Year End Review

Here we are at that cusp - getting ready to go from the old year to the new year - and all the crazy thoughts that seems to bring.

I thought I'd take a look at how 2012 has been for Sew Darn Simple.

I organized (and reorganized) my sewing space throughout the year.  Here we are and it's still a mess.

I wrote my first patterns and sold them both in my etsy shop and I also opened a Craftsy pattern shop.

I did two patterns in 2012 - the zipper wallet and the patchwork purse.  Hopefully I will do at least two in 2013 - although I'm not sure what they will be yet.

I spent a lot of time perfecting a zip around case for the kindle fire - and I did sell a few.  The issue I have with making cases for these items is that each one is a different size and every new one that comes out is different which means that the cases aren't always interchangeable.  So I'm not sure if I will continue down this path in 2013.  With a 'regular' job, I don't feel like I have time to commit to making a huge number of custom items.

Jennifer Paganelli from Sis Boom has become one of my great friends - she sent me a great bundle of fabrics from her Girls World Vibe line - I in turn made some items that I did a giveaway for.  I had the opportunity to meet her at the Country Living Fair in Columbus this fall - what a great weekend that was!

I did several craft shows this year - with varied success - we had such crazy weather this year - and that always plays into the show turnout.

As I reach the end of this year, I'm trying to determine where I want to take this business in 2013 - I have some craft show applications that I need to complete in January - so I need to get some new photos and potentially some new products in the works.

Stay tuned to see where 2013 takes us!

Happy Sewing,
Susan

What a Blast!

This weekend is the Country Living Fair here in Columbus, Ohio.  Even though I live close, I've never been to the show, because I normally have been at a show out of town.  I decided to take a break from that show this year, so here I was, able to go to the Fair!

And the best news - Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom was going to be there again this year so I was finally going to meet her in person! 

I've been talking to Jen on Twitter for a while now, you may recall I did a giveaway a while back of a set of box pouches made from herGirls World Vibe line.

I think I could have just spent the day talking with Jen - we also went together to the Modern June booth, talked with Kelly (I bought her book Sewing With Oilcloth which she signed for me!) and Trish from Two Peas in a Pod.  What fun to meet everyone in person.

Jen did a presentation in the afternoon - talking about some of the great projects she has in both Girls World and Happy Home.  While talking with her, we met some other great people from all over the country.

I finally managed to drag myself away from Jen and check out the rest of the show.  Although looking at the map today, I'm pretty sure I didn't see everything!

Good thing I bought the weekend pass - I think I've convinced my husband to go back with me Sunday for a few hours!

Today - I'm sewing!

Susan

Look what came in the mail!

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