tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11116565981129372092024-02-07T02:39:07.648-08:00Mimi's Handmade Happeningsa place to share and store my crafty achievementsMimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-70283504850852824372012-07-19T09:24:00.001-07:002012-07-19T09:26:30.241-07:00Slipcovers with Canvas Drop Cloths<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOvPR8w67pWWvGXIJbADh2swcqwNWESt6_y-tycwI_XlOWdvpHAN8l1_Njc-w3YjRASxtj1rYfAvf1Wfu5AeE1pwmPIT_Z2AN7sy30-4EuUkqLddIy2IC5mMX1wG1doNbzA9xzew6yvmp/s1600/leatherchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOvPR8w67pWWvGXIJbADh2swcqwNWESt6_y-tycwI_XlOWdvpHAN8l1_Njc-w3YjRASxtj1rYfAvf1Wfu5AeE1pwmPIT_Z2AN7sy30-4EuUkqLddIy2IC5mMX1wG1doNbzA9xzew6yvmp/s400/leatherchairs.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Recently, my friend Jenny splurged on some new living room furniture--a couch and loveseat in the shabby chic style. But she didn't like the way her old leather chairs looked with the new furniture. The leather chairs were too sleek, dark and streamlined in comparison. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHjUT0uFgSqGYLBDe596ZrLVma5HVncsr29FFa3MVawadJ-0Adsr5pcweEffYEIOh7Fxe8qwGPO3iWjHYqI1gsP1nElf8CRrliEPEiTl_mxfAB7zX_xJCGVqdrzmmmq32JjGFiF37L116/s1600/leatherchairs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHjUT0uFgSqGYLBDe596ZrLVma5HVncsr29FFa3MVawadJ-0Adsr5pcweEffYEIOh7Fxe8qwGPO3iWjHYqI1gsP1nElf8CRrliEPEiTl_mxfAB7zX_xJCGVqdrzmmmq32JjGFiF37L116/s400/leatherchairs3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Right after they bought the new furniture, in the way that life often goes, Jenny's husband was laid off from his job. Now on a tight budget, she knew home decor projects were low on the list of priorities--but she hated the disconnect between the leather chairs and the new furniture. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoebhMHTSOOHjM4yqueK-TnUNtIJ5x5JtEsKVP8mrZvclh74R3rgK-J08vqUInsch-y-BPFkbT93_BAQN8iUkIbdKb9jbh_ti73wAxprRjpCDvMt8VJ-9ImrmjUmazYTqQyB07nG4j62n/s1600/dropcloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoebhMHTSOOHjM4yqueK-TnUNtIJ5x5JtEsKVP8mrZvclh74R3rgK-J08vqUInsch-y-BPFkbT93_BAQN8iUkIbdKb9jbh_ti73wAxprRjpCDvMt8VJ-9ImrmjUmazYTqQyB07nG4j62n/s400/dropcloth.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
After doing a little online research, Jenny came across <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2010/06/tips-on-making-slipcovers-with-drop/">this blog</a>, about making slipcovers with painting drop cloths. She spent about $25 total on 3 packages of drop cloths, then went through the laborious process of washing and bleaching (it needs to soak in your washer for about 6 hours).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hUka75PppuLC2MqmWLY8nnoSfrHDSVeplQByoNncxYuG66vY3rSh2WjIZgf7EdcEQ0_aeaUhLzWyz_TJWE_088ZqeL3xOjew_Cek6446kxnzrsfXCDjIkJ77dV40Yis9QXHftOFSyXyr/s1600/slipcoveredchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hUka75PppuLC2MqmWLY8nnoSfrHDSVeplQByoNncxYuG66vY3rSh2WjIZgf7EdcEQ0_aeaUhLzWyz_TJWE_088ZqeL3xOjew_Cek6446kxnzrsfXCDjIkJ77dV40Yis9QXHftOFSyXyr/s400/slipcoveredchairs.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>I made the slipcovers for her, with matching piping and skirted bottoms, to match her new furniture. We were both very pleased with the result. They brighten up the whole room and match her new furniture much better than the leather.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQjpuxb7SBGHS-t861h8q8AH6CnP_qkdZKpoH78AyZw6hH605VS9vMzLNHGhEeQ22_Q4oERINka6sC5tnVhiTtsn-slHprjKvq79B5owe06WtRaoL-zsEEQYtsl1VoJKOStsjQ4d8Zh1Z/s1600/slipcoveredchairsclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQjpuxb7SBGHS-t861h8q8AH6CnP_qkdZKpoH78AyZw6hH605VS9vMzLNHGhEeQ22_Q4oERINka6sC5tnVhiTtsn-slHprjKvq79B5owe06WtRaoL-zsEEQYtsl1VoJKOStsjQ4d8Zh1Z/s400/slipcoveredchairsclose.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>The canvas was pretty easy to work with, but it is a fairly loose weave and therefore frays easily. I overlocked all the seams to keep the fraying in check. It will be interesting to see how well it holds up over time. Jenny has 3 kids and 2 dogs. Coupled with the fact that Jenny is a fastidious housekeeper, she will probably be washing these slipcovers on a regular basis. Because Jenny was on a tight budget, and also since she's a close friend of mine and I didn't charge her very much for my labor, it made sense for her situation. However, overall, unless it's a DIY job, I'd recommend that people spend the money on higher quality fabric. You could still keep your budget fairly low, probably less than $100, and get some heavy duty cotton twill or white denim that would last a lot longer--and save you money in the long run.<br />Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-73384462653283072252012-05-15T12:45:00.000-07:002012-05-15T12:48:39.263-07:00Victorian Chair Reupholstery ProjectI was all geared up to do a tutorial on reupholstering three Victorian chairs, but after I finished the project and delivered the chairs to my customer, I realized that I had been woefully inadequate about documenting the process with my camera! So this will have to be more of a show-and-tell, rather than a true tutorial. Want to call me a lame blogger? Go ahead, I am.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXGfBBylmy4rt-Iwn2yHf-M14_t5l1dkJzqru2WBIVLONGetPgkQR2W4aIPqN6sOvmC0MgOvrw-L-Evjx0zHzCia7FYha2Uw_srjTk7F1ex8b-xn9uJ85uD1mZDIAR4ue0DEMARHR23EI/s1600/1stripped.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="740" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXGfBBylmy4rt-Iwn2yHf-M14_t5l1dkJzqru2WBIVLONGetPgkQR2W4aIPqN6sOvmC0MgOvrw-L-Evjx0zHzCia7FYha2Uw_srjTk7F1ex8b-xn9uJ85uD1mZDIAR4ue0DEMARHR23EI/s800/1stripped.JPG" /></a></div>I even forgot to take a good "before" photo, so you can't even see how they used to look. Pathetic. (Now you agree with me about the lame blogger thing, right?) But here's a picture of one of the chairs after I stripped it. It used to be have very old-fashioned gold velvet fabric, which can be glimpsed on the floor behind the chair.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg198v4-1Oyo46q2hep_I1VK6jiC2CJBw1U75t0RiMQxn2hcIZwvmK8t0yMLA4HiEV8ir0v3FrD5lCxIS0VvkMoBK9dyWNTkP7pnRAaOZMMWf4Pw1rxQwcMIqBwVl1Ye9trQZPLSTMfKWAz/s1600/3removal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="326" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg198v4-1Oyo46q2hep_I1VK6jiC2CJBw1U75t0RiMQxn2hcIZwvmK8t0yMLA4HiEV8ir0v3FrD5lCxIS0VvkMoBK9dyWNTkP7pnRAaOZMMWf4Pw1rxQwcMIqBwVl1Ye9trQZPLSTMfKWAz/s800/3removal.JPG" /></a></div>Because these chairs were quite old and still had the original upholstery, the fabric was held on by tacks instead of staples. Tacks are NOT fun to remove, especially when trying to remove them without damaging the wood. Cabana's got her big old head in the photo. She's used to be the subject of 99% of my photos, so she doesn't realize she was actually in the way this time.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4KGo_O3_M94AAWLS4zaI8PvJaQT30imFdW3CALtu1ZYGanADfmUlA8XUDAknt9-hS04A4MsEkgewiycM2nx4JqUWwQfWZWX6_QfXIH2lA3CN1TwPwItYYP83YDkSWpUdyL_Bf1NEqo7B/s1600/tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="307" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4KGo_O3_M94AAWLS4zaI8PvJaQT30imFdW3CALtu1ZYGanADfmUlA8XUDAknt9-hS04A4MsEkgewiycM2nx4JqUWwQfWZWX6_QfXIH2lA3CN1TwPwItYYP83YDkSWpUdyL_Bf1NEqo7B/s800/tools.jpg" /></a></div>Speaking of tacks, here are the tools required for this project--a staple gun, staples, tack remover, and staple remover. I would like to invest in an electric staple gun someday, but for now, I just use a manual. It does the trick, and I'm not as worried about shooting staples into my fingers or eyeballs, or some other gruesome scenario. The tack remover can be purchased at Joann for just a few dollars. The staple remover is known in the reupholstery business as a Berry, which is actually the brand name, and is only sold through upholstery suppliers. Not pictured but also required for this project--a hot glue gun.