Moving Sale

As I said in my last post, I am in the process of moving. It has been quite sudden. I had just started thinking about moving and casually looking at places. I walked into the apartment that I'm moving to and knew instantly it was the one. I think it had a lot to do with the fireplace (non-working but very pretty) that takes up almost an entire wall. The problem is, is that it is significantly smaller than the 4 bedroom house I am currently living in. I used to share this house with my younger brother and various roommates that have been in and out over the years. They have all moved out and I have found that this house is way too big for me to keep up on my own. So I think It goes without saying that I will downsizing. Fortunately for me I am not a pack rat and hate clutter. In trying to make my move easier I have significantly marked down about half the items in my shop. If there is something you love and have to have I would get it quick. I don't know how long I will be running the sale for but probably only until I find room for everything in my new place. Here is just a small sample of the marked down items.

August Winner

The August winner has been picked using Random.org. The winner this month is Astraea. Your bag will be sent as soon as you contact me with your address. Thank you everyone for your very helpful comments. I can hardly wait to do some fall fabric shopping.
My September giveaway may be late this month as I am in the process of moving. It happened quite suddenly so I haven't had a lot of time to prepare. I just found an apartment I love and took it right away so this week has been a whirlwind. I will also be marking down some items in my shop significantly in the next couple of days to make the move easier and make room for some new bags I have coming. Make sure you check out my shop this week for some great deals.

August Bag Giveaway

I really meant to post this earlier in the month but I don't know where the time went. I have lots of new items and a couch overhaul that I have been dying to show but I just can't seem to find the time to post. I will really try to be better now that summer is almost over. I am probably the only one who is happy about that but I can't help it. I love the cool weather and the smell of fall. I am able to get so much more work done when my sewing room is not so hot.
So to celebrate the start of fall, I am giving away my last side tie tote in Amy Butler's Coriander Clay fabric from the Belle collection. This is one of my favourite bags and it has been discontinued.
To enter just post a comment about my store and let me know what fabrics you're loving for fall. The contest will end at Sunday September 6th at 8:00 a.m. Est. Please include you're email in your post.

Amy Butler Diaper Bag

I was recently asked to make a diaper bag for a girl I work with. She wanted a big bag with lots of pockets. I had bought Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones a few months ago but had yet to make anything from it. I decided to try the diaper bag from this book as it was loaded with pockets. This was a very easy bag to make. I used home dec fabrics for the inside and outside. I wouldn't have picked these fabrics myself but they looked cute in the bag. I couldn't believe how big this bag was. It is huge and loaded with pockets on the inside and outside. The only changes I made was I left out the bag divider and I added a magnetic snap closure flap. I would definitely make this bag again. Here are some quick pics. I'm sorry they're not very good as I had to take them very quick before I left for the baby shower.

July Winners

The winners for July's giveaway are Ammie and Barbie. The winners were chosen using random.org. I have emailed the winners and bags will be sent out when I receive your addresses. Thanks for entering everyone and stay tuned for August's giveaway coming soon.

July Bag Giveaway

I know I'm late again this month. I just don't know where July went! To celebrate my 2 year anniversary of selling on Etsy and also for hitting 300 in sales, I am giving away 2 bags this month. To enter just post a comment on this post about my shop, your favourite sewing blogs or anything sewing related ie sites, fabric, tips etc... To gain another entry, blog about this giveaway and post your blog link in the comment section. I will run the contest until 12:00 P.M. EST August 3rd. Please make sure your email address is easy to find or right in your post so I can easily contact the winners. Here are the bags up for grabs this month. To make things fair I will package the bags now and send them out to the winners when they are chosen, so I don't know who is getting which bag. Good Luck!

Anniversary

July is my 2 year anniversary of selling on Etsy. It has been a very fun 2 years and it's very interesting to see how my work has changed over the years. To celebrate my anniversary, I have added a lot more stuff to my sale section. I am also offering an additional 10% off any purchase for the month of July for my blog readers. Just put anniversary in the comment section of your order and I will refund the 10%. This is on items only, not on shipping price. I will leave you with some pics of items that I have just put on sale.

June Winner

Thanks for entering the giveaway everyone. I have picked a winner using random.org. The winner of this months bag is Modern Lunacy. Congratulations and please contact me with your shipping info so I can send out your new bag. Thanks again everyone for entering and for your very helpful comments. If you didn't win, don't worry there will be another giveaway in July.

June Giveaway

June's giveaway starts today. All you have to do is go to my shop and comment on anything you like dislike etc.. or tell me what features you'd like to see in a bag. The prize this month is the Pleated Market Tote in my favourite fabric. Amy Butler's Kashmir Olive from the Belle collection and orange corduroy. Please leave your email or your etsy shop link in your post. I have had some difficulties contacting winners in the past and have had to redraw.
The contest will be running from now until June 28th at 9:00 P.M. EST.

