WIP Wednesday - Last One of 2017!

Anyone ready for a new year?  I still have stuff I'm finishing up from several years ago, but new year means new lists...maybe some good crafting resolutions, like using up my stash or de-stashing things I no longer love... Hmm, too bad I love it all!

Thneed in hat form

WIP Wednesday - Countdown to Christmas!

So...only 5 days until Christmas is upon us...anyone actually ready??  My final order went out this morning, now to start working on everything else...and maybe catching up on sleep...I've been seeing a bit too much of 1 am in the last week...

Last purse...random picture because I don't want to reveal before Christmas!

All the Jack - Sydney Messenger Bag

Still one of the most popular bags that I get orders for, the Sydney Messenger Bag by Swoon (affiliated link) was thrown into the lineup for my Christmas rush.  This one wasn't for a present, but it did ship with a wallet that was a gift! 

Christmas rush means rushed pics...someday I'll plan ahead better, or hire a kid as a photographer...they work for cookies!

WIP Wednesday - Already/Only Wednesday!

I'm alternation between "Shew, it's only Wednesday" and "GAH, It's already Wednesday!!"  By this time next week, everything that is going to be mailed should have already gone out and I'll be frantically trying to finish up Christmas cards (probably?).  My list is actually getting marked off, so my stress level is moderate at this point.  If I can get 2 project done tonight, and stuff for the teachers either done or send in IOU's, I think I'll be at a good place.  Then I just have to do one purse and 3 blankets...I can sleep after Christmas!

Order delivered!

WIP Wednesday - Singlehandedly Keeping Coffee In Business

I'm sure I'm not the only crafter/sewologist/hooker/knitter/etc going full tilt and skipping out on sleep (I'll sleep in January).  Someday I'll be better at planning and setting realistic deadlines, but for now, the rush of last minute crafting is part of the fun!  Or, I could be at the stage of sleep deprivation where I'm loopy...although that usually that hits me at 4 am and I haven't stayed up that late, yet.

It really is crooked, the way it's laying on the machine makes it look straighter!

Elephant Brandt's Boulevard

Would you believe that I had only a few elephant prints in my stash?  It's true!  I had to search high and low to find any for sale, and then they were either a huge scale or baby prints...but this one is perfect!  And even on purple which was one of her favorite colors! I really love making the Brandt's Boulevard, it comes together so nicely and now that I've made several (maybe 4 or 5? I lost count) I can get them done pretty fast!

Colorful elephants!

Pattern Testing - Hogwarts Style Connie Wristlet by R + R Originals

I'm always looking for new designers and when Ronda did an open call for testers, I jumped at the chance!  She came up with a clutch that Hermoine would be proud of, full of pockets and can hold a ton of stuff!  The pattern is Connie Wristlet, available here: Connie's Wristlet

This is more like the wristlet of requirements

Hogwarts crest shows off your school spirit!

WIP Wednesday - December Is Coming!

Aaaaiiieeee!  In case you weren't paying attention, there are only 26 more days until Christmas.  Is anyone ready?  I'm definitely not!

Hat for myself, still need to attach the button to the center of the flower

Tattooed Princess - India Hobo by Swoon

Recently there was a sew along in one of the custom fabric groups for the India pattern (affiliated link) from Swoon.  I love this pattern because it comes together SUPER fast, but has an interesting shape and is really comfortable to wear.   This is the smaller version, but still pretty roomy! I am so tempted to keep this one for myself, it would be perfect for shopping hands free, but I do have a stockpile of purses already...

Rapunzel - after the haircut she went wild...

WIP Wednesday - Take a Deep Breath, Exhale, and Back to the Madness!

I thought now that the scheduled craft shows were past, I'd have time to catch up.  HAHAHAHAHA!  (Yes, that is a slightly hysterical laugh...I'm fine, why do you ask?)  Instead my body decided to rebel and force me to take almost 2 full days of rest.  (I really need to get in better shape, I never want to feel that kind of back pain again!) I guess that means I need to stay on task and not get distracted by random Netflix movies...or at least pick ones I've seen before so I can only kind of pay attention.  ;)

Doll wings to match the other pair!

WIP Wednesday - Still Making All The Things!

The craft show last weekend was a success, now onto the next one!  The only downside to selling is that now I need to restock!  This week has been a never ending embroidery marathon so far...but next week should be much calmer!  Except for all the orders that are piling up while I focus on the craft show stuff....Maybe the week after next week will be calmer!

Rainbow Owls for an order! So fun!

Sponsor Giveaways and Discounts for ChrisW Global Blog Tour!