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzfGdeLUvUG9RQn1Ho6F-bzHgQVq4vC3knjB3aWykc4GbCVODNzYBd2V9iJELu0Uqzxlw4_EJR2wZVaUV_Y1TwX0bZQgO50GBNHvBDD9wpwL9Om8ecGbOC97aU972sjhuPZhDQc0NO_XS/s1600/4backcloseup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="334" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzfGdeLUvUG9RQn1Ho6F-bzHgQVq4vC3knjB3aWykc4GbCVODNzYBd2V9iJELu0Uqzxlw4_EJR2wZVaUV_Y1TwX0bZQgO50GBNHvBDD9wpwL9Om8ecGbOC97aU972sjhuPZhDQc0NO_XS/s800/4backcloseup.JPG" /></a></div>I applied gimp trim using the hot glue gun. It was surprisingly fast and easy, though it was the ONLY part of this project that was fast or easy. Initially, I tried to make a double welt cord instead of gimp trim, but it ended up being much too heavy and bulky for this project.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVDYoQSpBtYghbQGO_s_NzFo4Hhrq_ZIWoEZPW9B5r4aC-vLavMyizG5teW5Zwsz0JHshURLgkrKS5tT0dyy7_QZJGSK5bBnUdmRCurkony2w7ZUEYe6-UByVo-L19na_Oir1PhCQ4NKb/s1600/5trimcloseup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="334" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVDYoQSpBtYghbQGO_s_NzFo4Hhrq_ZIWoEZPW9B5r4aC-vLavMyizG5teW5Zwsz0JHshURLgkrKS5tT0dyy7_QZJGSK5bBnUdmRCurkony2w7ZUEYe6-UByVo-L19na_Oir1PhCQ4NKb/s800/5trimcloseup.JPG" /></a></div>Here's a close up of the gimp trim. It covers up the tacks and raw edges. Pretty, huh?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe0RKOIxTBkZ7z9VLlda-L3lHp0We04CFsQLfF_wRP2GLs_tvQoFX5VU8GDe980e48jRDICVUzq7P7hNTNsES3qTjHdsfM9sd3SJvYkBS_AnyoncnXtNiyw6WVTB6qN29ny7H8639_JH6/s1600/7threechairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="315" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe0RKOIxTBkZ7z9VLlda-L3lHp0We04CFsQLfF_wRP2GLs_tvQoFX5VU8GDe980e48jRDICVUzq7P7hNTNsES3qTjHdsfM9sd3SJvYkBS_AnyoncnXtNiyw6WVTB6qN29ny7H8639_JH6/s800/7threechairs.JPG" /></a></div>And voila, here are the three finished chairs. At least I remembered the "after" photograph. My customer was pleased with them, and I was pleased to have them finished and out of my house! For a reupholstery project that required absolutely NO sewing, these chairs were more work than I had imagined. It was my first time working with chairs of this style, though, so next time, I'll know what to expect. AND I'll remember to take more photos of the process.Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-78418815502971420872012-04-27T13:02:00.001-07:002012-04-27T13:04:18.177-07:00Cutout Purse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN71L81URas67NYpTFitDA4G5-sNOA9fk9YHVFv06RqUh1F7iD6ENgsfdkv9MbhfFyiJym06CDot-x4_-ncvWDq2cZMMcChigyjiaXODucQ_FsuTycIrzlyerE2tZ2x8fGbpGA638nf0x/s1600/cutout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="424" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN71L81URas67NYpTFitDA4G5-sNOA9fk9YHVFv06RqUh1F7iD6ENgsfdkv9MbhfFyiJym06CDot-x4_-ncvWDq2cZMMcChigyjiaXODucQ_FsuTycIrzlyerE2tZ2x8fGbpGA638nf0x/s800/cutout.jpg" /></a></div>Recently, I was contacted by a person who had bought one of my cork cutout purses at one of my shows. She said she'd been using that same cork purse almost every day for the past three years! It was well past its prime, and she was ready for another purse. She was able to hunt me down and purchased the exact same purse again. Now, that's a loyal customer.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ncIfUr7XQGQk6fqRMEFSOZ5otwTh55tfD7ptt3iegecYspTGZS0FrbZuW4Lap8rrBOfXDIgtx8ZQ2KVbKTC0b274IttY-sBg5rk1vGhGsYGu76td7czVSS5OeHJt-BqrPWU1Typvi09u/s1600/natural3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="305" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ncIfUr7XQGQk6fqRMEFSOZ5otwTh55tfD7ptt3iegecYspTGZS0FrbZuW4Lap8rrBOfXDIgtx8ZQ2KVbKTC0b274IttY-sBg5rk1vGhGsYGu76td7czVSS5OeHJt-BqrPWU1Typvi09u/s800/natural3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjKk3s5klB6KRfby8CCCPLAzJITwuq0DjUzlj08r62V0XZxQQuYGNluFkSJELRvKcuh37po-f7HuAeH-T9YyD4uvXjtONic673bUhp8fYi7tbNgqCvWfY_JT8SwYrVHjctrKpcdi6hnRf/s1600/redleaf4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="334" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjKk3s5klB6KRfby8CCCPLAzJITwuq0DjUzlj08r62V0XZxQQuYGNluFkSJELRvKcuh37po-f7HuAeH-T9YyD4uvXjtONic673bUhp8fYi7tbNgqCvWfY_JT8SwYrVHjctrKpcdi6hnRf/s800/redleaf4.jpg" /></a></div>The design of the cutout purse is very handy. Once you get used to having such easy access to your cell phone and keys, it's hard to go back to digging around inside another purse for those things.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0bhXwcs7inrYVixh7EHipwWkVX5PqT59VSU841nn6iN4p1ANDcHjYd6NOE_vN1ffNmDgwx5NmEkiavzauzqzq8dBC_fgYvKPzRDqALkm8MLfvOqAxVBpXq4hzJibAdHEIlrdz8zKErmi/s1600/redleaf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="465" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0bhXwcs7inrYVixh7EHipwWkVX5PqT59VSU841nn6iN4p1ANDcHjYd6NOE_vN1ffNmDgwx5NmEkiavzauzqzq8dBC_fgYvKPzRDqALkm8MLfvOqAxVBpXq4hzJibAdHEIlrdz8zKErmi/s800/redleaf1.jpg" /></a></div>Here is the cutout design in a few fun fabric prints for summer, now available in my Etsy shop.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho15pYPjJElZa6bXoNiddnP56KSQU1dRpkVU7o13sapET1cdGeBTJV1GS7_v7dLlQYRZfAac9xnaJZMs4YwITIN7bA-TJTjoZLZCY1zO5pD4aFvXekI2eqJV4t-d152X720gGm17JLen7f/s1600/natural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:0em"><img border="0" height="471" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho15pYPjJElZa6bXoNiddnP56KSQU1dRpkVU7o13sapET1cdGeBTJV1GS7_v7dLlQYRZfAac9xnaJZMs4YwITIN7bA-TJTjoZLZCY1zO5pD4aFvXekI2eqJV4t-d152X720gGm17JLen7f/s800/natural.jpg" /></a></div>Mother's Day is just around the corner! For the next week, use the code "mikimi" to get free shipping on anything in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheekoo?ref=si_shop">my Etsy shop</a>.Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-72570668348116367192012-03-27T06:48:00.017-07:002012-03-27T07:35:57.973-07:00Cutting Out Leaves<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S-umRc7wQxQusgszFD5Q07ZlF99s8h9SwK4_VhrBKBhY0sodnp-F1Xg9eOxaJ0-eEP8AAznHv1OmVCUh24C9f4k-vKplFXonAHNEXNAqwLx5LOg-iVmKcmi2FM4RKaMl0x2veUUrnWTB/s1600/0406+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S-umRc7wQxQusgszFD5Q07ZlF99s8h9SwK4_VhrBKBhY0sodnp-F1Xg9eOxaJ0-eEP8AAznHv1OmVCUh24C9f4k-vKplFXonAHNEXNAqwLx5LOg-iVmKcmi2FM4RKaMl0x2veUUrnWTB/s800/0406+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724573944136366354" /></a>Because I live in wine country, one of the my most popular items at show events is my cork wine tote. Giving a bottle of wine is great for almost any occasion, but it can sometimes seem too easy or impersonal. However, when the bottle of wine is given inside a handmade gift bag, and made of sustainable materials like cork and bamboo to boot, the gift takes on special meaning and lasts longer than the bottle of wine. In this case, it's a gift we hope will get re-gifted, again and again. <br /><br />Like all my embellished cork items, I cut all the pieces by hand. I have envelopes that hold my paper templates that I have sketched out with a pencil on scrap paper. The leaf pattern template for the wine tote was a scraggly thing, filled with hundreds of pin holes from attaching and re-attaching it to the dark cork. In the evenings, a regular activity while watching TV was to cut the shapes and file them in my envelope filing system.<br /><br />But when I got an order for 132 leaf-pattern wine totes (in addition to 132 striped wine totes), I knew I could not watch enough TV to cut that many leaves! Plus, I am very prone to carpal tunnel issues, and I needed to be able to use my hands for brushing my teeth and typing, amongst other things, after all the leaves were cut. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWtYPwwpIDnMdSPGDuHaH015RsM89w7gdwBQgb5bO95N-pOouKSAyx9_x6__6woF2xJ0yYqYJTeZhVFwif3ZcptQmjOhBs5b2EJ7BhLWJ7ly1AyrIEm7UKDZ5VTfS29Jt9oo3XWdGhbaY/s1600/diecutmachine.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWtYPwwpIDnMdSPGDuHaH015RsM89w7gdwBQgb5bO95N-pOouKSAyx9_x6__6woF2xJ0yYqYJTeZhVFwif3ZcptQmjOhBs5b2EJ7BhLWJ7ly1AyrIEm7UKDZ5VTfS29Jt9oo3XWdGhbaY/s800/diecutmachine.