Home Alone Again

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Fabric Storage Bucket

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Finally, everyone is where they should be! I haven't been home alone since May. Now, the boy is back to college, the girl is back to school, and my husband went back to work after being home on disability for neck surgery six weeks ago. It's not that anything or anyone was too much trouble; it's just that they were here with me, all day, with varying schedules and needs. Today, it was just me. Good thing, too, because I worked a weekend shift at the hospital and needed some quiet time to recover.

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Do you know about Vista Print? That's where I get all my business stationary items. Anyway, they always have free items available, so I have quite the portfolio of designs I use. A new item is a photo flip book. I spent two hours editing photos and creating captions so I can have a semi-professional catalog to show off. Combing through my photos, I rediscovered a number of items I haven't thought about for a while. Just in time for bumping up the fall and holiday inventory. You should check it out, too. You can obviously make any kind of journal and use it for gifts as well. The turnaround is pretty quick, so don't pay extra for early shipping if you don't need to. Even with the 21-day shipping price, I generally receive my items within a week or so.
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This summer, I had an order for a personalized banner for a new baby's nursery. I've made a number of items for this good friend over time and it was so sweet to see calicodaisy touches around the nursery. It's so cozy in here.
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The nursery. We embellished the curtains with ric-rac.

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The banner over the crib. Love that black finish on the furniture!

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The monogrammed pillow. Isn't the chair great? Her mom and dad gave her this antique rocker which needed recovering. We went shopping together and fell for this fern fabric. I think it looks fabulous. She bought way too much fabric -- on my direction, I'm afraid, so I'm getting the rest of it for my stash and making her some throw pillows for when the chair goes to the den down the road.

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A calicodaisy reversible jumper for her daugher hangs on one side of the door and a canvas monogrammed tote/gift bag on the other.
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She agreed to be my model for The Roundabout Burp & Bib pattern. Here's Baby Will, too. Such are darling, sweet, soft baby!

Speaking of The Roundabout, the winners of my giveaway last week are:

Mystica and Jennifer.

It's a double international win, too. Mystica is a new blogger living in Sri Lanka, and Jennifer is a new mom from Australia. The nice thing is postage is easy -- an e-mail attachment.

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Well, I'm off to continue with those jobs I listed last post. Still working on it all. But, I did distract myself with a couple of fabric bucket designs!

Focusing

(08/29/2009 Edit: You'll have to stop by Amy Lou Who for a little project show-n-tell participation!)

There are a lot of hats to wear while running a business alone. I'm easily distracted and am always ready to try something new and step away from the mundane. However, the truth is, anything new today becomes mundane tomorrow. After spending the last couple of weeks figuring out how to organize my pattern and create and merge PDF files - nice shareware out there!, it's now time to concentrate on accounting and paperwork again! That job sure comes around way too often. I don't like to face all my sales receipts ....




Focusing has a whole other meaning at the moment, though. I was at the optometrist a couple of hours ago to discuss my very big need for a prescription including closeup vision. My eyes are still dilated, and I type here with my sunglasses on! The clerk spent a good bit of time with me arranging for progressive lenses, but I backed out of those at the last minute. First, very expensive for me, but, secondly, I don't want to wear glasses all day. I just need them for distance driving and now for up-close computer and sewing work. I'd rather have driving glasses and then some prescribed readers in my work areas. She mentioned a style of glasses called "eyebobs." I googled them, and they are cute. Designed by optometrists to be readers you can buy at a number of stores, they are also designed so that your optometry shop can put in prescribed lenses. I think I'll go with those and keep the cost down for now.



If I get the paperwork down this weekend, then the focus will shift to loading the calicodaisyhandmade site. I'm anxious to direct my non-blogging peeps to just one location. I still have to make some choices, but I'm not even sure I know what I want. However, time is really money in this case, and I've got to get that done.


Next will be designing my traveling craft fair set. Now that my husband has recuperated from neck surgery and goes back to work next week, he has the go-ahead to do normal work and can build some things for me. If you know of any good set ideas out there, please direct me to them. I'm trying to create a 6-foot square shop that is portable and easy for me to maneuver, since I'll probably be setting up and taking down alone. I'm thinking bifold shutters or closet-type doors for screens to create mock walls and hang items off hooks. I've bought some stands and tired baskets over the last year to display items.




