Wednesday, December 30, 2020

WIP Wednesday - End of the Year!

I can't say I'll be sad for 2020 to finish... I'd love to get more of the random things marked off my list, but I think I did pretty good for the craziness that was this year.  My plan for next year is to try to spend at least 15 minutes a day organizing/sorting/cleaning the craft studio. I'd love to have one of those picture worthy studios, but when I get focused on things, I tend to pile whatever I'm finished with off to the side to 'put away later' ;)

One last order for 2020. Not that I'm caught up, but this is probably the only one I'll finish in the next 2 days...

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Mouse Ears Boon Wallet (xoxo by Lauren)

 It has been quite a while since I shared a Boon Wallet! It's a fast and fun pattern, with cute styling!

Yellow isn't usually my favorite, but this one looks so happy!

Thursday, December 17, 2020

WIP Thursday - All the Coffee Please

I'm at the point where I know nothing I finish now will get to anyone by Christmas, so I'm just trying to get as much done as I can in hopes I can start the new year with a manageable order list...my vacation starts tomorrow from the day job, so I'm hoping I can take advantage of the extra time in my day to catch up on housework (dust bunnies are now part of the family, they've been around for that long), tame the disaster that is the craft studio (craftermath?), and figure out what I need to destash/donate from my older supplies. I probably have enough yarn in my stash to yarn bomb a small office building...or a large one.

Need to list this one up for sale, I don't NEED more blankets!

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Pretty Purple Begonia Drawstring Backpack (Blue Calla)

Continuing the Begonia theme, this is one my youngest picked for her teacher's gift for the end of school (in May...I'm a little behind on sharing). With the quarantine and everything, they were all virtual and we weren't even sure how we'd get it to her!  Fortunately they let us schedule time to go pick up the school supplies and say goodbye to the teachers. It was a bittersweet time since it was her last year in elementary and she didn't get to do all the fun 5th grade things like end of year field trips, awards assemblies, class parties, or even saying goodbye to her friends!

Un-squished

Thursday, December 10, 2020

WIP Thursday - The End Is Nigh!

I think I'm about to hit the wall for the pre-Christmas orders.  At least if I want to get them delivered without paying 10x more for overnight shipping...I'm still going to try to get as many orders finished as I can, but there's a minimal chance they will actually get delivered before the 25th.

A few more bears

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

De La Luna Begonia Drawstring Backpack (Blue Calla)

The Begonia Drawstring Backpack  from Blue Calla Designs is one of my favorite quick sews!  It's just stylish enough to be interesting, but simple enough to whip up in a day! 

I'm pretty sure there's a cool story to this fabric design

Thursday, December 3, 2020

WIP Thursday - December? Um, No Thanks.

I'm definitely not ready for it to be December already, I have waaaaaaaay too much to do still!  I'm keeping busy and resisting naps (seriously, that is a major accomplishment some days) but I could use an extra week or 3 inserted before Christmas. 

Another fun reading pillow. Too bad this used up almost all of that Alice fabric!

Monday, November 23, 2020

Evil Queen Moonflower Tote (Blue Calla) -- Moonbeam Textiles

For my second strike project for the amazing Mean Girls round from Moonbeam Textiles, I chose to do a fun tote bag.  The Moonflower tote from Blue Calla is one I bought ages ago, and couldn't find the perfect fabric to use with it.  This was the first time doing this pattern, and it was actually much easier than I expected, even with the fancy circle cut outs!

Slightly dark picture, to get an idea of the overall shape
The crown, centered in a circle

Thursday, November 19, 2020

WIP Thursday - Countdown to Turkey Day!

I can't believe that the month is flying by so quickly! The only thing saving me at this point is the fact that I'm not doing any local craft shows or events -- there's no way I'd have time to prep AND finish the orders...that being said, I keep coming up with ideas for more things I want to make...must...resist...

More masks...

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Unfortunate Souls Reading Pillow (Moonbeam Textiles)

 The first strike for the Mean Girls round running currently at Moonbeam Textiles is a cuddly reading pillow! 

