WIP Wednesday - Void Week

I'm not sure about everyone else, but I've entered the twilight zone stage of this year. I'm on vacation this week, and I've lost track of what day it actually is... Plus I lost most of last week due to getting sick (perfect timing, RIGHT before Christmas). My goal is to finally catch up on orders by the end of the year (or get as much done as I possibly can!) but I also wanted to do some cleaning/organizing/general random sewing for my vacation.

I've had this mini mousepad embroidery pattern forever...finally decided to try it out!

WIP Monday - Survived!

My one and only craft show of the year was over the weekend, and I kept thinking of 'just one more thing' I should make/finish for it...but last week FLEW by!  Everything that didn't get finished is going back in the UFO pile for next year!

I need to list up a bunch of the extras...clear out some space for new stuff!

Sus Wars Begonia Drawstring Bag - Longshore Custom Fabrics (Blue Calla)

I was lucky enough to have the chance to sew up a fun fabric for a new (to me) group, Longshore Customs. There are a bunch of fun fabrics available on this preorder, so be sure to check it out! I needed a fast project since November and December are totally crunch time, so the Begonia from Blue Calla was the perfect choice!  It only takes a small amount of fabric, but is easy to customize to show off a panel.

Increased the bottom size to 1" past the graphic, then decreased the top panel by the same amount. And still ended up trimming off a little of the top panel.

WIP Tuesday - Vacation (and November) Over!

Last week I took time off my day job and instead of busting through the giant list of stuff I wanted to get done, I actually took time to relax (and still got a few things done) and enjoy my vacation. There were naps, reading, catching up on shows, spending time with family, and even some fun projects.  Now it's crunch time and I have a list a mile long to finish in the next 2 weeks...There will come a point when I give up and sleep, but I haven't reached it yet! 

Last weekend's project, so many lanterns!

WIP Monday - Countdown to Christmas

My (probably unreasonable) goal is to finish up all the paid orders this month, preferably in the next 2 weeks. Will that happen? All signs point to "no" but I can dream, right? This probably is the closest I've been to having stuff done this early in the season tho, which is only because I put a hold on new orders for the last few months to try to catch up.  I'm starting to get in the holiday mood, which means I keep thinking of new and fun stuff I want to make. Like stockings from the millions of character and Christmas fabrics I have...Ok, not MILLIONS, but pretty close.

I didn't notice it was off kilter until too late, so now I'm going to claim it's 'totally intentional'

Baby Grogu Triple Zip and Matching Zip It Janice ID pouch

One of my favorite fast and pocket-full (I'm pretty sure that should be a word) patterns is the Triple Zip Crossbody from Sew Da Kine.

I need to make more matching sets...

WIP Friday - November? Already?

We had actual fall weather earlier this week, and I realized how unprepared I am for the fall/winter! While I am making good progress on orders and random craft show filler, I still feel so far behind! I haven't even had time to do post up any of the purse finishes I had planned for this week, which are ones I finished in January (so I won't run out of blog material for a while it seems...just time to write them up!) I might need to take a month or so next year to plan out stuff a little better, prep blog posts, destash extra supplies for things I have no time for anymore, clean the house (not that I really want to, but I can't afford a housekeeper. yet.), spend time with the family, and other stuff that gets neglected while I'm focused on sewing.

Auditioning zippers to go with a fun little purse. Do I have too many options, or not enough??

WIP Friday - Where Did October Go?

Wasn't it just July? How is next week November?? I am definitely NOT ready for that... 

Spooky picture of some lanterns I made for strike projects a while ago..

Colorful H2O to Go bag (Linds Handmade)

 The H2O to Go bag is such a quick and handy bag! This fabric is from Alison Glass, and it probably one of my all time (non custom) favorites! It has amazing colors, with a fun design!

pretty colors!

WIP Monday - I Almost Got Caught Up...

 After a frantic week of Halloween accessory orders, I am almost ready to get back to the purse and other custom orders, but I feel like I just need maybe an extra week or 3 squeezed into October to really catch up. I also realized last week that I was only 2 months out from my craft show, which might seem like PLENTY of time to get stuff done, but really, it's not. 

I shared this around today because it is AWESOME. 

Snow Wars Cheyenne Wallet

 The Cheyenne Wallet from iThink Sew was another new-to-me- pattern.  There isn't a lot you can say about wallets, so I'll just go straight to the pretty pics!

Flap side

Snow Wars Jelani (iThink Sew)

I have a lot of patterns in my collection, but sometimes a customer falls in love with a specific one that I don't own yet and I get to try a new designer! The Jelani from iThink Sew is a cute little bag, with some fun details!

With a sneak peek of the matching wallet!