After and during all those tasks, I must focus on inventory. I get so excited when I see a new idea out there that I forget all the other bright ideas I've already prepared for. I have to put blinders on and get out what I've already got planned. The thing is, I can't seem to remember what I thought was great just a short while ago! However, now that I'm out of iron hell and purchased the Shark Professional steaming iron, I have really been enjoying pressing all my washed-but-not-ironed-and-folded fabrics. The hot, steamy Shark glides through the creases like buttah! I'm in love with ironing right now, but the thing is heavy and actually tires my arm out. (EDIT: THE SHARK IS DEAD AND DID NOT LAST X2! SEE THIS POSTING.) Anyway, the fabrics that have been all over the place and not in the shelving are now slowly getting folded up properly and put in a new closet area, and soon we'll be able to install a long work table where I can have my sewing machines and serger lined up. I'm looking forward to being able to multi-task. Embroidery machines going, serger ready for seam finishing, and regular sewing machine buzzing along.

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Meanwhile, I've been embroidering and crocheting a lot lately. I love to pull the yarn out and get going with the fall/winter items! It's hard to photograph them, though, for the on-line shop. I think I'll have to go with live models for the best show of the items.

What do you think of this gorgeous bird? It would look great on a t-shirt, tote bag, just about anything. I like this new line of more edgy embroidery designs I've found. Anyway, this bird is worked out on a linen throw pillow and piped in black making for a great contrast.

The Roundabout Burp & Bib Pattern -- And Giveaway!

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My first e-pattern! It's taken months and hours and a lot of courage to come up with an idea and then work through the process of creating an e-pattern. My first argument with myself is "What hasn't been done?" The other me to myself, "It's not about that actually; it's just your take on things. Your best process." Still, though, I read so many magazines, blogs, tutorials, and hard copy patterns, it's often hard to decide what process is mine, what's a combination of my skill blended in with other crafters' or pattern makers' words, and what really has been done enough that isn't necessary to reinvent the wheel again. I wanted to start small, too. I have two crochet patterns and two purse/tote patterns in my studio journaling, however, it's the long process of thinking, writing, photographing, learning to create PDF files, getting the patterns to print out properly on the other end -- sheesh!
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So, here it is. The Roundabout Burp & Bib pattern by Michele S. Chisholm. Me, myself. Not read about anywhere. Not purchased anywhere. Obviously, I've seen something similar out there in the world, but I haven't touched it or looked it's way. This is mine.
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The Burp & Bib is a contoured, reversible burp cloth that lies nicely on mom's shoulder and gives a generous area for baby to move around. Down the road as the baby starts to hold a bottle or sit in the high-chair, the burp cloth attached at the tabs behind the neck transforms into a bib. There are two ways to create the closure mechanism -- twill tape tabs or sewn canvas tabs with gripper snaps or velcro attached. I used twill tape for the first set of Burp & Bibs I sewed, however, the twill wasn't strong and either ripped out of the seam or the snaps pulled away. So, I am going with the sewn canvas tabs when I sew up more.
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The Burp & Bib can be sewn up in coordinating cottons with a flannel lining for absorbency OR one cotton and toweling on the other side with no lining.
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Though I love the look of the coordinating cottons, I think soft toweling on the reverse of a burp cloth or bib is awesome. The item is very absorbent, can wipe up a mess fast, and turns into a washcloth if needed. I use the Walmart bath towels which cost about $5.00 for my toweling projects. The toweling is soft, pretty lush, and stands up to a lot of wear.
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Right now, The Roundabout Burp & Bib pattern is listed in my "college savings" etsy shop at the handmade fair. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, -- and I was hoping for a big to-do for the first week in September, but I'm not ready -- the new calicodaisy handmade website will be ready to go with the pattern available there. Actually, the site is already up with links available; I just haven't figured out how to load it yet with stuff and I haven't decided on the look for the tabs that will take a reader to where she wants to go. Every decision takes me so long to get through! It's hard to wear all the hats in a business. Especially a creative one like a studio. One part of one idea can take me weeks to get a grasp on.
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So, in my own celebration of producing my first pattern, I'd like to giveaway two copies of the pattern. In hopes of a bit of help advertising the pattern, if you'll mention it on your blog and/or put this little button up on your blog and then let me know, I'll add in another chance for you to win. If you can't figure out how to make a button with link, I can send the html code to you through e-mail. Please leave a comment through Sunday, August 30, 2009, and I'll choose winners on Monday morning.
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Of course, if you win or purchase a copy of the pattern and see any errors or problems with it, please let me know. After all the time I spent writing the information and creating the PDF file, I can now make a quick change if necessary! On the other hand, please let me know if you like the pattern, if it is well written, and show me a photo of the finished project if you like. Thanks so much for your support.
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One more thing -- Along with the puchase of the pattern is the permission to sew it up for gifts or for sales in your shop or craft fair. In general, I won't download a free tutorial or purchase an e-pattern if it isn't available to make and sell. I just don't want to remember who said what. My policy is "if I can't craft it for sales, I don't want it." A recent exception made for my blog friend, Stephanie, who just released her first pattern - a hard copy pattern - of her West Linn Bag, which is quite darling and which I plan to make for myself this fall.
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Now, for the next five days, I will be putting together the Scrappy Christmas Blocks for the ModernJax swap I'm in. I've already received two packages from gals who were EARLY! I'm not opening them, though, until mine are made, so I won't be swayed in my own fabric choices and find the need to go shopping again .....

