One Last Market

The Lincoln Square Holiday Market is drawing to a close. This Saturday from 8 to 1 is the final meeting of food, treat and craft vendors. I have enjoyed an excellent booth location just over Santa's right shoulder and facing the multi-story Christmas tree. I've been sewing like a little elf this week to offer good selection to shoppers. I have fabric calling to me for other projects, but it will have to wait for 2012.

Candy Cane Basket

Ebay is a fantastic source for special fabric; I have recently been treating myself to pieces of Marimekko fabric in shades of red, purple and green. I used a delightful pattern of red and green dot fabric to make holiday candy cane baskets. A little larger than a drinking glass, this basket would also work as a vase cover.
I sold a few of the baskets last week at the Lincoln Square Holiday Market, and I'll bring them again this Saturday to my booth next to the huge mall Christmas tree. Of course, any leftover baskets can be put to use on my own holiday table.

Cuff Baskets

If you haven't checked out www.pinterest.com, you should. It's a site full of virtual bulletin boards you and your friends create to showcase interesting photos found online. Of course, craft ideas abound. An unstructured fabric basket is one idea I pinned on my "crafts" bulletin board. When I couldn't stand it anymore, I tried making my own. It turns out canvas-weight fabric works wonderfully. Though flopsie when empty, these baskets hold their shape when full of the many whatnot collections I have. Bright fabric from IKEA makes baskets good for kid things; I'm bringing a few to the Lincoln Square Holiday Market this Saturday to see if others agree.

Working in Bulk

It's quite possible that I am pursuing sewing right to the edge of obsessive hoarding. If I like a fabric, I'm tempted to buy it in all its color options; I order zippers 100 at a time. I feel productive storing away a finished pouch with tens or dozens of other pouches to be taken to the Holiday Market.
My friend G is a school social worker, and she designed and ordered pouches and canvas bags for her annual convention again this fall. The completed custom order was a satisfying outlay of a whole mess of zippers and rectangles of fabric.

Lincoln Square Village Holiday Market

The boxes are out, and I'm dusting off the display tables in the garage to prepare for the opening weekend of the Lincoln Square Village Holiday Market in Urbana. It begins this Saturday and runs Saturdays from 8am to 1pm through December 17th. I will have a booth there all 6 dates this year. I'll have a few holiday-themed fabric baskets, clips, and gift card pouches added to the "all season" pouches and bags I make for the outdoor farmers' market. All are invited!

Candy and Fabric

It's a fabulous day when I can camp out in my sewing room and make good progress on projects. A little music, a coffee, and I'm all set. Even though I enjoy choice candy, I find I can't have it in my sewing room. I'm just never sure how long I'll stretch out the crafting time, and I'm liable to eat myself sick if I bring food into the room.
But, candy and sewing do go together. This pocketed Halloween wall hanging was sketched out by my oldest son when he was a preschooler. I used his pumpkin shapes and faces as templates for a field of fused fabric jack-o-lanterns. The kids like to load the pockets with candy and then unload them when it's time for dessert.

Frivolous Owl

Recently, K and I sat down with 2 friends to make things. We went wild with fanciful acrylic beads from Delish Beads (check out www.delishbeads.myshopify.com), making rings and necklaces. This one is my favorite; the owl is huge, but I find the colors go with lots of outfits. Does this say more about the clothing in my daughter's and my closets, or the very cute owl?

Make a Note of It

I have a new cell phone; it's a so-called smart phone. Now I can take pictures and keep a calendar and scan bar codes with my phone. I've been trying to make the most of the thing by switching over from paper to electronic versions of lists, notes and schedules. But, I miss paper. Sometimes what you need is a little notebook in your purse for jotting down gift idea or things to do the next time the kids have a day off from school. So, if I'm going to revert to "the old way" of doing things, I can at least cover it in fabric.

