Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Making Baby Rag Quilts

I've been adding rag quilts for babies and children in my shop recently. One has sold so far. I'm really excited about being able to add them now that I have my CPSIA labels. I've been using all flannels, but I plan on making some using cotton quilt fabrics in the future. Here are pictures of the ones I've made so far, more to come!:)



Wednesday, November 30, 2011

New Sewing Machine!

Well, I finally did it! I got the Brother Laura Ashley NX-2000 a little over a week ago and love it! It came with a nice rebate and a free serger. I didn't need another serger, so they gave me a good deal on the machine instead. I'm still taking it slow because new machines always make me a little nervous. But, it really is a beautiful machine and has so many cool features.

I'm having fun saving special stitches that I like in the memory and I love the thread cutter. Plus, I can program the machine to either do a lock stitch or a reverse stitch at the end of each seam. I love that! I can just sit back and watch it sew all by itself.lol

Still so much more to learn, though. I have my first class to learn more about the machine later in December and I'm really looking forward to it. I know I already have a lot of questions on some of the functions and how they work. Can't wait for that class! It took awhile to get the Laura Ashley, saving money from sales. I'm so glad I was finally able to get it.

Thanks for listening to me go on and on about this machine. It really is special and if you ever have a chance to try one out, go for it! You'll probably do what I did and dream about it from then on.:)

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Little Girls' Rag Quilt Purses

Here are a couple little purses that I have listed in my Etsy shop. I'm having so much fun making them with all the cute fabrics for little ones that I have. More are on the way soon!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Something Sort of New Coming to My Shop

Silly title, I know. I used to make little girls' purses and stopped making them when the CPSIA laws started. It all sounded a little overwhelming and I didn't want to do the wrong thing and get in trouble selling items for children. But, I did a lot of research and finally ordered my CPSIA labels. So, I'm back to making little purses and should have a couple ready to list in a day or two. I can't wait to use up some of the cute fabrics I stocked up on a few years ago. All that fabric has just been sitting in my Rubbermaid boxes and I had been thinking of just selling it. I'm glad I did my research on CPSIA. I sure did miss making purses for little ones. Give me a couple of days and I'll get some pictures up on my blog of the purses. They are so cute!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

It Was A Long, Hot Summer!

Hi everyone, I hope you all got through the summer okay. We had a cool down a few days ago, but it's been warm again the past couple of days. They say we're about to get down right chilly starting tomorrow. I can't wait! I'm ready for sweaters, jeans, beautiful fall leaves, and lots of craft shows. I love going to craft shows in the fall. The weather has to be cool, though, or it's just not very much fun. So, here's hoping we have some beautiful weather.

I stayed busy this summer sewing. Trying to get as much as I can into my Etsy shop before the Christmas season hits. It was very slow for a couple of months, but it picked back up in August. So, now I'm juggling getting things in the shop and doing custom orders when they come in.

We didn't take any type of vacation this year and don't have one planned for the fall. Just tight on money(new roof) and I'm trying to save for a new sewing machine. My dream is to get the Brother Laura Ashley NV-2000! I went to look at one a few months ago and fell in love with it. Since then, they have come out with a Laura Ashley sewing/embroidery machine, too. But, I'll be lucky to afford the NV-2000. I really need a nice back-up machine in case my Janome needs work. But, as soon as I get it, I'm going to start saving for a new embroidery machine. Not sure if I'll go with the Laura Ashley or something else. I have to keep telling myself, one thing at a time.:)

Here's some of the totes I have for sale in my shop. I have lots of fabric stash, so send me a convo if you want something in a different color or print. I'm trying to use up some of my stash, though, before I start buying more fabric. Hopefully, I'll have something that you will like.




Friday, June 10, 2011

♥♥ Some New Items in My Shop ♥♥

I didn't realize how long it's been since the last time I posted! Where has the time gone! I took some time off from adding things to my shop so I could work on figuring out how to make a diaper bag. After making a couple bags and changing things a few times, I came up with a pattern that I really like. This diaper bag has a large inside pocket with two velcro strips to keep it closed and two bottle pockets on the inside gussets. The bag is a little larger than my regular purses, so there's a lot of room for diapers, baby wipes, bottles, and all the things you need for your little one. Of course, it's still a great everyday tote, too! I'll be making more very soon.:) Here's the first one listed in my shop ~~



I added a chenille purse to my shop today, so I'm getting back into the swing of things, I think. I have so many ideas running around in my head. Now, I just need to start working on them! :)

Monday, April 25, 2011

~~ New Items in My Shop ~~

With all the rain we've been getting here in Missouri and gas prices being up, I've been trying to stay home as much as possible. So, lots of sewing getting done and adding some things in my Etsy shop. Here's some of the latest listings ~~

Roses Rag Quilt Purse~~


Pink Peace Rag Quilt Purse~~


Butterfly and Roses Rag Quilt Tote~~

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Hoping for more Spring Weather!

It's been cold and gray here in Missouri for the past few days. But, today the sun is shining and it's in the 60's! Even warmer tomorrow with a high around 80, but then back to cold and rain. Blah! I wish the weather would make up its mind and realize it's Spring!! Anyway, I've been going through my Spring and Summer fabrics and here's the newest tote in my shop. Another one is almost finished. I figure if I can't get the weather to cooperate, at least I'll have some pretty fabrics around me to brighten my day!:)


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Latest Listing - More Peace Signs!

After what seems like forever, I'm back to sewing. I caught a stupid virus and felt lousy for a couple of weeks. First thing when I felt better was to get a custom order done and get started on this tote. I listed it yesterday in my shop.



Now, I need to stay well and get back to sewing as much as possible. My fabric stash is taking over my sewing room!:)

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Peace Signs!

I found some fun Michael Miller fabrics and have been having a great time making things with them. I've had time to make two totes so far and neither one lasted very long in my shop.:) I have enough fabric to make a bunch more, just need to find the time. I do have a pincushion in my shop using one of the fabrics with peace signs. In between making things with this fabric, I'm busy making candle mat sets for a couple of custom orders. Here's just a few pictures of some of the things I've recently sold or still have available.




Saturday, February 5, 2011

Well, It's Been Awhile Again!

Boy, I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted last. The Christmas season was so busy that it was hard to keep things in my Etsy shop. January came and went with me making a few things and selling them pretty quickly. I stayed busy making custom orders for candle mat sets. Mostly Valentine themed.:) In between sewing, I was busy getting all my paperwork in order for taxes. Boy, is that a chore! But, I just can't think about sewing much until everything is in order. So, lots of spreadsheets and receipts! I always try to schedule an early consultation with my accountant, so that's all done and the taxes are filed! So, now I'm back to sewing.

Oh, and we've been getting lots of snow just like so many around the country. We got about 13" in the last week. That was a crazy storm that closed down Hwy. 70 for almost all of Missouri! Which they say is a first. I haven't been anywhere until today. Paul took me to get groceries. It snowed again last night and we had another 3". My little G6 just doesn't do well on all that snow and ice. Paul has a new AWD Equinox, so no problems at all for him. You can guess what kind of car I'm getting next time!:)

I hope everyone is staying warm and safe during all the snowstorms. We have more coming tonight through Wednesday, I think. I'm so ready for Spring!