. Now it wears my husband's white undershirt, my violet blouse, and a black skirt.

When I am not using it to display product, I can maneuver it in front of the upstairs bedroom window to give passersby a creepy feeling, as if they are being watched by Norman Bates playing his mother. Or, to keep would-be burglars at bay when we are away from the house, like Macauley Culkin's character in "Home Alone."

Even though I have found a new use for this otherwise obsolete dress form, I would be willing to part with it for the right price.

Art Studio Clearance Sale a Success

2010-02-01T18:14:00.004-05:00

If success at a craft show can be a leading economic indicator, 2010 looks promising.

This past weekend at the annual Ohio Designer Art Studio Clearance Sale on the Ohio State Fairgrounds (January 30 and 31), Sew Darn Simple had twice the number of total sales as 2009.

It seems that customers are opening their purses, but not to buy purses. Full-sized purses ($30-$65) and backpacks ($69) are my most expensive items, but I did not sell one full-size purse. Customers preferred the smaller pack purse ($24), as well as accessories such as cell-phone cases, glasses casses, mini zippered wallets, box zipper pouches, tissue covers, lanyards, and Easter baskets. And they practically went gaga over reusable baggies.

There are a lot of variables to consider when participating in a craft show, including advertising, weather, booth placement, presentation, and atmosphere. A client following isn't bad to have, either.

I did talk to a couple vendors who were not pleased with the results. But they both had higher-priced items that decidedly fall into the "want" category: paintings and jewelry.

People may not be opening purses for the big items, but at least they are opening their purses.

Art Studio Clearance Sale

2010-01-24T20:13:00.002-05:00

On January 30 and 31, Sew Darn Simple will be at the Ohio Designer Craftsmen Art Studio Clearance Sale at the Lausche Building at the Ohio Expo Center (717 E. 17th Ave.). We have booth 114, which is five spaces right of the Info Center at the main entrance. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is $6 (good for both days) and parking is $5. Those 12 and under get in free.

Sew Darn Simple is joining 150 other vendors from across the country, all selling merchandise at reduced prices. Just like at Kmart, blue-light specials will be announced throughout the show.

For more information, visit Ohio Designer Craftsman at http://www.ohiocraft.org/.

Making a flat handle for a purse

2010-01-15T22:11:00.006-05:00

In a previous post, we discussed how to make a fabric strap for small purses and wristlets. This week, we are looking at how to construct a flat-handled strap that is reinforced with polypropylene webbing.

Cut your fabric 3" wide, at your desired purse-strap length. Be sure to leave room for stitching the strap into the seam.

Fold the fabric in half, inside out.

Stitch a 3/8" seam along the open side. (Note: a 1/2" won't give you much wiggle room.)

Use a turning tool (pictured) to turn the fabric outside in.

Press the fabric so the seam is on one side.

Put a safety pin through your length of polyproplene (so you can pull it through the fabric).

Feed the polyproplene through the fabric.

Stitch a 1/4" seam along both sides of the fabric.

Attach the strap to the purse body. (Hint: it is easier if you attach the straps into seams, otherwise you have to finish the ends.)

Purse straps

2010-01-08T17:17:00.011-05:00

By definition, "strapping" refers to something large and robust. When it comes to strapping purses, however, straps come in all sizes (and materials for that matter). Although purse straps can be made of acrylic, lucite, plastic, bamboo, wood, yarn, ribbon, and many other materials, I typically limit my purse straps to four categories:

Strapless (also called a clutch purse)

Round-handled fabric (reinforced with piping filler cord)

Flat-handled fabric (reinforced with polypropylene webbing)

Folded fabric (for wristlets and adjustable straps)

Folded fabric straps are typically reserved for my smaller, lighter purses, including my mini pack purses, small zip top purses, and wristlets.

To make folded fabric straps:

Cut a two-inch strip of fabric to desired length.
Fold the fabric in half (widthwise).
Iron the folded fabric (thus creating a crease).
Fold the raw edges of the fabric to the crease.
Iron the now one-inch wide fabric again, creating a total of three creases.
Fold the fabric in half again, making it half of an inch.
Iron.
Stitch both sides of the strap, along its entire length.

From window to closet

2010-01-04T20:48:00.003-05:00

Unless I'm making a custom order, I choose a fabric that suits my fancy and convert it into something useful, such as:

a tissue cover

a resusable baggie

a mini wallet

a cell phone case

a glasses case

a backpack

a purse.

