inmyvastsparetime@gmail.com

It's time to get serious. I recently printed more business cards to insert in purses and pouches for upcoming farmers' markets and took the opportunity to add a business-only email to my particulars. Henceforth, I can be reached at inmyvastsparetime@gmail.com. Sure, the new email is free, but I get a kick out of unilaterally deciding to add or tweak elements of my home hobby/business to mimic "real" stores. Maybe I need coupons, or loyalty punch cards (make that a loyalty app, for sure) or a big sale for Presidents' Day, or even a BOGO promotion. Should I make folks "like" me on Facebook? I could invite tweets about zippers, but I'd have to learn how to do that myself, first. For today, a new email.

New Fabric

One of the great pleasures of sewing enough to populate the tables of a farmers' market booth is choosing and acquiring fresh fabric. Even though I buy more fabric than anyone on my block, I can't justify buying everything I'd want. I dutifully keep track of expenses, and aim to recoup the calendar year's purchases before a new year begins. But it's February; even the most enthusiastic holiday shoppers haven't made their lists yet. I must narrow my search for fresh fabric to the patterns and themes with broad appeal. This owl pattern fits the bill.

Two Zip and Cross-Body Pocketed Hipsters

Winter is the time to try new sewing projects. I have been hunting around for purse ideas because purses are useful and their construction pushes me to acquire new skills. In particular, I've been wanting to become proficient at installing sturdy snaps. Also, customers at the farmers' market have asked for purses that zip closed for maximum security. I found two pdf patterns that appealed. The red purse is a pattern by Erin Erickson of the business Dog Under My Desk. It features a zippered top as well as an exterior zippered pocket and an open pocket. The adjustable strap means the purse could be worn at the side or across the body. I played with the interior and added another zippered pocket along with two open pockets. A large, colored snap closes the top of the Cross-Body Pocket Hipster pattern from The Sterling Owl on Etsy. Piping at the top of the exterior pocket gives this pattern a substantial feel. The purse I'm using right now for my personal treasures is made from this pattern, and I like the extra width and easily adjustable strap.

The pattern designers of both purses allow small-scale sale of projects made from their instructions. Look for some version of a hipster to be at my farmers' market booth this summer.

Pattern Revisited

One of the first vendors I purchased from on Etsy is a pattern-designer. Her shop is called Michelle Patterns, and she features regularly-updated patterns for purses and small bags. Though designed to close with loop and button or buttonhole and button, I am revisiting the "Pyramid Pouch" wallet this time using snaps. I have acquired large snaps in a variety of colors: navy, black, purple, red, pink, and plan to make a basket-full of this small carry-all. Natural linen looks good to me as the body, so maybe I'll reserve all color for the lid and lining. If I stretch the pattern just a little and/or add a zippered pocket on the back of the purse, I could squeeze even more entertainment out of one little pdf download.

Lounging Corner

Sometimes there just isn't time to sew. Nevertheless, I feel like making something. When I need just a few minutes to organize my thoughts about a project I perch in my red lounge chair. It is refreshed for 2013 with a new accent pillow. Marimekko fabric from my friend K on the front and linen on the back are sealed with red piping. Keep your snacks and markers away. This chair is for clean creativity.