Tutorials

It's a very blah rainy day here today and I'm not really motivated to do any shop sewing. I have been browsing online and have come across a lot of really great tutorials I would like to try. Here is just a few that I really like. Just click on the picture to go to the tutorial.

1. Amy Butler Hourglass Pillows


2. Coasters from The Sometimes Crafter


3. Patchwork Kitchen Mat from the Sew, Mama, Sew! blog

Mini Notepad Organizers

As I said in my last post, I have been working on some mini notepad organizers. I have about 10 done and have been slowly getting them listed in my shop. This turned out way better than I expected. Don't you just love when that happens. I have been using mine everyday and don't know how I went so long without it.


I haven't forgotten about June's giveaway. I am going to try and get it posted this weekend after some much needed cleaning of my sewing room.

Double Pleat Tote

There are some new bags in the shop. These are Double Pleat Totes. They are the same as the Double Pleat Tote with Sash (which have sold out) but without the sash. I love these bags. They are probably one of my most favourite bags I've ever made. They are a great large bag that holds a lot of stuff but are still light weight. I especially love the wider straps. They're really comfortable on your shoulder when you carry a lot. They are made out of home dec weight fabric and 150z organic canvas. I am in love with this organic canvas. It's expensive but worth every penny. These bags here are made with fabric from Joel Dewberry's Ginseng collection which I absolutly love.



I am also working on some mini notebook holders. They are really cute and handy. They hold a little notebook and pen and has an extra pocket for receipts or coupons. I will hopefully have some posted today.

And lastly, I haven't forgotten about June's giveaway. I will be posting that hopefully in the next week I just haven't decided on the prize yet.

May Giveaway Winners

First of all I have to thank everyone for their very positive comments. I have read all 515 of them and can't wait to go back and check out some of your blogs. I have picked a winner using the random number generator. The winner of the side tie tote is Shannon Hillinger.
I have also decided because of the overwhelming amount of entries to have a second winner. The runner up winner is Cass. Cass will be receiving a mystery handmade prize.
If you can both contact me asap I will get your prizes sent out right away.
Thanks everyone for entering and if you didn't win this time, don't forget to come back and watch for June's giveaway.

May Giveaway

I'm doing something a little different for May's Giveaway. One of my favourite sites Sew, Mama, Sew is having a giveaway day. The Giveaway is running from May 27th-May 31st. I am starting my giveaway today. To pick the prize, I have gone through all the previous giveaway comments and the Optic Blossom Side Tie Tote stood out as a favourite every month. This will be the giveaway bag this month. To enter just leave a comment on this post about what you like or dislike in my shop, what fabric you love right now or what kind of closure you prefer in a bag ie. magnetic snap, zipper, etc. After you've left your comment make sure to click on the Sew, Mama, Sew link to enter all the other giveaways. My contest ends May 31st at 11:00 p.m. EST. It is open internationally and the winner will be picked using Random.org. Good luck everyone!

Updated Messenger Bag

I have made a change to my new messenger style bags. I have had a lot of requests for a zipper closures in my bags. For my other styles, I didn't like the look of the zippers but I thought the messenger style was the perfect bag for this. I have to say I like it a lot with the zipper. It's a larger bag, designed to carry a lot of stuff so the zipper keeps everything from spilling out. I only have one listed right now but more will be coming. This one is made with 100% cotton canvas and Floral Ribbon from Denyse Schmidt's County Fair collection.

New Bag in Shop

I have added a few new bags to the shop. It's a double pleat bag that is very roomy. I love the sash which will also come in handy if you need a belt or a hair scarf in a pinch. The one in the first picture is already sold but there are still 2 available. I hope to have more added soon and plan to do some plain ones with your choice of sash and hopefully have extra sashes available for purchase so you can change them up.

New Couch

I desperately need a new couch. You would think this would be an easy thing. Go to the store, pick a couch and buy it. My problem is, I don't want a new couch. Everything is so big and stuffed or leather. I want a vintage couch and the design I want dates back to the 1950's I believe. I have been looking for at least 5 years and can't find one I like. The worst thing is we had one in my house when I was growing up and my parents got rid of it when we moved. I know I will probably have to recover it and I already have the fabric I just need the couch. Here are some pictures I have come across of couches I like. The first one would be my first choice. If anyone knows where I could find one in my area please let me know. I have almost given up and will be stuck with my old, ugly couch forever.