This post can be considered my WIWOW, too.

Five Little Maids All In A Row

Just covering sweet bums around here.

Sassy sweet here.

Layette love here.

Blissful Blogging

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I stopped in at Barnes and Noble yesterday with a B&N membership coupon to use and wondered which of the new books out I would find. I came across Blogging for Bliss and was glad to see it. My intention was just to scan through it at the store so I could see Emily of Ravenhill's page. I really thought it would just be a pretty book to read through and visit blog sites. I was so happy to find that, as well as looking gorgeous, the book is really a blog how-to. There is so much great information in there that I didn't really want to figure out myself. I've been trying to learn to make a banner (I made the one above early yesterday with no help at all, though!) and add pretty "stuff" to my blog without using a busy template. I like the wide-open, clean look I have here, but I'd just like to add some side bar titles that are pretty and stand out. If you are a serious blogger, this is one book that isn't just a luxury; you can really learn a lot with the information provided and don't have to reinvent the wheel!
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Take a look at my pretty crocheted doily. Lindamade creates patterns and mentioned that she would have designs in Crochet Today, July/August, issue. I picked it up and made the doily above with sock yarn. It was really quick and easy. To be honest though, I think I made one error and gave it a lopsided shape. I should use markers next time. Anyway, I plan to sew this one a bit offset on a linen pillow. One made up in solid white would be a great addition to some plaid wool in my stash, too.



I cut into the football fabric. I made these cute pants and some more zip top pouches that are PUL lined for wet resistance.



It seems that all the children's pants patterns I have purchased recently have very low rises. It's made me crazy sewing up darling pants only to find out they barely reach above the child's panties or diaper. I have had to remake a number of pairs sold. To get it right, I purchased several sizes of nicely made commercial children's pants and have "fixed" the patterns. It's one thing for teens and adults to wear low-riders, but I would think it's a good thing to be able to pull a little one's pants up to a comfy level so they can bend over and move with ease. I've gotten a bit crazy about that issue over these past ten years. I'm so glad tops and bottoms have started to meet one another again!

Get Your Game On!

My husband informed me that football season starts in the next couple of weeks! Is it already time for that again?

Anyway, I'm nearly ready with ideas and now fabrics for football season accessories. I just don't have time to make up multiple individual items in hopes that I'll find the perfect thing for customers. For those who have stopped by specifically looking for collegiate-related items and dorm room accessories, please hop over to my calicodaisy etsy shop and see what items you might like sewn up in your school colors. Monogramming, personalization, and embroidery services are available.

So, today I'll list these two fabrics I picked up. WARNING: I am specifically posting today for googlers. Reading through my Google Analytics, I am always amazed at how people land on my blog, so I'm going to take advantage of that right now. Don't feel pressed to read on if you aren't interested in collegiate fabrics.

These two fabrics are the colors of both big South Carolina universities, however, the football print works for a number of universities, which I will list at the bottom of this post in case anyone googles their school name for football season accessories. The manufacturer of these fabrics has more colors. If you don't see your school colors here, please contact me at the e-mail link above left and let me know what you are looking for.

My list of items the fabrics can be used for grows as I think on it: Laptop covers, tote bags, diaper clutch, boys' pants, girls' jumper, throw pillows, makeup bag, women's shorts, pencil bag, power pouch, shoe bag, laundry bag, dorm room items, pet jackets, ties, lunch bag, seat cushion cover .... will add more later!

Obviously, one fabric above will just suit Clemson University Tiger fans. The other works for University of South Carolina Gamecocks. However, the football fabric, which is a maroon or garnet background color, suits the following schools:

Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, Morehouse, Boston College, Arizona State, Texas A&M, Fordham University, Southern Illinois University, University of Minnesota, Florida State University, and, my alma mater, Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

If you like the fabrics and desire a specific university-related accessory created just for you, please contact me through my calicodaisy etsy shop. Monogramming and embroidery services are available.

Walker Tote - Grandparents' Day

A custom order for a walker tote went out in the mail yesterday. A sweet gal designed one with me for her grandmother. She is as concerned over making things as easy and convenient and chic! as possible for her grandmother as I ever was while mine was here with me.