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724573962724515202" /></a>Like most women of a certain age, I used to be a scrapbooker. So I knew about die cuts and had old-fashioned die cut machines (i.e. Sizzix and the lesser known Zip-E-Mate, pictured above). These were the pre-cursor to today's fancy schmancy machines like the Cricut and I don't even know what else--computerized machines that seem to cost a fortune and will cut all kinds of intricate shapes and letters. The problem with the new-fangled machines is that they don't cut custom shapes and I wasn't sure if they would cut cork fabric. I just needed a custom steel rule die that I could use with my existing old-fashioned machines.<br /><br />After a bit of online research, I found Richard of Ace Dies in San Francisco. Custom dies aren't cheap (this one was about $200), but I decided that my hands needed me to make the investment. I reproduced my scraggly paper template in Adobe Illustrator, emailed the file to Richard, and picked the finished die up two days later.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodq1Y8RzZYQod08q_OzcaXz06sWJUfTB6Mt5XnhSoQeEDMp-4ALsEMHideW4fqW9MmRJMzi93_G0sjJlw7Jr-MGZkWzsgooUJOzpp9NBT0GfocLPbStcQwtBdVYcPwQ-H5UFIIaUlJxqc/s1600/diecutleaves.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodq1Y8RzZYQod08q_OzcaXz06sWJUfTB6Mt5XnhSoQeEDMp-4ALsEMHideW4fqW9MmRJMzi93_G0sjJlw7Jr-MGZkWzsgooUJOzpp9NBT0GfocLPbStcQwtBdVYcPwQ-H5UFIIaUlJxqc/s800/diecutleaves.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724573955587141794" /></a>And voila! What used to take me about 10 minutes of cutting by hand, now takes less than 10 seconds. Perfect every time. When I went to pick up the custom die, I brought my Zip-E-Mate machine with me, to make sure the die would fit through it without any problems. Richard laughed when I showed him my "toy"--I think he's used to working with big industrial dies for heavy equipment, not little purple plastic machines with a crank handle. <br /><br />Oh well, whatever does the trick! It was an investment worth every cent. Cheers!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-55151216844761477002012-03-18T19:19:00.006-07:002012-03-18T19:37:01.957-07:00Flat Zip PouchesYou know you're pathetic when it's been so long since you blogged that you can't even remember the password. Over nine months, and I don't even have a baby to show for it. I'd promise to try to do better, but I don't want to eat my words.<br /><br />My excuse is that I've been busy sewing! I've been working on orders for several wineries, and I'm so happy to be doing so. Back when I first started this blog and my little business, I never would have believed that I'd even have this small modicum of success. I'll knock on wood (and on cork) that it continues. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8W7QjjNQwosAAdQLx3E8Mu8a0L2WgiOYy_IT7bmX7cEH1abIg0DmUBK48hl6sTjSBcmu_aB_tU8kZ3e9xZdRmCpPsBYSJqX8ZHp_TA4ODwyb8uL8Ww3UeSDb4Qmhe03-SBxTNhzgxlEK/s1600/plainzips.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 564px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8W7QjjNQwosAAdQLx3E8Mu8a0L2WgiOYy_IT7bmX7cEH1abIg0DmUBK48hl6sTjSBcmu_aB_tU8kZ3e9xZdRmCpPsBYSJqX8ZHp_TA4ODwyb8uL8Ww3UeSDb4Qmhe03-SBxTNhzgxlEK/s800/plainzips.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721427312686351970" /></a>A couple of the wineries have ordered flat zip pouches from me. Pictured above are "plain", although they're anything but! I call them plain because there's no sewn-on embellishment--it's just the natural beauty of the cork.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWZQzPZleu8nYSBuxbKzNurD08sl5eqkwRA3igZwWtR_JhN0sVIXI6dWkPEztvFYNFshGeUpsu0_lPKv1kRy1XfhAlET6z7hKbWKRn9PYlWkJyfQ56NzXNY501zRIdtuJ7c690BKoYzId/s1600/flatzipleaves.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWZQzPZleu8nYSBuxbKzNurD08sl5eqkwRA3igZwWtR_JhN0sVIXI6dWkPEztvFYNFshGeUpsu0_lPKv1kRy1XfhAlET6z7hKbWKRn9PYlWkJyfQ56NzXNY501zRIdtuJ7c690BKoYzId/s800/flatzipleaves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721427314624014994" /></a>These are flat zips with a leaf design. On my next post (which will hopefully be posted in less than 9 months), I want to share about how I cut these leaves out.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaLDbu4skrCDbBPtHX9BS_OIYfbxHj34pvBcXVLAO6hb3W5kRHqgxo80IS-eyH7hV7X-wRWDMHyiXNQzv2RaH4MwKPn56oyKJ2DUYB2FC51B84Y4f-ZS_eOiVfRBPS-P0DVhS9_jLv3m8/s1600/flatzipstriped.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaLDbu4skrCDbBPtHX9BS_OIYfbxHj34pvBcXVLAO6hb3W5kRHqgxo80IS-eyH7hV7X-wRWDMHyiXNQzv2RaH4MwKPn56oyKJ2DUYB2FC51B84Y4f-ZS_eOiVfRBPS-P0DVhS9_jLv3m8/s800/flatzipstriped.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721427314366685954" /></a>And these with a thick stripe of dark cork down the middle are my least favorite to make. The seams where the light and dark cork come together are bulky and create the most work. You'd think the leaf pattern would be more time consuming than the striped ones, but no, I can sew that leaf pattern on in under 3 minutes. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL85b33gw5l18g_7ARMDSedEprZegnAL0QWl8wyvsl92PZOUg5Kgk1OpXopbybuvaugIW_dU_kEDjV3_yJJEaaDN4Tbjfl4IgD37dJSAgmU6Y5RYHuEpbwsMGmRESpM6OnIOwxj5zwA5Bq/s1600/flatzipsinbox.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL85b33gw5l18g_7ARMDSedEprZegnAL0QWl8wyvsl92PZOUg5Kgk1OpXopbybuvaugIW_dU_kEDjV3_yJJEaaDN4Tbjfl4IgD37dJSAgmU6Y5RYHuEpbwsMGmRESpM6OnIOwxj5zwA5Bq/s800/flatzipsinbox.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721429315916688466" /></a>I've had a lot of practice and plenty of chances to time myself. Here are 80 flat zip pouches, boxed up and ready to go tomorrow, to Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga. Last week, I sent 48 of them out to Beaulieu Vineyard in Rutherford. If neither of those places are in your neck of the woods, they are also available in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheekoo?ref=si_shop">my Etsy shop</a>!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-71736406105148746712011-07-13T15:44:00.000-07:002011-07-13T16:50:50.074-07:00My Website Is Up!<a href="http://www.sheekoo.com"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Sitesc6girlqAWeTzdQugCifMP7PUnJajtYQlRjLsehHqJFRGgXDayNOVLeAvbK9sVhZuATwUwWNZUbnPqR5Yqnk3GS9FFL4G6HB2NTHIZPN-6hJYyd7W75HxV9yKZuQnG5NtFdlmnjF/s1600/Sheekoo+Handmade+Bags+%2526+Accessories_1310498328799.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 407px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Sitesc6girlqAWeTzdQugCifMP7PUnJajtYQlRjLsehHqJFRGgXDayNOVLeAvbK9sVhZuATwUwWNZUbnPqR5Yqnk3GS9FFL4G6HB2NTHIZPN-6hJYyd7W75HxV9yKZuQnG5NtFdlmnjF/s800/Sheekoo+Handmade+Bags+%2526+Accessories_1310498328799.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628971928496711618" /></a></a>Will wonders never cease? I finally got my website back up! I simplified it quite a bit, and instead of having my own shopping cart like before, I'm only going to list on Etsy. This is the first site I actually made all by myself. Well, I used a template, but I had to customize it with all my own graphics and colors. Pat, pat, pat. (I'm patting myself on the back.)<br /><br />AND I even made myself a little favicon--the little graphic that appears at the top of the browser. Mine is a tiny brown purse. Pat, pat, pat.Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-20774227982606947652011-06-01T20:19:00.000-07:002011-06-01T20:27:17.279-07:00Mean Columbian Hacker<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c3xHllu8vicPGnqxB1t18zDn2tKT95ZZ-R0agNATiuiPpvSxMgrfXtPrZqQGTSpaxEqqdGWJq_iIh0D-3BUPqIW91VW6oJq9bykJq-Wpcb1vFdhE1EDHXga1KRfUGOzciUVP9nJQ4Ase/s1600/downformaintenance.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c3xHllu8vicPGnqxB1t18zDn2tKT95ZZ-R0agNATiuiPpvSxMgrfXtPrZqQGTSpaxEqqdGWJq_iIh0D-3BUPqIW91VW6oJq9bykJq-Wpcb1vFdhE1EDHXga1KRfUGOzciUVP9nJQ4Ase/s800/downformaintenance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613456892981308210" /></a>If you've looked at my Sheekoo site lately, you probably noticed that it isn't there. That's because it was hacked and taken over by a Columbian phishing scammer, trying to get private banking information from people in Columbia. They corrupted a bunch of my web files, and I need to figure out how to fix them.