StudioCherie

Shop Makeover

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

There is an excellent article over on Etsy's blog about making over your shop. The seller who wrote the article, has a really dramatic difference when you look at her first sold items, like mine below

and her current shop - mine below.

She managed to go from all kinds of color to all neutral, which is really pleasing to the eye, if you can do it. It really makes her shop makeover look dramatic. I am left with a riot of color. I think it will always be that way, since I am not about to start specializing in white and tan bags. Someone could do that with great success though... She mentions having a great product - that is really the starting point. If you are there, you are ready for a shop makeover. I think the key to my success on Etsy has been not so much the visual makeover of my pattern shots (brighter fabrics, fewer graphics, context in some cases) but the consistent addition of new products. I am always doing both though - improving the photography and adding new choices. It's a full time job. I just wanted to encourage you to read the article on Etsy and do what you can for your own shop.

Weddings made beautiful with help from friends

2012-01-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

One of the things I love about the Etsy wedding stories is how many times friends help to craft a truly special day. I wanted to share this message from Devin who recently made 120 luggage tags for her friend's wedding.

Hi Cherie,
I purchased your luggage tags pattern in August with the intention of making about 120 of them the hold the escort cards for a friend's "french/vintage-travel" themed wedding. Well, it was a success! The bride found some absolutely PERFECT fabric and we had a couple days of assembly-line style cutting an ironing before I got to the sewing. A ton of fun! Wedding guests loved them.

Another thing that Devin did which I thought was noteworthy - she punched the holes 3 at a time using a 3 hole punch! Very clever. Here is a link to the hole punch she used. Thanks for the note and the photos Devin. Your tags turned out gorgeous.

Sneek Peek Kindle Fire Cozy Stand

2012-01-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

This will be the next sewing pattern out. I am working on it now. I will also have the Kindle Fire covers for sale in my Etsy shop. I am considering this for a Kickstarter project too. Making enough of them to sell on Amazon. I have some leg work to do to organize that though.

Meet the Team

2012-01-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

Inland NW Etsy Team Holiday Show from Brian Chace on Vimeo.
This video is my quick (30 seconds each) take on 20 of my teammates on the Inland Northwest Etsy team. It's about discovering new talent, which I think is one of Etsy's strong suits in the online marketplace. Developing talent. Belonging to a team. If you have an Etsy shop, but you are not on a team, I hope this video moves you toward finding one. If you would like to check out their shops, here they are in the order of appearance on the video:

Customer Success Story

2012-01-05T09:56:00.001-08:00

From Michele
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I get some really nice messages from the women I have helped to sew something they wanted. Rarely these messages come with photos. I want to start sharing those here. I am just tickled for Michele, who was able to achieve a $1400 dining room makeover for $250. Here is her message to me:
Hi Cherie,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for putting together this tutorial! The directions on how to sew the pieces together was a bit confusing to me, as this was my first real sewing project since Home Ec in middle school (more than 20 years ago). But, the pattern technique was spot on! I purchased 6 upholstered parsons chairs from a church yard sale for $50 and used about $200 (big risk!) in fabric. I would have had to have paid at least $200 a piece for similar chairs with custom fabric. I attached pics so you could see the before and after. Thank you for encouraging sewing newbies to give it a try!

Michele, I love your new dining chairs. Notice the trim she added to her curtains to coordinate - beautiful touch. Congratulations. I hope this is the first sewing success of many for you. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your results.

Book Winner

2012-01-03T10:13:00.000-08:00

Comment number 4 was randomly chosen as the winner of the Fabric by Fabric book. Looks like Marci Girl will have a reason to stop hoarding those Anna Maria Horner fabrics and start using them! Congratulations, Marci. I will get in touch with you to get your address.