Oh, But Look

I bought a yard of red and green Marimekko fabric on Ebay, thinking it would be good for slicing into festive pieces for pouches and fabric baskets to be sold at the Lincoln Square Holiday Market and at Shared Space. Today the fabric arrived in the mail; I love its large scale, and I'm tempted. I wonder if I should replace the fabric over our fireplace with something new. Or, maybe my husband, M, would make a second board and frame it with molding so I might have two large swaths of Marimekko fabric to liven my family room--one for the warm months and one for the cold ones.
Now, to find out how often M reads this blog...

Lunch

It is astounding what patterns and ideas abound on the internet. I browse often; this lunch sack made from a Gingercake Patterns tutorial is one result. Though I'm not a fan of the time it takes to construct tapered fabric handles, I like the purse-like look of the sack. I lined it in a wipeable fabric and used insulative batting for function, but of course the real fun is playing with fabric combinations on the outside. The next time I'll substitute cotton webbing for the upper part of the handle to see if that short-cut helps to endear the project to me more.

Yoga Bag

Thanks to frequent farmers' market customer, K, for requesting a yoga bag. She googled around and found reference photos and possible patterns and got me off the dime to try making one. Her bag was the pro-type, and this one is version 2.0. It's a lined drawstring bag with banded fabric and an integrated zippered pocket for keys and i.d. The shoulder strap is long enough for carrying the bag across your body (in case you might ride your bike to yoga class).
Now that I see fabric can have a connection to exercise, I might have to try it.

Binding

I've been thinking of ways to streamline my sewing so I can have good variety at the Urbana Market at the Square when I have a booth there, and also time for other things. Using pre-packaged bias binding is a big time saver when making a messenger bag purse, for example. Usually, a solid color on the edge of the purse lid helps with the utilitarian look. But, homemade bias binding can be any pattern. I couldn't resist the extra step when making this purse so I could combine both the floral and stripe pattern by Riley Blake. I like the result.

Oo-la-la-laminate

In an attempt to make a pouch that was wipeable and good for make-up, contact lens supplies and the like, I ordered oilcloth. Oilcloth can't be ironed or pinned, but its extra body lends itself to a boxy pouch shape.
Now I've discovered laminated cotton fabric. Available in a wider variety of more contemporary patterns, laminated cotton can be wiped clean just like oilcloth. It is literally cotton fabric with a clear coating laminated to the top side, so it's softer than oilcloth. I figure if I line the boxy pouch design with oil cloth, but splurge on more expensive laminated cotton for the outside, I can have the extra structure I want along with plenty of fabric pattern choices.

Consider the Source

I had a fine time at the Urbana Market at the Square this past Saturday, and I'm gearing up to return this coming Saturday. Back-to-back Saturdays at the farmers' market is something I haven't tried before. One limitation of the tight scheduling is that I only have a few days to sew items I'm running out of. If I'm out of a raw material, ordering more to be mailed to me will be very last-minute as well.
Nevertheless, I do need a few more items. I am down to my last 2 black zippers. I explained this to my mom, and she encouraged me to order more zippers right away. A few minutes in the conversation passed, and we returned to the idea that I was short on zippers. My mom said, "Well, you better order more zippers, if you only have 2 left." She should consider the source; or course I have zippers left, more than 100, I'm sure. I just don't have a comfortable quantity of black zippers remaining. And I could really use a few more vanilla, navy, slate, turquoise....

Big Clip

While surfing around recently I came across this idea for using fabric-covered buttons as the top on an over-sized clip. I love that the small amount of fabric necessary makes excellent use of my scraps. (I just knew it was a good idea to keep those boxes and boxes of scraps!) It's also fun to isolate a small pattern or frame only a portion of a larger design.
After some experimentation, I've found a good mix of interfacing to keep any metal from showing through the different weave density of some fabrics. I've also learned taking time to prepare the metal surfaces of the clip and button back helps the epoxy really grip. I use a series of Pac Man clips to organize receipts in my purse, lists on the counter and mail that needs to be dealt with.

Original Art Days

Stop by the $10 Original Art Days at Shared Space Art Coop, on Main Street in Urbana. They are selling items donated by their crafting vendors to raise extra funds for the operation of the store. This Friday and Saturday are the official dates of $10 Original Art Days, but remaining items will be available afterwards.
My contribution is a set of this oil cloth boxy pouch. Lined in coordinating oil cloth, I fussed with the math of the pattern in advance so I could achieve accuracy. I had never tried sewing with oil cloth before; it was hard to resist taking an iron to it.