<br /><br />Thankfully, they did not get any of my customers' personal information, and since I use Paypal for my checkout, I didn't have anyone's credit card information anyway--phew. I'm also grateful that they weren't scamming people in the US, since that's where my customers are. <br /><br />But I'm not so grateful that there are such underhanded, good-for-nothing, bleepity-bleeping people out there that would do something like this. Have your mothers taught you nothing?!? <br /><br />Anyway, my website was pretty out of date, so maybe this will help me re-envision what I want it to look like and how I want it to operate. So, I'm sorry for any inconvenience. If there's something in particular you saw previously or at a show, feel free to contact me!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-40663531454665760482011-03-08T12:13:00.000-08:002011-03-08T12:27:32.362-08:00A Little Bib CrazyI sometimes babysit a friend's 8-month old baby, so I got it in my head to make a few bibs for her. It was SUCH fun picking the cute baby fabrics that I got a LITTLE bit carried away. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFYnzdzz80g002tFxIhSnF1qJVWJYRpNlNrPO9ORhnoGjzk7ntSA2bHIRevLRZ5d4mXcUip4p5spZc6EojrALTr3jcaY_8IUv-7IBtOoA5A4VgqIP-fvguUK3pEP910TOd0yiLgQ5kMMC/s1600/bibcirclesm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 442px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFYnzdzz80g002tFxIhSnF1qJVWJYRpNlNrPO9ORhnoGjzk7ntSA2bHIRevLRZ5d4mXcUip4p5spZc6EojrALTr3jcaY_8IUv-7IBtOoA5A4VgqIP-fvguUK3pEP910TOd0yiLgQ5kMMC/s800/bibcirclesm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581805995915329682" /></a>I ended up making over 50 bibs. My family members asked me why I was making so many, to which I laughed maniacally and told them that I couldn't seem to stop myself. Is there a local chapter of Bib Makers Anonymous?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wbEkfi0Q7THH5uLFghGRirifXqH6-JtDae1WP8qkmh45apw3usFy07IRC9qih5B7H9-Sdkte3FSG3mMj9egoGcK9DGxYHA0YNq3GgdzCekUFWJtZlc_lmOslokDgsk8wrhlPG-VXKKZZ/s1600/bibsgirlsm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wbEkfi0Q7THH5uLFghGRirifXqH6-JtDae1WP8qkmh45apw3usFy07IRC9qih5B7H9-Sdkte3FSG3mMj9egoGcK9DGxYHA0YNq3GgdzCekUFWJtZlc_lmOslokDgsk8wrhlPG-VXKKZZ/s500/bibsgirlsm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581805986445044642" /></a>So what, so I have a few bibs to sell. Here's a set for little girls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVXziqRevaG7hyphenhyphenFrShBu90sHoHmDCftoFfGM4edD0_puseOdP0Pgt2jCLjK4eFdoSuAiENoXa64S46q0RirvGWknIlh2NMcQJ5BptgI-bDx8kyBEP5CIQGBYZs2M5I2XSbK01lAQkwe12/s1600/bibsboysm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVXziqRevaG7hyphenhyphenFrShBu90sHoHmDCftoFfGM4edD0_puseOdP0Pgt2jCLjK4eFdoSuAiENoXa64S46q0RirvGWknIlh2NMcQJ5BptgI-bDx8kyBEP5CIQGBYZs2M5I2XSbK01lAQkwe12/s800/bibsboysm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581805983390575442" /></a>Or for little boys.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOZ_S3_banPWjMWw7Qvrccas8hCTa3u-Jt7zsjMa1L2LvrRWcnlxBtfXc7y8ChsZxijEBTL0pC8019dye_pNb0Dl16Q5h8Ka3KsgEb1auVrEw9dEcx2j5QTt2SALN7dKHglzEra3UpBm2/s1600/bibneutralsm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOZ_S3_banPWjMWw7Qvrccas8hCTa3u-Jt7zsjMa1L2LvrRWcnlxBtfXc7y8ChsZxijEBTL0pC8019dye_pNb0Dl16Q5h8Ka3KsgEb1auVrEw9dEcx2j5QTt2SALN7dKHglzEra3UpBm2/s500/bibneutralsm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581805971977411858" /></a>Or if you don't know the baby's gender, here's even a set that's gender neutral. I'm kinda partial to those robots, and of course, the little doggies.<br /><br />I have them posted here in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheekoo">my Etsy store</a>. They're made of super soft 100% cotton flannel and are lined with a layer of 100% cotton batting, for the utmost in absorption and coverage. The side velcro closure means they're easy to put on and take off--but make sure to close the velcro before putting them in the wash so other things don't get stuck on it.Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-83839663699806836092011-03-02T16:39:00.000-08:002011-03-02T16:58:56.189-08:00A Purse for Me Own SelfI liked the style of the <a href="http://mikimica.blogspot.com/2011/02/suzis-purse.html">purse I made for my friend Suzi</a> so much that I decided to make one for myself. Even though I make purses all the time, it's actually quite rare for me to keep one. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15O38BxBQLsHXDoFRrBKN6Cu2ZWoeGZ27UgLnD6dPWfC2rsA_3uCEjhOCUK83XZbkGCI4lzrXjO1Xo6_nAue2dIneLOu_x_5ehjJXYA9IpcOf67jk_J8LmDdTfROGKlyyu-4U5Mj7S6T5/s1600/mypurse.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15O38BxBQLsHXDoFRrBKN6Cu2ZWoeGZ27UgLnD6dPWfC2rsA_3uCEjhOCUK83XZbkGCI4lzrXjO1Xo6_nAue2dIneLOu_x_5ehjJXYA9IpcOf67jk_J8LmDdTfROGKlyyu-4U5Mj7S6T5/s800/mypurse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579647341562511410" /></a><br />Although I made it a month ago, right after I made Suzi's,I just haven't taken the time to post about it until now. Bad, bad, bad, bad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThvqB0jFhH7INGyfQPXsN2nM56eY8fCQnL9zujDMrtybN9nZjoS72BHla_H9j5SH_UevVAILE-85aIzo75BBYxPhHY7YgAWqGXXcZL2XVEVpPfJp8bKXqwzFRk4hyGDBW4Tq8qRhkcWDu/s1600/mypursecell.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThvqB0jFhH7INGyfQPXsN2nM56eY8fCQnL9zujDMrtybN9nZjoS72BHla_H9j5SH_UevVAILE-85aIzo75BBYxPhHY7YgAWqGXXcZL2XVEVpPfJp8bKXqwzFRk4hyGDBW4Tq8qRhkcWDu/s800/mypursecell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579647244380896674" /></a>Enough self-flagellation. I love the fabric of my new purse, the convenient adjustable strap, the fact that it closes completely with a zipper, and the crimson ultrasuede edging on the pocket. But having a cell phone pocket on the outside of the purse--THAT is my all-time favorite feature. Also a great place to stuff keys (or a few dog treats for Cabana).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2qg6ASkkEVNjylRMlwotC05h5mwp83a8cNVLPc4PbUzsWC2l8z1mqgb31Mz8epq6LSh4jNCAi6lygPhSJ3EBSswTNYzubzMNLlzuTZyBLjG0xEFCbBmnaM6RsryEWifVCp3nIdCaKVlF/s1600/mypurseinner.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2qg6ASkkEVNjylRMlwotC05h5mwp83a8cNVLPc4PbUzsWC2l8z1mqgb31Mz8epq6LSh4jNCAi6lygPhSJ3EBSswTNYzubzMNLlzuTZyBLjG0xEFCbBmnaM6RsryEWifVCp3nIdCaKVlF/s800/mypurseinner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579647240330774690" /></a>Lots of pockets inside, too. I tried being lazy once and made a purse without interior pockets. After a few days, I ripped it apart so I could add pockets inside. I don't know how you can use a purse without pockets. Where would you stash your lip balm or mints or hygiene products? <br /><br />Hey hey, if you like this purse, GOOD NEWS! I made TWO, so there's one for sale on <a href="http://www.sheekoo.com">my website</a>!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-10460513133748878542011-02-03T07:23:00.000-08:002011-02-03T07:47:24.838-08:00Suzi's PurseMy friend Suzi has been carrying a purse that I made for her a couple years ago. She uses it daily--and it shows! Kind of like a child's overly-loved stuffed animal, with bits falling off here, frayed and tattered. I said, "Suzi, it's time for a new purse!" She said, "Oh no, I love this fabric so much that I can't stop using this purse."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83QdKtDLPEuhx-zrW7VYwgcl5aFzwtHybvgpBQrQEZeK6VQYW34lN5JNiptpuX7OmpOOcgOrTRsDmMZWXcyyeEVBo2hrEDGyBIHHPCatXG-1xjGCghWSCYW-5MZi2goKUpetDgDAZYdK9/s1600/suzpurse.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83QdKtDLPEuhx-zrW7VYwgcl5aFzwtHybvgpBQrQEZeK6VQYW34lN5JNiptpuX7OmpOOcgOrTRsDmMZWXcyyeEVBo2hrEDGyBIHHPCatXG-1xjGCghWSCYW-5MZi2goKUpetDgDAZYdK9/s800/suzpurse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569484632767265922" /></a>Since there have to be a few perks to being my friend, I decided to make Suzi a new purse, using the same fabric she loves so much.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiRITbyUXyDfYrONZbtA-9l-6CUT6QGVRtKnQFrB3gUGVXKXZCckdbzv_8DFY7JAYRq1LSIoXaLIG958n9qMPIWrZsxMipZMv9Py7SqoNkNk9wobSAjQnmD0U9X4sXlun-5-udcY599Hb/s1600/suzpurserev.