No matter how hard I try, it just won't attach this to the original post, so be sure to stop by all these  great sponsors and take advantage of the discounts! And then enter the giveaway for the amazing prizes!

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Tour Discounts

• ChrisW Designs is taking 20% off all patterns until end of day (Australian Central Standard Time) November 21. Code GlobalBlogTour17 (applied automatically with this link. Buy without fear: If you purchase during the tour and then win a pattern, your purchase price will be refunded.
• Handbag Hardware Australia (aff link) is offering a 10% discount for the duration of the tour. Use code: CWD10. (Excludes interfacing and Emmaline Bling.)
• Bobbin Girl has a 10% discount using code BLOGTOUR17. (Not to be combined with any other discount or rewards points.)
• Gold Star Tool is taking 15% off for our tour readers. Use code chriswdesigns. (must be logged in to use)
• Zipit (aff link) is also offering a 10% discount on shop items. Use code ChrisWDesigns.

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Funny Faces Brandt's Boulevard Wallet - ChrisW World Tour

Welcome to your next stop on the ChrisW World Blog tour!  For my contribution, I picked the Brandt's Boulevard, which is one of my favorite wallets to make and also one of my most requested!  This is the first time I've ever tried it with custom knit fabric, but I think it turned out great!

This wallet is sure to bring a smile to your face!

WIP Wednesday - Make ALL The Things!!

It's getting down to the wire for finishing stuff for the craft shows...and even though I felt like I was super productive last weekend, it probably wasn't enough.  I have a million more things I want to finish (Not starting anything new at this point...unless it's something really quick and adorable...NO, don't give in to temptation!) and probably not enough time to do even half of them if I did give up sleep...

One of the cute things I will be soon sewing up for an order, I wish I had more of these!

Bubbly Clematis

I am having so much fun with the Clematis swaps...It's a great excuse to take a break from orders and prep work to make a gift AND get one in return!  There's another one going on for Christmas, but this is my busiest time of the year so I should probably pass...but they are such a fast pattern! (Clematis from Blue Calla)

WIP Wednesday - November Already??

I have 10 days until the first craft show...plenty of time to come up with a million more projects! 

Splatoon character

Alolan Marowak.  Don't ask me, I just googled it and did it from the picture...

Marauder's Map Necessary Clutch Wallet

When I was introduced to the amazing world of custom fabric, this Marauder's Map fabric was one of my first 'big' buys.  The cost is higher than what you would spend at Joann's or Hobby Lobby (or even a local quilt shop) but it is so amazing that it was totally worth it!  I think I'm down to less than 4 yards (ONLY!) but that's plenty for a lot more projects!

Custom fabric on top of another custom fabric? It's the only way I'll ever be able to use it all up!

WIP Wednesday - Less Than a Week to Halloween!

and I'm not really any closer to being ready...Eeek!!!  I have the fabric for one Halloween costume ready to be cut out and sewn...but that's as far as I've gotten.

Splat fabric!

Costumes, Masks, Wings and Other Fun Things!

I love all the fun things you can do with the embroidery machine, and I'm sure I've shared a lot of these before, but I thought it would be a good time to try to gather up the pictures in one spot...
I have several patterns just waiting to be stitched out, with no excuse to make them since we don't do many craft shows before Halloween.  Of course any of these would be super fun for dress up as well!

Flying Puppy Wings and goggles!

Jack Wisteria Wallet

I finally had a reason to revisit the Wisteria Wallet by Blue Calla and this time went MUCH smoother!  I made sure to label my pieces and check my measurements, and surprise, it worked!  So weird how focusing on only one project at a time lets you stay on track and not mix up tiny pieces...

Jack and Zero fit perfect on the side panels!

WIP Wednesday - Time To Get Spooky?

Yesterday someone on the radio pointed out that it was 2 weeks exactly until Halloween, which led to panic as I realized I needed to get the costumes started...and then more panic when last night my son gave me a paper for a spook house he's doing on THURSDAY of this week...I try to volunteer at it every year when my kids do it, so I have to try to throw together a 'spooky' outfit tonight since I wasted last night somehow... I'm guessing that I'll be wearing one of my regular shirts unless I can get a pattern taped together, cut out, and sewn in under 2 hours...I do have a lot of fabrics that could work for a 'spooky' shirt...

What is more Halloween than a vampire slayer??

How about a pirate?

All The Sparkles - Hosta Hobo

When I asked this teacher what her favorite colors are, I got "hot pink and black.  And white.  And sparkles."  so I went with it!  My son helped pick out the style of purse and approved the fabrics, so all I needed was some spare time.  Unfortunately I was in the middle of a move and backed up on orders at the end of the school year, and the summer flew by, so she just barely got it this month. I think that still counts since it's technically the same year...just not school year...  :D

My new favorite photo shoot location, a ledge in my house.

