Friday, April 29, 2011

Boot Socks PDF on SewMamaSew


Boot Socks
Originally uploaded by studiocherie
My free PDF for making fleece socks is available through SewMamaSew.
They are easy to sew and keep your feet and legs toasty. For those of us stuck in Winter, this is good.
I will add mens and childrens sizes to my shop soon. This womens one is a freebie.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Being New Again - My First 16 Friends


Having a new shop on Etsy reminds me of how hard it is to be new. Making connections, hoping to get noticed, creating a shop full of new items including photos and descriptions. I have fresh empathy for fresh shops on Etsy. I spent a little time using pounce to see who else was new. There is really just one tip that came to mind for brand new shops: open with at least 5 items. Take the time and effort to make the first photos of those 5 items spectacular. Make it clear in the photo what the item is. Yes, that is really one tip. The treasury below was on the front page last night. Many thanks to BatesMercantileCo who was one of my very first connections in my new shop. Having one of my vintage pieces on Etsy's landing page reminds me that I have more vintage clothing to list. The sun is shining this morning, so a photo shoot may be in order.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

New Boutique Pattern


New Boutique Pattern
Originally uploaded by studiocherie
My new duffle pattern, written specifically for quilting shops will debut at the Spring Quilt Market next month. Shop owners will be able to pick up a postcard showing the pattern cover on one side and materials list on the other along with my contact info and pricing. The duffle shown here will be on display as well. Both will be at the Mark Cesarik booth #1941. I will be there in spirit only. In fact, I will be here working on the travel backpack pattern I wanted to do this month which is getting squeezed into May.

Monday, April 18, 2011

There is only one of me and every check mark counts

Sometimes I set crazy goals. That is what I did for April. Just when I was starting to feel stupid for doing that to myself, I received this encouraging message from sewcutebydesign. She reminded me of the thing that has saved me so many times. Here is her message:
Just wanted to send a message and let you know that I finally just completed the eye glass case from your pattern. Oh my god, it is so cute... It was so easy to do and I needed that today...It's been one of those sewing days and decided to try your pattern and I'm so glad I did!  You and your patterns are awesome! Can't wait to make more and list them.  Here is a photo she sent me. Is this cute, or what?

The message to me was twofold. First, I am doing a good thing with my pattern writing. Women feel successful when they use them. That is always encouraging to hear.  Second, when I start to feel overwhelmed or frustrated, I need to complete a small project. That feeling of completion pumps
me up to keep on keeping on.

The project I completed yesterday with Rory's help was the photo shoot I needed to infuse my new apparel and accessories shop, BrandybuckClothiers, with life. Rather than waiting to schedule with a model, I decided to go for it. It is a small item checked off of a long list, but every check mark counts. Stepping into selling my clothing designs feels like a leap. For me, it is the next logical leap.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Baby Sea Stars


Baby Sea Stars
Originally uploaded by studiocherie
It is Springtime in Puget Sound too. Exploring at low tide is one of my favorite things to do. Saturday, we were rewarded with baby sea stars, 2 eels, a hermit crab in a too small shell, sea anemones - little kids saying anemone...Every bit of it precious. If you look closely at this photo, you can see some tiny snails on the sunny side of the rock near my thumb.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

carpet making school Egypt

One of our stops in Egypt was this carpet making school. The kids who attend here have regular schooling 4 hours a day, then carpet school another 4 hours. They start at about 10 years old. They are privileged to be able to learn a trade. Working class in Egypt is more how we think of middle class. The instructor asked for a volunteer to tie a knot in the carpet. My hand shot up - no surprise to anyone. I think he was prepared for a longer lesson. I sat on the long, low bench next to a first year student the same age as my daughter. I watched as he walked her through the steps one by one, then I picked up a silk thread and made my knot in the carpet. You've done this before? he asks. Nope, I am just quick like that. After the lesson, we were treated to the showroom where all of the carpets I wanted were $12-14,000 US. Maybe next trip... I do see the work that goes into them, and it is not something I am tempted to make myself...but I could if I wanted to. After all, I had one lesson.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Thank you Walrustusk


Jen, the owner of Walrustusk is a talented beading artist and the most treasury making woman on Etsy. I started following her treasuries using the circles feature on Etsy. With circles, you see what people are adding to their favorites and what treasuries they make. It is different than adding someone to your favorites. I also added Jen to my faves because I want to see her new items as they come out. Thanks for the front page feature Jen, it was a nice little boost for my new pattern and sold some mitts too. I appreciate you for all the work you put in to promoting your fellow sellers through your beautiful collections. See all of Jen's treasuries here. And see her beadwork here.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Chat about Style with Iris Apfel



I want to be there, sunken in those sumptuous fabrics, and feel naked in my minimalist accessories. Hope you enjoy. 2 weeks to launch my fashion line. Getting excited to show you.