Then, I place like items together in metal baskets made for metal gridwall. That way, I'm organized and I have less work to do to prepare for a show (such as the upcoming Art Studio Clearance Sale at the Ohio Expo Center January 30 and 31).

My metal grid used to lean against a bookcase near the window, but I noticed one day that the sun was creeping through the blinds and fading the tops of some of my glasses cases. So, the gridwall now rests on the back of my closet door, on the other side of the room.

Raw materials and finished products now have to share the same dark space. More customers would give them a "coming out" party.

Appeal of the custom order: Goldilocks

2009-12-30T14:30:00.011-05:00

After reviewing items I have listed in my Etsy shop, a repeat customer contacted me about a custom order. At 4.75" W x 3.75" H, my customer thought my mini zippered wallet was too small.

At 5.5" W x 7.5" H, my rectangular mini pack purse with adjustable straps was too big.

So, I made her a wallet/purse that is just right.

The custom hybrid measures 4.25" W x 5.25" H and is constructed of an elegant, slate-blue silk fabric that the customer noticed on another item for sale.

Like my regular rectangular pack purse, my customer's custom purse has:

A zipper top

A second exterior zipper pocket on one side

100% cotton fabric lining

A light-weight interfacing that gives it body without being stiff

Adjustable straps with swivel hooks on both ends

Glasses cases are being discontinued

2009-12-21T17:06:00.003-05:00

I have decided to discontinue both sizes of
glasses cases and have lowered my prices on
these products by half. I have dozens of each size.

My larger size (3.5" W x 7" H; 8.9 cm W x 17.8 cm H) accommodates oversized glasses, which are starting to make a comeback (at least as sunglasses). The larger glasses case is now $5.50 (pictured).

My smaller size (2.5" W x 6.25" H; 6.3 cm W x 15.8 cm) are only $5.00.

I plan on creating a new glasses case in the near future.

ReUsable Baggies

2009-12-14T18:36:00.004-05:00

Reusable baggies are the same concept as a disposable, much-less-fashionable clear baggie. Reusable baggies have a decorative fabric (100% cotton) on the exterior that help define the user's style or personality. Reusable baggies have a vinyl interior and can be turned inside out and cleaned with a damp cloth or the washing machine (but line dry). Reusable baggies come in various sizes to accommodate sandwiches, fruit, chips, and other snacks.

Projects

2009-10-24T18:26:00.010-04:00

I looked back at what I've written about and I see a trend. Mostly I write about things that I have in process, and that I don't seem to get done!

My last entry was about cleaning and re-organizing my sewing room. I did it - sort of. I discovered that I just don't have enough room available to organize it. So I shifted some piles around and called it done. Of course, I've bought more fabric since then (as if I needed any more).

I have my crazy patchwork jacket - it's still hanging on the door of the sewing room - I have beads that I want to put on it - but handsewing anything is not really my favorite thing to do - so it's still hanging there.

I could go on..... Instead I'll write about something that I did complete - a new bag for my mom and a new wallet style!

My mom uses a walker, and so I've made her a couple of bags, but she deserves a new one once in a while - so I dug out this beautiful green fabric and made her a new one. I (imagine!) had forgotten about this fabric - I think the varying shades of green are lovely - and the hearts just make it extra special.

I used the twin needle to quilt it - I really love the effect! I think she will like it too.

So along with the purse, I decided to make her a new wallet - she doesn't have a lot of stuff to put into one - the one she has now is huge - so I decided to try a new style and see how it works.

It's full sized wallet (about 7" wide) and folds in half, with a velcro tab to keep it closed. On the outside, I put a zipper section and a pocket section behind. Inside I did another zipper and pocket section on the bottom, and on the top, I did a row of credit card/id holders (5 pockets) with a pocket behind.

I think I'm pleased with the style - but I should have cut it about 1" longer for folding - and my velcro attachment was a little low on the wallet for the length that I made the tab. I think this is a style that you will see in my etsy shop in the coming weeks.

Here are some pictures!

Outside - foldover tab with velcro closure

Other side of the outside - zippered section with pocket behind.

Inside pictures - completely open - bottom section has zipper and pocket behind - top section has five card slots (credit cards/id, etc) with a pocket behind it also.

I'd love to have feedback on this configuration - feel free to leave me comments!

Hopefully my next post will also be accomplishments also, and not just my procrastination!

Have a good one!

Susan

Time to Clean It Up!