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiRITbyUXyDfYrONZbtA-9l-6CUT6QGVRtKnQFrB3gUGVXKXZCckdbzv_8DFY7JAYRq1LSIoXaLIG958n9qMPIWrZsxMipZMv9Py7SqoNkNk9wobSAjQnmD0U9X4sXlun-5-udcY599Hb/s400/suzpurserev.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569484617641701666" /></a>It is zippered across the top for "thing containment" and has a big pocket along one of the outer sides. The long webbing strap is adjustable to wear the purse straight or cross-body.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPJdzn5FMuE3FpW5sxTjMxZyQQxtgMIYDX_Mxl8Zhk889gS6MzIJZv8TY9iuh3h9vWfVYPyJpItwaMOR8pB5D5AuTVSUjmUTuYqVokOFbLtpMSESU_UvvhqiJnq50KbLn9vQAq2XnMdE3/s1600/suzpursecell.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPJdzn5FMuE3FpW5sxTjMxZyQQxtgMIYDX_Mxl8Zhk889gS6MzIJZv8TY9iuh3h9vWfVYPyJpItwaMOR8pB5D5AuTVSUjmUTuYqVokOFbLtpMSESU_UvvhqiJnq50KbLn9vQAq2XnMdE3/s800/suzpursecell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569484611464235410" /></a>A feature I like best is the hidden cell phone compartment tucked inside the outer pocket, making it easy to find and answer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkTU1sQhw_dLeRY7yA_iacRAzhDDmcjItOSlvnJirKtQrk1IOwvJendPX-z4pQ7Tl4x_sHoUrhYtSkC5AOXIzTbzp5YWaNQVFYqsP1L4gu8sVg6hNfeEgOgAyYi0ICtrYMi21vNeo8Jls/s1600/suzpurseinner.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkTU1sQhw_dLeRY7yA_iacRAzhDDmcjItOSlvnJirKtQrk1IOwvJendPX-z4pQ7Tl4x_sHoUrhYtSkC5AOXIzTbzp5YWaNQVFYqsP1L4gu8sVg6hNfeEgOgAyYi0ICtrYMi21vNeo8Jls/s400/suzpurseinner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569484634827034658" /></a>There are also pockets inside and a cheerful blue interior. I hope Suzi likes it enough to finally stop using her old worn out purse!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-80808436431749165822011-01-25T14:23:00.000-08:002011-01-25T14:39:49.094-08:00Sewing Room<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvG0DjpInKvW-8ZO8r0MpsYb_a9qqV9ltMxMIgxsTntuxT17hmJipTIrCsFqS_fhVa_LC34wzIpLABTiE_ho4aFWCJ0ykfO72dhMDH-axqv-YwY63-Ee2Ir33AONbHfgME0dbQhmsA7rn/s1600/sewingroom.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvG0DjpInKvW-8ZO8r0MpsYb_a9qqV9ltMxMIgxsTntuxT17hmJipTIrCsFqS_fhVa_LC34wzIpLABTiE_ho4aFWCJ0ykfO72dhMDH-axqv-YwY63-Ee2Ir33AONbHfgME0dbQhmsA7rn/s800/sewingroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566252987159322178" /></a>I am challenging myself to do a better job at posting on this blog and updating my Facebook page. I've been quite pathetic in the past, I know, but after I make this one excuse, I won't make anymore. Hopefully. But don't quote me on that. <br /><br />My recent (and forevermore last) excuse is that I've been moving my sewing area into the house. For the past several years, my sewing studio has been in the garage. While I was grateful for the space, it was actually slightly miserable. It was always dirty and messy and dark. In the summer, it was boiling hot. In the winter, freezing cold. I made do with a fan and a space heater, and granted, for most months, since we live in a temperate climate, it wasn't bad. But for a few stretches in January and August, the weather was enough to deter me from getting any sewing done.<br /><br />We have an extra bedroom in the house that we used as a guest room. Now, I apologize to our relatives who used to have a nice bed (the most comfortable mattress in our whole house) to sleep in when they visited us. But really, how many days a year did the room get used? Maybe 2 weeks maximum. Compared to how much time I spend sewing, it seemed like a change I should have made a long time ago. <br /><br />I'm SO pleased with my new sewing room. I love having a window! Natural light, sights and sounds from the neighborhood, and even beautiful sunsets! I bought an old TV off Craig's List for $10, and it has been fun to watch TV while sewing (I've been getting hooked on HGTV--I love those decorating and do-it-yourself shows). It took me weeks to get everything sorted, organized and situated, and even though I have more that I can probably do, it's good enough for now. Ahh, I feel so spoiled and blessed and creative whenever I'm sitting in that room. <br /><br />So now I have no more excuses. I have a great work space, so I need to buckle down and get to work. Laissez les creative juices rouler!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-58349673162570660342010-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:002010-10-21T11:03:34.022-07:00Various & Sundries in Fairfax<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Adw5GW2H2pGuCQHgm144Lfd3eDZGvGcBsy_4R8MK4jwzGzeM3ELieLbBeprGAybYTAmsiJ-N5uaPka2DGaCP04NlmlMg_FbuiAgKFToTaejFw4K9zsxC9dDTt3RiPVbB8wjxz1QlrpRi/s1600/2smorris.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Adw5GW2H2pGuCQHgm144Lfd3eDZGvGcBsy_4R8MK4jwzGzeM3ELieLbBeprGAybYTAmsiJ-N5uaPka2DGaCP04NlmlMg_FbuiAgKFToTaejFw4K9zsxC9dDTt3RiPVbB8wjxz1QlrpRi/s800/2smorris.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530560598863363266" /></a>The boutique store Various & Sundries has been selling my Sheekoo items for a couple years now, but recently, they moved to a fabulous new location in Fairfax, CA. The new store is GORGEOUS, with lots of natural light, on a street with tons of other fun shops. And as always, it is filled with unique gifts, most of them handmade by local artisans. Here is Stephanie, the wonderful owner of the shop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMBh4yuV6tY81NahJHRyb1K4x0jlP3Z6O66O_FWPbXi8_NeTrIIPpVDJbM0Kr9js8kXxT_bY4HZW6PgUopFCizDGhhzjVUg5VWw9N-CroHkQkiLW-U5dOCcda_m2ye5O34UF3F-X0cptQ/s1600/2vsbaby2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMBh4yuV6tY81NahJHRyb1K4x0jlP3Z6O66O_FWPbXi8_NeTrIIPpVDJbM0Kr9js8kXxT_bY4HZW6PgUopFCizDGhhzjVUg5VWw9N-CroHkQkiLW-U5dOCcda_m2ye5O34UF3F-X0cptQ/s800/2vsbaby2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530558055436236274" /></a>There's a whole area dedicated to baby gifts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVULfFxTiuMsCzad5S1ZJD12WhWU09qhog7iFn-LfN3OK-mQ_0HE4lTPxPBRuUX8hUxLyxsB6dVni96ktoYS7Or-FpNDOE8JBre2blVKgOlasejMfvUoIOvXWvhdFx3rLX001k4sLsH5H/s1600/2vspottery.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVULfFxTiuMsCzad5S1ZJD12WhWU09qhog7iFn-LfN3OK-mQ_0HE4lTPxPBRuUX8hUxLyxsB6dVni96ktoYS7Or-FpNDOE8JBre2blVKgOlasejMfvUoIOvXWvhdFx3rLX001k4sLsH5H/s800/2vspottery.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530558050585171986" /></a>Here's a sampling of clothing and pottery items.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OLvC6RF2swSHYmbIqycI5U_j0-CNq9au9x1L8ygqtuCvZjDzBMc2t-Eeys16WCrPf9gIRLFaIQEsXmcFQvwgkf0HlpYFXkGa7XinhkqXWR__h3qP1gQ8UezvfS5XrGaky3o1wh3RKStB/s1600/2vssheekoo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OLvC6RF2swSHYmbIqycI5U_j0-CNq9au9x1L8ygqtuCvZjDzBMc2t-Eeys16WCrPf9gIRLFaIQEsXmcFQvwgkf0HlpYFXkGa7XinhkqXWR__h3qP1gQ8UezvfS5XrGaky3o1wh3RKStB/s800/2vssheekoo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530558043963159666" /></a>And of course, some of my Cork Collection and fabric items. The inventory on my Sheekoo items is a bit low right now, but my items sell very well there--sometimes, it's a struggle to keep them well stocked!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-51938811218245914952010-09-16T18:16:00.001-07:002010-09-16T18:48:12.173-07:00New Store in Sonoma - My Girlfriend's Closet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7YimZnqzs2uolmSDIqqgDcKGpu0rNlOMSHvu-cdH98Wjr-adi6jTpaRtnqcdVzRwTHG427bGkRXq2gm5RzMMkb9bTTNTFJ87H_t87KMkYJziiqtbv1DSmvodY80mlCyYxeQq0IGBRAaE/s1600/1fullsign.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7YimZnqzs2uolmSDIqqgDcKGpu0rNlOMSHvu-cdH98Wjr-adi6jTpaRtnqcdVzRwTHG427bGkRXq2gm5RzMMkb9bTTNTFJ87H_t87KMkYJziiqtbv1DSmvodY80mlCyYxeQq0IGBRAaE/s800/1fullsign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517686133620200882" /></a>My Sheekoo Cork Collection is now available at a brand new store, just off The Plaza in Sonoma's beautiful downtown. It's an upscale consignment store called My Girlfriend's Closet. (I also designed the store's logo, seen on this fun sign outside.