WIP Monday - Catch Up Time

I haven't been taking in that many custom orders lately, mainly because every time I think I'm almost caught up, either a bunch of etsy orders come in, or preordered fabric finally arrives, or I get sucked into a book and lose a day (or 2). I can't stop reading, it's the only thing keeping me (mostly) sane at this point, so something has to get pushed back, and that's usually taking new orders.  That being said, I'm actually starting to get through a bunch of orders!

Need to stitch up the remaining blankets in my stash, as soon as the machine is done with the current vax orders...

Heroes H2O to Go Sling and Book Sleeve (Moon Beam Textiles)

 I'm not sure if you noticed, but EVERYTHING is moving slower through the mail lately, including the awesome fabric from Moon Beam Textiles. I had to rush to make some examples and even with that, STILL barely made it by the end of the round! It closes today (unless we can beg for an extension!) so RUN to get your order in! 

H2O and Book Sleeve, perfect for on-the-go!

Magic Lands Commuter Annette (Swoon)

The final Annette from Swoon Patterns (aff link) in my run was a GIANT one! This is the first time I've made the commuter size, and I had no idea how large it really was.

That's a big bag.

WIP Friday - Fall!

We actually had some cooler temps and all of the sudden it's downright chilly in the mornings! I expect it will get hot again at least for a little while, but that means Halloween is right around the corner! My kids have outgrown the school parties and costume age, so no more last minute sewing a costume the night before school -- at least until they decide that costumes actually ARE cool and then come up with even more elaborate ones that involve special effects or fancy fabrics...

The latest round from Moon Beam Textiles is already open, just got in the strikes last night so time to bust out a quick purse!

Lizard King Bee Balm Backpack (Blue Calla) - SWD Fabric

This is a double first for me, first time using this awesome fabric from Snow Willow Designs, and first Bee Balm Backpack from Blue Calla! Actually, triple first, first time stitching up these fun designs from String Theory Fabric Art!!

Rawr!

WIP Thursday - Another Week Flies By!

 Next thing I know, it will be time for Christmas! I feel like I blinked and lost August, so now I really need to catch up! I have a bunch of orders to bust out, and (fortunately) the Etsy orders have leveled out so I'm not cringing when I hear the sale 'cha-ching' anymore. Now just need to work on cloning myself, and it will be FINE.

so many ears...

WIP Thursday - Close Call!

The vax card holders on my Etsy shop really took off, so my embroidery machine has been running pretty much non-stop for a few weeks! Unfortunately, that is pretty hard on the machine and it somehow kept going until it was bone dry inside!  Fortunately my local shop (Southern Colorado Sewing Center) is amazing and she got me in and out in a day, greasing and oiling everything, fixing the tension issues, and finding all the pieces of needle that mysteriously disappear whenever I break one.... along with a pile of glitter and fuzz that collected inside... and she showed me where to oil it, and how to carefully clear out the needle bits. I was worried I'd need to start shopping for a new machine, but she got me all fixed up!  

The last 40 I sent out...

Dizzy Villains Annette (Swoon)

It seems like I did a run of Annette purses from Swoon (aff link) last year (yes, still trying to catch up, but at least these are from December!) and just one more to share after this one! 

Villains!

WIP Thursday - Mask Making Time (Again!)

I seriously hoped I was done making masks after the rush last year...and they did drop off for a few months, but it looks like they are picking up again! I guess this gives me a chance to work on using up more of my fabric, so I can't complain! 

Some new options!

Hocus Pocus Annette and NCW

The Annette (Swoon - aff link) really is one of my most popular patterns! The fabric and vinyl accents can totally change it up, so every one ends up unique!

Mostly I lick stuff to claim it as mine...but a spell would less messy.

WIP Thursday - Back To School Time!

School started back up here, and with that comes earlier mornings, earlier bedtimes, so much paperwork for parents, and just general tiredness...at least for me! It did cut into my sewing time, but I'm hoping to get back on track next week!  I'd better because the vax holder orders aren't slowing down, and mask orders are also picking up!

Inside and outside of a Brandt's Boulevard wallet...so close to finished!

Galifrey Annette (Swoon) and NCW Set (Moon Beam Textiles)

The Annette from Swoon (aff link) is so perfect for showing off my pretty fabrics, and is super stylish!  This fabric is probably one of my most favorite Doctor Who ones, beautiful colors and a fun design.

I am starting to love matching sets, they look so nice!

Grey Mouse Hats Mini Pegasus (XOXO by Lauren)

While I'm a 'carry everything I'll ever need' person, sometimes I get requests to make my small purses even smaller! I can't imagine getting away with such a small bag, but they do end up looking super cute!

Bright colors and a dark background make the hats pop!