April Winners

The winners have been picked for April's bag giveaway. I drew two numbers using Random.org. The winners are Ariane and sandyandcosmo. Both winners have been notified and your new bags will ship this week. Thank you everyone for entering and if you didn't win this month don't worry, May's giveaway will be coming soon.

Giveaway Update

I just wanted to let you know I have picked the winners for the April giveaway. I have contacted the winners and I'm just waiting for a reply. I will announce them as soon as I hear back from them.

April Giveaway

I know, I'm really late with my giveaway this month. I've had a busy month finishing my quilt, sewing Easter dresses and keeping my shop stocked.
This month I am giving away a pink and brown dot large tote. It is great for when you have a lot of stuff to carry and makes an excellent diaper bag.
Just post a comment below about anything you like or don't like in my shop, any fabric that you are loving right now or any sewing or quilting blogs that you love (I'm always looking for new blogs to read). I have two bags to giveaway this month. The contest will end at 9:00 P.M. EST on Sunday May 4th.
Good Luck!

Finished Quilt

As I said in my last post, I have finished my quilt for the quilt along. I used my favourite fabrics from Amy Butler's Belle collection. I cheated a little on this quilt. The quilt along was for a throw size quilt and used 6 different blocks I think. I wanted a quilt for my bed so I made mine queen size and I wanted a simpler design so I only used 2 of the blocks. For the back I just randomly pieced all my leftover fabric together. I love how it turned out and I really have two quilts in one. I had a lot of fun and also a lot of stressful moments with this quilt. I have made a few quilts before but this was the first time I had ever done free motion quilting. It was easier than I thought and I'm lucky to have a sewing machine that can sew automatically without the foot peddle so this made it easier for me to maneuver the bulk through my machine. I have never really loved quilting but after learning some great tips from this quilt along, I am now hooked. I am going to do it again but I will make the one using all the blocks this time. I will probably make a throw for the couch. I think I would like to use some vintage fabrics for this one though. If you have wanted to try quilting but were afraid to, I highly recommend this project from
Oh, Fransson! She really has a gift for quilting and teaching.
Here are some pictures. They are not good pictures at all. It is really difficult to take pictures of a quilt.

New Bags

My productivity seems to have gone up tremendously. It figures since my vacation is almost over. I have finished my quilt for the quilt along and I am very happy with it. The free motion quilting was easier than I thought it would be although mine is far from perfect. I thought it came out very well for my first attempt. I haven't taken any pictures yet so I'll go into more detail when I'm ready to post them.

I have also finished a new style of bag for my shop. I have been wanting to do a larger purse version of my patchwork wristlet and I have finally come up with one I like. I actually love this purse. It has a classic a line shape. It is soft to the touch but yet sturdy enough to stand on it's own when empty. What I love about the patchwork is that each purse is one of a kind. I will be doing some without the patchwork but I'm having too much fun with these ones right now. I have 4 finished. 2 are already posted in my shop and I hope to have the other 2 posted tomorrow. Check them out when you get a chance.

Weekend Sewing

I made a couple of dresses for my niece for Easter. The first was made with a McCalls pattern and Alexander Henry fabric. It's cute, but not my favourite. The second dress I love! I bought the pattern from a store on Etsy called Frog Legs & Ponytails. It's a pillowcase dress and I have made a couple of these before, but this was by far the best pattern i have ever come across. The dress took me less than 1/2 an hour and is super cute. I made it with fabrics from Amy Butler's Midwest Modern II collection. I am seriously thinking of using this pattern to make tops for my sister and I. I highly recommend this pattern.

(The pictures are not very good but I will post more later, with my adorable niece modeling).

I also finished doing the free motion quilting on my quilt today. It is not perfect but I am very happy with my first attempt. It hurt my wrist after a while so I had to take a few breaks, but I was surprised at how little time it took. I have the binding pinned on and ready to sew tomorrow and then it's done. I have to admit, I cheat with the binding. I don't hand sew it on, I never hand sew. I hate doing it and avoid it at all costs. I don't think it makes it any less nice and I like to use a decorative stitch around the edge.

Vacation!

I started vacation on Thursday. I really thought I would get a lot more done already. I know it's only Saturday but I really haven't done anything for my shop. One thing I really wanted to get done by the end of the weekend was my quilt from the quilt along I mentioned in my last post. I got all the layers sandwiched and pinned on Friday and that's it. I'm afraid to start the free motion quilting. It looks so pretty right now, I'm afraid of messing it up.
I did make my 18 month old niece a couple of dresses for Easter tomorrow. They are really cute. One was a pillowcase dress that I'm very happy with, and it has matching bloomers. I will post it tomorrow with a link for the pattern. I made it in less than an hour. It's great for a beginner sewer or an advance sewer who wants a quick and easy project.
Since I have family dinners for the next two days, I don't think I will be getting anything else done this weekend. At least I have the whole week off.