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu4Qi79H9yED3r4itbwIwuJUTPJFmkYE1cNTGZUQPTUaKn1HyldM1f2vqAbpDuZYPGH_dytl0xfR3AnxmR6xQfg-_v3k7p_5B5hDVcYGg8D3-JKmzfzVON1GC8V4feX75R_FbvTK7D7jM/s1600/1behindregister.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu4Qi79H9yED3r4itbwIwuJUTPJFmkYE1cNTGZUQPTUaKn1HyldM1f2vqAbpDuZYPGH_dytl0xfR3AnxmR6xQfg-_v3k7p_5B5hDVcYGg8D3-JKmzfzVON1GC8V4feX75R_FbvTK7D7jM/s800/1behindregister.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517686127518063474" /></a>Here are a few of my cork items, prominently displayed behind the wrap counter and register. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_rBrnRaG5yeV1VaE9NPqteCA_PEMJB-crQ5ytV-FROxka_4svZSs7xIJqgT0td-3xXriKwWwAIwbc0mRu0qdK0airvYkfKuoe8P0t8MKUQuTLHmQGHbVGwOyH3zAXiV9_RVMqUEo4lAw/s1600/1inside.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 385px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_rBrnRaG5yeV1VaE9NPqteCA_PEMJB-crQ5ytV-FROxka_4svZSs7xIJqgT0td-3xXriKwWwAIwbc0mRu0qdK0airvYkfKuoe8P0t8MKUQuTLHmQGHbVGwOyH3zAXiV9_RVMqUEo4lAw/s800/1inside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517686113589924786" /></a>Even though the store just opened, it already has a great inventory of new and nearly new items. I bought a pair of shoes there for only $24, and I have my eye on a couple of other items I saw there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnq4-ZIR5su7RZTZyNEXXRQ602vEJfVhPouh6XRSyMg-JpJc-jHbOqpc5AhQqXhnuTG3WDVi5frBXkY1YQ0Ol87z-CF4kg8AEbA-WEN3q4S6z3bJjyPNP-11NrTNYYp3DW9FeQir2U2wh5/s1600/1scarvesclose.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 452px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnq4-ZIR5su7RZTZyNEXXRQ602vEJfVhPouh6XRSyMg-JpJc-jHbOqpc5AhQqXhnuTG3WDVi5frBXkY1YQ0Ol87z-CF4kg8AEbA-WEN3q4S6z3bJjyPNP-11NrTNYYp3DW9FeQir2U2wh5/s800/1scarvesclose.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517686104829470354" /></a>Hope you'll stop by!<br /><br />My Girlfriend's Closet<br />539 First Street West<br />Sonoma, CA <br />707-933-3050Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-71452915437269875282010-07-01T09:44:00.001-07:002010-07-01T09:56:00.566-07:00Bitty Booties and My First Tutorial<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYe7M-zPozdFJ0dTdUiJt3eDwRY2WD6wxe2_Q5lpZBMrsFhpWkX2NVyYPmTLclWILLA_-3WDlCru1NVlK34oKhyphenhyphenzbrphnyw9iYo-hUrrrtWSiR-wHZ9X6K1d08vQV6U6zn2C9JqsGYY-vG/s1600/booties.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYe7M-zPozdFJ0dTdUiJt3eDwRY2WD6wxe2_Q5lpZBMrsFhpWkX2NVyYPmTLclWILLA_-3WDlCru1NVlK34oKhyphenhyphenzbrphnyw9iYo-hUrrrtWSiR-wHZ9X6K1d08vQV6U6zn2C9JqsGYY-vG/s800/booties.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488979744771562610" /></a>I recently made these felt baby booties as a present for my friend's new baby, using <a href="http://www.heatherbaileydesign.com/Booties.html">Heather Bailey's free pattern</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObPoyyb4Qs8vqfNQWl_GiaUpSdQGffvlxphbRW0AdW8a2CCKJV5aSWIyEAeXnxEYjGMJDvQmh9n0CbPlwOTzII7fpXPbnyB9lCVNPCkULVkHHLAbDC0XeQyJr9Uc_p0PurSBrTMelfOc/s800/15voila_sf.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObPoyyb4Qs8vqfNQWl_GiaUpSdQGffvlxphbRW0AdW8a2CCKJV5aSWIyEAeXnxEYjGMJDvQmh9n0CbPlwOTzII7fpXPbnyB9lCVNPCkULVkHHLAbDC0XeQyJr9Uc_p0PurSBrTMelfOc/s800/15voila_sf.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />There are so many free patterns and tutorials online these days--aren't we so fortunate?! I've been wanting to make my own contribution to the resources available out there. So here's my first tutorial on <a href="http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B7wPkWdF5v5rZTZlMDQxNjEtOWNjOS00ZjhlLTliMzctOWJjMDk2YWY2NTU4&hl=en">how to make an adjustable dog collar</a>. Cabana is modeling one of her MANY homemade dog collars here.<br /><br />If you use my tutorial, I'd appreciate any feedback so I can make changes to it as needed. I'd also love to see photos of the collars you make, so please send them to me!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-86228548192483757002010-06-11T09:45:00.001-07:002010-06-11T09:50:59.458-07:00Featured on Martha Stewart!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWN4sxzo-7rZyGeXYqJbRcOrTWgwY9VO9c4vCV0jhi04m9Sk8WDwmYVrDvuw11VFCNtFhdTLe43yBGd-7TmENxDcivPks67k1mkNYDbnLClx0Jn83mg8gKjTbJDWc9BZLlBIvoBUoOwiTc/s1600/sewingproject.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 417px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWN4sxzo-7rZyGeXYqJbRcOrTWgwY9VO9c4vCV0jhi04m9Sk8WDwmYVrDvuw11VFCNtFhdTLe43yBGd-7TmENxDcivPks67k1mkNYDbnLClx0Jn83mg8gKjTbJDWc9BZLlBIvoBUoOwiTc/s800/sewingproject.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481558581714181874" /></a>No, I'm not going to be on Martha Stewart's TV show (yet)! But a few months ago, I submitted a photo of my felt sewing kits on Martha Stewart's website, and it was selected as one of the favorites! It's probably not such a big deal, but I'm still pretty excited about it.<br /><br />You can see a slideshow of the "Best Sewing Projects" <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/your-best-sewing-projects-2010 ">here</a>. Mine is the second photo in the slideshow.Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-7978908560267999992010-05-07T16:24:00.000-07:002010-05-07T16:31:25.044-07:00Cork Portfolio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuImgjlignk15CcYD2sH0XKsKE6VDqtQu8NuMIJSynkZRW6UeF8Inp8usJtNkvU9qs__8JDCFhnvD3S_pz6nLWKHB47TNbjTtUSqKqB1OGRP-Wk0kcbDDSz_0I8QZoJB1sIJJ35NoJ4-rg/s1600/portfoliofront.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 349px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuImgjlignk15CcYD2sH0XKsKE6VDqtQu8NuMIJSynkZRW6UeF8Inp8usJtNkvU9qs__8JDCFhnvD3S_pz6nLWKHB47TNbjTtUSqKqB1OGRP-Wk0kcbDDSz_0I8QZoJB1sIJJ35NoJ4-rg/s800/portfoliofront.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468673275923358370" /></a>A customer recently asked me to make a portfolio out of cork for him, because he works for a company in town that sells wine corks. He also asked me to put his company logo on it for him. Since it was an easy logo to produce, I said sure! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF0c6ERZA2pk6O4BiJSHc8RBslhlLtCMqCIoukzhP0_L2mkUwakt35Yow_vaKwuru4AtcmJOYM_JAoUVb2GiuyIQ9XofP9-fKTLXGYmlL6rzyUZCn_Sko4YmGr1esxX2d0c51HPnQ786Z/s1600/portfolioopen.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF0c6ERZA2pk6O4BiJSHc8RBslhlLtCMqCIoukzhP0_L2mkUwakt35Yow_vaKwuru4AtcmJOYM_JAoUVb2GiuyIQ9XofP9-fKTLXGYmlL6rzyUZCn_Sko4YmGr1esxX2d0c51HPnQ786Z/s400/portfolioopen.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468673267283745730" /></a>It took me two tries to get it right, but I was pretty happy with the result. Since I've taken the trouble to figure out how to make one, I suppose I should be making a few more to sell (albeit sans logo). Think they would sell?Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-9027423639568910382010-04-25T14:40:00.000-07:002010-04-25T15:03:57.884-07:00No More Butter & Eggs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1cM6iJLUvXF-4Jmyy7hDAzwCHtHqnIN0LKeIXq7yP6XIB3dfgkbkrhJ7RFCADTowVb_1HVMhpqAkVmGjKa62ba9X8eje_pRWkEqWmbrX9jShRZMCi_3NZhu2Q8iH2x9a3A40oJou8vbC/s1600/table.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1cM6iJLUvXF-4Jmyy7hDAzwCHtHqnIN0LKeIXq7yP6XIB3dfgkbkrhJ7RFCADTowVb_1HVMhpqAkVmGjKa62ba9X8eje_pRWkEqWmbrX9jShRZMCi_3NZhu2Q8iH2x9a3A40oJou8vbC/s800/table.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464193661280983522" /></a>No more Butter & Eggs Day, for another year at least. I always breathe a sigh of relief when a show is over--and I sleep like a log that night, too. Shows are a lot of work, leading up to that day, since I never seem to have enough inventory. And then, being outdoors from 7:30am until after 5pm is exhausting, doubly so if it's a 2-day show. But finally, I've gotten the hang of doing them, and they don't seem as daunting as they used to. I enjoy the interaction and direct feedback from customers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrKRJnGgRO9VZ-QrTT_p9WndAZ2Zq3Kqv91FpAaz1-xoUIXtakU5QpUVK8RCfT4bFRfGlpDvzqyei-G_NXk-v3rxyYYSz2k8o_yPgfo3BfcSdgJIDZa-Lq0FtfOfySZg1JIBngDvUfxXI/s1600/gridwall.