2009-09-21T17:50:00.008-04:00

I had a successful show this weekend at the Village Peddler Festival in Kirtland Ohio at the Lake MetroParks Farmpark. This is the third year that I've done the show and it's a great environment, the shoppers are fabulous, the entertainment is good and the food's not bad either!

Right out of the gate, my first sale was a repeat customer. She'd purchased one of my wallets a couple of years ago and was back for another. It was a recurring theme throughout the two-day event, with compliments on previous years' purchases and what new things I had. It really made me feel good about my products.

Last week before the show, I was beginning to get frustrated with the messy condition of my sewing room. I have a fairly good size room - big enough for two eight-foot tables to sit side by side, sewing machine table, ironing board, several storage sections and two wicker chairs for cat snuggling. But the fabric and supply piles have begun to get the better of me.

So here are some pictures BEFORE I start trying to get organized!

This is the doorway into my room. As you can see, there is actually fabric sitting in the hallway going into the room. You can't see it from this picture, but I also have the roman shades that I made for my great-nephew and great-niece that don't fit in their new house - I was going to rework them into something usable, but my niece hasn't provided me with the new measurements.

You can see the tables (there is lots of storage completely full underneath) and you can see the stacks starting on top. These stacks are the ones I was "sort of" working on.

This is the closet - I have the 'recycling' box for the items that I collect to put out when there is enough - I think there's enough now! Also sitting there is the box to my sewing machine - that I bought almost two years ago. I guess I didn't want to get rid of it, but I surely could take it to the basement out of the way!

The closet is jam-packed with fabric, and completely surrounded too! I'm sure there's not room in the closet for all of it, but at least I hope I can get most of it organized a little better!

Finally, here's my helper!

Hopefully, later this week, I will be able to show you pictures of a more organized work environment!

Until then,
Susan

Back to Crazy?

2009-09-06T14:46:00.007-04:00

I'm thinking about getting back to my crazy patchwork jacket this week! I still need to find the lining fabric that I want to use - I'm wondering what I have stashed away in my closet - I really don't want to have to go to the store, because that could turn lethal.....

Right now I'm working on some more ReUsable Baggies - right now I'm finishing up some made with frog fabric.

And next I have ladybugs.....

I also bought some music fabric, so I may go back to INSANE and try to make another CD/DVD case like I did a few weeks ago.

All for now!

Susan

From Crazy to Insane

2009-08-11T17:29:00.019-04:00

As you may have been reading, I've been working on the crazy patchwork. I put it aside while I finished some other projects.

This weekend my brother was visiting and he had some CD/DVD's for his grandkids, and asked if I happened to have any extra cases for them that he could have. No, I said, but I bet I could make something.

Now that's INSANE!

Because this was Saturday and we were getting together with the family on Sunday.

I finished the project I was working on and decided to give it a whirl. I measured, and contemplated, and write some ideas down. Then I got started.

I decided to start on the one for the boy first, because I had LOTS of fabric left from his roman shades and quilt I made. I wanted it to have a way to stay closed (can you say velcro?) and it needed to hold 12 CD/DVDs. Here is the result:

So it one works - but it was way too thick in the middle and I couldn't actually stitch all the way down. I just did enough at the top and bottom to secure it.

Think, think, think - how to make it better?

First, a better way to secure the middle parts. Also, I didn't consider the folding effect, so the outside 'pages' needed to be longer than the inside ones. Finally, if he tips it upside down, the CDs may fall out.

Then, I had to get into the fabric closet and find a good 'little girl' fabric for the next one. And I don't know exactly how much it's going to take, because I didn't want to work that hard and add the pieces up! Finally after much searching, I remembered this cute pink kitty-cat fabric.

For this one, each 'page' is just 2 sides, and not 4 like the last - and organize it so the opening for the CDs face where it secures. I like the result much better. Tell me what you think?

My brother was excited about it - he said - "there you go, something new you could sell!" Maybe I could, but for the amount of time it took, I would have to charge a small fortune

Anyone have a fortune they want to give me to make these?

Hope you enjoyed my story!
Susan

CRAZY Patchwork Continued....

2009-08-08T10:58:00.008-04:00

I got about 2 yards or so of the crazy patchwork compeleted. Here are a couple of pictures:

Because I stitched this to the interfacing, it is only about 22" wide or so. That's about the equivalent of 1 yard of regular fabric.

I plan to make a jacket using this - that was my original thought when I started this project - but I wasnt' really sure until my last blog post and I asked for suggestions.

