I know it's been more than a year....

I know.  It's been more than a year since I've posted anything.  I've been quite remiss, and I accept my failure.

It's been a busy year I guess.  Not to try to cover it all, just some highlights:

We sold our house and moved to a condo in late spring. We are in the process of designing a new house and once that's done, we will move again (ugh on the moving part).

I only did one show this year with the move and it was a great success.  It was a show I've done for several years and each year seems to get better.  I don't know if I will do it next yeat - kind of depends on the house building schedule.

My essential oil cases have taken off  - you can check them out in my Etsy shop - so that's pretty much all I've been making

I decided to take a class this fall at a local art college - it's on pattern making.  It's been quite fun so far - we all got measured and made a skirt sloper (base pattern) based on those measurements.  We are to the point of making a muslin and adjusting the pattern.  I haven't decided yet what my real skirt will be,

But my friend Jane (you can find her blog here) invited me to participate with along with her and some others on the Sew Maris Grainline Archer Sew-a-long.  You can find the blog here and there is a facebook group also.

So I think I will try to make a skirt that will go along with my new shirt.  I got three fabrics for shirts (because I couldn't decide on one) but I know which fabric I want to coordinate with, so I will have to see what I can find for the skirt.

I'm not busy at all (did I mention I was going on a girls week vacation this month?)

Happy Sewing!
Susan

Quilt Math

You may recall that I was on a quilt frenzy at the beginning of this year.  I found this pattern that I really liked, made one in a lap size and then made one that ended up being twin size.  They are off being quilted now, I think I will get them back next week and just have the binding left to do.

I decided that I wanted to use the pattern to make one for myself. I bought a variety of batik prints in a rainbow of colors.  But after I made the twin size I got to thinking about how many pieces it would take to make the queen size.

The pieces from the original pattern range from 1" x 3.5" as the smallest to 3.5" x 5" as the largest. a finished 'block' set measures 7" x 8.5" and then each one is joined with a 1" strip between. Each block consists of 9 pieces.

So to make a queen size I think I would need about 190 blocks, which is over 1700 pieces, not including all the sashing pieces to join them.  Sounds like a lot doesn't it?

So I decided to do some quilt math and see if I could get it worked out so the pieces were larger (which would mean less of them).  Quilt math isn't always just a matter of multiplying.  I calculated if the blocks were 1.5 times and also 2 times larger.  2 times was pretty large, so I decided to try it with the 1.5 times.  My math was a little off in a couple of places, and to top it off, I cut all the pieces 1/4" wider than I meant to (I can't read my own writing, I guess).  Anyway, since it was an experiment, I adjusted where needed and here's the resulting quilt on the design wall (still have to do sashing and join them all).

 I'm still looking at the placement of the blocks to see if I need to move any around - I probably will.

With the size adjustments I made, each block ends up being about 11" x 13" and I did 1.5" sashing instead of 1".  So to make a queen size, I will need about 80 finished blocks - instead of 190 - which sounds a little more manageable.

I'm not sure I will decide for sure until I get this one put all the way together and toss it on a bed to see.

This one will end up close to 50" x 60" I think, depending on what I do for a border, if anything.  I was thinking about some geese - been a while since I've done any....

Stay tuned for the next quilt installment, although it may be a while!

Happy Sewing!
Susan

New Item? Insulated Lunch Tote

So a billion years ago (maybe just a few years ago), I told my husband that I would make him a new lunch tote.  He had one that he used all the time - it was pretty large, but it finally wore out.  I reclaimed the strap from it and stuck it in a drawer.

Sunday I decided it was time to finally make this.  So I had him tell me the measurements that he wants this new tote to be, and took a look at how the one he's currently using is constructed.  It's a pretty small little tote.

The dimensions he gave me were 10" wide, 7" deep and 6.5" tall.  He wanted a pocket on the front for his napkins and utensils.

The fabric he chose was this black and gray houndstooth - very manly!

Along with the strap that I reclaimed from the old lunch tote, I put a webbing handle across the top.

The zipper around the top and for the pocket are the larger pull ones - easier to get it open.    

Here you can also see the webbing pocket on the front

Webbing strap across the top.

 Shoulder strap attached to the side.

I used fusible fleece (heavier weight) with the exterior fabric.  Then I used a layer of PUL (water proof) and a layer of Insul-Bright to help keep the items cool (he also uses a freezer pack), and finally, I lined it with rip-stop nylon,

I wanted to make sure the base was sturdy, so before I put the lining in, I spray glued a piece of foam to the bottom.