WIP Thursday - Big Plans, Little Time

I finished up the diaper bag (finally!) and I needed something MUCH simpler (and faster), so the Siren tote bag is sneaking up the list. And because I can't seem to resist giving myself MORE to do, I decided to do 2 tote bags at the same time. It's a pretty simple pattern, with a touch of style and uses a lot of fabric since it's so giant. At one point, I planned on making a bunch with my panel stash, but somehow I just never have spare time...

I relate to this panel.

WIP Wednesday - And It's August?

I was planning on taking on a few more orders in July, but somehow it's August and I'm still working on catching up! The good news is that I'm SUPER close to caught up...just one more (diaper bag with a million pieces) and I'll be pretty much back on track...  I did take vacation last week and played with my fabric and patterns, which was a nice break.  

Random throwback pic of some fabric magnets I made that are still on my fridge...I should make more!

Leaf On The Wind Everyday Tote (Moon Beam Textiles)

This month I got two awesome vinyl rolls and a cunning panel from Moon Beam Textiles to show of the Comeback collection.  The rolls of vinyl can be ordered in either 12 or 18" widths, but the strike ones were not quite those measurements.  I had plans to make the tote bag with the fun panel and then do the accents and other side of the Everyday Tote (Bagstock designs) in the vinyl, but one of my rolls was just an inch too short for that.  My suggestion is to get the 18" if you are going to make purses so you have lots of options for directional and featured cuts.

The shine of the vinyl and the dark saturation of the panel were a challenge to photograph

WIP Thursday - Time to Try to Catch Up

I just have a few more orders to get through before I'm back on track, but that means I can totally take some time off to work on fun projects, right? I signed up for a 3 day craft show in December, so I need to start working on more inventory.  I still have a stockpile of lanterns to add fabric to, hooded towels to finish, mountains of felt and vinyl to turn into finger puppets, bookmarks, and keychains...plus half finished UFO purses I uncovered in my organization sprees.  I'm planning on taking a week off from the day job, so I'll either get a TON of stuff done, or I'll just chill and do stuff with the kids.  Either way, it's going to help me de-stress! 

Bookmarks from the awesome vinyl on preorder now at Moon Beam Textiles!

Haunted Stitch Siren Tote (XOXO by Lauren)

The Siren Tote bag from XOXO by Lauren is so fast to whip up, and it uses up a lot of fabric! It's perfect to show off the bigger panels. I really need to make a ton more to thin out the stash!

Haunted Stitch

Dino Pocket Pal and Pouch (Lind's Handmade, Moon Beam Textiles)

I've had this cute little pattern for a while, but no chance to make it until I got the new vinyl from Moon Beam Textiles to try out.  The Pocket Pal from Lind's Handmade is actually pretty fast! I should pull out my scan n' cut to see if it cuts even faster, but really, you cut 5 pieces! Three are out of vinyl, one in the pocket fabric, and a piece of ribbon (or non-fray fabric like Oly fun).

A cute set!

WIP Monday - Making a Mess

Have you ever noticed how there is a stage of cleaning/organizing where everything looks MUCH worse than when you started? Unfortunately I feel like I'll never make it past that stage at this point because it's a never-ending organizing process for the sewing studio.  I can get one section looking awesome, but the rest of the room will look like the craft gnomes exploded...

It's better than it was, but still in progress...

Buffy Fresno Foldover Tote

Buffy was my FAVORITE show in high school/college and not just because SMG is almost the same age as I am... it was just a great show with so much action and sarcasm!  I'm glad to find out that I'm not the only fan, and was excited when I got an order for a fun Buffy bag!

I tried my best to get all the characters on the bag at least once

WIP Thursday - Lists Galore

I'm finally starting to get caught back up, but I realized there were a few months of insanity in there where I was getting so swamped that I didn't update all my lists! So I'm not as caught up as I thought I was...oops! I'm also running into more complex orders and more detailed purses now, so that means I can't exactly bust out one a day, or even one a week for some of them!

Organizing zipper pulls...time for even more storage

Paper Princess Stardew Gaming Case

One of the first bags I sewed was a carrying case for a Leapster handheld gaming thing. I've definitely come a long way since then! And there are so many cool patterns available for just about any specific system.  The Stardew gaming carrier can hold a bunch of different gaming systems, but it really fits the Nintendo Switch the best!

A Switch for scale...

Firefly Cord Minder Pouch (Moon Beam Textiles)

This was a request from a repeat customer, and it ended up being pretty fast and easy! The fabric is an awesome constellation Firefly inspired custom from Moon Beam Textiles.  It's not currently available for ordering, so I'm glad I stocked up on it!

The top hook can also be used to hang it from...something.

WIP Monday - Lost a Week!

I'm not sure where last week went, but somehow it's already a new week and I have so much I planned on doing last week that never even got started...  The good news is that I'm mostly staying on top of the vax holder orders, and starting to get caught up on the other orders, but it helps that I haven't sent any invoices out for a while...I will get to the wait list, eventually!  

