Into the deep end

So I have been furiously sewing items to stock up my etsy shops. Yes, I did pluralize that...the second shop is officially open. It's still a little light by way of products but this week I should get across that 8 item barrier (I think my first shop was stuck there for 3 months). I'm finding it really interesting to sew for the different shops, it's as if they pull from really different parts of my creative energy and I find it's really working from me. Now, depending on my mood, I sew for myself, my children, my adult shop or my children's shop and it's blowing my mind how much is being completed. I'm thrilled.

Here's a little peak at some of the new pieces I've completed:

 

Tote Bags now available at Thread

 

Soother Clips / Toy Tethers now available at Thread too

There is more to come, check back next Monday to see some new products featured. I'm also looking for feedback on what items you might like to see tutorials on, leave me a comment or email me at threadbykristen@gmail.com.

 

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More Thread Please!

So KCW fell by the wayside a bit. That's not to say I didn't sew (I actually finished 3 skirts) but between a summer camping trip and a plethora of new projects I just can't seem to keep up with the blogging (or the housework, but that's really another story). You see I have an etsy shop, plus a few listings on a couple of other sites but over the past 18 months my product list has expanded from a couple of small kids products and bridal items to a really weird collection of pieces. Well maybe not weird but the business part of my brain really struggles with how etsy posts everything in chronological order instead of letting me group items. Yes, there is the ability to sort by section but it bothers me that I can't control the first impression of my shop.

In March when I first started planning this expanded product list I tossed the idea of a second shop around but I wasn't confident that I could keep both shops fully stocked. Instead I left everything in a single shop and hoped a full shop would make up for the hodge podge of items. Things still sold but it's been bothering me ever since. Then as I was browsing for supplies I came across some sites that were even more hodge podge than my own and much larger and I realised it's not the visual impact that's really the issue but somehow it's hard to have confidence when something looks unfocused.

So here I sit with a decision made, it's time for more Thread! I'm still playing with the name of the second shop, I want it to be related to Thread but today it's still a work in progress. In the meantime I'd love it if you would stop by my current shop for a look around!

Here we go again!

Might just be time to start thinking about that fall wardrobe since by mid-july I have pretty much finished up all of my summer sewing.

Lucky for me there is still a week to think about what will get done this challenge!

Another Habitual Sundress

My friend's little girl just celebrated her first birthday and I couldn't resist putting together another habitual sundress with matching diaper cover. I used the same patterns as in this post but made a size up (really kind of a custom size since she's a tall and thin sort). Overall I am really please with how the dress turned out. It's light and airy, perfect for this very humid summer we're having so far!

The fabric is something I picked up at the local fabric store a few months ago (you know once of those full price purchases that sit on your sewing table until after the fabric is on sale) I have enough left that I may make a dress for my daughter too.

 

For the diaper cover I used Dana's perfect diaper cover tutorial again, this time I didn't use the bias tape edging and things went a lot faster (as expected). If you're looking for an easy tutorial this one is really easy to follow and very forgiving.

 

To dress the diaper cover up I added ruffles, I made three strips of white cotton with a rolled hem on one side and a serged edge on the other, sewed them on upside down then pressed them down and top stitched. I sealed the sides in the side seams to help keep the ruffles in place. Of course my ruffles were a bit deep for the sides so I had to fold the lower ruffles up and into line with the top tier.

 

(Pretend you don't see that thread I missed clipping - Thanks!)

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A new shop!

My etsy shop has now been open for a little over a year and has had some success. I really like the etsy platform and functionality, it's super easy to work with as both seller and buyer. Recently however someone sent me a note about another new marketplace site: www.ezebee.com. It's kind of like facebook meets pinterest meets etsy. You make friends, like or pin items you like and it's filled with handmade goods and small business services. The site is young and doesn't have the depth of products that etsy does but if you get a chance stop by and check it out. I'm excited to be a part of this new community and hope to have a showroom up and running shortly.

Hello June!

Here we are in June already. May was a whirlwind of yard work and sewing which didn't leave a lot of time for blogging. However, now that things are starting to settle down I'm super excited to share my latest completed project. Poufs! A while back I shared the inspiration photo I got from my client (here) and these are the finished products:

Made for her two daughters, the finished poufs measured 27" across by 15" high.

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http://www.notjustahousewife.net/

The end of KCW

I'm always sad to write this post because it's the end of Kids Clothing Week and I love the focus and purpose that comes with participating in this week. This year I managed to finish 5 pieces, I still have 3 in progress (hopefully to be finished this week) and I have a list of new ideas as long as my arm (not sure yet if that is a good thing or a bad thing).

Here are the last few pieces I managed to finish.

The "almost" finished category has the pieces for my little guy. Hopefully I can get those done this week but after a few mis-cuts...I'm taking just a little break to get focused again.