Sometimes I amaze myself with the random prop items I have on hand.

Thursday, November 12, 2020

WIP Thursday - A Wild Fall Appeared

We went from balmy 80s-90s to snow storms, back to the super warm, and all the sudden there is a chill in the air! There's also a pile of leaves swirling outside my window, but I'm waiting to see if they magically disappear with the next few wind gusts...

Projects #4 and 5 will be done with this awesome Moonbeam fabric!

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Ghibli Mini Moto Bag (Carried Away)

 I always look at small purses and love how cute they are, but then I try to imagine what I'd have to give up carrying if I downsized...I'm amazed by those that can get away with only carrying a tiny purse, I feel like I have to be prepared for everything!

Those heart locks have really come in handy, glad I bought a bunch!

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

WIP Wednesday - Is It Panic Time Yet?

I was feeling pretty confident that I had it all under control, until I realized that I have 10 bigger items to sew, plus 2 strikes, and more small things, and I want them all finished by the first week of December to meet the guaranteed Christmas delivery I promised for those orders.  Which means I need to do at least 3 things a week...and I'm halfway through the week and halfway through the first project of the week. Do they make caffeine patches?  And how many can I wear at once?

Throwback pic of when I used to have more crochet time...sometimes I miss it!

Monday, November 2, 2020

Venom Upgrader (ChrisW Designs)

The fabric world is definitely expanding to cover more fandoms, I was amazed to find this Venom fabric at Joann's a few years ago, so obviously it needed to join my collection. It's not what I'd call a 'pretty' fabric, but on the Upgrader from ChrisW Designs, it ended up as a very stylish purse!

Playing with the light options in my editor. Kind of closer to the actual colors, but the red really does pop like that!

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

WIP Thursday - Snowy Days

Hard for me to believe, but I'm catching up again!  Obviously that means I should procrastinate on all the orders and make new stuff, right? Well, at least throw new stuff on the embroidery machine while I sew the orders...

I'll be taking orders in the FaceBook group!

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Winter Wonder Triple Zip Crossbody (Sew Da Kine) - Moon Beam Textiles

This month's round for Moon Beam Textiles is all about the elements and seasons! The gorgeous subtle prints are done in amazing colors and have a TON of style! I was lucky enough to get the Winter version, with the coordinating stripes. Purple is one of my favorite colors, and even though it's very subtle in the snowflake print, the purple stripes are so perfect!  

Perfect winter bag!

Monday, October 19, 2020

Tattooed Tink Sydney (Swoon)

The Sydney from Swoon (affiliated link) is definitely one of my most requested patterns, and I never get tired of making it since each one looks totally different!

Such a happy purse!

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

WIP Wednesday - Fall is Coming

Looking outside today I noticed a few leaves are scattered in the yard and the trees are tuning pretty colors! I guess the real indicator is the fact we've had our heat on at night, and no a/c during the day!  Then I got a little concerned when I gave a quote of 6-10 weeks turnaround on a purse and the customer said "oh, mid December, perfect!"  Wait...what?? Where did the year go? 

Someday I'll have free time and stitch out a bunch of samples...SOMEDAY!

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

WIP Wednesday - Speedy September, Sneaky October

 Is it just me, or did September flash past? We're already a week into October and I am not sure how that happened...

Cute little things that actually went quick for once!

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Become Sane Siren Tote (XOXO by Lauren)

This panel from Ohana Fabrics describes my life perfectly! Am I booked up for the next few months? Totally. Am I still accepting orders? Yes. Will I need to skip sleeping to have a chance of getting caught up? Also yes.

I'm like Edna, except a little taller and not quite as stylish...

Thursday, September 24, 2020

WIP Thursday - Stuff and Nonsense

And now September is nearly gone.  I'd really like time to slow down just a little...I'm pretty sure it was July last week.

Just a little shot of my in progress stuff...

Monday, September 21, 2020

Magical Unicorn Begonia (Blue Calla) Moon Beam Textiles

The latest round from Moon Beam Textiles is totally magical!  I was lucky enough to be chosen to sew up the fun unicorn and Pegasus fabric, with the coordinating stripes.  It's adorable enough for a kid, but classy enough for a grown-up! 