While I was sewing hers up, I cut out a second, more manly one for a gentleman in need of something useful and nice looking. I've put it in my calicodaisy etsy shop and, you can see, added some pizazz to my photo!

This might be nice Grandparents' Day gift next month to someone special.

Adding the text and my web address to my photos makes me feel like I'm creating nearly professional advertising. I have plans to upload a montage to Vista Print to put on postcards for mailings. A good photo, a quick, clear description, and my web address -- it says it all! (Don't you think?)

Christmas In July Stocking Swap

Stephanie and Linda sponsored a Christmas In July Stocking Swap among their blog friends, and I was so pleased to be asked. The swap was set up in a round-robin fashion, so I sent my items to Gai in Australia and then received a lovely package from another Australian, Fiona.

I was so happy to receive a Christmas Bag full of handcrafted items from Fiona. Inside I found this lovely hand-embroidered, quilted tablerunner. Check out the close-up above. Just beautiful with the perfect cozy colors of a wintry Christmas with a little bit of shine in the fabrics. Most special to me, though, is the hand embroidery, and redwork, too! My most favorite of needlearts and especially the most appreciated because it takes such time and effort.



The little embroidered ornament and handcrafted mittens will be perfect on my blogger-swap tree. My collection of blog swap ornaments is growing now that I'm going on my third year of sharing ornaments with my blog friends. A little koala pin to remind me of Australia and some other treats rounded out a great swap package! There WAS a bar of Cadbury white chocolate, but it didn't make it to the photoshoot, hmmmmm.......



When I received Gai's name as the person to whom my items were going, I pretty much knew right away what I would create. Since blogging around the world, I've been sort of fascinated with a summer Christmas for Australians.



I decided to go with the Merry and Bright fabrics I picked up last year and create a "Cool Yule" package for Gai, since the sun is shining and everyone is talking about the heat that time of year down under.



I LOVE the stocking. I sure wish I would make those items for my home! I included an embroidered ornament and some South Carolina sweet treats, too.

You'll have to stop by everyone's blogs above. They are all so creative, and I'm always very grateful to have bumped into you fun people through blogging.

Sunday Chat

This upcoming week looks very promising. My husband is on the mend from cervical fusion, my big work-week schedule covering vacationing transcriptionists has passed - just one more shift this afternoon/evening, and a number of orders were finished, packaged, and sent out on Friday. So, a new month and new possibilities beginning tomorrow.



We celebrated a 17th birthday! My baby girl is so beautiful and sweet. She has a good head on her shoulders, and as she makes choices for herself and handles everyday situations and relationships, I see her becoming a lovely woman. I'm glad I have her around for a couple of more years.

My son goes back to college and dorm life in two weeks. Remember last year? I was a wreck. No more. One year down and his seven weeks in Germany make me so happy that he has these opportunities and is able to start living out his dreams now while he is young. You know that post I mention above? On my Google Analytics I found that a link to that posting appears when someone googles a phrase like, "I can't talk to my son," "my son won't...". Isn't that something? Hopefully, when they read my post and the one after and your comments, they had a bit comfort.



I've been loading up my shops as I sew up and embroider orders. I've got a list of things I'd like to accomplish in August and September in preparation for fall craft fairs and holiday sales.



1. Have a good sized "ready-to-go" inventory for craft fairs and holiday sales.

2. Publish three PDF patterns I have on my mind.

3. Develop the calicodaisy craft lounge. I plan to host craft parties in my studio apartment or a hostess's home to teach handcrafting skills: crochet, knitting, hand sewing, hand embroidery, etc.... I've got an idea to do the parties like a Tupperware party. Hostess, friends, learning a skill, drawings for calicodaisy items, and, of course, my finished goods all around.

4. Take more lessons myself to know my equipment better, so I make the best use of it all.

5. Plan a marketing push to correspond with my website reveal.



That list -- and all the learning and thinking required -- is nearly as heavy a load as going back to college, I think. However, going back to college is on my list, too. With transcription on its way out, I'm basically obsolete. I never liked the finance/accounting major I had in college, and I want to have a marketable skill to fall back on if I must have a full-time income in the future. Scary but necessary!

Well, I have a 3:00 shift to get to and better go get ready. I love my little p.r.n. job at the hospital. I wasn't sure how I'd handle the weekends alone, but I've had great doctors to transcribe these two weekends I've been scheduled. I'll be on the rotation schedule now that I can swing it all. The time goes by VERY fast, and there was a lot of trauma going on in my town yesterday. Good night! I was wondering who wasn't in the ER! I checked in to see that my family was home and off the roads.

Have a happy Sunday.