The book that will make you giddy

2011-12-30T13:47:00.000-08:00

The book that will make you giddy because you can win it! Storey Publishing has generously offered to send one of my readers a free copy of their new release, Fabric by Fabric. In this author interview, Trish Hoskins mentions the challenge of taking a variety of designers projects and translating them into one voice for the book. My licensing experience with Simplicity prepared me for someone looking at my patterns and rewriting them, so I think it is great. My contribution to the book is my simple kitchen chair slip cover. The book version is different from the PDF version that I sell, so it's all good. I am really excited to have a project in the book (because it makes my mom proud of me all over again.) It is so well done and attractive (read this review for the full scoop) I think it will be a best seller.

A couple of the projects that intrigue me are the lingerie project - I have a bunch of knit fabrics that will be perfect for these.

And my daughter wants a hat exactly like the one shown below. I think I will help her make it herself.

The book really does have something for everyone. It is the perfect gift for anyone just getting into sewing. It will expand their thinking about what kinds of things they can sew.
HOW TO WIN THIS BOOK
1. You must have a mailing address inside the US
2. Subscribe to my blog or follow it, and let me know by leaving a comment. (Make sure I have a way to get in touch with you.)
3. If you already subscribe or follow this blog, just leave a comment here. Tell me about your favorite fabric and what you did with it or plan to do with it.
DEADLINE Monday, January 2nd at 6PM Pacific time.
I will choose an entrant at random and announce the winner here by 7PM Monday.
Good luck!
Here is a list of all of the contributors to the book who have blogged and are blogging about it:

12/12/2011 Becka's Project Journal

12/13/2011 Craft Buds

12/14/2011 Patch Work Duck Designs

12/15/2011 Patch Work Duck Designs

12/15/2011 A Spoonful of Sugar

12/15/2011 Nifty Kids Stuff

12/15/2011 Becka's Project Journal

12/16/2011 Nom Nom Nom

12/16/2011 Quaint and Quirky

12/17/2011 ikatbag

12/17/2011 Two Brown Birds

12/18/2011 Sharon Sews

12/19/2011 LBG Studios

12/19/2011 Carolina Fair Designs

12/19/2011 Under Construction

12/20/2011 Little Blue Cottage

12/21/2011 Craftzine

12/21/2011 Neuroses Galore

12/21/2011 Emily Steffen

12/22/2011 Jenna Lou Loves You

12/23/2011 Spincushion

12/27/2011 One Inch World

12/28/2011 Sew Sew Etc.

12/29/2011 While Tangerine Dreams

12/30/2011 Studio Cherie

January ‘12 Lu Lu Carter

January ’12 Fiberosity

January ’12 Zuhause

January ’12 Obsessively Stiching

January ’12 No Bad Days

January ’12 Craft & Cackle

January ’12 AfricanKelli

The book that made my mom giddy

2011-12-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

Or maybe it was the mimosa she drank before she called me... Fabric by Fabric, sequel to the very successful One Yard wonders book - I signed one for her. She loves it - even before she noticed my inscription and that my slip cover is in there. It is so packed with great projects, anyone who sews will love it. Here is a fabulous review of the book. And here is a great interview with the authors. I will be doing a book giveaway in a few days - 12/30. Tune back in here for your chance to win. Meanwhile, enjoy reading the review and the interview.

More on Framing a Landscape View

2011-12-21T06:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the nice comments. I am glad my last post is helping some people. I wanted to follow up with all of the options, as I see them. I chose 2 things that are common on Etsy and hard to frame in landscape. Skeleton keys and party dresses. Row one of these examples shows how to back up from the subject and leave room around it. Row 2 depicts giving the item an angle that fits a landscape frame. Row 3 shows another option - using a detail shot. You might consider doing some of each in your shop to find out what works for you.

Portrait vs. Landscape

2011-12-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

Letters are written with portrait orientation. Magazines are pages and pages of portraits. People are usually vertical when we are interacting with them. "Why," many of us ask, does Etsy insist on landscape orientation for our product photos? It's a bit of a burden for those of us in fashion. It's an adjustment for anyone new to Etsy. We just don't think in terms of landscape. And it is hard work to bend your leggy model like gumby to fit into a wide frame. Why can't I just let her stand there and look beautiful? I think the real answer is that they just weren't thinking when they designed the site layout. The fantasy answer is much more fun and useful for me. Perhaps landscapes make us linger.

