Goodbye dumpster fire, hello 2021!

 Let us forge ahead into this new year! We will never forget you, oh 'Year of the Dumpster Fire' (2020)

look at this cute little dumpster fire (from boxlunch.com)

It was a year of struggles, unknowns and so much more. As this year has begun and spring is arriving, most people feel a fresh start is in order. I will be adding and selling much more vintage items in my Etsy shop (you can visit my Etsy HERE). Many authentic items such as hats, scarves, soon to be listed clothing and much more! I have gathered these wonderful items over the past 3 years and am happy to offer them in my online shop. 

scarves bundle already listed!

red wool hat

real mink fur hat

Also now in my Etsy shop are N E W bundles! To make buying prices affordable for some items I have simply put a few in bundles. Bundles let you buy multiples at a discount and reduce shipping costs for you, the customer. I will be offering more bundles as the years goes forward ~ so visit my shop to stay up to date!

hearts wooden lollipops bundles

My newest sewing ventures have been a mix of several things. I am finishing a handmade kimono coat for my spouse. It was meant to be a gift but it's taken sometime to complete. I have made a lining and the outer coat along with a separate collar. It's been a little tricky as I used cotton for the outer coat and a jersey knit for the lining. I have been in the mood to sew some items I've just never made before. From aprons to new dresses, I have patterns galore to pick from! If you visit my Instagram (follow me HERE) you can see videos and updates on crafty projects. 

All in all 2021 is certainly feeling more leveled and less stressful. I hope everyone has been taking care of themselves, their health and reducing stress. Go for walks, enjoy quiet time reading, put on a funny show ~ do whatever helps you feel happy! Be sure to pop on over to my Etsy shop to make purchases or request custom orders. And if you want to interact try my Instagram page where I am on every few days each week. 

A FREE face mask pattern, Vintage, Ramadan greetings

Spring has arrived... sort of. The weather going from winter to spring was a real roller coaster this year. We had days of very warm weather and then it would snow over night! Flowers often felt so much stress fro this they didn't do so well. Some trees (like my weeping cherry blossom) bloomed very early. I still will decorate my tree for May Day coming up in the next week, even if the blossoms have already fallen off.

my Ostara decor this year was in egg shells 

daffodils in my yard

my cherry blossom tree (and my BerthaBee Photography) 

As we all have found, this year did not start smoothly. The global pandemic that is COVID-19 has taken hold of the entire nation. Places have had to close their doors for service temporarily to keep with state laws being enacted. I closed my online Etsy shop before Ostara (Easter) because our state began a stay-at-home order. I wasn't entirely sure if I'd be able to sell items during this time but it seems we can safely do so. I think in May I will re-open my shop because I have new items to offer. But for now to pass the time and help communities ~ I have a FREE face mask pattern for you!

just print this image OR draw it on paper for a pattern!

I have been sewing 2 styles of face masks: the above curved shape face mask and the folded (I call it accordion) face mask. The above pattern is fairly easy to copy by hand and cut out. The angled middle of the mask covers your nose. You can use just 2 cut pieces of fabric for it and I showed how to add the ear loops. If you can not fold under the edges to sew, you can use what is called bias tape. It is fabric and is pre-folded to cover raw edges and is very simple to work with and sew on. I did not feel it was right to sew and sell masks during such a health crisis. And many people can not spare the extra money to buy a mask, pay for shipping and wait for it's arrival. That's why I offer the above pattern, which - you can easily find similar and more variety of free patterns online too!

some folded style masks for family

As for my shop online, I will be offering a new section soon. It will include authentic, true vintage items for sale. I have several hats, some beautiful hand embroiderer aprons, some sewing patterns from the 1970s and 1980s and more! Here are just some of the hats (one being real fur) that I will be listing. All items will include shipping cost to make it easier for buyers & as always, they come from a smoke-free home.

a red wool hat that will be for sale

a stack of vintage hats!

And I also wanted to wish my many friends & followers who observe it, may you have a Happy Ramadan 🌙 Each year I love making greeting cards for some of my friends for Ramadan, so I hope to again send some out this year!

Ramadan Kareem! 

New look, new year!

Hello and welcome back to my blog! Notice anything new? It's the new and improved image and designs.

old logo

new logo

I felt since last year I wasn't up for writing much, I could resume it this year. I also plan on sharing more details about items for sale in my Etsy shop. I am expanding what is offered in my shop to include more upcycled clothing, customized orders and vintage finds. I have found beautiful vintage patterns over the past year and plan to sell several of them. I also happened upon some wonderful vintage clothing I'd like to sell. 