So pretty that I pulled out the fancy backdrop for it!

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Copper Geo Nora (Swoon)

It has been quite a while since I made a Nora Doctor Bag by Swoon, but this one did seem to go together a little easier than I remembered.  

Getting a true color shot was a little tricky, it's so much prettier in person!

Friday, September 11, 2020

Ghibli Trailblazer Convertible Backpack (Bagstock Designs)

Every so often I get requests for a new style or designer and I throw caution to the wind and jump in head first!  The Trailblazer was a new to me pattern, from a designer that I've only used for one other pattern (Every Day Tote).

I really love how the fabric pocket pops against the black vinyl!

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

WIP Wednesday - Kinda Productive

I do feel like I got a bunch done last weekend, but somehow it wasn't a lot of stuff to mark off the list...hmm...I keep thinking I'm getting close to the end of my list, but that never seems to happen.

Somehow the pocket ended up bigger than usual...but it IS awesome fabric...

Monday, August 31, 2020

Firefly Constellations Clutch Me Tight Purse (pattern test DCE) Moon Beam Textiles

I really love testing new patterns! It gives me the push to try a new pattern, plus it's a fun experience. It's a bonus if I can use it with some awesome fabric! The preorder for this fabric closes TODAY, so don't forget to snag some of this gorgeous print.

I bet Kaylee would carry this with her fancy dress!

WIP Monday - Welp, There Goes August

And another month speeds by!  I'm definitely not ready for it to be September, but at least I'm starting to feel like I have things slightly more under control.  Ok, not really, but I can pretend!

Hmm, should I add in the 'watching blankets' to my lineup this year?

Friday, August 28, 2020

Jars of Fireflies - Ugly Naked Guy Hobo (Sincerely Jen) Moon Beam Textiles

The preorder for the awesome Firefly fabric is still open at Moon Beam Textiles, and you definitely need to get some!  I went a little overboard on the commitment for the strikes this time and made THREE purses, and they took me longer than I expected so I'm running behind on sharing! 

I see nothing ugly about this tote!
All 3 of the strike projects, look for the final post with the baby bag soon!

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Wall-E Cross Body Bag and Zip It Janice Pouch (Sincerely, Jen)



Sometimes a simple bag is all that is needed to show off amazing fabric!  This panel from Backstitch Fabrics is so adorable, and was love at first sight for the customer!

Seriously cute stuff!

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

WIP Wednesday - Doing Stuff and Things

While every day is sort of blending into the next and half the time I keep checking my calendar to see what day it is, I am actually getting things marked off the list!

 

Foolish Mortals is a fun fabric and I'm using every scrap I can!

Monday, August 17, 2020

Bunk Pegasus Cross Body Bag (XOXO by Lauren) Moon Beam Textiles

The Moon Beam preorder this month is so SHINY!  If you are a fan of Firefly, this is right up your alley!

The only Firefly accessory I have in my house is a tiny Kaylee...hmmm....

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Venom Road Trip Wallet (Emmaline Bags)

I enjoy making wallets because they use minimal fabric from my collection, but that doesn't mean they are simple!  There is much less wiggle room for error, so it's important to cut precisely and sew on the seam allowance, and some of them, like the Road Trip Wallet from Emmaline have MORE pieces than most purses!

I'm pretty sure this isn't upside down, not that it really matters on this wallet!

Friday, August 7, 2020

WIP Friday - August, So Soon?

I feel like this week I've been trying to do stuff and nothing is getting finished...  It was a week of masks and Etsy orders, but I REALLY want to bust out some of the bigger items!

From when I used to test for a designer...she closed up shop but there were some great designs!

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Neighborhood Wanderer Wallet (Moments by Liz)

Sometimes a pattern will catch my eye and beg to be made!  The Wanderer wallet from Moments by Liz has a lot of style in a little package.
All closed up and compact

Thursday, July 30, 2020

WIP Thursday - Another Month Slips Past

I haven't been doing the best at posting my WIP every week, but I really don't know where this month went!
I have to audition zipper tape for projects, so many options!!

