First Cloche Attempt

I made my first cloche, seen here, out of scraps on the cutting room floor. I was trying to get basic construction down and sort of work out the kinks. I'll be making some real ones to sell and to wear in my So Called Vintage Life!

Re-creations!

My first re-creation dress is finished and on it's way to her happy owner! You can read all about the Zuul dress and see completed photos in the Gallery.

My next re-creation I'll be starting in about a week. I will be sure post photos when it's done.

My current project is a wholesale order for 8 Korean Bowing Robes for a Meditation Center in Seattle! My serger is smokin' :)

How does custom clothing work?

Here's a little info on my process, so if you're considering custom made clothes, you'll know what you're in for :)

1. What's the occasion? Is it for work? For lounging around? Going out with the girls or your honey? Semi-formal or formal?
This will help decide what fabrics and what style.

2. After determing use, climate, fabric care (do want to stay away from dry cleaning?), I start showing fabrics in your choice. Prints? Florals? Stripes? Solids? Coordinating fabrics?
I send you photos online if you're not local and will direct you if you see something you like that I haven't shown. You have a vintage fabric in mind that's sitting in Aunt Suzie's attic - we can probably work with that.

3. Once your fabric choice has been made, design choices are discussed. Do you want the corporate look? A vintage inspired 1950s remake? A costume? Sleeves? Collars? Zippers? Elastic? Buttons? Pleats?
That and your basic measurements will help me determine yardage and material cost. A final price is agreed upon and after receiving your payment, I order the materials. I try to use other Etsy sellers whenever possible - I want to support the little people!

4. While waiting for your fabric, I instruct you on how to take up to 30 measurements (for a full outfit/dress) and I begin drafting your pattern to fit your bits :)

5. Once your fabric arrives, I get to work! Cutting, serging, sewing, pinning, tucking, re-measuring, etc.

6. Then your masterpiece is finished, I notify you and you send your final payment. Your custom clothing gets sent to you Priority Mail and you're wearing your super-comfy clothes in 2-3 days!

Have you ever spent the whole day in your church clothes? Or the evening in your office clothes? Probably not, because you can't wait to take them off when you get home! Not the case when it's custom made for your body - it's like wearing air. No tugging or pulling to keep things in the right spot, not too tight in one spot to accommodate fit in another. Oh, it's a whole different beautiful world! And your clothes feel better, it's so much easier to keep a happy face on - sounds crazy but it's true :)

Miranda gets a Gig!

I was browsing around Alchemy yesterday on Etsy. It's a classified ad sort of board that allows people to make a public custom request. I search the boards for some custom work that I can do and then bid on the job. I did win a bid yesterday for a custom wrap dress for a lovely person in Silver Spring MD. Can't wait to get started on that :)

But while I was searching around, I also found an ad for a someone who wants a hand drawn dinosaur that can be screenprinted onto a tee shirt. So I wrote her a note, and told her about Miranda and her 85 dinosaur drawings, and that she's only 8, etc. Well, lo and behold, the woman, Annie, picked her for the job! Miranda is about bowled over! Annie thought it was super cool that this little girl could draw some fantastic dinosaurs and chose her over 3 other graphic designers who bid for the job!

So, she'll make $5 and her artwork will be on a tee shirt. A paid artist - Mama's so proud :)

Sew Good!

Well, it's official - I'm 'Sew Good'! That's what my new license plate says anyway :) I have been a sewin' fool this week! Sorry for the lack of posts. I have made two tops for myself and two dresses for Miranda. She's working on a neck pillow herself, so the creative juices are flowing around here.

Next week, I'll be including some preview photos from the Fall Collection that goes on sale August 1st.

Don't forget my FREE Shipping promo going on in my shop now. If I get enough sales from this promo, I will make it a permanent thing. Another newsletter will be coming up in a couple of weeks, so be sure to sign up here for the giveaway, specials and news found only there.

Wondering what's happening for the Fall?

Callidora is very busy in the craft room! If you didn't get a newsletter with all the fabulous news of Fall Collection, please be sure to sign up it so you won't miss out on any other news or specials.

I'm actually stress-testing one of the Fall travel bags this weekend while in Baltimore. Very exciting!

Planning Ahead!

I went shopping today for Fall Collection fabrics! Oh it was very exciting! I know summer isn't even here yet, but you know we fashion designers have to be a few seasons ahead. I do handcraft after all :) Since Fall is my favorite season, it is doubly exciting for me. I got suedes, tapestry paisleys, plush stripes - in browns, olives and plums. Mmm, chocolate corduroy!

Already on drawing board, I have a very roomy messenger bag that can function as either a laptop bag, book bag, or diaper bag. I have visions of a decadent tote, a plush clutch, and maybe a trapezoid bag. Sugar plums dancing in my head :)

Introducing my Headband of the Month Club!