So while I get things set up and new listings available, be sure to visit what I currently offer in my shop. And if you enjoy social media come find me online with my Facebook page and Instagram pages!

Etsy Shop Winter SALE!

It's a new year and winter has arrived. So to make way for new products in my Etsy shop I'm having a Winter SALE! It is from 1/10 - to 1/31 and is 20% off orders of $16 or more (not including shipping).

online only from 1/10 to 1/31

seasonal and holiday gifts

Consider browsing and buying from my online shop and supporting handmade. Buying handmade is supporting skilled trades, small business and women entrepreneurs. My shop opened in 2008 and continues to offer wonderful, quality handmade gifts.

bags, purses and clutches

pet bandannas!

Handmade means sweatshop-free. Made by hand, often by only one artist or seamstress. Which means what you buy has been in the hands of one talented person! In my case I've been the sole artisan and seamstress of my Etsy shop. I have learned my skills from 3 generations of family since I was about 6 years of age. It's my passion and joy to make and create gifts for people who value handmade.

felt charms and mascots

This sale is going on from January 10th to the 31st. No special discount code is needed for this sale, simply add items to your shopping cart totaling $16.00 or more (not including shipping costs). Thank you for visiting my shop and I hope your find something you'd love to own!

Etsy shop on Vacation

My Etsy shop is on vacation mode until about early October. I have new things to photograph and list. I am also moving my crafty office around. I even have new patterns I'd love to make some items of and list before the holidays.

So stay tuned for when I re-open! Support local artisans, support handmade ~

Muggy days DIY hemmed shorts

It's muggy people, we are in the full swing of summer now! We have had a lot of rain over here, a few times roads flooded. But it's been wonderful for my garden ~ I do love my fresh vegetables!

Everybody, grab a raft and swim in the roads!

I've started to offer my seamstress services to my local friends. Wow, has it taken off! Word gets around fast nowadays and I've had several friends in my first 3 weeks of seamstress work. I have also had friends-of-friends who wanted me to hem, mend or alter things. I am working on getting a Google phone number to allow people to contact me by phone. That way I can keep my own cell number private but still have a way for customers to contact me directly. 

hemming pants

Along with my new seamstress work I hope to participate in a craft fair or two this holiday season. I haven't done one in years and am so out of the loop. But I want to make some holiday themed gifts to sell. And plushie style toys, I adore making cute things for all ages to enjoy! I still need to decide just what to make for it, since I have piles of patterns to pick from. 

DIY add length to shorts project!

Here are some shorts from the thrift store I added length to. It's a very easy thing to do with a sewing machine or simply by hand stitching. 

- First pick a type of fabric for the added length. I picked a cotton fabric with some blue to match my shorts. Measure around the shorts leg opening, be sure to add about 2"s to the measurement for some wiggle room.

- I took my cotton fabric, decided I wanted it about 2 1/2"s in width (length was my measurement I took around leg opening, refer to above). Cut the cotton fabric, set aside. 

- Turn your shorts inside out and decided where you want to sew the fabric on - I decided about 1" on the shorts opening. I used pins to mark this but you can use fabric chalk or fabric markers. 

My plastic clear ruler I use for measuring.

- I took my cotton fabric I had previously cut and turned under about 1/2" and stitched it with my machine, this will be the new leg opening and will not fray. 

- Remember how you marked the 1" on the shorts? Take the un-stitched edge of your cotton fabric, pin to the 1" line on the shorts leg opening. Sew across, sew edges (it will be a loop now) then repeat to other leg opening.

My shorts where a thrift store purchase, the new hem came to about 2"s after sewing. 

Ready for summer!

I hope you have fun altering your own thrift store and summer attire! Please visit my shop for hand made, hand crafted artisan gifts. Support the small businesses online and keep the arts alive!

Summer S A L E ~ 6/8 to 6/28

To celebrate over 12,000 page views of my blog ~ it's a summer SALE! Visit my Craftiness by B shop on etsy, place any order over $12 (not including shipping cost) and use code: SummerLuv12 to receive 12% discount!

I hope to make some summer sales and get ready to bring in some new stock by autumn.

2nd video is up, spring time

Happy Spring everyone! The rain has arrived and it will surely bring May showers our way. Some thunder storms are expected in my area for the rest of this week.