He carried it to work for the first time yesterday and had lots of interest from his coworkers.  So hopefully I get some orders for these.

I can adjust the size as needed and can use fabrics of your selection.

Happy Sewing!

Susan

Faux Roman Shade Valance

I've been working on window treatments for another of my neighbors (this makes the third one).  She has a three window bay and a large double window in the eat in portion of her kitchen.  She has white horizontal blinds but was looking for something else - she had some very small triangle valances hanging, but they were really too small for the windows.

So I took her one of my window books and left with her for a couple of weeks.  She decided that she wanted a relaxed roman shade look - but just the faux valance - not a full functional shade.  So we measured the windows (and remeasured) and I told her how much fabric she would need.

She found a Colonial Williamsburg inspired print in red to use - it's really a lovely fabric, I think,

We decided that the shades would be board mounted - meaning the treatment is attached to a board rather than using a rod of any sort.

So my first task was to get the boards - because I had to cut for the return (sides of the board) and I needed to make sure I had the right measurements.

Here is a list of the supplies:

Boards - I used 1x3 by the required length ( I bought 3 - 3 foot and 1 - 6 ft)
Saw - or get them cut to the correct size at the hardware store (I love to get the saw going!)
Fabric
Lining Fabric
Matching Thread
Roman Shade Ring tape
Electric stapler

If I were making fully functional roman shades, I would use loose rings, but for a faux, I find the tape to be better.

One thing I don't like about making window treatments for other people is that I don't have a place to hang them to see how they will really look.  So I'm always worried until they are up at the customers house.

Here is a photo of the valance for the larger window - it has the gathering at the middle as well as the sides.  I think she's going to like them (and I hope her husband is able to put them up ok!)

On to the next project!

Happy Sewing,
Susan

How is it March already?

In case you can't tell from my blog, I didn't have much ambition early this year.  I had a real case of the winter blahs - especially from about mid-February on.

So, the last post I did was on my quilts that I got back from the long arm quilting.  What's happened since then?

Well, I did a show in late January - Art Studio Clearance Sale - at the Lausche Building at the Ohio Expo Center (State Fairgrounds) in Columbus.  I did manage to clearance some old inventory, so that was a good thing.




I did some quilt piecing.   After I got the quilts back from the long arm, I decided I should make another.

I found this set partly started in the closet - I'm pretty sure I made a purse from some of this and there were some leftover pieces.  This one is lap size - about 55" square or so.

I found a pattern in a magazine that I thought I would like, picked a fat quarter bundle from my stash, and made one.   This one is also lap size - about 60 x 62 or so.

I did like the pattern, so much that I made a second one.  This one is twin size - it's so bright and colorful!

I also made a new valance for a friend of mine - she was redoing her dining room, among other things.  She has a large double window.  She liked the style that she had, but just wanted a new fabric to go with her new paint colors.

 And I did a lot of cat snuggling it seemed.

So really, it seems that perhaps I didn't completely have the blahs, I just didn't write about it here!

I'm working on some new things this weekend, so hopefully I can get back to writing on a more regular basis.

Happy Sewing!
Susan

I Can't Take Credit

My grandmother (we called her Nanny) hand pieced this around the world quilt top.  I'm not sure when she made it, but some of the fabrics in it look pretty old.

I took it to my friends at 3 Stitch Creations and they quilted it for me on their long arm.

I finished it with the binding.

It's beautiful!

Happy Sewing!

Susan

It's a New Year!

I know that you know it - I just wanted to tell you again - you're welcome!

So today is the first Sunday in 2013 - and I have done very little sewing in this new year so far.  I've been talking about making a new purse for myself - I started outlining my requirements, measurements, etc., and then lost my 'umph', so to speak.

Today I did bind this pink, green and white lap sized quilt.  I took it to my friends over at 3 Stitch Creations and they did some quilting magic to it!

It's a lap size - 46 x 58 and it has a green with white polka dots backing and binding.

It will be for sale in my etsy shop once I get some good photos.  If you would be interested in purchasing it before I get it listed, contact me through my etsy shop or facebook page or catch me on twitter!

I have a second quilt to bind - it's an around the world pattern (about twin size, I think) that my grandmother hand pieced.  It was in some stuff of my mom's and I figured I should get it finished.  Maybe one of the nieces will want it someday.