The feedback on my No Hurt Reversible Headbands has been awesome! I have decided to offer a Headband of the Month Club in my Etsy shop. Subscriptions are available in 3, 6 and 12 months. This is a great little surprise for yourself each month or they can be given as a gift subscription. It's the gift that keeps on giving!

Catchin' Up

The show was not as expected - there was a race and parade which had the roads right around the venue closed for most of the day. As soon as the roads were re-opened, a rush of people came in but there was only an hour left. It was nice to meet new people and I did make my cost, so it wasn't a total loss.

I'm in the process of opening my own storefront online and that has been consuming a lot of my time. This is why I haven't written much or done any giveaways. I have been busy busy revamping my business plan and putting many things into action. So please bear with me and keep close. I hope to have everything up and running smoothly by June 2, so stay tuned!

Hope all the mamas had a Happy Mother's Day!

I Will Be at May Fair This Weekend!

I'm very excited! I will be doing my first show for this year on May 10th in Northern Virginia. So if you are in the DC Metro Area, please be sure to come check me out at the May Fair sponsored by Virginia Craftinistas at the Clarendon Grill. Parking is NOT an issue! I know, I know - you can hardly believe it, you DCites! But it's true, it's across from a Metro Station and it has it's own ample parking. It will be indoors, so weather will not be an acceptable excuse for staying away.

I will have lots of One Of A Kinds! There are several items I am bringing that are not even available in my shop - so come, come, come. If I can swing it, I will borrow a laptop so that I can take Paypal and RME payments right there. Otherwise, it will be checks or cash only.

Ooo! I will also be offering as a Show Special, Free Shipping on all custom orders placed with me at the show. It's a great way to get your unique item ordered and not have to pay extra for shipping. So bring yourself, your sister, your neighbor, your mother-in-law, anyone and come shop. Don't forget Mama's Day! Hope to see you there :)

My New Craft Room!

Sorry I haven't been writing or giving things away but I was in the midst of renovation last week AND managed to get sick for about 4 days leaving me with "medicine head" and very unclear thoughts. So, I'm back in the swing of things and want to get you caught up :)

Here is a picture of my former classroom for the kids:


I had already taken out all the books, furniture and stuff before I remembered to take the Before shot! First, let me tell you how my kids had begged for a room to do their studying in. I even put a loveseat in there for them to lay down and read so they could be comfy. They had been using the dining room table for schoolwork, but kept griping about someone making noise, or humming, or clicking, or kicking, or singing, or whispering, you get the picture. The classroom was my solution. Two non-fighters could study in there while the other 2 stayed at the table. Um, I think that worked for 2 weeks. Over the past year, it has turned into Max's study room/trash can to dump all books not being used.

During that time, as my dedication to crafting has picked up, my dining room was slowly being taken over by piles of fabric, trims, scraps, half-completed projects, a sewing machine and the new serger. If I was heavy into a project, we would have to go out and eat because I didn't want to disturb all my hard work going on at the table. It soon became clear to me (as my husband was picking pink thread from his stew) that The Trash Can would be better utilized as a Sewing Room. So I started laying down plans. I was going to need new flooring - can't have threads and fabric scraps on carpet. I would get rid of the posters and paint a different color. The couch would have to go so I could have room for the ironing board and a sewing table. Oh! 'Sew' much to do!

After 2 days of moving, sanding, ripping up floor, put down floor, painting, moving, and reorganizing - here it is:


Now you can imagine me crafting away here, slaving over my hot iron making beautiful handmade aprons and accessories for you, my lovely customers, dear friends, and fabulous family! You are all worth it :)

Gearing Up for Festivals

It's Craft Show Season again! There's only about 3 months out of the year here on the East Coast when there's not a lot of fairs to attend. But it seems like a long time when you're waiting for them to get to the planning stages. Then there's the excitement - where are they going to be? how much will it cost to get a space? for juried shows (which of course are the ones we crafters WANT to be in) - are they going to accept me?

Two or three weeks ago, I started the application processes. My goal is to be in one craft show per month from April to November - maybe 2 if the location is right. I'm trying to do all juried shows, since I've not had much success with the non-juried PTA Band Booster type of events.

There's so much that goes into this! Do I have enough inventory? Do I have what I need for a good display? Is it outdoors? Now I have to worry about potential weather conditions. Can I get somebody to come and sit with me? (Bathroom breaks, lunch, boredom) Will the market be saturated with my type of items? Are people buying? The economy isn't so great. I've to a few fairs where 85% of the vendors didn't make more than 1 sale. That's terrible!

So the woes and the joys begin for another crafting year. And we start on a woe note - I didn't get into the April show. So, now I'm off to find another!

