What I've been up to lately

Ever since we got back from Dallas, where we went for our anniversary, I haven't been doing much sewing. Until last Friday, when my best friend from high school called and said she was going to come visit.

I had been thinking I'd like to do some plus size clothing for my Etsy store, so I took the opportunity to get her measurements and make two skirts - one to sell, and one for her. Both were fairly simple patterns that I drafted from her measurements. The brown one has a paisley design, and is the one I made for her to keep. I'm not entirely displeased with the way it turned out, but I need more practice sewing from just measurements.

The red one is made from a tablecloth and the ruffle off of a vintage curtain, both of which I picked up secondhand. It has an elastic waist, to fit a broader range of size.

The Idea and the Execution

I haven't done much fashion drawing since I was a kid, but now that I am trying to put more clothing in my Etsy store, I am dabbling at it again. This is the first one that I've actually made up. I drafted it to my measurements, from scratch. It is very simple, but its a start, anyway. You can see there are a couple of changes I made, no contrast waistband (I had second thoughts about the attractiveness of that), and the ruffle is shorter. I was using scraps of leftover from a previous project for the ruffle and pockets and such, and just didn't have enough for the wider ruffle.

The waist facings are polka dot too, just for fun.

If you are interested, I am selling this skirt in my shop. (And if you aren't my size, I do custom work!)

Happy Feet

I confess, a year ago, I had no idea that sewing machines had all kinds of special feet. Zipper foot, buttonhole foot, normal zig-zag and straight-stitch feet, that was the limits of my experience. I had no idea that there were sewing machine feet that did fancy things like roll hems for you. If I had, believe me, I would have burned a lot less fingers trying to press those itty-bitty hems for sewing.

I just now got around to buying some rolled-hem feet, though, because while I had my old Kenmore, I was thinking I wouldn't waste any money on accessories for a machine that I was going to get rid of as soon as humanly possible, and then once I got my new one at Christmas (New Year's, actually) I didn't want to pay $6 shipping for a tiny $7 sewing machine foot.

But now that I am quilting a quilt for my sister, I desperately need a walking foot (yes, I can hear you true quilters gasps of dismay). The first baby quilt turned out not nearly as great as it should have because of my lack of said walking foot. So I bit the bullet and ponied up my accumulated Etsy money for the year (it's been a slow couple of months) for a bunch of fancy feet. And they arrived today!

I have got two rolled hem feet of different widths (they're cheaper in a set) and a walking foot, stitch in the ditch foot, a freehand quilting/darning foot, and something called an "open toe craft foot", which I wouldn't have bought but it was part of the set. Yay!

My Etsy shop money has mostly gone to upgrading my sewing equipment: I bought half of my new Kenmore with it, and the new feet. It seems almost counterproductive to sink everything back into sewing, but on the other hand, I like these equipment upgrades and enjoy them on a personal level, as well. I probably would have made do with what I had just for my own use, though.

Baby Shower Goodies

These are the things I made my sister for her baby shower, to tide her over until I get the quilt done. She got a lot of nice things. One thing is for certain, her baby will never go naked.

This bag is what I decided to do with the star quilt square that didn't work out as well as I liked. I thought the little bag would be good for tossing a few small things in for short excursions if she didn't feel like lugging the whole diaper bag along. I put a shirt-style pocket on the back, because I am obsessed with putting pockets on things.

I have a similar bib (the sock monkey print) in my Etsy shop if anyone is interested. :)

Christmas Inspirations!

Glory Gifts, a shop on Etsy, has some really cute Christmas things in her shop. My favorites are these mini stockings, which come in several colors. Obviously they are handmade with lots of love!

Technically, Not an Apron: LoriK's Potholders

Potholders are not aprons, but they're in the kitchen and made out of cloth, which is close enough for me (By that token I guess tablecloths and napkins are close enough for me. And placemats, and toaster cozies.) I guess they seem related to me because my mom had a matching apron and potholder set that was given to her as a gift. And in 4-H, which was where I made my first apron, I also made a matching potholder out of the same material (mint green gingham, if you care). Potholders and aprons just go together.

Anyway, LoriK has some cool potholders. Not only hamburgers, but religious icons, baking pan conversion charts, and sugar skulls. Lori told me "I began making potholders because i knew that people don't bring huge amounts to the craft fairs. It was a way people could get practical mementos to take home with them. It is also a great way to use up some scraps! Scrap quilts are great, but they can get overwhelming."