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrKRJnGgRO9VZ-QrTT_p9WndAZ2Zq3Kqv91FpAaz1-xoUIXtakU5QpUVK8RCfT4bFRfGlpDvzqyei-G_NXk-v3rxyYYSz2k8o_yPgfo3BfcSdgJIDZa-Lq0FtfOfySZg1JIBngDvUfxXI/s800/gridwall.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464193658299527218" /></a>In some ways, with this past show, I think I got a little too relaxed. Didn't push myself as hard leading up to it, didn't plan out how I wanted the booth to be laid out the day before, which is something I usually do. Also, my best friend Lisa usually comes to help me set up. She has a great logistical eye and usually tells me to move this rack over here, put these products in the front of the booth, etc. This time, Lisa didn't come (I told her not to, although she offered), and I lacked her discerning eye. <br /><br />But the pendulum has to swing back and forth before it finds its comfort zone. After two years of getting stressed and nervous about shows, it's a welcome change to be a bit too laid back about one. Hopefully, I'll be able to find the right balance for my next show.<br /><br />Speaking of which, my next show: Sonoma Plaza Ox Roast, June 5-6, 2010Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-29008994383801276732010-04-22T18:14:00.000-07:002010-04-22T18:20:35.155-07:00New Cork Collection Photo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJTUbH0kA41c8JUx7p3BYiYEeMCw5VX0MqfONT_wtrjT6bQFCjrV1Yc7E5T8gr-gAP7C6PMH_opefoAP04PyxOStSe2EsZcQ0cnv69lqKsVsxxo5be6zEcFYl_a2Vj26O7O6Qolx9DKp9/s1600/corkcollection_embell_web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJTUbH0kA41c8JUx7p3BYiYEeMCw5VX0MqfONT_wtrjT6bQFCjrV1Yc7E5T8gr-gAP7C6PMH_opefoAP04PyxOStSe2EsZcQ0cnv69lqKsVsxxo5be6zEcFYl_a2Vj26O7O6Qolx9DKp9/s800/corkcollection_embell_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463135254046128370" /></a>The store in San Anselmo that sells my products is going to be placing an ad in The Pacific Sun newspaper! So they needed a photo for the ad, which prompted me to get cracking and take this photo.<br /><br />This Saturday is the Butter & Eggs Show and Parade in downtown Petaluma. My booth will be in the A Street parking lot. Hope to see you there!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-58943198197912958272010-04-03T18:37:00.001-07:002010-04-03T18:49:54.239-07:00Embellished Cork MessengersThere's no doubt about it--I'm lazy when it comes to this blog! But hopefully, it means I'm being productive in other ways. Right? Well, I don't know how true that is...but I'm trying. Sewing has a way of being edged out by everything else in life. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-LwyccvNuQ6Ved9nPqfPpNQ0oWGMbvI2kXTFUfCHkvXsfcwcysMsKE9vIeYCaXDv40JPiYo3tTEHP8RjZSj6RaHFWB44nkAiN1IWZ-nnuDZ3dvs-9992vWdAMrlViv0nFjs4Vkx7wsNN/s1600/cork_msgr_curvedleaf.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 516px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-LwyccvNuQ6Ved9nPqfPpNQ0oWGMbvI2kXTFUfCHkvXsfcwcysMsKE9vIeYCaXDv40JPiYo3tTEHP8RjZSj6RaHFWB44nkAiN1IWZ-nnuDZ3dvs-9992vWdAMrlViv0nFjs4Vkx7wsNN/s800/cork_msgr_curvedleaf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456090558111467538" /></a>I am pleased with these new embellished messenger bags. After I made the journals in my last post, I realized that I should be embellishing more of my cork items. Natural themes seem to pair best with the cork. Pictured above is my first leaf motif, a close copy of what I made for the journal cover.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTZQ8SqlSO_vWRhLgaSBH2kMMcxhav4E2jVfjRW7m4rX5axXyqtNlGEb3j4D7mivf-FMG6kGZK-GfpxrjfKvmyRyXmZMXcIl-NO8MGcohkmE6ChXr-y1ovSbS3420Gc9I9EWJm4sr9YZN/s1600/cork_msgr_straightleaf.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 580px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTZQ8SqlSO_vWRhLgaSBH2kMMcxhav4E2jVfjRW7m4rX5axXyqtNlGEb3j4D7mivf-FMG6kGZK-GfpxrjfKvmyRyXmZMXcIl-NO8MGcohkmE6ChXr-y1ovSbS3420Gc9I9EWJm4sr9YZN/s800/cork_msgr_straightleaf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456090553050024322" /></a>Then, I made this straight stem motif. Both my daughters prefer this one. I have to say, I kinda like it better, too.<br /><br />The embellishment is time consuming--but I find I enjoy that part best. Although I may not really be able to recoup the time spent in the price of the bag, it's okay for now. If I were making hundreds of these at a time, I might need to come up with a quicker way of doing it than cutting each leaf individually with plain old scissors--but for now, it's something I can do while I watch American Idol or Project Runway. ;)Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-51608503639658562482010-03-20T11:56:00.000-07:002010-03-20T12:18:30.209-07:00Journal Covers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wsiVcSJHM0B2Ooa5rjEDluNy0qH7OOgF0VZDgyRdOTDHOWa1uZRubE4qAB1cbeolad_9h7l8RBT5tE6XDthgtYJI_uV0hAunj6QLNuSStM4G88EMuF_gOrxSpCEqZQwNx0Vvde2-IcrX/s1600-h/journals.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 498px; height: 439px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wsiVcSJHM0B2Ooa5rjEDluNy0qH7OOgF0VZDgyRdOTDHOWa1uZRubE4qAB1cbeolad_9h7l8RBT5tE6XDthgtYJI_uV0hAunj6QLNuSStM4G88EMuF_gOrxSpCEqZQwNx0Vvde2-IcrX/s400/journals.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450796010594654290" /></a>At Staples, I happened to find a bunch of composition books for only .50 each. Since I'm often asked for journal covers, my bargain purchase made me decide the time was finally right to make some. These covers are made with light cork fabric and then embellished with dark cork that I have cut out and appliqued.<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvNecSTpxTkpAD8b6-bylzWTT1Xmy_soKCROAeNb6XfYB5u0aRrPQO-qvNcw5VSwLWAHYRhpmSiidYsuh57BvArL0kaaksgeTVcaR65uOrzEaFQgEja-PFUd3aVyqF9ytBoy_nWag-W2G/s1600-h/journal_leaf.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 498px; height: 465px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvNecSTpxTkpAD8b6-bylzWTT1Xmy_soKCROAeNb6XfYB5u0aRrPQO-qvNcw5VSwLWAHYRhpmSiidYsuh57BvArL0kaaksgeTVcaR65uOrzEaFQgEja-PFUd3aVyqF9ytBoy_nWag-W2G/s400/journal_leaf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450795999546423026" /></a>I think the leaf is my favorite. A standard sized composition book slips easily into the slots and can be replaced with a new one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX9jpz6LG07y6KqV360dk8NwhLDj6digQwoHtMptZQkJJaXFWWpieUihSPPsRvhv3Q8DNsa1PRRFhv-kO_KlwuFt2DaZCwenU-GQUZM7ON4G9_k4z0Dct2drDJwoWQxCc4jlkFi9ybcTL/s1600-h/journalopen.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 498px; height: 346px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX9jpz6LG07y6KqV360dk8NwhLDj6digQwoHtMptZQkJJaXFWWpieUihSPPsRvhv3Q8DNsa1PRRFhv-kO_KlwuFt2DaZCwenU-GQUZM7ON4G9_k4z0Dct2drDJwoWQxCc4jlkFi9ybcTL/s400/journalopen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450795988660318258" /></a>There are two ribbon bookmarks for keeping your place.Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-75757307081491752042010-03-01T07:23:00.000-08:002010-03-09T20:13:02.217-08:00Dark Cork Wine Totes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ap2c0ps8LZew6_7suR15S8xIe8KNyWrinGQ56Dq2ZCADuuDu78IMSGO8_8b2y62kOSkmCDJp9kSDGXBZ7idCNp8Ynpt06qGsCdLRJatpDQ1GLnKhQl4VRb_GGxXk85Z1uZg3dV_EBbdw/s1600-h/stripedwinetotes.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 498px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ap2c0ps8LZew6_7suR15S8xIe8KNyWrinGQ56Dq2ZCADuuDu78IMSGO8_8b2y62kOSkmCDJp9kSDGXBZ7idCNp8Ynpt06qGsCdLRJatpDQ1GLnKhQl4VRb_GGxXk85Z1uZg3dV_EBbdw/s800/stripedwinetotes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446852630678260850" /></a><br />Wine totes are a unique way to give wine as a gift. Hopefully, the recipient will re-gift the wine tote so it gets many uses. But I've had many people tell me that they plan to bring the wine in the wine tote, but then take the wine tote back home with them. Sort of like a casserole dish, rather than as part of the gift!