To Remember

{{photo courtesy of one of my best friends (and best quilters) in the whole world! she & her mother in law made this quilt & i thought it was perfect for memorial day.  i made my very first quilt with her in 4th grade...but now, i'm in oregon, she's in tennessee- wish we could keep on sewing beside each other.... }}

blessings. sacrifice. grace. hope. honor

Fabric Bits

Done a bit of spring cleaning over here and because no one can possibly have too much fabric, thought I'd add some bundles & bags to my destash shop! Take a peek, might be just the prints you've had your eye on.  Perfect for creating buttons, appliques, and scrap quilts.

Of course, this only means I'm making room for more.....

Beautiful Day - Friday Finds

{{ Beautiful Day Print from Studio Mela }}

Love this.

{{included in my bright + true wedding treasury ...take a peek & leave a note}}

Tagging Game #8

I've been tagged! Thanks to the lovely Phoebe from El Sage.

Here's the game: in my photos go to the 8th folder and choose the 8th photo...then tell the story.

Sadly, I cheated. Our 8th file is titled "HBS." Which includes all the wildly interesting pics from my husband's business school adventure. Including, "Al Gore", "Rugby," & "interview."  Sooo, I counted 8 on from there and got to "trips."  And look what I found.......

Our cross country move from Oregon to Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2005. Just  a few weeks married. In a U-Haul. In August. With our brand new kitten.

Here's me driving the big 'ol truck (big it was, the guy gave us a discount on the super hauler....felt like a semi) with Boston Kitty literally riding shotgun.  Boston had immediately made it clear he hated the kitty carrier & preferred to sleep on my lap the entire way, or curled up next to the warm faux leather seat.

Couldn't resist another shot of little Boston all cozy in the truck....and me, as usual, fussing.  Of course, the temporary tattoo of my husband's intials I got at a local fair really adds some class to the photo.

Join in & share your own 8th of 8th photos!

Tagging these wonderful friends, love to see their 8ths!

Celia from GlitzGlitter
Jealousy Design
Cindy from Sewing on the Edge
Rose from Waterrose
Shannon from Small Grapes
Monica from Moon Over Maize
Little Red Door

Sneak Peek - Shoulder Bags

A little sneak to what I'll soon be offering in my shop....

I started out making handbags and totes but for the last couple years have really only done them on a custom basis, but I've been so pleased with the results & all the little extras I've learned along the way I'm excited to add them!

Pleated Shoulder Bag Tote with Adjustable Strap in Dogwood Blossom

Started out as a custom order for one of my best friends....and as you can see, I became a little attached to it myself. Includes adjustable strap to be worn messenger style or on shoulder & interior zipper pocket.

Pleated Shoulder Bag with Double Straps in Marigold

Also a custom order & I think I shared it before....but I just can't get enough of this print!

Also, lots of newness in my zipper pouch & baby item sections!

Business Bits - Making it Legal

Topic: Business Licenses, etc.

Face it. You're in business.

Whether you've got a fancy shmancy site or selling a few quilted coasters on the side....you're in business. If you make profit (which goodness knows, I hope you do! If not, read this post on pricing!!)

Anyhow, there are laws regulating businesses. So.... make sure you're covered.

{{ Image Credit: MayDayStudio }}

I found most of what I needed on my county & state government websites. This government site for business is incredibly straightforward & clear & had links for every state.  It's really just a go-to business site.

What you need:

Business License: approval & small fee required, check with county clerk

Fictitious Business Name (DBA - "Doing Business As") If you operate under a name other than your own. Check county or state government.

Certificate of Resale: If you operate in a state that collects sales tax, you need this to charge your customers tax. This IRS site gives links to each state

Federal Tax ID: If you have employees you'll need this  (note: hiring employees changes your legal structure & is a big step..... e.g moves you from 'sole proprietorship'")

The site MyBusiness, also has fantastic thorough explanations for everything listed above & more.

*Note: my county office was incredibly helpful & walked me through many steps & offered additional assistance & resources for small business owners & entrepreneurs...not as scary as I thought!

Baby Bucket - Hello, Baby Grace

So excited...any day now I'll be a first time auntie to Baby Grace! Hard to believe my little brother Seth is having a child....but it is such an amazing time. Jack's looking forward to meeting this new playmate - he's already decided he'll hold her, sing to her, & tell her about dumptrucks. I hope she's interested ;)

Today's the baby shower & I've made this bucket filled with lots of little goodies. The mama loves all things purple & pink & butterflies.....I don't think I've ever sewn so much girliness !

{{ps. I used Jack's Easter basket tutorial to make this bucket- just added two inches to the width of the fabric & made it even deeper at the sides. Plus, shortened the handles & added them to the side to make 'bucket handles.'}}

Fabric Notecards

Made these little stationery cards by sewing bits of selvage edges on the sides of blank cards I had laying about. (well, they were left over from our wedding....five years ago!) But anyhow, I think it turned into something lovely!

I plan on using these little cards as gift notes when orders are sent directly to the recipient. Just this last week I was asked by a customer to write a message in French to be sent to his mum in France. Of course, I have no idea what it said, but I loved being (a small!) part of that gift giving experience. 