After completing the crazy patchwork, I decided on a fabric for the base of the jacket, as one year would not be enough for a jacket, and the next step will be to determine the placement of the patchwork on the jacket. I also selected some embellishment items such as beading, lace, ribbon, etc., that I plan to use.

The final piece will be to select the fabric or fabrics for the lining, as I want this to be a professional looking piece.

I've been sidetracked with some other projects for now, so it will be close to the end of August when I get back to this.

So stay tuned.
Susan

I've gone CRAZY!

2009-08-01T08:32:00.012-04:00

I started my new project this week. I have this container of fabric scraps, most of which are pieces that are too small for anything that I normally make. I did find some larger pieces of some holiday prints - I'm not quite sure how they ended up there.

Here are some pictures of the container and it's contents:

It's pretty much just a mess of small fabric pieces of all kinds. I hardly throw any scraps away (as you may be able to tell).

So, I take out my craft fuse interfacing and here is what I find:
The cat (Mimi) has been chewing the edge of the interfacing. Yes, folks, my cat is an addict. She is addicted to GLUE. I have to hide the tape from her - she will eat the entire roll. Obviously, she found this even though I tucked it away where I thought she couldn't get to it.

My plan is to take pieces of fabric from my scrap box and make a crazy patch fabric from it. I pin the pieces on the craft fuse, give it a light ironing to adhere some of it, go across each section just with a straight stitch and then the real work begins with stitching around the edges of each fabric piece. I mostly use a zigzag stitch arounds the edges. I will use varying colors of thread - that way I can use up some of the thread colors that I don't use much too.

Here is a picture of a piece I found from the last time I did this. I made fabric bowls from this piece.

What will I make from the new one? Check back to find out!

Have a great day!
Susan

One project completed and now onto the next

2009-07-26T18:19:00.008-04:00

I pieced a quilt for my new great-nephew and I've been procrastinating the actual 'quilting' portion - because it's not really my favorite thing to do, and I don't think I'm that good at it. But I forced myself today to finish it. Yeah!

So, now onto the next project. What shall I do?

I've been building up my inventory of my standard items, cell phone cases, zipper wallet/change purses, purses, and I added fabric lanyards to my list of items. Here are some examples:

I have tons of fabric (maybe not literally) and sometimes the hardest part is picking something new from the stash. And I have lots of scraps - so I think I'm going to play around with the scraps. A while back I made some fabric bowls

from scraps that I crazy-quilted and I think I'm going to do some more of the crazy patching. It's kind of fun - and it will reduce my overflowing container of scraps.

So stay tuned to see what I may come up with - it's not up my normal route, and it may be surprising! Better than all of that, it will be fun to do, I hope!

Until next time,

Susan

Mid-Summer Sale

2009-07-19T17:32:00.007-04:00

Please check out my etsy shop - I'm having a mid-summer sale. Buy one item get a second item of equal or lesser value for hald price. The discount does not apply to shipping and cannot be applied to previous purchases or special orders.

I've added backpacks to my selection - here are a few samples:

I'm also making lanyards now - although I don't have any listed yet. You can look for a sampling of these in the next couple of weeks.

I'm working on getting my inventory ready for "Art on Fair" in Lancaster, Ohio on August 15, 10am - 7pm.

Hope to see you there!

Susan

Moving my blog....

2009-03-22T19:18:00.002-04:00

I'm not the best of bloggers as it is, so having two places just won't work.

Going forward my blog updates will be on my website, and you can check it out here.

Thanks for visiting me here, and I hope you'll check me out in my new location!

Thanks,
Susan

Happy Birthday BOGO Sale

2009-02-06T12:01:00.005-05:00

I'm a terrible blogger - I know it. It's been almost a month since I was here. What have I been doing during that time, you ask?

Well, I switched the format of my website - check it out here - http://www.sewdarnsimple.com/index.html. The new format allows me to have a blog there, so I have made a couple of entries there.

And of course, since I was here last, we had Christmas, New Year's and the entire month of January.

My 'regular' job keeps me busy during January, although I did have time to do an art/craft show - you can read about that on my website blog: http://www.sewdarnsimple.com/id72.html.

But today I am writing because my birthday is coming up, and to reward all of you for that, I am having a BOGO (Buy One, Get One half off sale) on my etsy store. For each item you buy at full price, you can get a second item of equal or lesser value for 1/2 price. Shipping charges are not discounted. Refunds will be made through paypal after purchase is complete. This sale runs from now through Midnight EST Monday, February 9. So hurry and check it out. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5934264

Thanks for reading!

