Something Different

You know that I have Etsy shops, and sometimes I actually do some work on them. Usually it's purses, clutches and the odd quilt now and then, but a couple of months ago, Roland actually did a little marketing for me, and pointed one of his colleagues in my direction. She's Jewish, and apparently when Jewish children reach a certain age they receive a prayer book. Traditionally, covering this prayer book would be an elaborate cover handmade by the mother or grandmother.

Well, this mom is a corporate attorney, and is, well, by her own admission, not crafty at all. This is where I come in. Her son didn't want anything traditional, and I think you'll all agree, there really is nothing Jewish about this book cover at all.

Roland found the hockey fabric at G Street Fabrics in Rockville, Maryland on our trip there this past September.

A clarification about my yarn ball for Karin: I didn't spin this yarn, I merely wound it into that marvelous ball. I'm probably at least a few years from actually spinning yarn, if ever, but thanks for thinking that I'm that clever. It made me smile!

A parting shot:

Toaster Cover

I've taken a little break from the shirt dress to make a custom toaster cover for a friend. This has given me the opportunity to try out a new finishing idea that will work on tote bags and purses as well as the toaster cover. OK, it's not a new idea as the purse designer interviewed on Pattern Review mentioned that her designs are finished with French seams, and I thought, hey, that would work with this! And, yes, it did!

Often these home dec kind of projects cover their seams with bias tape, but that seemed a bit time consuming and fussy to me. French seams worked fabulously! And now that you've seen the inside, how about a look at the pretty outside. And yes, this is for the biggest toaster I've ever seen!

I just have it over a small box, so that explains the saggy top.

A close up of the double fold bias tape that I did use to cover the bottom "hem".

 A close up of the machine embroidery. And you can see the machine quilting I did here. This was a great opportunity to practice my machine quilting skills. I used super thin batting and a bleached muslin backing, and the walking foot for great results!

Parting shot:

My Etsy Shop

I don't really talk too much about my Etsy shop or the goings on of my Etsy friends, but I have a shop (actually 2) and sewing is definitely involved! One of my blogging friends, Julia, posed a question about Etsy shops, and I decided this would be my answer to her question.

Julia asked: If any of you have an ETSY shop, what do you think? Is it profitable, worth your time and trouble, etc....?

So, what do I think? I really love having my shop. It's not particularly profitable, but I make enough to buy more fabric and supplies. This year, I might actually make a bit more. (I'm afraid my accounting skills are on the weak side, much to Roland's dismay.) What I really love about it is the friends that I've made through it. Now, if you want it to be a viable concern, then it certainly can be, and there are lots of sellers that have been able to "quit their day job". It takes a lot of work and dedication, and constant promotion. That's the part that I don't really like.


Enough with the boring part of Etsy (can you see why mine is not particularly profitable, lol!)... my 2 shops have evolved since I started 2-1/2 years ago. My original shop, Down the Street Creations, is now the location to find my mom's baby quilts, some vintage items, and some random accessories. My main focus is now at Jenna Belle Designs. I love making these little clutches, and I especially love making the custom monogrammed clutches. It is so fun to work with the clients, and I have sold them to brides, Derby attendees, and for proms and graduations.

 This picture is just half of an order for a bride that is getting married in August. She wanted different colors for each bridesmaid, with different styles of monogram to fit their personalities. It's such a sweet and thoughtful gift for her girls, and it has been so much fun working with her. Oh, she's getting one for herself, too!
As for those Etsy friends, I'm part of the greatest group of talented girls. When you visit Etsy, search the term dailychallenge for a glimpse of their talent. Not only do I consider them friends, but I also frequent their shops. I'll try to share some of my amazing purchases in future posts.

I'm not really sure if that answers Julia's questions, but feel free to ask me more about it!

A Peek at Spring

I saw this collection of Waverly home decorator fabrics while out shopping with a friend recently, and I just couldn't resist! Winter is my least favorite season, and I'm ready to leave behind the dark and dreary for some light and cheery! And springtime in Paris sounds lovely! What do you think?

Etsy's Front Page

I was featured on Etsy's front page today! Never mind that it was at 4 a.m. and I was sound asleep!

Here's what all the American night owls saw, plus others around the world that might have actually been awake!



Lots of beautiful things here that my blue plaid clutch is nestled up with!