I used to save fabric selvage edges to wrap up gifts & bundles of fabric....but my friend, Cindy began using selvage edges to create charming & clever pincushions.  She has just opened a fantastic new shop, Sewing on the Edge, to showcase these lovelies.  This inspired me to put selvages to better use. Mostly, I just send them to her.......but I think I'll save a few to make these cards.

Tutorial - Father's Day Men's Wallet

Every man needs a new wallet now & then. This one uses up his old, favorite shirts (which could be a good or bad thing I suppose...) I reclaimed two of my husband's that were unwearable but still had awesome fabric and made this simple wallet.  Perfect for Father's Day.

Materials:  One outside fabric 9.5" x 4.5"

 One inside fabric 9.5" x 4.5"

one piece fusible interfacing 9.5" x 4.5"

two pieces for pocket fabrics: 9.5" x 7.5" 9.5" x 5"

1. fuse interfacing to wrong side of exterior fabric (set aside)

2. fold over two pocket pieces lengthwise, right sides up - press

3. top stitch along folded edge of each pocket

4. place two pockets on top of each other. measure middle point & sew seam vertically - this creates the front card pockets

5. lay two pockets (now sewn together) on top of interior piece of fabric

6. pin & baste to keep in place

7. place interior piece (now with pocket pieces attached) on top of exterior piece (right side up)

8. pin in place & stitch around edges with 1/4" seam allowane

9. BE SURE to leave a 2.5" opening (backstitch at each opening point)

10. trim each corner at angle to make for easier turning

11. turn fabric right side out, gently pushing out corners to square point

12. press, press, press

13. Top stitch along entire rectangle of wallet, securely closing opening

14. fold in half & press again

15. fill with something wonderful & give away!

NOTES: measurements given are slightly varied from photos shown, only because I gave you the improved version ;)  I used wool exterior which I wouldn't recommend only because it pulled & created a slightly mishapen result. The pockets also could also use a light interfacing, especially if using lightweight materials.

QUESTIONS: Please ask! I'll gladly answer in the comments section. Have a suggestion or find an error? Please let me know that too :)

Happy Sewing!

Fresh & New - Clutches

Voila! 

More clutches...just can't get enough of these little lovelies. The first round of Poppy Clutches were such a hit, I've added some new colors & prints & denim....as well as a flirty ruffle... 

Denim Clutch with Ruffle

Chartreuse Poppy on Linen

Clutch Purse in Momo Garden with Red Poppy

might be an all time favorite fabric

Red Poppy on Denim

 Orange Vine with Chartreuse Poppy

Business Bits - Book Recommendation

Topic: Made to Stick

I began reading business books years ago....but I admit, it was only to help me fall asleep.

My husband was in business school & had piles of businessy books laying around. I was teaching & sewing only as a hobby,  But I did work a crazy amount of hours at my school & with all the stress needed help falling asleep. Looking at these masses of boring jargon-filled texts, I thought, hmm- these will surely do the trick.

But they didn't. They kept me awake....I read text by text and even some of his case studies.

Now with Quiltish up & going...I've gone back to rereading them....but with a new purpose in mind. One book that always stood out  is Made to Stick by Chip & Dan Heath. 

It's smart & insightful -exploring "why some ideas survive & others die."  Answers the question of why some things "stick" and some don't.  I found it an interesting analysis of the human thought process & just as important to a business owner as it would be to a teacher, mom, speaker, blogger, principal, or anyone really who hopes to convey a message (which is just about everyone, isn't it?)

The core model of the book is based on the acronym of SUCCESs ....In order to stick ideas need to have the qualities of:

• Simplicity - get to the core
• Unexpectedness - grab attention
• Concreteness - make it memorable
• Credibility - believable?
• Emotional - make people feel it
• Stories - sharing more than just stats & one liners

The Heath Brothers have loads of resources on their site, including the very first chapter of the book & stuff for teachers & job interviews...as well as tips small business owners can snag & apply!

Toddler "quilt" Craft Project

Do not be fooled. Look closely, you can see that mischievous twinkle in his eye...

Jack loves colors & shapes so I came up with this little project for him. We've both been under the weather all week so it was a perfect time for a craft project. We call it a quilt but it's really just bits of fabric arranged on paper. He really liked making it & ended up reinforcing shapes & how to manipulate objects in puzzles.

Materials: cardstock or thick paper, fabric scraps, glue stick, pencil + ruler to draw

On cardstock, draw quilt grid. My paper was 12" x 12" so I did rows of 3" squares & (then into triangles for the more challenging quilt). Any size paper would work. Gather various scraps (even paper!). Cut into same sizes as quilt grid (this really only took about 10 mins - easy :) 

Jack chose the prints & where he wanted them placed. I was in charge of the glue stick. We started with the quilt with just squares. He was surprisingly adept at fitting the fabric pieces into the squares. He even commented it was like a puzzle.

Later that afternoon, we went back to work on the triangle puzzle. A little trickier but you can see his focus! The glue stick made it easy to maneuver & didn't seep through the fabric. 