A landscape view is sexy.

With a landscape view, online shoppers see more of your shop on every page.

Our computer screens are landscape (this is probably the source of the real answer,) so we need to adjust and make the best of it.
This is how I crop and size my photos so there are no surprises when I see them in my Etsy shop:
If your subject is vertical and you want to capture the whole subject, your first option is to shoot in landscape, farther away than usual, and leave room on the sides for an interesting background.

The perfect sizing for Etsy is 1000 pixels wide by 800 pixels tall. If your original is too small for that, 750 wide by 600 tall also works.
If you do want to upload a vertical shot to Etsy, just know it will get cropped into these proportions - the width will remain untouched and the height will get cropped to width divided by 1.25. The crop will be centered. So I uploaded another version of the photo at the top of this article, and on Etsy it looks like this:

The bottom line is that if you want to make sales online, the most important thing is your presentation. You can have the most gorgeous product in person, but if your photos don't look as good as the real thing, they will not sell. I hope this article helps you frame every product shot like a work of art.

My giraffe bootsocks

2011-12-06T15:03:00.001-08:00

My giraffe bootsocks
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I received so many compliments on my "cute boots" at the Handmade Holiday Show on Saturday that I had to do a photo shoot to show them off here. My "boots" are actually bootsocks sewn from my pattern and worn with my Born mules. I have several pair in different colors and I wear them all of the time. I always get compliments. And the best part - my feet and legs are always warm! The socks are super easy to make from my pattern. Toddlers up to Mens sizes included in one pattern.

Handmade Holidays Trunkshow

2011-11-21T11:12:00.000-08:00

20 of my best friends on Etsy will be gathering to do a collective trunk show of our wares on Saturday, December 3rd. We found a great location for the event in Spokane, the Service Station, which is a popular Northside coffee shop. If you are in Spokane, I hope you will come to the show and say "Hi." All of us will have special items that you don't see in our Etsy shops. Everyone who brings a food bank donation will be entered to win a gift basket full of wonderful items from all of us.

I am busy making up reading glass cases, key ring zip pouches, fingerless mitts, and other small stocking stuffer items to sell there. I will also have my jackets from Brandybuck and my menswear.

Yoga is now taking up my blogging time, so that is why I have been away from posting so long. We will be in Seattle for Thanksgiving and checking out the hot yoga studio that is near my sister's house. I will post about that adventure.

Fleece Jackets

2011-10-23T14:43:00.001-07:00

Handy pockets
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

Having fun with my jacket pattern. I am using the same pattern I drafted for the jackets I have at Brandybuck - with a few changes. Loving the in seam pockets - which also creates a secret inside pocket. And the full zipper. Rory pointed out that I used Howard Johnson colors on this one. I laughed and thought maybe I should name it the HoJo Jacket. Maybe the HoJo look will get me a spot on Regretsy. Really, I think it is a stunning jacket and would be great for a runner. I will have to pull out the day-glo yellow with that in mind. When I can carve out the time, I will publish this one as a pattern. Taking orders for the jackets themselves at Brandybuck. In your color choice of course. Maybe there is a classier motel you would like to match? Although when I think of the Anaheim HoJo, it's all good times.

Sewing Class at Gonzaga University

2011-10-07T19:16:00.001-07:00

Sewing Class at Gonzaga University
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

These 9 enthusiastic young women were sewing like mad yesterday when I visited Summer Berry's studio at Gonzaga University. They are using my fast fingerless mitts pattern to make fingerless gloves for the homeless in Spokane. Learning to sew and learning to give to the community - this is what we all love about Summer Berry - her great teaching and her caring heart.

