New magnet sets

New magnet sets in my Etsy store! I really enjoy making these sets; coming up with the theme and choosing a coordinating paper to line the tin with is a lot of fun. They are a great gift idea if you need something small and inexpensive.

Blythe updates

Wow, I've spent so much time on my Zippster products that I haven't been doing much for Blythe, but I do have some udpates. Recently I made a doll wrap with a really amazing fabric suggested by the customer:



I've also been able to sell some older Blythe clothing stock, but I don't anticipate making new items any time soon. I do however, plan on making some new saris, since those seem to be my most popular item and I really enjoy going to the Little India neighbourhood in Toronto and looking for the silk remnants.

What I have been working on is greeting cards using my own Blythes as models. Although I started using a light box, I find that nothing replaces natural light. I've decided on a "hobby" series using Re-Ment miniatures as props. There are lots more to come, but here is a preview:

I've been trying to catch up on some projects for myself, since there seems to be a lull with both online and retail sales. I made this top using the pattern provided in the t-shirt class I took at The Workroom. This purple fabric was not the easiest to work with, as it rips easily, but it's very lightweight and will be great for summer. To add some contrast I added trim to the sleeves.

Zippster now at Fresh Collective

I'm very excited to announce that Fresh Collective on Queen West is now carrying my greeting cards and magnet sets! Fresh Collective is a designer-run store featuring lots of cool clothes, jewellery, accessories and even hip clothes for moms-to-be and wee ones.

New top for me

Recently I took a class at The Workroom on how to make a t-shirt using jersey fabric. Jersey and I don't get along: I don't get it, it doesn't get me. I figured this would be a good opportunity to get to know it better. We were provided with a pattern with variations, and shown how to make fit adjustments according to our measurements. Mine fits perfectly, and I think it looks rather good!

New messenger bag

For the last week or so I've been working on a messenger bag with adjustable straps, which I've never attempted before. I actually really like making bags but my sewing machine really isn't robust enough to handle heavy-duty fabrics and sewing through 4 layers of fabric plus lining.




A few minor mistakes were made along the way because I wasn't using a pattern, but I love how it turned out. The outer fabric is a lightweight corduroy called Carnival Bloom by Michael Miller. There is an outside and inside slip pocket, an interior zippered pocket, magnetic closure, padded strap, and it's large enough to hold vinyl LPs.



Oh, I'm having a contest with a friend to see who sells a specific button first from their Etsy shop, go take a look ...

New website

Well, I've gone and done it: after looking into dozens of hosting and website design companies, I've created a website which will act as a showcase for my work. My plan was to have a simple but attractive site which will act as an online portfolio and to drive traffic to my Etsy shop. I still need to add a lot of pictures, but so far I'm happy with how it looks. Take a look!