The Perfect Storm

With the wind and rain beating on the outside of the house, I plant myself in front of my sewing machine and get personal projects done.


I just finished up my 3rd show in October. It was the first for me, third for the little community of Cassville, Indiana. Very good day for me, if I must say. I got new items out to customers, and sold many of my tried and true pieces that I have been selling for years.

With the release of my newest purse BELLA. I have had rave reviews from many on Facebook, and from customers that have bought a purse for themselves. I have so many ideas, I am bursting at the seams!








The floral and modern design bags are my favorites. I will be making more for my December show.









The Mickey purse was a big hit. 
I had a few people wanting this one bad!

Be sure to click on my logo above my photo to get to my Facebook page. I have everything there. Hope to hear from you soon!

Almost there

Time seems to fly when your having fun!

I have fun getting things ready and finishing up my inventory for an upcoming show.

Thursday I have casserole carriers to get handles on. And Friday is inventory day. Saturday I will be taking a trip up north to Logansport, Indiana. There is an Arts on the Avenue event there I would like to check out!

Then on to my afternoon event, on Sunday, September 16th. In Galveston, Indiana, at the park on St Rd 18 from 2-6.

Since my last post I have finished my newest creation.

I have been searching for a name. I pick names that are some-how connected to my life.

I use my friends and family as inspiration to my purses.

I love surprising them with this honor. I get tears and laughs. Hugs and hollers!

No matter what I always get a smile in the end, and that is all I ask!


This is Bella. She will be officially released at the beginning of October. I cant wait!

:)

This train is on schedule!

Its has been a while since my last post. I have been slaving away on my Kenmore!

I made it a priority to write down a detailed plan in my date book, as to what I needed to get done. So far I am doing very well! I do have 4 purses left, out of those 1 is for an order. I'm so glad my "LJ" purse is doing well. I couldn't have asked for more. I could ask for a million dollars, that would be great.

I did have a brain blast last week while sewing. I have a new purse to reveal in October. I'm excited! Here is a quick snap of the work in process.

(Handles are pinned on and ready for lining)

Talk about a SHOCK!!! This fabric jumped out at me while I was shopping to fill orders.

I cant wait to tell everyone about this new piece of my collection!




I have a Breast Cancer request this year. I'm so honored to be able to make this for someone.

This is the starting stage. I have the pleats pinned and this lady is waiting for personal time with me and my machine. (Evil laugh heard here)







I have a little over a week to get things finished. Not much left on my list, but I also have to clean out the car, maybe wash it, get the car packed and count inventory!


Have a great weekend!

What have I done?!?!

So I decided to post a promotion on Facebook through my LFD business page. 

Each friend that sees the Event/ Promotion, that tells a friend, that in turn "likes" my page will get an entry. Well someone on December 4, 2012 will win a purse. I'm excited! I'm getting my name out there. Getting my business out to the world. not only on Facebook, but at my craft shows and here. 

If everyone that came across my page told one friend I would be happy. Look of not look, buy or not buy (preferably to buy) I would be happy. Someone would see the work I do. The work I love. I will have done one thing on my life list that means so much to me! Some people may not understand, but when you put your blood, sweat and tears into a hobby you love so much, that it may ruin it for the rest of your life. It's worth it, if it makes you happy. And gives you the JOY you seek every day.

This is one of my creations. I'm glad the friends, family and fans that have seen it give my "thumbs up"! That is what I enjoy the most!

I would be ecstatic to have over 1000 "likes" on my page in December when the Event is over!

Party girl!

A few weeks ago I decided to have a party. I created an event on Facebook, and sent out private invitations. Well, tomorrow is the bash. Sad to say, I have 3 ladies coming. The December party will be better planned!

I made chocolate chip cookie dough dip, prepped the corn casserole, cleaned potatoes and got my orange slices dipped.

I have labeled my party favor bags. Picked out little goodies to toss inside.

I have my pork shoulder in the fridge, ready for the morning soak in the slow cooker.

Gonna finish my casserole in the oven, and try a new Roasted Smashed Red Potatoes. YUM!

Along with all the fun stuff in the kitchen, I have been working on other things. Glad I got photos taken. Another check on my list!

This is a new item I have added to my catalog. This is LJ. 

Cute slouchy shoulder bag with 4 hidden pockets. 2 outside, and 2 inside. I'l so in love with this bag!

With all this work, I am due for a nap. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Progress is working

    

I love how the wrong sides of a Snap-it stand out. I wonder how my customers would like these?

These are only a few of the large stack I have made. When I get an assembly line going, time just flies. One side sewn. Now I get to add the SNAP!

The lady bugs are getting the quilted touch just like all the others.

Not just any store

OH MY GOODNESS!!!

Have you been to Harbor Freight?

I have been to my share of quilt stores. Those just being in the Indiana area. But that is neither here nor there...wait I must go back a few days.

I was showing Josh (the boyfriend) what i use in my Snap-its to make them SNAPPY. He was amazed! Tape measure, yes, a tape measure. I cut the yellow strips into short pieces that fit in the casing of my accessories. I have used duct tape on the ends, so the sharp edges don't cut through my fabric. I told him that I wanted something different to ensure the edges are covered and the time I would spend on cutting duct tape is used else where. SO.......a trip to Harbor Freight was on the schedule for today!

Back to today. Josh pointed out a can of "goo" as I see it. Its used to coat the handles of tools. Screwdrivers, pliers, etc....you get the picture!

So, as I was reading the directions on the back of the can, I decided this process would be a little too difficult for me, for what I am needing. It was kind of expensive as well. I may come back to it, unless I find something better. Mean time I'll be back to the Dollar Tree for duct tape..lol

Below is what I did find while at Harbor Freight. 

-Plastic cups (red)

-Black rubber strip, to place under my foot. I'll post photos for better detail.

-2 magnets 

     *One for my wrist, so I can remove pins as I'm sewing without dragging my pin cushion everywhere. 

     *The other is a magnetic tray for pins as well. (I have been known to be a klutz and dump pins everywhere.) This will prevent that!

-Carabiner clip, of course, for my keys. Although I'm sure I'll have other uses for the clips.

-3 piece set of pliers. There are somethings I just don't want to cut with my good fabric only scissors. These will come is handy!

-Last but not least the folding knife. It looks like a key! There have been many times I have needed to cut a string or open a package and I would have to wait til I got home. Of course what boyfriend wouldn't have a knife on him?? Silly question. :)

FYI: 

Take a trip into your nearest Harbor Freight. I not have a Christmas list 3 miles long. I am one happy girl! 

Back to what I said in the beginning about going to quilt stores. That place is like a quilt store for guys.

Snap to it!

I'm at my workshop. Finished quilting a stack of Snap-its. Next is sewing the casing. Lots to do, many more things on my list to get done. Little over a month away til my Fall show.

Cant wait to finish and post photos!