Hand made Christmas gifts

This year for Christmas, I decided to sew two items for my beau. The first was a padded carrying case for a portable DVD player. I basically made a messenger bag but inserted thin sheets of foam instead of interfacing.


The second item was a shirt - this is the first garment I have made.
It's not perfect, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Second craft show

Well, unexpectedly, my second craft sale on Sat. Dec. 6 in Streetsville went swimmingly. Despite the event not being widely promoted, there was a good turnout, and it seemed that people were there to actually buy and not just wander around looking.


Now begins the task of adding my unsold items to my Etsy shop ...

First craft show

On Sat. Nov. 29, I did my first craft show in Mississauga. The event was very well organized and promoted, and I had done a lot of preparation myself, so although I was nervous I felt confident that the event would go well. Unfortunately, attendance was low and by 1:30 the show was pretty quiet. I only had two sales (to other vendors) but received a lot of positive feedback on my work.

Next Saturday I have another show and will have to decide if craft shows are something I want to continue doing.

More hand-dyed fabrics

Here are more fabrics I've worked on at my night class:
The hot wax technique is not something I found really worked for me, so what I've been working on is dyeing a base colour, and then painting a design or pattern on top; this technique allows me more control over the piece. There are only two classes left, so I'm going to cut out some pattern pieces for specific things I want to make, and design the fabric based on the shape of the item.

Another craft show

I'll be selling at the following craft show:

Thomas Street Middle School Christmas Craft Show
Saturday December 6, 2008
10:00am – 3:00pm
Thomas Street Middle School
2640 Thomas Street, Streetsville, Ontario

Upcoming craft show

In a few weeks, I'll be doing my very first craft show:

Sat. November 29, 2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Vic Johnson Community Centre
335 Church Street
Mississauga, Ontario

More details here: http://itsacraftsale.blogspot.com/

My week-end was spent figuring out my table and making sure I had the right display fixtures. And working on a sign. And printing out business cards and promo postcards. And labeling inventory. And there's still lots to do.

New Labels

My labels have arrived!
It's too bad most of my merchandise has already been made for my first craft show, but I'll start adding these to new items. I'm very pleased with how the turned out, but for the next batch I may increase the font of the second and third lines.

This week I was able to make some Blythe clothes with the fabrics I've made in my night class. Margot is modeling one of the ponchos (she needs it with that short skirt of hers!). I bought the wee pom-poms off of a supplier on Etsy.

Here are some other Blythe clothes
I've made with the hand-dyed fabrics:


This week-end I painted a bunch of table-top accessories and display items ready for my upcoming craft show. More info on that later.

Here's a selection of prints I've made so far in a fabric art and design class I'm taking:
I'm hoping to use some for Blythe clothes, or as linings for bags and purses. Lots of fun, but I'm really looking forward to exploring fabric paints and resist applications.

Sewing a-go-go

In preparation of two upcoming craft shows, I've been sewing like mad. To broaden my audience, I've started making bags (for people, not Blythe). It's been a bit of trial and error, figuring out the correct type of fabric to use, and whether to add padding, and what to line them with, and what kind of closure... I have a few that I'm really happy with, so now I need to get going with some more.



I've also finally figured out how to make a good coat for Blythe. Sleeves are such a challenge for me, but this lightweight corduroy is very easy to work with.

I've always enjoyed making my own cards to give to people, so I've decided to create some for my Etsy store, using my own photography. After some frustration with calibrating my monitor and printer (who knew that needed to be done? not me!), I finally have some ready, and am pleased with how they turned out.

Another photo of mine has been used, this time for an online map of Toronto.

Another sewing project on my new serger, this time a wrap for regular sized Blythes. After a few prototypes, I think I've got it right, although I'm still not sure about the metal snaps inside that hold down the flap that covers the face.

Sewing project

One of the first projects with my new serger was to make carrying cases for petite Blythes - I'm very happy with how they turned out. But, I've already broken two needles!

New sewing machine

Over the week-end I bought a serger, a Janome 660D. Can't wait to start using it!

Look at me!

One of my photos has been used in an online map of Montreal!

Ta da! Here I am.

Why? Not sure yet.