And potholders make great gifts. Maybe I only say that because I give them a lot as gifts, but they are practical, and often overlooked when someone is stocking their new kitchen. My mom made a lot of denim potholders as gifts, too. It must be genetic.

And Now For Something Completely Different: Etsy Seller IHeartMies

This is another new Etsy seller, though she's made a good start. Some of my favorite items from her store have already sold. Stephanie was kind enough to answer some questions about her art for me.

You use a lot of interesting materials in your jewelry. Where do you get them?
the architectural people are left over from my schooling and have been screaming at me to use them for a few years. i have always wanted to make them into jewelry, clocks and dishware.
its like having a little friend with you all the time.
that is why i give them names and stories in the descriptions.
i have been finding and gathering keys for years not knowing quite what to do with them.
and i like wood, so the wood pieces i have collected and gathered from other etsians

What things are important to you as you are making an item?
i really try to focus on simplicity and structure.
i find beauty in things that are simple and do not have a lot of pieces.
and i ask myself
is it functional?
does it make a noise?
will this start a conversation?
who will wear this?
is this an interesting use of material?

What are your influences or inspirations?
well my namesake iheartmies comes from my love of mies van der rohe
he was my greatest influence during my architectural education and still continues to be.
and i really like wood
in a strange way that influences me quite a bit
as i strive to make nice simple modern things with wood

How has your life experience influenced your work?
my architectural background has definitely influenced my work as it gave me a sense of purpose.
that is when i learned importance of function and form.
it is also how i discovered my aesthetic.
and finally it helped me address my disdain for capital letters.

How did you discover Etsy?
from a design blog, i forget which one but it was a link to some cool wood jewelry.
then i just looked around at it for months.
then i started buying stuff
then i started making things
then i started selling things

Click the banner or the jewelry to visit her shop.

Etsy Seller DianasDarnings' Aprons

This is my favorite apron from DianasDarnings. Not only is it blue and brown, which is my current favorite color combination, bu it has big pockets (I love pockets). I also like the clean lines and that her aprons aren't over-the-top frilly.

Diana told me "I'm inspired by my brothers. That sounds a little strange, but I have four of them, I'm the only girl. My mom is a HUGE tom boy. Growing up, I tried really hard to not be a tom boy and was in the kitchen helping a lot. It's important to me to embrace my femininity, so I try to feel pretty while cooking and in the kitchen. I think my aprons do the trick."

Click on the apron to visit Diana's shop.

(On a personal note: I am glad to see someone who doesn't confuse "feminine" and "frilly". Not that frilly things aren't feminine, but they aren't the whole definition of feminine, either.)

Etsy Seller Diamondmeenah's Aprons

These aprons on Etsy caught my eye. Not only does the seller make them from scraps, one of my favorite materials to work with, she sews them completely by hand, which boggles my mind. A couple are even made of recycled clothing.

I asked Julie Ann about her aprons, and she had this to say:
"I don't believe in things that can't be used for the purpose they were intended for. If all you can do with something is look pretty, to me it's pointless (with very few exceptions, since I've got a rather large collection of other wise pointless ceramic frogs). In the case of aprons, the reason most people wear them is to protect their clothing. With this in mind, my aprons are designed for people who craft with messy stuff as well as cooks who cook like me; I wear as much as I get into the pot or onto the plate.

The aprons are all made of scraps of fabric literally quilted together as you would a quilt for your bed. They are normally a bit irregular in their shape due to using scraps and a homemade pattern, but the are very durable. More often than not, you'll tear the fabric before you'll rip out my stitches. I use two pieces of thread when I sew instead of one like a sewing machine does. I also do what I believe is called a blanket stitch on the edges of the fabric to prevent it from fraying. I'm not sure of the stitch name because I taught myself to sew by looking at clothing seams and copying what I saw. I simply call the edging stitch a 'no fray stitch' because the fabric doesn't fray when I do it.

The aprons are designed as wearable art that you can take off and clean the counter or floor with if you need to. Any stains you acquire just add to the aprons charm, and they are designed that way. They are also designed for those with physical limitations like arthritis or a disability of some sort. Most of my apron ties will wrap around and tie in the front of most body types. So, if you've got arthritis, you don't need to strain yourself trying to tie the apron in the back when you can much more easily tie it in the front. This also works great for wheelchair users who find knots in the middle of their back as uncomfortable as I do. The straps are wider than the standard apron straps to make it easier to grip with arthritic or wet hands. The neck straps are also wider so that they don't cut into your neck with extended periods of wear and it's also easier to get over a freshly done head of hair, or not tangle in really long hair."