I did have to go back & reglue some edges but overall it's a really fun craft & I'm thinking it will look great framed in his room!

Ta Da!

Father's Day Picks

Father's Day gets more & more exciting every year (no offense, Dad.) Ever since we've had Jack it's been more & more fun to celebrate. Now, my little brother will be a father soon...and I'll be a first time auntie!! I've definitely got gifts for the guys on the radar. Here's a few manly Etsy picks seen in my current treasury.

First Row:

Shirt - Xenotees
Bag - MediumControl
Spice Kit - Purpose Designs

Second Row:
Men's Ring - MoonOverMaize
Aftershave - Shop Red Leaf
Wallet - PrixPrix

Third Row:
Pillow - LoveCalifornia
Card - Able and Game
Soap - Dress Green

Fourth Row
Glasses - Yava Glass
Fenway Photo- AliceBruce
Card - Michelle Brusegaard

Tutorial Tuesday - Basting a Quilt

I love quilting. Loved it the first time I made a very uneven, crooked, and lumpy baby quilt. Things have improved....but I always dreaded the basting part of it. Making the quilt sandwich if you will. Amy, from Park City Girl has written an excellent quilt basting tutorial on her blog with fantastic photos & clear descriptions....a must see!

Business Bits - Wholesale

Topic: Wholesale

At first I thought landing a wholesale account was like a stroke of luck for my little business. But, I was wrong. Sure, it can be an exciting occasion ( I have indeed cried upon seeing my items on the shelf of a well revered shop) but offering wholesale is a decision to be approached with much forethought, strategy, & long-term planning....with much consideration to pricing - as mentioned in earlier Business Bits Post on Pricing.Without doing some homework you're bound to lose serious time & money.

A few things to consider while exploring wholesale:

- Be confident: you can choose the shops just as much as they choose you.
- Consider your ultimate goals: Establish your brand? Make more money? Are you trying to go global? Get into stores as a means of marketing? Then this will guide which (if any) stores you'd like to go with.
- Ask questions: remember this is your brand & right now you have control over where it ends up.
-Be honest (with yourself!): Can you , and more importantly, do you want to fill an order of 200 items? (in a given amount of time) For some crafts that can be more like a factory than handmade....
- Be Real with the numbers: Can you even afford to offer wholesale at the prices your items are set? (Remember wholesale prices are anywhere from 30%-50% of retail price...usually 50%)
- Decide what to offer: many shops only offer wholesale on certain items or design a separate line of wholesale goods (e.g. I do not offer my embroidery or specialty bags at wholesale- just not cost/time effective)

So....you've thought about wholesaling & are excited to make contact with shops...now what?

-Be Prepared: From my experiences buyers/owners respect that while you may be a small fry & not have all the answers as you begin this process- you're professional & willing to make a major effort. 
Here's some things you need with you in a meeting/ correspondence:

• line sheet:  clear item titles, retail price & wholesale price (you will leave this with the buyer so include your contact information as well)
• item samples:  show your handiwork along with enough info tucked away in your brain to answer a myriad of questions
• minimum policy: what do you require for the minimum $ amount and minimum number of items purchased ( two items at $10 each does not a wholesale order make....)
• terms:  how long will you need to complete an order (lead time) how do you expect payment (half up front for first order? COD -cash on delivery? some shops use "net 30" - they pay you 30 days after shipment is delivered.... personally, I would only allow this for larger, established shops)  *note:  an estasblished trust with the company should greatly affect your terms - they don't need to be the same for each account.
• shipping & delivery: estimated costs, hand delivery, etc.
• general policies: under what conditions to you accept returns/exchanges? (if at all)
• order form: you can create one easily - space for item title, quantity, style/pattern/color, price discussed at meeting

Feeling all set now? Probably not. That's okay. It's a decision to be taken seriously & reevaluated over time. I would love to hear of any other wholesale tips, I'm sure I missed a bunch. Do share your experiences!

While you're sitting there with your cup of coffee & notepad out...go ahead & take a peek at these must read posts on wholesaling:
How to Wholesale from the Etsy Blog
Preparing for Wholesaling from the Etsy Blog
Wholesale vs. Consigment from Craft MBA

Mums

Hooray for the mums! Wishes for a happy + love-filled day!

To Jack Bear:  I am most grateful for being your mama. Nothing makes me happier than rubbing your nose each night, wrapping you 'cozy mozy' each morning, & dancing with you each day.  When you say, "I proud of you mama" I feel like I've found a secret little treasure to keep forever....and I've etched those words on my heart.
Love, Mama Bear

A Few New Things

thought I'd share a few new things (some are a bit newer than others!)

plus, I've got loads more prints & designs in the hopper...in fact, just finished a whole new product this morning & can't wait to post.

Ticking Clutch

Frame Purse in Pop Garden

Zipper Pouch in Lovebirds

Zipper Pouch - Blue Bird on Red Dots

Zipper Pouch - Spring Moss

Drawstring Pouch in Green Vines

Zipper Pouch - Bird on Citron Dots

Pleated Bag in Sanae Garden