How To Throw a Successful Direct Sales Home Party

Last year, I went to a Tupperware party at a friend's house. We won't talk about the gobs of Tupperware I bought, won, and the party I was coerced into throwing. Let's leave it at my very organized pantry. The reason for my post is to give you folks out there an idea for successful home parties. A lot of us crafty people sell our handmade crafts through many avenues - one of them being home parties.

Hold a fake auction. First, you should have some inexpensive items you are willing to give away as door prizes - about 6 will do. Then you should comprise a list of questions - they can be anything like: who just had a birthday, anniversary coming up, most kids, no kids, came from furthest away, known hostess the longest, is wearing a watch, etc. You get the idea. You might want to include some questions related to your craft just to see what people know. 40 - 50 questions should be good - these will be your 'money' prompts.

You will need play money. You can get some in a toy aisle or print it off of the internet. This is a lot more fun when the money is in large denominations - 100s, 500s, and 1000s. Oh! And your door prizes should be gift bagged so no one can see what it is.

How this works as an icebreaker
Before the party, when invites are being sent out, let your hostess's guests know that they will be playing an auction style game for fabulous prizes. Give them ways to earn auction bucks before the party even happens - signing up for your newsletter or email list, bringing a list of invitees for their own party, bringing a friend who wasn't invited, arriving on time, arriving with a pre-order, etc.

The night of the party, as guests arrive early, give them their auction bucks they've earned by doing the pre-party stuff, as well as bucks for coming early. Every 5-10 minutes, hand out another $100 to everyone there until the start time comes. When you are ready to start the party, introduce yourself again to the group as a whole, thank them for coming, thank your hostess, point them to the refreshments before starting the game.

While they are munching, tell them a bit about yourself and how you got started in your craft, what your goals are, any charities you donate proceeds to, and anything else you'd like them to know about you - not your products. Every time someone asks you a question, hand them money. Once you are ready to start the game, explain that the players should bid early and often. They won't get to keep the money at the end of the game. The game is for fun and everyone should have a good time.

Take out your 1st bag and describe what color it is and it's function. (If you're selling cosmetics, it's for the eyes and is blue. If you're selling jewelry, it's red and for the hand.) Start the bidding at $100 and let it fly! They may need encouragement at first, but once they get the hang of it there will be shouting and giggling! It really works! Repeat this with all your door prizes. Collect the leftover bucks at the end and thank them for playing.

Next you tell them about your products and invite them to try or touch or whatever is relevant to your items. Take orders or sell items to each person individually. Ask the hostess beforehand if there is a somewhat private corner you can conduct business in when the time comes. Remember to give your hostess a percentage credit on her items. For example, if you collect $300 in total sales (not including the hostess) and you are giving 20%, then your hostess will receive $60 in free products. For every booking received, give her another item at 50% off.

This is a great way to increase visibility for you and create repeat direct sales customers. You can devise theme nights also. Start with asking your friends, family, co-workers, or fellow club members to host a party. Have them invite 15 -20 people, only half will show. Provide the invitations with the pre-party ways to get bucks. Have your hostess get an accurate headcount a couple days before the party; this serves a reminder about the party for the guest. "Hi Sally, I just wanted to remind you about the party on Friday night. Did you get your invitation with all the ways to get auction bucks? Great! Will you be bringing a friend? Fantastic! See ya then!"

So all you Home Party Girls, if you try this and love it, post me a comment and let me know how it goes! Happy Selling!

My New Baby

I'm so excited! After years of wanting one and not being sure if it was the right time or if there was enough money, I FINALLY got a serger! Hurray! She's lovely, all decked out with white and pink threads. I've played and practiced with her. I even gave her a name :) Jen Janome. She will be doing the bulk of the work around here giving Bethany Brother a much deserved rest. Bethany is only 18 months old, but has been through the ringer with all of my constant projects.

Jen's first task will be to tackle the stack of 150 reversible No Hurt Headbands that I am pumping out over the next 6 weeks. I will be giving 100 of them to our City Sampler in June. The other 50 will be either listed in my shop or sold at craft shows I hope to be attending. (I don't want to talk about that yet just in case I don't get in.)

A couple of other projects will be my new embellished laptop/messenger bags and a couple of summer jumpers for Miranda (my real child!) I hope you all have a fantastic Easter!

Featured Artist of the Week

BLOG TRADE EVENT!

This week's Featured Artist is The Peach Tree - a fellow member of the Etsy Trade-a-holics Team.

