Valentine Heart Zipper Pouch

I love being able to make something useful from somthing I have embroidered. I think this little bag is really sweet.

My modern tote

I love the shape of these bags. I altered the pattern by removing the bottom to make it flat and adding a pocket. It is really nice to make several of the same item, each one gets better. I don't have that frustration with learning a new pattern. I found the denim and corduroy for a great price. Two of my favorites. I plan on making a lot so I can start adding them to my etsy shop. Matching wallets are next.

Crewel Embroidered Flower Zipper Pouch

I am finally combining crewel embroidery and sewing. I love to hand embroidery but I never could do anything with what I made. Now there are so many possibilities. This little violet flower make a sweet pouch.

I have a new burst of enthusiasm because there was an article about etsy in our local paper yesterday http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/fromcomments/222181.php. Many artists in our Sonoran Artisans group were mentioned. Although my shop was not in the article I did get a local sale yesterday. I am even thinking about joining the other in a small craft fair at Bentley's coffee shop. The group meets today so maybe they can give me direction on where to focus.

Diaper wallet

Julie, my first #1 fan (and sister-in-law) gave me the great idea to make a travel organizer for diapers. These became popular just after my girls were born. I never had one but it looks very useful. The one Julie has is not big enough to hold diapers for two. I had nothing to go from so I just enlarged a wallet pattern from Bend the Rules by Amy Karol (see Angry Chicken link). I made the wallet first to try it out. Cute, but next time I'll add the snap to the facing and outer fabric before I sew on the lining. I'm pleased with the "diaper wallet" but the flap needs to be a little longer. I think Velcro will work better for a snap so you can adjust the closure depending on how thick it is.

"Mommy your pants are tight."

I think I got a little ahead of myself on this one. Pajama pants are one thing but actual clothing is another. Sung at the top and flared at the bottom, they are a few decades too late. I did manage to put in a zipper but didn't get around to finishing the hem. I assure you these pants will never be worn. Thankfully I know that my 5 year old has early signs of fashion sense.

I might also add that I am pleased with my photography skills on this one. There is no way that a front or rear view image of these babies will every be seen. You get the idea.

Oops

I think I need to start sharing all the goofs. They are not funny at the time but looking back all the mistakes are a little humorous. For example I was proud that I learned how to apply a snap only to realize that I put the two sides facing down. Oops. I should have also taken pictures of the flowered purse that I made with one outside facing in causing a loop in the handle. I did contemplate keeping it that way, but I was compelled to make it look like the picture. Those pajama pants I made a few days ago I originally sewed together in a big tube that looked like a giant skirt. Got to love the woman who invented a seam ripper (I'm guessing it was a woman, correct me if I'm wrong). When I need to stop, rip and restitch (or get out the pliers in this case), I need to just remember that mistakes are to be expected. That is why I titled this processes my craft evolution in the first place.

Purses + sewing = love

I'm on a role with bags. I love bags of any form and now sewing so it was only a matter of time before the two came together. The colors in this flowered purse match practically everything in my wardrobe. This fabric would also make a very cute sunhat. After baking a chocolate cake for my daughter's, monkey's birthday (long story) I think matching aprons are in the near future.

A birthday bib.

Our little friend Evan turned one today. I made this for him so he can celebrate the big day with a slice of cake (it looked gorgeous by the way). Congratulations Evan and happy birthday. Let me know if you need more bibs, they are an easy project.

My new favorite tote.

I made this tote bag last night. Even though I was very tired I really wanted to see the end result of these two great fabrics together. I wish you could see them better than the pictures. It is a great size and very sturdy. I'm already looking at fabrics for my next one.

First item of clothing

I completed my first item of clothing. Cozy, flannel pajama pants. Although I am no night owl I thought this pattern was cute. They are so much thicker and warmer than any I have now. I'm not sure how much use I will get out of them in Arizona, but they make me smile.

Why, My Craft Evolution

I do not consider myself a person on edge of technology. I am amazed that I even considered starting a blog. But, it seemed like the perfect way to document my craft evolution.

I have been creating from the time I first picked up a crayon. Mom my reminded me that I was always working on one project or another. Redecorating my room, making doll clothes... etc. Right up through high school I was still taking classes in photograpy, drawing, ceramics. Then, I went to college, graduate school, got a job and got married. Crayola came back into my life when I had two little girls. Only now they are washable, what a genius idea that is. However, my craft evolution didn't truely begin until the day my mom forwarded an e-mail about Etsy.

The moment I saw the front page was like walking into a craft party. I was introduced to a whole new world of artists creating everything from fine art to baby bibs. I was hooked immediately. Within a few days I was at Michaels craft store looking for that spark of inspiration. I found it in The New Crewel by Katherine Shaughnessy. I ordered materials from her website http://www.woolandhoop.com/ and the journey began.

On Aug. 14 2007, the day my oldest started Kindergarden, I opened my own etsy shop. http://www.sewcrewel.etsy.com/. I would like to say it has been wonderful, but I feel more like I should be earning credits for all the time I've spent learning. In the last 5 months I have learned photography, computers, marketing, ordering, shipping... I barely had time to crewel. From there I started making felt ornaments because I could practice sewing. It was cheep, fast and easy. However, my craft expectations exceeded felt ornaments and so it was time to move on.

That brings me to last week. My sewing machine arrived. I ordered a Brother from Overstock.com. I found a $500 machine for $139, what a deal! My next step was to pick up In Stitches by Amy Butler from the library. Just thinking about it gets me excited. Here have been my projects so far.



1. Teddy bear, self made pattern.

2. Simple leather-handled (I used ribbon) shoulder bag from Amy Butler pattern.

3. Small zipper pouch. http://www.twelve22.org/2006/07/zipper_tutorial.html

The speed of my hands and limited time cannot keep up with all the ideas in my head. I started this blog really for myself and maybe for my friends and family. But I hope anyone reading this will enjoy. Let the crafting begin!