Pac Man Playing

My kids love video games. New releases and "classics" hold the same appeal. I have never been interested in electronic games, but this Pac Man fabric called to me nonetheless. The ghost icon etched onto a bead cut at the Community Fab Lab finishes off the fun. I must resist the urge to make fabric-specific beads for every pattern I use, but maybe simple heart or flower or bike shapes would be cute on more than one fabric.

Market Approaches

K and I visited Urbana's Market at the Square this weekend in anticipation of my first market booth of the season next Saturday. I hope for weather as fine as this weekend, and plenty of people with pouch needs. K looks forward to kettle korn and the vanilla-chocolate swirl ice cream in a cup.
Farmers' market shoppers are purposeful and organized. They find food at the market to make into a meal that night, and buy flowers with which to decorate the table. They come with a reusable tote for their morning goodies. Maybe some of them will be interested in setting aside their market money in a designated pouch.

New Twist

My neighbor asked me to make a purse for her. She likes to switch between bags, but have the same features in each purse. So, we started with the canvas messenger bag I already make and customized from there. I made the strap adjustable. Inside, I added a lobster clasp on an extra-long tether so grocery store loyalty cards can be clipped together and hauled out for scanning while remaining on their leash. On the flap of the purse, I added a zippered pocket for receipts, lists, and other flat what-not. I especially like the idea of another zippered pocket worked into the skeleton of the bag. I think it makes the whole project look attractive for both its fabric and function.

Homemade Beads

The Fab Lab on campus hosts a laser cutter perfect for making my own beads. Any cutting pattern I design on the computer can be translated by the machine into precise slices or etchings. The process is much more cost-effective than buying beads and having them mailed to me. I like the ability to make beads of the exact size and number I imagine I require. Even the kids are mildly intrigued by the lure of designing something out of colored acrylic and then watching the laser do their bidding. M informs me the cost of such a unit makes a home set-up impractical; it's a pity.

Fab Lab Magic

We recently discovered the Fab Lab, located on the U of I campus. It houses various pieces of interesting machinery that's open for public use, including an Epilog laser cutter. What crafting possibilities!
I'm now playing with acrylic sheets to cut my own beads for pouches and purses. I can design a shape on the computer and etch initials or messages on a rainbow of transparent and translucent colors. Fabulous!

QR-Code

I've been noticing these secret patterns in magazine ads and on the backs of cereal boxes. I hear they lead you to web sites if you use a smart phone or iPod and take a picture of them. Now, I don't have a smart phone, but I thought I needed a QR-Code anyway. I will frame it and set it out at my Urbana Market at the Square booth this summer. I know people will be curious enough to snap a picture of it and then my parking lot presence will be integrated with my world wide web presence.
Isn't it cute?

Peep Wreath

This time there is no fabric involved in a craft project. No beads. No zippers. Nothing Japanese. K and I have been attracted for weeks to the spectrum of marshmallow Peeps available around Easter. We worked together to make a wreath for the front porch. We planned to cover the wreath form in pink and use a parade of purple marshmallow bunnies; the store ran short, so we settled for a monochromatic look.
Lessons learned: licking your fingers during a project makes everything messier.
Hot glue doesn't work very well on Peeps (they melt), while toothpicks (though cruel) do the job.
The internet is full of Peep inspiration, and there are many people spending more time crafting with Peeps than we did. It's worth a look.

Retro Wow

I frequently see fabrics I can't resist. I have tried not looking so often, to avoid seeing and then buying. I can't resist looking, either. Another strategy is to look frequently and then wait for a true list of must-haves to develop. The more hunting around for great fabric I do, the more refined my list of must-have fabrics must become. Then I can shop from the top of the list, knowing I'm getting the most choice designs.
Number one on my hit list right now is this viewmaster pattern from Melody Miller. Printed by the Japanese Kokka fabric folks, I'm attracted to the scale, the pattern, the color combination, the kitsch, the texture, all of it. Back-ordered for some time, I now have enough to play. What to make first?