Out of Brooklyn, New York, this boyfriend/girlfriend artist team select and design classic, elegant jewelry. Their shop on Etsy is fairly new, only a couple of months old and they already have over 100 sales. Obviously, their designs have mass appeal! So if you're looking for something simple and elegant, you can visit their shop at
The Peach Tree or check out their very artsy blog at Peach Tree Blog

Featured Artist: Jamilary

This week's Spotlight is on Jamilary (pronounced juh-MEE-luh-ree)! Jamila was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, though currently residing in South Burlington, VT. Jamilary launched on March 17, 2007. Jamila's jewelry designs incorporate freshwater pearls, semiprecious stones, and natural materials acquired through her worldwide travels and the travels of her family.

Jamila herself describes Jamilary as trendy, classy, custom-made, handmade works of artistic jewelry. Through her 25 years, she has been a student of fashion with a keen eye for her personal sense of style and she has not been afraid to set the trend.

Yarn Delights

Mmmm, so I got a gift card from Ben Franklin for Christmas and I finally got to use it yesterday. I got YARN! Lots of Cascade 220 :) My list of projects now has to be written with what yarn will be used because I remember it all. It's just delicious! Combined with the yarn I received yesterday in a yarn swap (stripe-y sock yarn!) and the yarn I traded for last week (gorgeous yarn from a hand-dyer in Germany!)

If I were going to have another child, I would name him Merino!

Believe it or not, I don't sell my knitted items. So for those of you who don't know me. I am a knitting FOOL! I've decided to put a list of what I'm working on in the sidebar, so you all can ask me about it and keep me honest and on track. I teach knitting classes in my home and at my local homeschool center. I'm usually working on several projects at once. I've turned into a yarn snob in just one year! I only like natural fibers - I've given away all my acrylics and nylons. Those are great to get started with, but if you want to create true textile art - you have to use natural fibers. I can barely buy yarn at craft stores anymore, everything is a blend with some synthetic garbage in it. Etsy, and sometimes Ebay, have become my yarn stores. I do have one locally, but I get too overwhelmed in there. I've tried going in with a pattern or project in mind, only to get easily sidetracked.

Yarn is art. People don't understand that. My family doesn't. They just think

Oh good grief, she's knitting again. how much yarn can she bring into the house?

To them, it doesn't make sense. Why can't I go out and buy sweaters, socks, and tops like everyone else? It's therapy. Hah! You try to take care of a home, homeschool your 4 kids, and take care of a couple of daycare kids. You'll start knitting too.

Okay, this got too long and started ranting. But I got lots of yarn and new projects so I'm happy. And my good friend Jenny has finally come back from Wisconsin (she was there for a month) and I get to see her tonight. She's my touchstone, keeps me sane in our twisted little universe. So, here's to good knitting and great friends! Even better if you can enjoy both at the same time :)

Got my Handcrafted Cards!

Wow! That's about all I can say. I don't ever even buy cards - not Christmas cards, not birthday cards. I figure "Why bother?" It gonna end up in the trash, why spend $4 at Hallmark. Well, I wouldn't. Since I'm an Etsy supporter, I decided to purchase 2 cards from LaMar last week because I have 2 very important birthdays - my brother-in-law and my hubby. I got to choose my colors, theme, inside greeting; that was pretty cool. I got email photos of them for approval and I thought they looked nice.

Well I got them in the mail today and I was STUNNED! They were not at all what I expected. These cards are solid! They have texture - an almost 3-D like quality! One of them is hand drawn. This is true art folks! Keepsakes! And I didn't pay $4, but I would have for this kind of quality. These are the cards that make into the scrapbook, not the trashcan.

Buy, buy, buy right now! Get your St. Patty's Day cards, Easter cards, invites, birthday cards, Mother's Day.

Featured Artist - Handcrafted by LaMar

This week's artist is Handcrafted by LaMar. LaMar Lynch handcrafts his beautiful greeting cards from his home in New York. He has cards for all occasions and will personalize them free of charge. What I love most about his cards is how you can get them in any color and coordinate them with your gift or theme. He loves to do custom work and will take orders for party invitations, thank you sets, anything you want to say in a card.

He is also running a fabulous promotion and monthly drawing. You can visit his shop, http://lamarlynch.etsy.com or his blog, http://craftedgreetings.blogspot.com for rules on entering the drawings. Reach out and touch someone today, say it uniquely with a handmade greeting card.

LaMar and I offer coordinated gift packaging. Buy one (or more!) of my items, and for a small fee, I will gift wrap it and include your personalized gift card from LaMar and ship directly to your recipient. Please contact me for details.

Reusable Market Bags

My special, delicious fabric has arrived. I have Farmers Market bags ready for the cutting table. These will be large totes with plenty of room for your farm fresh goodies. I have enough fabric to make 3 or 4 of these totes, so if you want one order now. Finished, they will sell for about $40. They will be squares set into a base color, fully lined with muslin or cotton. The base color can be changed, but the first one I make to put on Etsy will be black to make the veggies stand out.

Handmade totes in natural fibers to use every week at your local farmers market. Does it get any better than that?