Quilt Along

I have been following a quilt along hosted by Oh, Fransson! on her blog. I have been wanting to make a quilt for my bed for a long time so I decided this was the perfect time. I have made a few quilts for other people but haven't been very happy with them. Everything goes well until the actual quilting part. This one has free motion quilting which I have never done but I'm very excited to try. I cheated a little on my quilt as well. The quilt pattern in the quilt along has six blocks I think but I decided to use just two of them. I am using fabrics from Amy Butler's Belle collection and any of you who have visited my shop, know how much I love these fabrics. My quilt top is finished and I start holidays tomorrow so I am hoping to get the back done tomorrow and then start the quilting. I am behind in the quilt along because I wanted to wait until I had a lot of uniterrupted time before I started the quilting.
Here are some pics of my quilt top. The pictures are not very good as it's been cloudy and snowy here the last few days.

March Bag Giveaway Winner

I am sorry for the delay in announcing the winner. I picked a winner using Random.org and the winner is KelliAnn. She also has an Etsy shop so if you have some time check out her shop here. She makes adorable little headbands for babies. If you didn't win this month don't worry, April's giveaway will be posted soon. Since it's my birthday this month I have decided to have two winners so check back often.

March Giveaway

March's giveaway is finally here. I know it was late this month, but better late than never. To enter the giveaway just post a comment on this post about what item you like in my shop, what fabric's you love right now or what style of bag or fabric you would like to see more of. The giveaway is running until March 31 12:00 P.M. EST. This month's giveaway is for a pleated market tote made from orange corduroy and Amy Butler's French Wallpaper. This bag is bright and cheerful for spring.

March Blahs

I know I haven't posted in a while, I think I have the March blahs. My motivation seems to have left me this month. This past weekend was better for me. I did get some more messenger bags done and a couple of new limited time totes. I will have to do some new wallets soon as I am getting low so hopefully by the weekend I'll have some. I think I need to do March's giveaway soon, so stay tuned for that. Here is a pic of one of the new totes just listed in my shop. There will be a few more coming soon.

New Messenger Bag

I have finally finalized my new messenger bag. After many attempts of making one I liked, I have finally come up with one I love. I think it's the perfect size for everyday use. I didn't want it to be too big but I wanted to fit everything I needed to take to work in it. It has two outside pockets and 3 inside pockets because I like to keep my stuff organized. I only have two posted now but I should have more coming this week.

February Bag Winner

I picked a winner for February's bag giveaway. I used Random.org to pick a number. The winner this month is Stephanie from lesjoujou. She has a new shop on Etsy, so check it out when you get a chance.
Thanks for entering everyone and if you didn't win, don't worry. March's giveaway will be coming soon.

New Fabrics

I love getting new fabrics in the mail. I told myself I wasn't going to buy any more until I used some of mine up, but I couldn't resist these. The first pic is Joel Dewberry's Ginseng in home dec weight. I have already made a wristlet in this and posted it in my shop. The second, is Amy Butler's August Fields, also in home dec weight. The third I have used many times before and it's still a favourite. It's from Michael Miller and is getting harder to get.

My Favourite Bag

If you read yesterdays post you will remember me mentioning my favourite bag. I make a lot of bags and accessories and I truly like everyone, I won't sell something I don't personally like. This one though, I loved before I even started sewing it.
It is one of my new patchwork wristlets made with plain brown twill and 2 out of print fabrics from Robert Kaufman. It is brown, orange and a deep yellow gold colour. I think it is very retro looking which is what I love about Robert Kaufman fabrics. This bag is so me. I still haven't decided if I'm going to list it in my shop yet. I have very little of these fabrics left. I will check today to see if I have any more to make another similar one.
So here it is, my favourite bag ever!

Back to the basics

You may have noticed that there is not a pleat or ruffle in my new bags. After a lot of thought I have decided to go back to the basics. When I started making purses, the greatest fun for me was the fabric. I love great fabrics with bold prints. These tend to get lost in all the pleating and ruffling. I also love straight clean lines not only for bags but in home design as well. After thinking about which way to go in my shop, I have decided to go back to the simple designs in bags with great fabric and great fabric combos. I want to see the fabric I spend a lot of time picking out. Now that I've decided on simplicity, I love sewing again. Of course you will still see my love of yo-yo's on my wristlets.

In my shop, I have added gadget cases. I absolutely love the convenience of these. I will be adding more in the next few days. I have also made a new retro looking wristlet. I think this is my most favourite item ever. I am still debating on whether or not to list it. I will show this hopefully tomorrow. This deserves it's very own blog post.

Don't forget February's Giveaway is still on until the 22nd.