April showers bring May flowers

My new YouTube channel is up and running! I added a 2nd video of a DIY bunny basket you can make. Follow this LINK to view it. You need some basic sewing knowledge and sewing machine with some flat 8" x 11" felt to work with. It's a fun project for an afternoon and you can make it from your own sketch. 

finished bunny bag

And I am on Twitter sharing my photos of my handmade items on Etsy. I've only been active a short time now but guess what? I already was noticed by an Etsy page on Twitter! They saw and liked one of my tweets ~ I feel special for just a moment!

I hope to continue to update all my social media pages for my followers and fans to enjoy. I still enjoy taking special request custom orders. You can contact me via my Etsy shop if you wanted a custom order. 

Winter makings

We have had cold, chilly days here. We have had a few of mixed flurries, then back to rain, then even in the 60's for a weekend! But during this time I try to stay motivated and work on a few projects.

Already for this year I have: finished the plushie owl, finished my fleece pull over (pictured below) and I now have two baby gifts to make for friends! I even found some lace to add to a dress, since I've been wanting to do something with it (but not give it a huge overhaul).

Simplicity pull over

Ahh, my wonderful warm fleece pull over! How I love it so ~ especially in this weather. This is pattern 9513 size HH (sizes 6 - 12). Now before you run to buy a clothing pattern please note: it is not sized as your purchased clothing is. It is always sized by your measurements, so you need to know your bust/waist/hip sizes. I went with a size 12 and it fits me just right, not too large or too small. This pattern called for fleece with stretch to it or else you would never get this on! I started out with adding a hood to this but... once I tried it on, I didn't care for it. So the hood came off and it's a pull over.

neck details

I used buttons and some leather strips for a closure. The pattern leaves it up to you, you can add something or leave it completely open. But I love buttons and bought these dark brown textured ones. 

side view of pull over

Be sure to follow the pattern on this one. It advises you to cut fabric in the direction it stretches, so it's easier to pull over. And expect a lot of 'fluff' to come off during cutting. If you don't want bits of fleece fluff all over your nice clothes, you might want to have a lint brush on hand. 

Above is my adorable selection of fabrics from JoAnn's. I tend to go when I have a few good coupons to use. Sometimes I receive ones that say a percentage off your total purchase, even clearance. The yoga/exercise girl fabric was on clearance so I grabbed that up fully intending to make something for my gym bag. The hedgehog fabric is flannel, I love working with it! It's perfect for things like hankies (for your nose) or other items you want soft, durable fabric. The birdies are cotton and the above two fabrics are for the baby blankets. The black lace will go on a solid black dress I have. Instead of sewing fabric sleeves I hope to use the lace as flutter sleeves instead.

Here are two hankies I made for myself. You can easily just sew two squares together, then turn them right side out. Or if you have bias tape (fabric binding tape, such as double fold) you can do as the blue one: just cut a square then use bias tape on the raw edges. It's an easy project for newbies and you can even play around with the fancy stitches on your machine. They can also be made as simple gifts for people, perhaps a small "thank you" gift or even a "get well" gift. 

I hope everyone has been feeling well and getting through this winter cold. I have some new listing in my etsy shop for Valentine's Day coming up! So be sure to shop early so items arrive in plenty of time. 

And in non-crafting news ~ I have become a big fan of the Japanese drama "Hanazakari no kimi tachi e" (Ikemen Paradise) ≧◠‿◠≦✌

The holidays have begun

Well the weather outside... can't make up it's mind! We have had hail in October, early snow storm in November - now it goes between late spring-like weather to winter again. And when it gets cold I just want to stay snuggled in a warm blanket and hot tea.
I have been working on a few things. I finally listed my necklaces in my Etsy shop ~ two have sold within the first week! So do stop over and grab one before they are gone. All hand crafted by me and from a smoke-free home.

my cat eye glasses necklaces

my round glasses necklaces

only two mustache necklaces are left! 

My newest crafting pursuit has become felting with needle. I had tried this at one time many years back (more then a decade ago) and wanted to try it again. I found an adorable hedge hog kit with all the tools I needed: felting needle, colored wool and a foam square pad for working on. I found my kit at Michael's craft stores and was able to use a 50% off coupon for it. The supplies are very affordable and the kit is a wonderful way to start learning.

felting hedge hog

I decided my hedge hog needed a texture for 'fur' so I am using wavy, textured yarn. I made my ears from flat felt (sold in a 8x11" square) then used the needle to attach them. I have started watching video tutorials to learn new techniques and projects to make. I like videos by Flying Mio and also ones by Maqaroon. They are really easy to do once you have a little practice, you can make almost anything with needle felting! 