Snapped Up

I continue to play with ways to make a canvas shoulder/shopping bag with a zippy twist. This special order bag uses organic cotton for two outside pockets (one of which zips shut) and features another zippered pocket on the inside of the bag. A snap at the top adds a little extra security and shine. I folded the sides in to change the shape of the bag, but I imagine a full tote with expanded sides would be useful, too. I pre-shrunk the cotton webbing handles so the bag should be very washable. M cut a removable wooden insert to give the base of the bag more heft.

April Fabric

At long last, it's time to think about gardening. I like to start a few seeds under a grow light--coleus for pots on the front porch, geraniums for pots on the back porch, and later zinnias for cutting and basil for pesto. I have my fair share of yard ornamentation, too. My only garden gnome lasted a few years, but finally broke.
This month's fabric with free shipping at my web store (www.inmyvastsparetime.com) celebrates the kitchy yard friend.

Market Produce

After a long and cold winter, I don't want to skip over spring. I am, however, looking forward to the Urbana Market at the Square this summer. I have signed up for the following dates: June 18, July 16 and 23, August 6 and 20, and September 3.
I have loads of new fabric and a few new product ideas. If the weather cooperates, it will be a fine time.

March's Fabric

I buy a lot of fabric. I've been trying to resist, but it's hard for me. When choosing fabric I think: 1. Does it coordinate with something I already have? 2. Do I think it would speak to the good shoppers at the Urbana Market at the Square? 3. Is it Japanese, by chance? 4. Does it make me gasp? This book print scored a 3 out of 4, and so it is March's fabric-of-the-month. Pouch sets made from it are offered with free shipping all month long.

Long Winter

More snow fell during the night, and I don't know a single person who isn't winter-weary. The upside of a harsh winter is the bonus indoors time to, well, sew. On a recent snow day from school, the kids kicked back with the Wii and playing in the basement and I did some sewing.
The organic cotton modern chair fabric is a particular favorite currently. Somehow, I own quite a bit of fabric featuring chairs. I also covet robot fabric, bike prints, fairy tales and anything predominantly red.

Before the Snack

Here is Snow White, before she takes a bite of the poison apple and falls into her dreamless sleep. I'm making a series of canvas shopper bags with webbing handles and outside pockets to spotlight fabric. This side is zippered. On the reverse is an open pocket. On this bag, it shows Snow White after her snack. (The panicked dwarf is identical.)

$5.71

I recently visited the IDEA store just off of Springfield in Champaign. It is an indoor garage sale for crafters and people who like stuff and stuff. Since I fit into both categories, I had a wonderful time browsing. I rumaged; I gasped; I didn't resist. I came home with under six dollars worth of things and things: bias tape still in the packaging, interesting buttons, embroidery hoops I can use to frame fabric for the wall, vintage bingo cards for the covers of notebooks. Check out http://the-idea-store.org/ and then go visit.

New Purse

Inspired by a purse pattern I received for Christmas, I made a warm-and-snuggly, dead-of-winter bag. Corduroy and patterned velveteen make the exterior of this squared-off bag soft. A square of accent fabric on the flap of the purse is an idea straight from the pattern, as is the exterior pocket. However, I made my purse considerably smaller than designed. I also installed a zippered pocket on the inside and finished the project off with a hoop bead dangling from the lid. Next time I would sew a pocket for a pen or pencil and make the bag just a little wider so access to my goodies inside is easier.

February's Fabric

The organic cotton fabric called Free to Grow is February's fabric-of-the-month on my pouch web site. Visit www.inmyvastsparetime.com to be tempted by the bonus of free shipping.
I love the strong colors of this organic fabric. I exhausted my supply of dark gray zippers making pouches from it, though maroon or black zippers would look good as well. The lining of the tulip pouch is coordinating stripes (also organic). The smaller striped coin pouch is lined in the tulip pattern.