I'm hoping for a busy sewing year, if there's anything you want me to custom make for you - just contact me!

Happy Sewing!

Susan

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

More Christmas Gifts

You may recall that back in November I made that really cute patchwork backpack for my great niece.  So for Christmas I'm making one for her little brother.

I made her a box pouch to match and included a brush, compact, lipstick (lip smackers, actually) and nail polish.  Her brother confiscated the pouch for some of his little lego pieces - or some such.


So here is his pouch.  I'm not sure what I'll put it in - something though.




And so I'm going to make his backpack from the same fabric - pretty good for a a little boy, isn't it?

And if Mimi will let me, I'm going to work on it today!

Happy Sewing!

Susan

End of Season Show

I did my last show for this year this past weekend.  This is the first time I've done a 'table space' event in a long time.  I started using the gridwall setup a few years ago, and so I had to do a little more prep work than normal for this show.

For one thing, I didn't have a table cloth that I liked for the table.  I personally hate when you get that bunch of fabric at the corners - it tends to get stepped on a lot.  So I bought an inexpensive table cloth and put in some fitted corners.

Second, I've said for a long time that I needed to make some sort of banner.  So I did that last week.  it's a little larger than I needed.  So maybe I'll make another one that's smaller - sometime.

Lastly, I had to decide what I was going to take to the show since I couldn't get everything that I normally do in a 10x10 tent space in a 6 ft table space....

I think it turned out pretty good.

Happy Sewing!

Susan

Christmas Gifts

I had vacation days left that I took this week (Thanksgiving) and so I've been working on some Christmas gifts.

When I first started making purses/totes, I made some for friends for Christmas gifts.  That was about 7 years ago, I think.  One friend has apparently used hers - well - to death.

She made a comment one day that she was going to have to quit using it.  I'm sure it was a hint for Christmas.

So here it is!

I'm not a big orange fan, but I do love the cheerful look of this one.  I had a fat quarter bundle of 8 fabrics, I cut 4" squares and made a big piece of patchwork, then cut the tote out.  I have enough of the patchwork left to make a few small items, and I still have about half of the bundle left, to make other items at some point.

I used the twin needle for the quilting (you know I'm just a basic quilter - straight line is about the extent of what I feel good doing).  The thread I used was orange.

Happy Sewing!

Susan

Custom Orders

I've had a few custom orders come from friends and other local customers the last couple of weeks.

My neighbor asked me to make another cross body hipster purse for her niece for Christmas.  I made her one earlier this year for her birthday and she loved it.


A local customer who had me make a purse for her mother in law also this summer has asked me to make her a 'winter' one - for her 90th birthday!  She loved the first one, but it's a bright print, so she said she wished she had one for winter.

I have another friend that I'm making several items for, but I can't talk about them here.....

Happy Sewing!

Susan

Patricia Tunic

Months ago (yes, only months!) I got the Patricia Tunic pattern from Sis Boom. Every time I thought I was going to have time to make one, something else would come along.  Plus, I hadn't selected a fabric yet.

In October, Jennifer Paganelli and I were discussing on Twitter which fabric I should use.  She thought this Happy Land green would be great, so I bought the required amount.

 Yesterday, I finally decided it was time to get started on it.  I don't make many clothing items these days - sometimes I make something for one of my great nieces/nephews, but I haven't made anything for myself in ages.  I feel like it takes me forever to make something new.  I spent most of yesterday morning working on it - so maybe 4 hours.

And here's the final result.  It looks pretty good - the only thing I found was that I should have measured the slit in the front, because it's a little long for my short body - so I'm going to have to come up with something to close up the bottom part - otherwise I'll be exposing myself.

I do love the look of it!


Happy Sewing!
Susan

Birthday Backpack

As you may be aware, I took my sewing machine into the shop for annual service, so I was without it for a couple of weeks.  The timing was good, because I had a week where I seemed to have something every afternoon or evening, and then I had some family company for a few days (ok, a week).

The great nieces and nephews are always getting some of my items - usually the samples that I make when testing a new item, but something something they have asked for.

Several years ago I made one of my nieces a backpack, and they were using it when they came here.  It was a little worse for wear. So her daughter told me 'I need a new one'!

I had her pick fabric - she picked a pink paisley on pink and a purple floral on purple.  Hmmmm,

How am I going to make those work together?