I like her philosophy on things being useful and practical. I know it is something I try for in my store. I don't have anything of purely decorative function. I don't consider toys purely decorative, since play is important for children, and sometimes for adults. :) Click on the apron to visit her shop and see the other aprons available.

Department of Product Testing and Development

I like to play around with making new things. That's probably why my shop has such a wide range of things, and not as much focus as I'd like. Anyway, my latest little obsession came to me yesterday. I was thinking of making little drawstring bags (to use as holiday wrapping) and I took out my big bag o' ribbons, to see if I had any suitable for using as drawstring. Then I had the idea of making little envelopes out of some really wide pink ribbon. I thought "They'll make great jewelry pouches!" and I decided to whip up a group of 5 and list it on Etsy. Well, the little tiny snaps have to be hand-sewn, which when I charge for my time, makes the final cost of each (including shipping) $2. I posted a thread in the forums asking about it, and the general consensus seems to be that that is too expensive. So I laid awake last night thinking about it (that's what I do, lay awake thinking about ways to make new things. I come up with some good stuff that way. Well, and rehashing every embarrassing incident since second grade and coming up with witty rejoinders, but who doesn't?)

This is what I came up with: little felt bags. No fraying = less sewing, no snaps = less sewing, less sewing = lower price. They aren't as cute, IMHO, but they cost almost half as much.

The littlest one I can sell 5 for $4.25, plus $1 shipping (to the US), making the final cost of each $1.05. The biggest one I can sell 5 for $4.60, plus $1 shipping, making the final cost of each $1.12. For larger quantities the price is slightly lower. I don't know if they are too expensive still for most Etsy sellers, but it's a big drop.

I want opinions on my newest creations, so I'm having a drawing. The winner will get one small gray jewelry envelope (or I have pink felt, if you prefer). Leave me a comment here or on this thread on the message board, giving your opinion, suggestion, or why you would or wouldn't buy these, and I'll enter you in the drawing, which will take place tomorrow at noon (Oct. 18). Make sure that if you're on Etsy, you give your seller name in the comments, so that I can contact you if you win. If you're not on Etsy, make sure there is still some way I can contact you through your comment.

Thank you!

Etsy Shop Feature: Nutmegs

Nutmegs is a new shop on Etsy, but has a very cohesive, elegant feel to it. I really like her Autumn Walk Cable Clutches, so I asked Megan about them first.

"My Autumn Walk Cable Clutches are new designs of an item that I created for myself during my first Fall season in New York - it marked the months when I first fell in love with the city for all its sights, sounds and aromas.
The clutches are each original designs, and have not been duplicated. This type of design requires some math and geometry (yikes!), pattern-making, a lot of sewing, some basic woodworking and staining, and of course quite a bit of complicated knitting. The unique shape and style of the clutch is created by making several fabric and knit pieces which are later worked together with knitting, crocheting and sewing. The cable designs are worked on each side of the clutch; a relatively thin yarn and small knitting needles are used in order to create a tightly woven knitted fabric - this means lots of stitches! These clutches require the most adept skill of all Nutmegs Fall 2007 items, and are certainly the most time consuming - clocking in at an estimated 20 hours! They are intended, however, to present as simple yet elegant, unique and striking. My personal favorite aspect of the clutches are the contrast between the earthy knitted outer pieces and the elaborately patterned fabric linings."

I think everyone has a unique story about how and why they started knitting. This is hers:

"I grew up and attended high school in Chicago. As suggested by jokes and rumors, winters in Chicago are quite cold! When I was a sophomore in high school, the heat in my school building was inexplicably shut down for a short period of time. During this time, due to the silly no-coats-in-the-building policy, scarves instantly became an indoor wardrobe staple. It made me look at scarves in a whole new light, and I began scouring the city for unique pieces with a lot of personality. I was never able to find a scarf that I really loved, and immediately decided that I needed to learn to knit. I found all of the interesting independent yarn shops in the neighborhood and taught myself how to create the perfect scarf from the pages of an assortment of library books. And that was the beginning..."

What kinds of art/craft do you do?

The Fall 2007 collection currently in my shop features an eclectic assortment of knitting, embroidery, sewing, crochet, jewelry, and handmade paper. ...I’m excited to offer an ever-changing selection, full of surprises, which always represents my process, and contains lots of heart because it evolves alongside my own passions.
I’ve created art for most of my life, and obtained a minor in studio art... Some of my other favorite media are ceramics and sculptural arts, mixed media collage, and various types of fiber art. I am currently teaching myself to spin yarn and make small rugs from my painted designs!