Organic Yumminess

I've been thinking about ways to jazz up a utility bag. This is the base model: sturdy canvas with webbing handles and accent pockets on the sides. In this case the pockets are made from a line of organic cotton prints I couldn't pass up. I could also add a smaller zippered pocket to the inside of the bag, making it good for a trip to the grocery store. You could tuck your coupons in one outside pocket, your list in the other, and secure your money in the inside compartment. Maybe the top of the bag needs to close with a snap or magnetic clasp, or even a zipper. There's also room for trim on the outside of the bag. If I make this bag for my personal use, I think I'll adorn the top hem with a row of zipper scrap trim. Hmmm.....

It's A Miss

Another recent pattern acquisition yields various sizes of rectangular pouches. I like the way the zipper wraps around the ends of the bag. Inserting handles into the end seaming is also easy and effective. But, this first attempt at the pattern took forever. 6 seams on the inside of the bag are raw unless I add bias tape to neaten them up. Too much work!
Once in a while, I like to try a new pattern. This one has been in my mind to figure out. Sadly, it's a miss.

Product Development

The dead of winter is a perfect time to try out new patterns and learn new sewing techniques. I found on Etsy.com a pattern for this clutch with an inset zipper. I made the body out of stabilized linen, but the center panel is nicely-sized for a little snippet of something more dear.
It takes me a time or two of making a new pattern before I understand which measurement, pressing and reinforcing steps are the critical ones. On this clutch the red inset zipper nesting inside the top banding is a little wavy. I'm still satisfied with the results, and I think it's a cute little purse.

Bench

I love red, so I gravitate to red fabric. Unfortunately, red fabric does very poorly in the sunshine. These benches in the family room were covered in a pleasant red print, but they faded. I had no option but to buy more red fabric and recover the cushions. By chance, the pattern repeat matched almost exactly with the dimensions of the cushions, and the back seam is therefore practically invisible. The sun can shine into the family room and fade this fabric, too. I will just turn the cushions over and backwards.

Make a Note of It

I'm a list-maker and a note-taker. I have yet to advance to any electronic organizer. For me, post-it notes and the backs of empty envelopes do the job most of the time.
Recently, K and I sat down to make something out of the growing pile of used gift cards and hotel room swipe keys I originally collected to be used as pretend credit cards for kids playing house. We made tiny notebooks...a whole bunch of them. Let me know if you need one.

Assistant

My daughter, K, loves to help out. Partly, it's her age; she loves being able to do the same things I do. Part of it is also her temperament. K calls herself my "Sewing Assistant", and she routinely selects beads for zipper pulls, inserts business cards in completed items or fetches the right color of zipper from my stash. In her spare time she cuts fabric from my scrap bowl into smaller bits, or tapes them down to paper in a collage.
Around dinnertime, K is anxious to help my husband put dinner together. Generally, I shop for the food and put the menu together, but M cooks the food while I sew.
For Christmas, I made K an apron for her "Kitchen Assistant" duties. She wears it with pride.

Fabric of the Month

The vast majority of my pouch and purse sales take place in the parking lot of Lincoln Square. Since my husband is technology-oriented, he has encouraged me to consider that a web site is also important for letting people buy fabric pouches at their convenience. He helped me set up the site and taught me how to maintain it (more or less). It's called www.inmyvastsparetime.com.
To my immense entertainment, people I don't know have begun ordering from the site. I have mailed orders to California, Missouri, New Hampshire, and cities in Illinois.
I have decided to market a "fabric of the month" on my web site. January's fabric is this lovely Japanese frog print. It will be available on my web site with free shipping all month long.

New Year, New Fabric

Even though I don't need a reason to buy new fabric, I see the new year as a good opportunity to refresh my craft supplies. The Holiday Market is over, but the Market at the Square is still months away. Now is the time to experiment with new patterns and make a few things for around the house.
In the possession of some Christmas money, I went on a spree. I still love robots on fabric, so I bought a new piece of cotton-linen from Japan and a blue cotton fabric from closer to home. The gray and pink floral fabrics are organic cotton. The brown florals I've been wanting. The black Pac Man fabric dates me. The green trees were on sale.
I bought other fabric, but only so much can fit in one photo.