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

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

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

And the winner is!

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

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!

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!

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