New Look

I want to change the look of my store and blog. When I first started selling on Etsy I let someone talk me into the Asian theme, she convinced me that was my niche and I shouldn't stray from it fabric-wise. As much as I love Asian fabric and the time I lived in Japan it has never really felt right as my "theme". However, I have zero skills when it comes to computer graphics. I have an idea in my head based on a drawing my daughter did for me when I first opened but I don't know how to get that idea into a digital format. I really wanted a yurt somewhere in my shop banner but have yet to find the 'perfect yurt' for that. Does anyone have any suggestions for free software that I could use to make my own banner?

Cleaning House

Well, not really house, but I cleaned up my blog reader. I can't believe how many blogs I had in there. Since I have self control issues about time on the computer I decided to cut out about half of what was there. I left all my gardening and natural living blogs and friends blogs but I cut out most of the crafty blogs. For one thing they were just cluttering my brain with even more ideas that I would never have time to create and then causing me to feel inadequate. So with those gone I feel a sense of freedom:).

When I dropped off my sewing machine the lady seemed to think it just needs to be serviced. I think it's probably a loose wire, at least that's what I'm telling myself so I don't break down. She gave me a tentative date of November 17 but said I would probably hear from them before that.

I've been sewing with the backup machine and it is making me miss the good machine even more. It has also made me realize the features I'd never want to give up in a sewing machine, one of which being the knee lifter. I never had one before I got the Bernina 1630 but now I've realized I don't want to live without it. It's so nice to be able to lift the presser foot and keep both hands on the fabric.

It's a beautiful day today so I think I might go dig in the dirt. I dug up a 4x8 foot spot in my yard for my winter Square Foot Garden.

Oh My!

I am so glad I didn't ebay my machine because tonight she won't turn on :(. I am so bummed, I am in the middle of one custom order and have 2 more lined up and she won't turn on. I will be taking her to the local shop tomorrow. I am hoping and praying it is just a bad connection in the on/off switch. If you pray please do because as much as I'd like a new machine it's just not financially possible right now :(. The drawing for the 9.25" waterproof pad will be tomorrow. I'm also a bit bummed about the turnout for that, I think it's only up to about 20 entrants right now.....

~~Waterproof Morning Glories~~WINNER CHOSEN

The winner is #17 as chosen by the random integer generator

gabriyel-adonai

said...

Me too! :D

November 2, 2009 1:25 PM

So gabriyel-adonai please send me your shipping info at yurtcraft(at)yahoo(dot)com

This cotton topped pad is suitable for your medium days. The core is absorbent flannel(double napped cotton) and bamboo terry. This pad is ULTRATHIN due to its cotton back and hidden PUL layer, no worries of leaks with this.
~9.25 by 2.5 snapped, 3.75 flares
~cotton top
~cotton flannel and bamboo terry core
~full layer of heavy PUL film
~organic cotton muslin back
~#20 polyacetal resin snaps
All you have to do is comment to get your name in the drawing. If you want to plug this on your blog you can have two entries, just comment a second time with a link to your blog. Comments are moderated so the usual disclaimer applies here, if you don't see your comment right away don't worry, it'll be there next time I get on the computer. Sometime on Tuesday, November 3rd I'll plug the numbers into the random integer generator and announce the winner.

Shade Garden

These are now available here

I wish it weren't so dreary because this picture doesn't do this fabric line justice.

Irons?

I have been through 2 irons this year. The aggravating thing is they were not cheap irons. First I splurged and got a Rowenta because they have such a good reputation. Within 3 months it was spitting nasty water on my fabric. So I got a Shark that was in the same price range and now it won't steam on it's own. If I want it to steam I have to do it manually and it has taken to occasionally spitting nasty stuff when I do that. These have been self cleaning irons that said I should use tap water and NOT distilled water. I think I had better luck with my cheap Black and Decker iron. So, do any of you crafty ladies out there have a favorite iron that has stood the test of time? I like a steam iron with a lot of steam ports and a stainless steel sole plate, for some reason the non-stick soles start to peel on me. I HATE non-stick even in my kitchen, I'm a cast iron girl all the way when it comes to the kitchen:)

Who doesn't love this iron with the retractable cord? I could almost get past the titanium non-stick sole plate.

New Fabric

I just got these fabrics yesterday from a great fabric store here in Texas called Fabfanatic it is a coop-type store where if you are willing to wait you can get fabrics for a bit cheaper than retail. So be on the lookout for items from these in my stores, unless, of course you'd like a custom order:). I also have the mushroom and snail print in another color(the mushrooms are maroon and the snails are blue).

I'm making some changes with my store right now. I'm going to close the Artfire store because it hasn't generated any new business for me, my regular, faithful customers use it but it hasn't really taken off. I still the most business at Etsy. I restocked my CPS store and have paid the fees until the end of November. If it doesn't take off I might close that one, too.

So, a question that I've probably already asked, but I'd like to ask it again in case anyone has changed their minds. Where do you like to shop for cloth pads and why? Why do you like one venue better than another?