Which is your favorite?

My current fascination is all sorts of fun fabric creations. That said, as various forms of inspiration come and go, I tend to cling to new favorites every few months, and this new fabric kick is immediately following a year-long yarn and fiber obsession. I seem to be doing at least a little bit of everything at all times!

What things are important to you as you are making an item?

Many of my ideas come from my own quests for unique, beautiful, and high quality items, and all of these features are extremely important to me. I strive to create items that, though typically made from common materials, stand out as having entirely unique design or function. ...Each item I create embodies the vision and style that defines me as a person and as a designer. My ultimate wish for Nutmegs products is that, while eclectic, all of my items will contain this common stylistic element that ties them all together. I’d be thrilled if one day I heard someone say “Hey, that looks like a Nutmegs design!”

What are your influences or inspirations?

New York City is an amazing place to create any type of art because of the incredible diverse masses of people and places. Much of my inspiration comes from color that surrounds me - I am endlessly attracted to earth tones and particularly the rich tones found in nature and during cool Autumn months. I also find inspiration in my favorite environments...cobble stone streets on rainy days, rows of brownstones with lampposts and front stoops, crowded coffee shops with people playing scrabble, momentarily serene blocks in the middle of such a busy city...this type of imagery sticks to me, swims around in my head, and eventually comes trickling out into the little somethings that I create.

How has your life experience influenced your work?

Recently, my professional mission has been the most powerful influence on my Nutmegs products. Within the mental health field, I consistently advocate for and provide creative therapeutic interventions. I passionately believe that creative expression is essential for self-care and paramount in individuals’ process toward self-fulfillment. I have worked with art therapy quite a bit... Furthermore, my work allows me to be exposed to the most inspirational and unique parts of people’s selves, which provides me with an infinite supply of creative fuel. The work I do as Nutmegs is my refuge and my happiest mode for self-fulfillment.

How did you discover Etsy?

I discovered Etsy when I began planning my move from Manhattan to Brooklyn after finishing graduate school. Thoroughly excited about living in my new neighborhood, I began researching local art shows and craft fairs that I could pursue. Somewhere in the middle of this search, I stumbled upon Etsy and was completely inspired by what I saw. After years of contemplating starting a website, but never feeling completely up to the task, I was instantly taken in by the opportunity to become part of this incredible community of artists. I’m so excited to be at the beginning of what I hope will be a long-standing involvement in the Etsy community.

Wishlist

This necklace from 3SistersCrafts on Etsy is just beautiful. The starfish pendant is Hill Tribes silver, and when I asked her about it, Chelse told me "I contemplated hanging the piece on my wall as I think the charm is such a work of art. I was inspired by the Hill tribe Silver charm. I love Hill tribe silver, it is so original. I love the sea. I hope to one day live near it in Barcelona, Spain. I have always been a water worshiper . I live near lakes and spent many a summer day swimming in the lake at my grandparents home. No starfish there, but starfish are like the international sign for water in my eyes. " Check out her myspace page.

I like this necklace because I love starfish, and there are happy memories connected to them for me. I went to several beaches up in Maine and Massachusetts that were cold and rocky and not much fun, and never really understood why people like to go to the beach so much. Then I went to a beach in Ecuador. Warm, sandy, lots of shells and starfish. I so wanted to live on the beach.

Starfish fascinate me because when you pick them up and then put them down in the sand, you can't really see them move, but all those little hairs and nubs that cover them (if I remember my Life Science right, they're called cilia) are moving, and they just slowly bury themselves, sinking into the sand.

When Brandon and I went on our honeymoon we found some starfish, so I could show this phenomenon to him. We didn't get any pictures, though, since he dropped my camera in the ocean pretty soon after we got there. :) This is a picture I took at Canoa, a beach in Ecuador.

Featured!

I am the featured artist this week on Q Branch Ltd.'s website! Check it out at http://qbranchltd.blogspot.com .

Q Branch Ltd. has some really interesting stuff in their store. One of the items I've been looking at is called a lucet (see pic below). It's a wooden gizmo to make cords. Totally reminds me of my Renasaince Club days at the College of Santa Fe.
They've also got turned wooden needle cases that are nice, but I don't know that I'd really use one enough to justify buying it. Click on the lucet to visit their store.