WIP Wednesday - Wait, I Might Have a Snappy Title...Nope.

I finally succumbed to the cold making the rounds at home and work.  As a result, all I've done for the past 2 days is stare longingly at my fabric.  I don't trust myself to cut anything when I'm sick, especially not something that I only have a limited supply for, like my Marauder's Map fabric!

Now up on Etsy, also have a giant cheer sized version

Owl The Love - Fiona's Freeway

I finally finished the Fiona's Freeway from ChrisW Designs - only about 3 months after I planned, and a month (or 2) after the sew along...it wasn't a hard project but my time is in high demand!  (Totally not due to procrastination...probably)

WIP Wednesday - Time to get Spooky!

Soooooo... it's October in case you didn't notice.  Which means crunch time for Halloween costumes.  Guess I should get on that...soon.  To set the mood, here's a peek at the latest wallet under my needle, a Nightmare Before Christmas Wisteria Wallet.

Someday I'll be perfect at fussy cutting to show everything...someday!

Zelda Style - Brownie Wallet from XOXO By Lauren

If you are looking for a SUPER fast wallet pattern and have some fold over elastic (commonly called FOE by the crazy sewing types), vinyl, cork, or leather, and a scrap of fun fabric, this is the perfect pattern!  The Brownie Wallet from XOXO by Lauren is great for last minute gifts. 

I've been hoarding this cool Zelda/Link print...and this barely used any!

More of the fun fabric inside

WIP Wednesday - What Does the Pineapple Mean???

I was at Joann's last night for some legit crafting supplies (stuff I ACTUALLY need to finish a project) and ran across a pineapple emoji button on clearance.  I get the faces, but does the fruit have a hidden meaning? Do I really want to know?  I'm going to assume it's just a cute pineapple and leave it at that...

Clearance buttons are my catnip.

When you find adorable fabric on sale to match clearance buttons, you can't pass it up!

Disney Style Ellen's Esplanade

I love making custom purses, but when a customer sends me their 'special' fabrics, I only have a small panic attack that I'm going to irreparably screw it up...and that doesn't go away until the last stitch is sewn!  Due to a slight miscommunication, I ended only getting a small piece of the interior fabric, but fortunately the custom printed cotton lycra fabrics are usually wider than normal quilting fabrics and I had enough to make it work!

Parks from Hapa Fabric

WIP Wednesday - 10 Days of September Left!

Hey, September is almost over...which means October is right around the corner and that means Halloween costumes, craft fairs and Christmas presents....crap.  Is anyone actually ready for all that? If so, can I borrow your free time?  :D

I think I need to add a border on the edges, but other than that and maybe a flower at the neckline, done!

Time for More Zippered Pouches!

Sometimes I get a request for a 'simple zip pouch' that will showcase a fabric, and when that happens I refer back to my own quick tutorial.  I really need to update it with more pictures, but it is a pretty fast sew!

Two nearly identical pouches

Giveaway! Starlet Bold and Bright Captivating Clutch

Would you like to be the proud owner of the Bold and Bright clutch?  Enter in the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win!  No purchase necessary to win, but any likes and shares are appreciated!  Giveaway is open to everyone, but if you are outside the US, you will need to pay shipping and any customs fees.  Giveaway will be open from September 15 through September 22, so come back to get your daily entry!

As a bonus, I'll throw in the leftover fabric...use it to make yourself a fun accessory to go with the clutch, a cute dog bandanna, or add it to your own scrap bag!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WIP Wednesday - Turns Out that Sleep Is AMAZING!

My embroidered peeker challenge is coming along, I'm already 6 towels in, so I might actually get caught up this weekend!  They are going pretty smooth and I'm using up my stash!  Of course that means I can add new things to it right? Like this adorable Stitch fabric?  I think I need a hoodie for me, and maybe a cool purse since I've been using my SuperWhoLock one for almost a year now!  Time for a change!

I have this in giant adult sized and kid sized...perfect for both clothes and purses!

I don't think I got enough of this fabric, it's too awesome!

Starlet Captivating Clutch - Bright and Bold Style!

The second fabric set I received for the Ambassador projects was from the Baxter Mill Archives.  This one was printed onto a polyester base, so it was a little more slippery to work with.  I was a little concerned since the colors were so bright and vibrant and decided to pre-wash, but there was NO bleeding or fading, even after drying on high (didn't realize at first that it was polyester!  Oops!)