On my shopping trip last weekend, I found this really adorable pony print.  Pink and purple.

Can't wait to get started on it this weekend!

Happy Sewing!
Susan

What? No Sewing?

I normally take my main sewing machine to have it cleaned, checked, serviced - about once a year.  The last time I took it was August of last year, so it's been more than a year.  Based on things that are going on the next couple of weeks, it looked like now was as good a time as any to get it to the shop.

So here is my empty sewing desk.  You can admire the lovely purple paint job (I have a friend who paints furniture), but it's really a scary sight for me!

If I have time, I may get some items cut and prepped, and if I really get the urge, I can pull out my backup machine, and of course, I still have my serger (although I'm looking at new ones, I think I've beat this one almost to death).

Mimi hasn't been up to see this yet - you know one of her favorite places to be is behind the machine - especially when I'm trying to use it!

I guess I'll survive - you might see me on Twitter a little bit more than usual!

Happy (no) sewing!

Susan

Unfinished Projects

You may recall (or maybe not!) that back in June I went to the quilt show here in Columbus, and came home all motivated to make a quilt.  So I started one.

I found a set of twelve fat quarters in my stash (imagine that!) and decided that they would make a pretty quilt.

I got 12 blocks made, drew out a plan for the rest of the layout, bought a couple more fabrics to be able to finish up, then got busy making items for my summer craft shows.

I think it's time to finish this one up!

So that's my plan for today - along with some boring laundry....

Happy Sewing!

Susan

Testing....

It's been a strange few weeks...last week I didn't sew at all - we had a garage sale on Saturday and I spent the entire week before sorting stuff to get rid of.

Oh, and I drove to Cincinnati to IKEA one afternoon to get new tables for my sewing room.  The old folding ones were starting to get seriously warped.  Do you know how hard it is to cut straight on a warped surface?

There are a couple of things that I've been testing - the first is a smaller size case for essential oils.  It will be about the size of the medium box pouch, but with built in pockets for the oil bottles.  I'd show a picture of my first attempt - it's really cute, but my pockets were a little small for even the small size of the bottles.  I'm not sure what I measured when I tried that one.

And the second item is kind of a re-make.  When I first started making cell phone cases, all the phones were small.  Not so much any more - so I had all these smaller cases, that are good for some of the small cameras, etc., but really I hadn't sold very many this year.  And I could reclaim my swivel hooks from them rather than buying more right now!

So I spent a couple of hours taking them apart.  Then I attempted to make a new case from the outside fabric of the cases - similar to my small zipper wallet, but instead of the outside zipper section, it will be an ID window.  And I think I'll use a split key ring rather than the swivel hook.

Stay tuned for these items to be available soon!

Happy Sewing!

Susan

New Purse

A few weeks ago, we were visiting the in-laws.  My mother-in-law and I went to a local quilt shop to check out what was new.  While there, I told her to pick out a fabric and I'd make her a new purse - the one she was using, which I made, was beginning to show some wear.

So she picked this great brown and green batik - I think it was actually a complementary fabric to another I'd had - at least it was the same colors.

She mostly liked the purse I'd made her before, but she wanted to add pockets to the side with some elastic at the top of them.


Here is a side view, I also added a strap with a swivel hook (which is hidden in the pocket) so she can attach her car keys.


 It has a set in zipper top, the straps are the length she requested, and inside is has a zipper pocket and a flap pocket, with a pen slot.

I like this fabric a lot.  I bought more than I needed for her purse, so you may see some other items show up in my etsy shop!

If you would like a custom purse, I'd be glad to work with you on the style, size and features.

Happy Sewing!

Susan

A New Pocket

Requests have been made, and yes, I've been listening!  I've been making these zip around kindle cases - great for travel because they have a firm foam layer to protect the e-reader. 

However, even though the intent of the outside pocket was to be able to store the charger, I didn't think about the size of that thing!  It has one of those super big plugs - and once the kindle is inside, then it's too tight of a fit to get the charger in the pocket.

But I like the zippered pocket.  So I've finally managed to add a gussetted pocket to the case in along with the zippered pocket.  As you can see from the photos (this is an in-process case, to test this theory out), the pocket is large enough for the charger, and I added a button flap for closure. 

So, I'm not sure if I should add the new pocket as a standard feature or continue to make some of the cases without it?

I guess I'll see how it goes!

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