Susan

Creating something new - the Custom Order

2008-12-11T17:14:00.012-05:00

I have a new customer who likes a couple of my items but wants some modifications. I love custom orders. They let me get out of my box and do something different. They make me think about ways to do things and styles that I maybe normally wouldn't think of.

This request was for a purse and a wallet. I'm going to start today with the wallet because it's something that I had on my agenda for about three or four months and I just hadn't take time to play around with.

I currently make a full-size women's wallet, that is a tri-fold, with a velcro closure on the flap, and has places inside for bills, coins (zippered pocket), id pocket, flap with places for five credit cards and an additional pocket behind, and a checkbook and register area.

I personally haven't carried my checkbook anywhere is years. So I kept saying I was going to make one that eliminated the checkbook area, and added more places for credit cards - or other cards - you know we all have a collection of them.

And that's exactly what she was looking for. So I worked with my current design and adjusted it for the new one. Here's what it's going to look like!

There are just a couple of small modifications to the wallet, which I'm going to work on this evening, although I think this one is perfectly 'saleable' , and then I'll be ready when the fabric she selected arrives.

The purse request is a combination of styles, and I may get started on that this evening also. I'll make a demo of it (which I will probably get to keep and use myself) and then I will be ready to go with it.

Thanks to my customer for giving me the opportunity to try some new things!

SALE

2008-11-26T18:22:00.002-05:00

Just a short post today.

FREE SHIPPING EVERYWHERE FROM WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 THRU MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 FROM MY ETSY STORE

HTTP://WWW.SEWDARNSIMPLE.ETSY.COM

Thanks and happy shopping!

Accomplishments!

2008-11-02T19:09:00.012-05:00

Since my last post, I think I've had quite a few accomplishments that I want to share. I was working on the new etsy banner and avatar, and those have been in place since then. I don't know that they made that much difference, but I think they look cleaner, if nothing else!

I also broke down and bought a light kit for taking my pictures, and I've messed around with the settings on the camera in order to make my pictures a little cleaner. I'm not sure if the pictures are that much different. Maybe you can tell me!

Can you tell the difference between these two? One was taken on my white table and the other in the lightbox.

Maybe you can tell.....

So, I haven't retaken too many pictures yet, but I've been using it for my new pictures. We'll see if it really makes a difference.

What else did I do? Oh yes, I finally finished my great nephew's quilt in time for his 4th bbirthday - I started it last year and told my niece I would have it done for his 3rd birthday (oops!). I did have the roman shades done last year for both his and his sister's rooms (they have since moved, and the shades, of course, don't fit the windows in the new house, so I'll get to do something for them again!). But I was very excited to get it done - he seemed to like it ok, but the better part was when we put it on his bed, and his little sister looks at me and shrugs her shoulders, like she was saying 'Aunt Susan, where's mine????'. So I guess I'll start one for her, and maybe I'll have it done by the time she is four! Sorry - believe it or not, I didn't take any pictures of this - shame on me!

I also worked on a new design for a clutch type bag. I have this one on my etsy site. I love this fabric for a holiday clutch - I thought it was black, red and silver, but it is actually dark green - so even more 'christmas-y'. I have more of this fabric, so I may try another design for the evening bag type....

This past weekend, I had a craft show - it was one that I've done the past couple of years. With the economy being as it is, I wasn't sure how it would go, but I was pretty pleased, overall. I sold almost as much $ as last year, so that was great! I also had several repeat customers, and one in particular said she came specifically to purchase from me. Boy, that makes you feel good!

I have a show next Saturday - it's not one I've done before or even been to as a shopper, but several people have told me they think it's a pretty good show - so here's hoping!

Wish me luck!

Until next time!

Susan

Trying to grow my business

2008-10-19T11:22:00.005-04:00

Today I am working on updating my Etsy avatar and banner. I'm trying to start to grow the business. I'm just not sure exactly where to start! I also created the 'online' ad size graphic, so I will look for ways to use that.

I need to get some better photos - I guess I'll breakdown and get or make a lightbox, so that I can get some consistent look to my photos. I also am looking at updating my regular website to start to match it up to the 'look' I am going for.

I think since my name contains the word 'simple' that's how I'm going to keep it - simple. Lots of the ads are rally slick, but I want mine to be simple.

My Etsy sales so far this month (October) have been lackluster. I really haven't had time to promote on Etsy, or anywhere else for that matter. So, I'm not sure I'll end up with an increase in month-to-month from September, unless I really get with it the next two weeks.