Orange and hot pink - Very dashing!

WIP Wednesday - No Time For Procrastination!

There may be no time for it, but I still manage to do it!  Last night's procrastination was actually cleaning and organizing, so I can finally see the top of my cutting table again!  In the process of cleaning I also ran across several more half finished projects...so now I have a Next In Line (NIL) pile...

Probably the last time I'll see the top of my table until mid February...

Southwest Clematis - Swap Time!

I love joining sewing swaps, it gives me a deadline I have to rush to meet (I'm a slight procrastinator, in case you hadn't noticed), panic over picking the 'right' fabric, relief when I send it off, and then joy when I get my gift!  Being a glutton for punishment, I always seem to pick the swap going on right when I'm neck deep in orders...but that just adds to the excitement!

Fast and Easy - Brownie Wallet from XOXO by Lauren

One of the new designers that I'm following is XOXO by Lauren.  The first pattern I did of hers was the Boon Wallet, and when she asked for testers for another quick pattern, I jumped at the chance!  This wallet took about 1 episode of Super Girl (would have been less, but I hadn't seen the episode yet and kept getting distracted).  I made mine with some wine colored cork and it probably took me longer to pick my materials than to actually make it!

Effervescent fabric gives a fun accent

WIP Wednesday - Farewell August, I Barely Knew You!

August FLEW by, and with one day left, I'm ready to buckle down and get tons of stuff done next month!  Almost time for craft shows and Halloween costumes so no time to slack off!

New 'reading' art, maybe a fun lap quilt?

Starlet Captivating Clutch - Bandanna Style!

I got the go-ahead to do my own pictures, so the up side is that there is no more waiting..the down side is you get my pictures and not gorgeous professional ones... ;)

For the final Springs Ambassador projects, they sent me the Have-a-Hank bandanna fabric, and some printed Baxter Mills Archive fabrics.  First up is the Bandanna one!  The bandanas themselves are large sized for bandannas, but not 'fabric' big so I had to plan out my cuts.  I thought it would be fun to try out the Bag of the Month pattern - Captivating Clutch by Mrs. H.  Since I did the smaller clutch size I was able to fit every piece on a single bandanna, and sometimes several on the same one.  I pre-washed the bandannas and also interfaced every piece since it is a lighter weight fabric.
 

The color of the inside is more of a teal than a blue, but my camera didn't like it

Fiona's Freeway - Stage 3

Hopefully you are on track and ready to go for the rest of the Fiona's Freeway!  Tonight Amanda will be doing the final video for the sew along, so be sure to tune in! If you can't watch live, they are available in the main group to watch at any time!  We're trying to figure out how to get them on YouTube or something like that, but are a bit video challenged...

Amanda's in-progress Fiona!  Can't wait to see it all together!

WIP Wednesday - More Sewing Along!

The Fiona's Freeway Sew Along is over halfway done, so I hope everyone has at least started!  I am almost caught up on everything that HAD to go out this week (almost being the key word...) so I'm planning to get mine busted out on Friday in between all the other million things I have planned for my day off.  Anyone have some spare time I can buy?  If you are on track, it's time to start the lining!  This weekend will be time to finish it all up, so be sure to watch for the videos in the ChrisW Designs FaceBook group!

Cat rattle from the new pattern by One and Two Company, I skipped the eye patch to go faster...

Fiona's Freeway Sew Along - Stage 2

Hopefully by now you have your pieces cut out and are ready to jump in!  If not, what are you waiting for?  You can work at your own pace, but if you finish by the end of the sew along, you can enter to win a free pattern!  Every finished Fiona is an entry!

If you use directional fabric, make sure it's going the 'right' direction!  Owls will be the inside

Pattern Testing - Bodacious Bowler by ChrisW Designs - Doctor Who Sunflowers

The newest pattern from ChrisW Designs is the Bodacious Bowler and it IS totally bodacious!! The classic shape is perfect for showing off fun fabrics, and as a bonus, there is also an embroidery pattern available to fit on the smaller sizes!

Van Gogh inspired sunflowers and a Tardis make for awesome fabric!

WIP Wednesday - Fiona's Freeway Sew Along and More!

I'm trying to get everything caught up so I can focus on the sew along, but so far that means a lot of mostly finished projects are now everywhere in my craft studio...I just need a few more hours of time to dedicate to finishing everything!  (or days.  Or weeks....)  I can't wait to cross them all off next week!  Something about crossing stuff off my list fills me with joy.  So much joy.

Test purse - I am totally in love with this one, but I don't NEED another purse....