20% off Sale!

Come on over to my etsy shop (here!) for the new Spring SALE! 

sale has expired

Spring time, finally!

I don't know about you lot, but I was getting tired of winter. I love all seasons, I'm thankful Kentucky (where we reside) has all four! But snow, sleet, cold temps? I had enough of that by yesterday *thank you Nature!*. We seem to be readying ourselves for the April showers, which I personally welcome. I have some great multi-season muck lucks (rain boots, willies). They have a removable liner and these super cute owl print on them!

So yes, the crafty stuff! I've been playing with a few things between teaching my JoAnn classes. First, some super simple hair ties and headband.

Green: store bough, Pink dot: made, Red headband: made

I first bought the green one you see above. It's full, soft and attached to a simple hair elastic. I loved it so much but the store didn't have any others. So at the craft store I found the pink polka dot flower piece. It was sold in the scrap book section. But it was easy to apply to a hair tie with a little glue, felt backing piece - that's it! The headband piece; I purchase elastic (mine is gold tone) and just added some large beads, the felt red flower (again, scrap booking supply) and glued it all on with felt backing. 

The store bought one is just sewed on, I think mine is more secure

Natural light shows the true colors!

And of course, I can't go long without sewing something. I swear, I need rehab or something (ha!) I decided on a top from the awesome 'One piece wearables' pattern book. I've raved about it many times, I bought mine online. It comes with full patterns for most of the books projects. And if it doesn't require a pattern (like the top below) it gives very easy to follow instructions on measurements.

I used a soft cotton fabric, bias tape neck

I made this in a few days because I didn't want to rush it. I ended up altering the sides a bit and gave it a boat neck. I used matching bias tape just at the neck opening, the rest was a rolled hem of about 1/4" on the sleeves and 1/2" at the bottom. 

Close up of neck detail

My neck opening was creeping up and bothering me. So to fix this, I just added some pleating! 

Ihope everyone is enjoying a change in weather and seasons. I have some new JoAnn classes to teach come April. I'll be teaching the adult 101 class plus - I'm being brave here (since I don't have kids, I tend to not teach them), but I'll be doing a kids 102 class. No sewing machines this time round *thank goodness!* just hand sewing of a cool Earth-themed fleece pillow. Happy crafting everyone! 

Hello class, I'm your teacher

Wow, what a good start to a new year! I found myself with a few etsy shop sales, gaining wonderful new fans on my fan page ~ and now, sewing teacher! So how did this come about anyways? Good question, so here is your answer!
My girlfriends suggested it actually. I had mentioned how well I've been feeling on a doctor approved treatment plan (for Fibromyalgia, which I have). I mentioned my desire to try to work again but... I couldn't work even part-time hours yet. It put's a lot of strain on me working PT hours. So my friends suggested "Why not try teaching at a craft store?" Yes, why not!
I had to fill out an application like everyone else, plus other things to ensure my background history and such. I am a 'contract instructor' for JoAnn Fabric & Crafts, this means I do as many *or as few* teaching of class courses in their store. I have over 20 years of experience in sewing & crafting. I started learning from age 5 or 6 on the sewing machine and other handy craft skills. They asked me to bring in several different examples of my current work, plus why I wanted to teach.

the classroom in the store, sewing machines are provided

I have so far taught: two classes (an adult one and kids one) plus a weekend 'open house' held in the store. If you live near a JoAnn's you can find out from the store when a open house is held. It's a great way to meet the class teachers in person, ask any questions, see sample work and sign up for a class or two.
I meet all the teachers on my first open house weekend. It was a delightful time meeting new students and learning about the other courses offered. Classes range from sewing, crochet, jewelry making and into cake decorating and advanced courses (for the seasoned crafter).

the open house greeting table

Here is the sample work I brought in to showcase: tote bag from freehand pattern, drawstring bag from fat quarters. I teach a basic adult sewing class and it comes with supplies (like fat quarters: pre-cut fabric squares)

my purple tote bag,  fat quarters drawstring bag, upcoming course pamphlet 

Please note: as an instructor under contract I only receive pay for teaching NOT for blogging or sharing in other media outlets. My blog is purely for fun and sharing my experiences. Other craft stores offer this to the public as well, like Michael's, Ben Franklin's and perhaps even Hancock Fabrics. If you have the skill and experience and want to teach, please call your local store and simply ask them! Often they need someone who specializes in one area to follow the course outline and teach their students. 

I have another adult class to teach next week, so I'm starting to get busy. I'm also working on my own stuff at home (I'll share next time) like some hair ties for spring and a upcycled shirt into infinity scarf! 

Cute kitten Monday!

New year right, so new things might be in the works! Not only do I have a good S*A*L*E going on (my shop HERE 15% Off) I have already made two sales this year! I hope a lot of my goods go to new homes so I can make room for some new items.
Also, my big goal: I hope to get involved with a local animal shelter. I have mentioned in the past I enjoy volunteer work, such as fostering kittens. You welcome in a kitten up for adoption, they become socialized and learn the ropes. Here are two we fostered being adorable!

Tohru (girl) was adopted out quickly

Sookie (girl) was our first *foster* and also adopted quickly

I know, look at the faces! I take the photos myself, send them to the person in charge of their web page and they share them. This helps the kittens become featured on the page for any upcoming adoption events. 

But yes, back to what I'd like to do. I'm going to talk to a person about possibly donating handmade toys for the kitties awaiting new homes. I also want to offer up my photography services ~ take pics of cute kitties playing with toys. I can use my Facebook fan page to show off these adorable boys and girls with my donated toys and link directly to the groups page! I think it would be a great match: my hand sewing talents for kitties in need, then use my own page to help them get adopted out and bring attention to the group. 

I have to arrange to talk to the right person in charge to see if this can be done. If it can do this, you will be seeing some "Awww! So CUTE!" photos on my fan page and here. Maybe I will make it into something like 'Cute kitten Mondays' to start off a week just right.

SALE starting Jan 7, 2013

Get the New Year off to a good start ~ visit my shop for a 15% Off SALE starting Jan 7th. Please note, the coupon code will not be activated until the 7th.

Hope you stop by, I have some items with Valentines Day theme to them ::: visit my shop sewingB on etsy