Fortunately, the recent Canada Post strike hadn't affected me until yesterday, when it was Toronto's turn as part of the rotating work stoppage. But Canada Post has now locked out its workers and suspended operations.
Most of the supplies I recently ordered, and a birthday gift, arrived before the work stoppage in Toronto, but I'm waiting for some vintage fabric to arrive, and I just ordered some coloured metal purse frames (!) which I'm very excited about. In the meanwhile, I've put both of my Etsy shops in vacation mode, and I'm working on some messenger bags for Wise Daughters.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Sneak Peek
Normally I usually make smaller coin purses, but I've decided to make some larger ones. I already had some larger purse frames in my supplies stash, but I also purchased some even larger frames (over 8"), which I'm going to use to make clutches, but I need to purchase a different frame pincher (the one I use for the smaller frames isn't strong enough for the larger frames). For now, here's a sample of some new coin purses - the three larger ones at the back use either silk or vintage fabric (love the curved antique brass frame in the bottom left, it's my new favourite frame):
Recently I came across some vintage silk kimono fabric, which I'm going to use for the larger clutches. The fabric is really beautiful:
But I'm having major problems with my domestic sewing machine, which is probably close to 20 years old. I've never had it serviced, so that's a start, but I may look into investing in a new one, something that's got a bit more power and features. The research begins...
Recently I came across some vintage silk kimono fabric, which I'm going to use for the larger clutches. The fabric is really beautiful:
But I'm having major problems with my domestic sewing machine, which is probably close to 20 years old. I've never had it serviced, so that's a start, but I may look into investing in a new one, something that's got a bit more power and features. The research begins...
Friday, June 3, 2011
Canada Post strike
Well, it happened: Canada Post is on strike, effective Friday, June 3. Their website is currently down so I can't get details, but apparently strike action will be rolled out to different cities in 24-hour increments. Not only does this mean I can't mail out orders from my Etsy stores, but I recently ordered a bunch of fabric and metal purse frames, supplies which I need to make more items for my retail customers. Not good. Let's hope it's resolved quickly, please!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Crafty happenings this week-end
Lots of fun arts and crafty things going on this week-end!
There's the annual More than just a yardage sale at the Textile Museum, where I'll rummage through fabrics, beads, buttons, patterns and more!
But I also need to clear out my fabric stash so I can take anything I don't plan on using to the Spring Craft Supply Swap at Wise Daughters in the Junction on Sunday.
It's also Doors Open this week-end. This annual spring event is a great opportunity to visit some of Toronto's buildings which normally aren't open to the public. Good for photography and design inspiration.
There's the annual More than just a yardage sale at the Textile Museum, where I'll rummage through fabrics, beads, buttons, patterns and more!
But I also need to clear out my fabric stash so I can take anything I don't plan on using to the Spring Craft Supply Swap at Wise Daughters in the Junction on Sunday.
It's also Doors Open this week-end. This annual spring event is a great opportunity to visit some of Toronto's buildings which normally aren't open to the public. Good for photography and design inspiration.
Friday, May 20, 2011
New Facebook page
So for some reason my Karen's Creations Facebook group page went 'missing', so I created a new page (still not sure what the difference is between groups and pages), named after this blog. It's more encompassing of all my crafty/artsty activities:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Librariankarenblogspotcom/115385691880796
Come like it so I can get a proper username for the page!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Librariankarenblogspotcom/115385691880796
Come like it so I can get a proper username for the page!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
New glasses cases
I am excited to announce that my new glasses cases are available at Opticianado, an eyewear store in the Junction. Thanks to Mary at Wise Daughters! These are a new item for me, based on my snap frame coin purses. It was the first time using the curved frame for glasses and I'm pleased with how they turned out.
I interfaced the outer fabric to provide more stability and squared off the bottom to allow room for different sizes of frames. The lining is a really soft cotton which should be safe for lenses.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Updates
Well I'm still settling into my new place after a recent move, so I haven't had much opportunity to do a lot of sewing or add new items to either of my Etsy shops. Stay tuned for a major overhaul of both of my shops and website!
One of my first tasks is to make some new Blythe clothes, which I haven't had a chance to do because I've been focusing on my Zippster store and local consignment. A while a go I bought this Simplicity pattern for Blythe clothes, I can't wait to try out the patterns:
As for craft shows, Zippster will be represented by 100 Mile Finds at two upcoming shows, the first is Friday May 27 in St. Catharines. The next one is June 4 at The Brickworks in Toronto.
One of my first tasks is to make some new Blythe clothes, which I haven't had a chance to do because I've been focusing on my Zippster store and local consignment. A while a go I bought this Simplicity pattern for Blythe clothes, I can't wait to try out the patterns:
As for craft shows, Zippster will be represented by 100 Mile Finds at two upcoming shows, the first is Friday May 27 in St. Catharines. The next one is June 4 at The Brickworks in Toronto.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)