Malea the cat, adopted! 

And a happy announcement! After more then a year in foster homes with my feline rescue group, Malea the cat has been adopted by a friend of mine. She is considered a senior cat since she is older then 5 years in age. She had grown a tad chubby and had to be put on a special cat food and diet. But have no doubt, she is the sweetest girl with the most friendly demeanor. I'm so happy she has taken to her new family without a hitch. If you are able to this winter season, please donate or volunteer with local charities and groups that have meaning to you. The only way these groups succeed is by help from volunteers and donations. Have a safe, healthy and thankful holiday weekend! 

Up and coming crafts, my pets

Is it really November already? How time can fly by when autumn arrives! Just an update on a few things I am working on for my etsy shop CraftinessbyB.

my felt fox mascot

I am inspired by many things, be it from a pattern book or something I saw. Sometimes it's children's things that get me thinking "I can make that into something else!" I saw these adorable felt animals as finger puppets in a crafting magazine. And I thought I'd do my own design of the animal but make them into little plush mascots. They will sit upright and be just big enough for a desk or bookshelf. And to make them a little more attractive I am doing a lot of machine sewing for them. I love to hand stitch but sometimes it's too much to do an entire project that way. Above is a fox in orange, I also plan to make a deer and maybe a polar bear.

my hand drawn greeting card

I have two new holiday greeting card designs. You might figure out the above one fairly easily. I draw my cards by hand then do colored pencils and water colors. I'd like to have these completed soon if I can get my home printer to cooperate again. 

And of course I have these distractions around my house (ie: the pets). I swear they make it their daily mission to keep from completing projects in a timely manner. But that's ok just look at how cute they are!

don't read pet me instead!

my boy cat Howl just wants to nap

Lisette blouse top

It's still summer, still warm & humid. But I think... yes, it's starting to cool down some (just a little). I will take that as a sign autumn will soon arrive! I love the change in seasons, I like switching out my wardrobe and bringing out seasonal decorations. Sometimes I find season appropriate projects to work on or even some holiday gifts.
Well I had been waiting for a while to sew a blouse top by Lisette patterns (by Simplicity). I don't know why I waited so long ~ perhaps I felt the project would be daunting. Well surprise, surprise - it wasn't! It was one of the better patterns I've worked with when it comes to sewing clothing.

Lisette pattern #2211

Now when you make clothing, you pick a size according to your measurements. I decided to go for size 14 on this one. Only after I got it together did I realize... I could have gone down to a size 12. Sometimes you only learn by trial and error! I did a tuck in here and there (at the shoulders & sides) and it fits just fine. I used 100% cotton fabric for my top, which sometimes can make clothes a bit boxy. But some cottons are more light weight, so it depends on the fabric you pick and what it's made from. The pattern suggested anything from cotton to linen would be just fine. 

Lisette blouse top, finished

I bought a bunch of the Lisette patterns at a pattern sale (at my local JoAnn's). I'm so happy I did since I can no longer find a few of their patterns online anymore. I snagged some patterns for clothing: pants, shorts, skirt, long and short sleeve tops, dresses. They also had a pattern for several different sized bags, so I picked that also. Although I make bags for my etsy shop (found here at sewingB on etsy) I swear they are the hardest thing to sell! And I love to make them ~ maybe I just need to gift them to my friends as presents, hmm?

My next project might be a Simplicity skirt! I'm torn between another clothing project of maybe a small bag or clutch? Honestly, I have fabric just sitting around waiting to be sewn into stuff. 

possible next project?

I'm still selling handmade items in the local boutique in my city. I hope to pop in shortly and see how my necklaces are selling. I also have new things to bring in, see if the owner would put them on commission. I've been stitching these doodle sketches on fabric, then leave them on the hoop. That way I can add pretty ribbon and a person could hang them up to display. I'd like to bring in four total, so far I have a finished Doe and am working on a Bluebird. 

stitched Doe

I hope everyone has been having a relaxing summer and are looking forward to a new season! I might do a sale in my etsy shop soon, not certain yet ~ I will keep you posted!