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Rainbow Love Fanny Pack

In case you were wondering, fanny packs are somehow making a comeback...and some are actually pretty stylish.  This one is total retro throwback style tho, but with fun fabric!
The 'cool' way to wear these are across the chest/back.  Or so I've been told...

Monday, July 20, 2020

Gothic Circus Siren Tote (XOXO by Lauren) - Moon Beam Fabrics

It's time for another fun fabric preorder from Moon Beam Textiles! This one is called Gothic Circus and has a dark grunge feel.  The colors are very rich and deep, but so hard to photograph!
My attempt at a pretty picture in the yard...I love flowers that grow by themselves!

Friday, July 17, 2020

WIP Friday - July is Speeding Past!

Another month is flying by, and I'm not sure where the time is going! I'm trying to keep up/catch up with everything, but it's not looking like that will happen for a while...
Couldn't decide what to put on the hot pink towel...puppy won out!

Monday, July 13, 2020

Dragon Beauty Makeup Bag (Sewn Ideas)

I can't say that I've made many (or any) makeup bags before, but this one turned out totally cute!  I might need to make one for myself, it would work great to organize my crochet notions!
Do you feel like you are being watched?

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Pretty Mermaid Triple Zip (Sew Da Kine)

This purse was entirely for fun! I got the project pack #2 from Wizardry, Stitchery and Crafts and the only requirement was 'make something to go with the theme' so I got to run wild! The Triple Zip Crossbody from Sew Da Kine is so perfect for showing off the amazing zippers, and so fast to make!
Makes me wish I had a pool to use for a photo shoot!

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Wonder Women Triple Zip (Sew Da Kine)

Sometimes you have a gorgeous fabric in your stash that begs for an amazing project, but until the right customer comes along, you just collect it and stare at it!
My camera couldn't decide what to focus on for these pics, but the fabric is actually a crisp print!

Friday, July 3, 2020

WIP Friday - Organization Galore

I finally stole some time to get organized, and it was very overdue!  I was spending hours looking for fabric for requests, so this will save me time in the long run, besides making me happier every time I walk into my studio!
Probably not even half my fabric...the opposite walls have more shelves along them.

Monday, June 29, 2020

Supernatural Purse of DOOM

Sometimes I take on a project that I think will be 'simple' and then I come to regret saying yes. Fortunately this one redeemed itself and by the end I did love it, but the middle section was a bit rough...and it did earn the name of the Purse of DOOM, which stuck since I made up the pattern and get to name it whatever I want.
I would drink this whiskey...

Friday, June 26, 2020

WIP Friday - Not Back On Track...

But at least I can finally see the track!  I'm working on getting caught up on all the little orders this week, ended up needing 28 embroidered inhaler and sanitizer cases, but since I have to do 2 at a time on the same vinyl backing, I will end up making more than that.  Great for ready-to-sell stock, but takes me a bit longer...and they keep getting claimed so I don't seem to be getting much of a stockpile actually.
How many sanitizer cases are too many? Asking for a friend...

Monday, June 22, 2020

Winged Things Atlas Rucksack (Swoon) - MoonBeam Textiles

This month's fabric preorder from Moon Beam Textiles is a gorgeous, non inspired style!  The colors are soothing, and the print is super fun!  I really wanted to show off the awesome stripes and toss, so I went with a pattern I'd never tried before, the Atlas Rucksack from Swoon (affiliated link).
This bag is not very photogenic, but so pretty in person!

Thursday, June 18, 2020

WIP Thursday - Faster Than a Speeding Month

I blinked and June is already more than half over...Not ready for that!!  If anyone finds some free time just laying around, send it my way. ;)
The mice got messed up on the back, so now I have a sanitizer holder for ME!!

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Marauder's Map Bonnie Bucket Bag (Swoon)

It's been quite a while since the last time I made a Bonnie Bucket Bag by Swoon (affiliate link), but it's a classic style that comes together pretty quickly!
I solemnly swear I'm up to no good, but everyone already knew that...