I have four craft show / events left this year - I'm hopeful that I will do ok at them. And I'm already starting to evaluate what I want to do in 2009.

It must be time to write a real business plan.

Last Day of the month

2008-09-30T18:59:00.008-04:00

It's been a busy month I guess!

My etsy sales were up a little over last month (yes, today is still this month, so there's a chance for more sales!). I had one show which ended up not being so great - it was a 2 day show which I did excellent at last year, but it rained ALL DAY on Saturday, and when I went back to the room to check out Sunday's forcast, they were calling for the winds of Ike to hit. So I decided to forgo Sunday. And while it may have been ok in the morning, I'm pretty sure it was horrible in the afternoon - and the drive home would have been awful. So I'm glad that I didn't stay.

I'm finally going to finish my great-nephew's quilt that I started more than a year ago. I actually quilted it this weekend, so I just have to trim it down and bind it. That's easy! His fourth birthday is in October, and I'm only getting it done a year later than I said I would!

Today I made some small items and listed them on Etsy. The cell phone case and double zippered case that I'm adding here are a couple of those items.

I'm off to a conference on Sunday for four days, so I hope to get quite a bit done before I leave. Then the next weekend, I have another show on Sunday. I hope it is successful. One never knows!

Thanks for stopping by to say hi!

Talk to you again sometime (I'd say soon, but it would probably be a lie!)

Susan

It's a new month - where does the time go?

2008-09-03T17:28:00.003-04:00

So, it's been more than 2 weeks since I updated last. I'm pretty sure no one knows this is here - would they read it if I updated more often?

I finally finished the chair covers that I had the picture of in the list entry. Laura called today and said they looked great in the customer's house - so that's good! I continued on in the cushion making business - I have a set of 6 cushions for a rattan sofa for my mother-in-law. I have them done except for stuffing them - I have to order the foam, and I have 4 small chair cushions to do also, so once I have the pattern for those ready, I will make a trip to the foam place and order it all. I'm a little worn out on the cushions right now! But I know there will be more in the future!

We took a long weekend over Labor day and got away - the weather was beatiful, but coming back to the grind is - well - yucky. That's just the best word I can come up with.

Lots of work to do, so I'm headed up to the sewing room now, and I'll put some pictures of what I'm working on in the next entry.

Getting ready for a show the 13-14th of this month....

Talk to you again soon!

Susan

Sew Darn Simple

New Pattern Shop - Craftsy

February Is Purple

And the winner is!

A Little Bit Selfish

You Can Win!

Look what came in the mail!

Kindle Case - Success!

New Identity

Brand New Venture

Happy New Year! 2012

Deal of the Day - It's Back!

Day 4 - Deal of the Day

Deal of the Day - Day 3

Deal of the Day - Day 2

Deal of the Day - Day 1

Other projects

Sale Weekend - Joining the Fray

Decisions and Directions

More "Special" Projects

New Item - Zip Around Kindle Case

Halloween Costumes

Let's Hear it for the boys....

Extra time - Say What?

Etsy Team Craft Night

Change

End of Vacation

Continuing the Vacation

Vacation Tales - Part 2

Vacation Tales - Part 1

Vacation Purse

Backwards Weekend?

It's show time!

Weekend Wrap-Up

Re-organization lost

Zip Around Case for Kindle 3G

Of all the things I should be doing.....

March On!

Challenge - Complete!

One Yard Challenge - Cutting

One yard challenge

Zip Around Success

Sewing Help

Walker Basket / Bag

Supplies - Organized!

Carried Away: The Etsy Bag Makers Team: Featured CABTeam Member - Sew Darn Simple

Organization - Yes it continues on!

Organization Step 2

Organization Step 1

New Year

Ending the year with something new

Thoughts beginning.....

Feedback

It's a Surprise!

Storage Project

There's always something good....

I say Tomatoes!

New Fabric, Continued....

New Fabric, New Projects

Perception

Weather....

New item in the making - lunch tote

Weekend Entertainment

Craft Show Preparation

Road Trip - GASP!

Shaker Heights Arts & Music Fesitval

Smartphone cases

Miniature aprons

Paisley is a timeless pattern

Craft day

Facebook ad

It's in the bag

Fourth time is a charm

Plastic, plastic, plastic

Newsletter

New look and feel

Putting a dress form to good use

Art Studio Clearance Sale a Success

Art Studio Clearance Sale

Making a flat handle for a purse