<br /><br />I decided to make some wine totes out of dark brown cork fabric. Previously, I only used the light colored cork. The dark cork has a leather-like feel and weight. The handles are made of bamboo grown in a neighboring town, but I also made some with birch, from a large tree branch that fell down in our yard a month ago in a rain storm. Now that's upcycling!<br /><br />Any preferences on number of stripes? One, three, or none? The stripes are pieces of natural colored cork fabric.Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-18969900377924865252010-02-24T18:59:00.000-08:002010-03-09T20:14:46.975-08:00O-Ring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjMqBqaD6xYwdV75AW158D-hR88gfWD4bK8ubhm3ssdMy_M3jxr6P4Ht8_dAElBIbYa3-D06dR3uQajS9ue_5W_MIwMwNv0ZB1VqqObKV4nwhUTrjKY2CUscA03BlWzpWj7BMEWGRdLg5/s1600-h/oring_floral_LRG.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjMqBqaD6xYwdV75AW158D-hR88gfWD4bK8ubhm3ssdMy_M3jxr6P4Ht8_dAElBIbYa3-D06dR3uQajS9ue_5W_MIwMwNv0ZB1VqqObKV4nwhUTrjKY2CUscA03BlWzpWj7BMEWGRdLg5/s800/oring_floral_LRG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442010516615101778" /></a>Border prints take me back to high school (or maybe even junior high school). I always loved skirts with border prints, but border prints on short girls is a "Glamour don't". Plaster that black rectangle right over my face, why don't you!<br /><br />Maybe that's why this brown floral border print purse makes me so happy. You can be short or tall, and it doesn't matter. It looks good on just about everybody!<br /><br />I have made a few purses in this o-ring style, and they have all sold well. It's not a big purse, but it's deep, which gives a snug feeling of security to your possessions. This style takes 4 rings, which can get pricey. But I recently found a good source for them, so now I'm ready to make them in earnest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sheekoo.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=363&zenid=ea5892cbacf308c61200c708b3fc95e3">Click here</a> to see this purse in my shop.Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-37279496998306858052010-02-14T15:12:00.001-08:002010-03-10T20:24:36.678-08:00Black Cork Sling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGfhMHtoTa0gv_V8QnGdVmQ5HvM5b8HkQRyB1626PwH0y2frHrUOkzHyb8Kqnwd1DkoIRsrjjE3bczC0ZSNEOMM5ENLRv6fMMUi-AqA2fZA-OHKgRl1hhZMp0hxcrtp1f40KnYmrBubbd/s1600-h/cork_blkhobo_LRG.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 391px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGfhMHtoTa0gv_V8QnGdVmQ5HvM5b8HkQRyB1626PwH0y2frHrUOkzHyb8Kqnwd1DkoIRsrjjE3bczC0ZSNEOMM5ENLRv6fMMUi-AqA2fZA-OHKgRl1hhZMp0hxcrtp1f40KnYmrBubbd/s800/cork_blkhobo_LRG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438243163041389234" /></a><br />I'm excited to introduce a new color for my cork bags--black! Technically, it's not a true black, more of a brown-black. I know that I personally favor black bags, so I had to make one for myself right away.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ93__pWMMtHnQu6LGrUIUYzTlDAMxwgAM3xn9hPu1ugRPy69D3IjbiXH6z6M4pDBOp5QSDmU8qjdDjzqWYlBoQ_Yp_ToPFDGitfBYcy3sqju_pPBiU4Wmxnd-kjMkpCLQkfvNj-HPAA_/s1600-h/cork_blkhobo_04_LRG.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ93__pWMMtHnQu6LGrUIUYzTlDAMxwgAM3xn9hPu1ugRPy69D3IjbiXH6z6M4pDBOp5QSDmU8qjdDjzqWYlBoQ_Yp_ToPFDGitfBYcy3sqju_pPBiU4Wmxnd-kjMkpCLQkfvNj-HPAA_/s800/cork_blkhobo_04_LRG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438241223047632130" /></a>This sling style is really versatile. The strap is long enough to wear cross-wise, if desired. The zippered pocket on the outside provides easy access to your cell phone or keys.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpREia8GQpX7eTXFabXRxI4mfaj_kOGEQ0wdSuiid2CxFbXgbbtci5ciSYpN53kWdjHbweF-fiasjqAwqsPGzurUj7ix0MPsJp11V30DpxI67mFwLJxn9AEVvrd4bj3FPIL0ZAS5hQxvhJ/s1600-h/cork_blkhobo_02_LRG.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpREia8GQpX7eTXFabXRxI4mfaj_kOGEQ0wdSuiid2CxFbXgbbtci5ciSYpN53kWdjHbweF-fiasjqAwqsPGzurUj7ix0MPsJp11V30DpxI67mFwLJxn9AEVvrd4bj3FPIL0ZAS5hQxvhJ/s800/cork_blkhobo_02_LRG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438241836297131442" /></a>Best of all, it's made of cork, which is eco-friendly as well as water- and stain-resistant. Although similar to leather in feel, no animals are harmed in the production of cork fabric. And it was handmade--by me! In my own sweat shop (except that it's too cold for any sweating right now). Now I need to get my rear in gear and add it to <a href="http://www.sheekoo.com">my website</a>.....Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-17753422095483933442010-02-10T19:03:00.000-08:002010-03-10T20:25:26.836-08:00I Love Mushrooms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjokiIWHDbqU0UB0DAvuTp_EuQX_0U1Ui96Csl2XUs-RtDKheaNynxTFXqeuUM3LeJXM3qumto7Xow_vzF5kCRwlbmeNXeDl13QCS1LaTZuO42kVfDpO9uoISt9au44u_8kYO2H-C9iB3/s1600-h/mushroom_blog.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjokiIWHDbqU0UB0DAvuTp_EuQX_0U1Ui96Csl2XUs-RtDKheaNynxTFXqeuUM3LeJXM3qumto7Xow_vzF5kCRwlbmeNXeDl13QCS1LaTZuO42kVfDpO9uoISt9au44u_8kYO2H-C9iB3/s800/mushroom_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436816385268020722" /></a><br />I so clearly remember being about 10-years old, sitting at the dinner table with my family. My mother had made something with mushrooms in it, and my sister was gobbling the mushrooms up, while I stockpiled them in the corner of my plate, hoping to slip them into my napkins and throw them away. <br /><br />My sister said, "Mushrooms are so delicious. I love them." So I tried one (I think I had never ventured to put one in my mouth previously), and what do you know, they WERE good! "Hey, Mikey!"<br /><br />I have loved mushrooms ever since. And I had great fun making this 'shroom eyeglass case. The polka dots are made of sequins, and I used actual blush on a Q-tip for the cheeks!<br /><br />I took lots of photos of things I've made in the past week--but the photos all turned out crappy. Oh well, I'll try again tomorrow!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111656598112937209.post-21846424102205949992010-02-04T15:42:00.000-08:002010-03-10T20:26:16.771-08:00Window Seat Cushion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrVmlx4iFSkC4TPQw3dd__K5JzLGP0aci54yB4cqBNyUQ5iXtxiuPX2z6uouXGWP5kH2_DHQabzXum7HnJUcnk4TXABLZViH1s4ndQX6v1ZMBECZrbxFe5KfZOsvGmVHrRvDoTFa2wKP0/s1600-h/windowseat.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrVmlx4iFSkC4TPQw3dd__K5JzLGP0aci54yB4cqBNyUQ5iXtxiuPX2z6uouXGWP5kH2_DHQabzXum7HnJUcnk4TXABLZViH1s4ndQX6v1ZMBECZrbxFe5KfZOsvGmVHrRvDoTFa2wKP0/s800/windowseat.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434538085142121202" /></a>Some friends asked me to make a window seat cushion with matching pillows for their daughter's bedroom. They chose this gorgeous black and white medallion fabric. What a fabulous choice!<br /><br />In the photo, it all looks so small, but this cushion is actually 77" long. That means that my 6'5" husband could lay across this window seat with his legs fully stretched out! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpoEdpkWFA9UVTofZibr0neYajgkdFzPwLrZxPNg_gxX5NdLs3GdnTFeFj8-7n8bbqVwWnSCRFN2xxE5ydD9DgEAUrwDOzkq29DvFwUbE2a-btbu8AGumpMU_nvCTGbHq33pJUwrYUeL0/s1600-h/windowseat2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpoEdpkWFA9UVTofZibr0neYajgkdFzPwLrZxPNg_gxX5NdLs3GdnTFeFj8-7n8bbqVwWnSCRFN2xxE5ydD9DgEAUrwDOzkq29DvFwUbE2a-btbu8AGumpMU_nvCTGbHq33pJUwrYUeL0/s800/windowseat2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434538095754582514" /></a>Although the easiest way to cover the cushion would have been to "railroad" the fabric (run the yardage lengthwise), I felt the medallion pattern would look like it was "sideways" if I did it that way. <br /><br />So, I laid the fabric out widthwise instead. Because the cushion was 77" wide and the fabric was only 54", I had to have a seam. I carefully matched the pattern in the fabric, though, to make the seam as inconspicuous as possible. I bet you can't tell where the seam is!Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07059697806522016046noreply@blogger.com1