Just waiting for some stuffing...

Dark Mark Upgrader (ChrisW Designs) and NCW (Emmaline)

The Upgrader by ChrisW Designs is a stylish and quick bag! It's even more fun when you include a coordinating Necessary Clutch wallet from Emmaline Bags!

Castle and the map wallet to go with it!

WIP Thursday - Heat Wave!

I don't care what the 'official' start of Summer is, we're already getting into the upper 90's! Perfect time to stay inside my nice, cool sewing cave and make all the things!  I'm cranking out the Vax holders as fast as I can, and now it's time for some (hopefully) fast orders!

The last of my mask orders? Haven't had a new one for a few weeks so time to start using the fabric for other projects!

WIP Wednesday - Getting Behind!

I'm so happy to have a popular product (the vaccine card holders) but the downside is that it is slowing down the purse orders.  I only have so much time in the evenings to do things, and while I can sew between steps of the card holders, it's not as efficient... 

Last weekend's batch that shipped out

Stacked snacks Carrier's Conquest (ChrisW Designs)

One of the most awesome bag styles is the Carrier's Conquest from ChrisW Designs. It has so many pockets, compartments, and fun features!

I even pulled out the fancy backdrop!

WIP Wednesday - Where Did May Go?

I'm pretty sure the month just started and we're already at the end...my kids are excited because they are almost done with school but I can't figure out where the time went!  I am getting stuff done, but it IS Spring, which means that the yard needs attention (wilderness neglect is a style, right?) and I feel like I should be doing some spring cleaning...but I'm sure the urge to clean will pass if I keep sewing. ;)

Some of the magic finished last week

Star Wars Strapfield (ChrisW Designs)

I really like the new idea that instead of just one Star Wars day (or 2 if you count Revenge of the 5th/6th), we go with "This is the May (way)" so in that spirit, here's another fun purse!

The front pockets look like jean pockets to me...and they are much deeper than most women's pants pockets!

WIP Monday - Plodding Along

When I started thinking of what I'd be able to update last week, I was a little sad because it seems like I didn't get that much finished...but then I remembered I made myself a purse that wasn't even on the list, so obviously I needed to add it on and then I could cross it off!   Crossing things off the list makes me happy.

I love this pirate ship zipper and my night mare zipper tape!

WIP Thursday - Week, Interrupted

This week has felt like it was made up of all Mondays, probably due to the fact that I took time off Tuesday to drive ALL DAY to and from the college for my oldest.  I'm still recovering from that, so not a lot is getting finished this week, so far. 

Next project in progress!

Porgs Pegasus (XOXO by Lauren)

 It's May the 4th Be With You day, aka Star Wars day, so obviously I need to share at least one fun Star Wars inspired purse!  This one was a quick and super cute purse, and I even had a little help from a model!

Those Porg seem to get into everything

WIP Thursday - Wi-fi Enabled

Yesterday I got my second vaccine shot, so I'm hoping that this is the one where the microchip boosts my wi-fi! ;) Everyone I know that is already through it had at least 24 hours of feeling bleh, so I've been trying to bust out as many of the orders as I could in the last 3 weeks...I just have one more rush order to finish by the start of next week, then I'll be back on track with regular orders.   I did sneak in a fun project last night, vax card holders! Now I need to whip up a bunch and get them listed on etsy!

Must resist the urge to make 20 million options available...

The Experiment Kelley Wallet - Moon Beam Textiles (Sew Modern Bags)

 This is such a fun pattern, and so fast! The Kelley Wallet from Sew Modern Bags was a last minute sneak in project for my Moon Beam Textiles strike fabric.  I was able to whip one up in an afternoon, so I should probably sneak in a few extra to add to Etsy, right?

My new model

The Experiment Summit Sling Bag - Moon Beam Textiles(Cloudsplitter)

I have a soft spot for Stitch, it was one of the first movies my oldest was obsessed with! It's also been long enough that I don't twitch whenever I see it; I just get nostalgic for my 'baby' (she's in college now).  Also, Stitch is pretty awesome.  The latest fabric round from Moon Beam Textiles is a fun take on Experiment 626, with cute fabrics and epic panels!

I was super tempted to keep this for myself!

WIP Thursday - Need More Free Time!

I can't even express how amazed and grateful I am for all the customers wanting to place orders and willing to wait for me to get to them, but every so often I just have an urge to sew up something random! Unfortunately I usually resist the urges, mainly because I'm already behind on orders...but someday I might be caught up enough to sneak in more fun sewing projects! In the meantime, I keep throwing random stuff on the embroidery machine to make myself feel extra productive...

Time to start the bookmark stash building! And PORGS!