Quilting Basics

2011-09-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

I have had a few questions lately from people who want to make my travel duffle sewing pattern and they have never quilted. The quilt for the duffle consists of three layers. The bottom layer will become the lining of your bag, I use kona cotton muslin. You will need a large craft table to layout the fabric. You will be using pins, so you don't want to scratch your dining table.

First you press the muslin so you do not have any creases, and you lay it out flat on your work surface. Some people even tape the edges down to keep from getting even the smallest pucker in their quilt back.

Second, put the batting on top of the muslin.

Third, lay your feature fabric on top of the batting.

Fourth, pin the three layers together with safety pins about every 6" apart.
Here is a video showing the pinning process and a really great tool I am going to have to get myself!

The reason you use safety pins: Getting a large piece of fabric quilted on your home machine will require rolling it up from the right side as it gets to be too much to fit through the arm of the machine. If you use straight pins, you will get stuck by them even if you are careful.

After your fabric layers are pinned, you run the fabric through your machine, using a walking foot. I don't quilt them much for the duffles. I just run 4 wavy lines down the length of the fabric. I have seen beautiful duffles made from my pattern with more detailed quilting on them. If you want to take more time with the quilting part, you certainly can stitch more.

I hope this helps!

Spokane River

2011-09-26T15:10:00.001-07:00

Spokane River
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I picked up a batch of fabric for boot socks, made mock up sock tops (because I make each pair of socks to size) and loaded up the photo gear and Rory. We are so blessed to live near the Spokane river. As you can see it is a picturesque location for us frequently. Four or five kayakers went by in the middle of our shoot (one of them upside down - which scared me, but she was smiling as she rolled out of it.) Rory got really excited when this one guy came back upriver to play in the current. Thank you kayak man! Thank you Rory. Click on the photo to see the other fabric choices and boots in my Flickr photostream.

The boot socks pattern is finally ready!

2011-09-19T20:48:00.001-07:00

Womens Size Fleece socks
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I think I mentioned in a few places that the sizing was mucho tricky on these, but I prevailed. I decided that people deserve to have these fleece socks in specific sizes for their feet, so they are not too baggy nor toe schrunchy. The sewing pattern includes sizing from pre-school shoe size 4-13, kids sizes 1-6, women 4-9, and men 8-13. All in one pattern! I am also selling the socks as a made to order item, so people can specify their color and size. Of course, if you buy the pattern, you can sell them too. The leopard print fleece is great quality - nicely stretchy - I got it at fabric.com

New Simplicity Pattern Coming

2011-09-14T11:18:00.001-07:00

twirl dress and petticoat
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

In the Summer 2012 catalog, you will find my girls dress pattern and the cute play skirt I made for underneath, which is a fun thing all by itself too. The skirt is a very easy project with a different way to incorporate tulle and fun embellishment ideas. Yay! Simplicity. Thank you. We are currently hunting for fabrics to feature on the pattern cover. Let me know if you have any ideas. Preferably it will be a fabric line that is fairly new and will still be available when the pattern comes out next Spring.

Yoga Journal

2011-09-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

If I write this experience down on a piece of paper, it is likely I will never see it again. I want to remember what this feels like. I believe there are a few of you who can be encouraged from my experience too. So if you don't want to read a yoga journal, skip this entry. I will write more about sewing of course. I do have some fabulous sewing related news that I will post here tomorrow.
Hot Yoga - Bikram inspired yoga. My goal is 30 sessions in 30 days.
Day one - I wrote about it. It was hard and scary. Heart pounding, hard to breathe scary.
Day two - I thought I knew what it would be like, but it was still a very new experience. Not as scary, but still very hard and heart pounding. Felt pretty drained afterward.
Day three - Fear of it is gone, but it still requires a lot of effort. I am wondering if this is for me. Wiped out and going to bed early with a headache. My appetite is greatly changed and diminished. I want more veges and more water. Less sweets and meat.
Day four - I talked to the instructor before class. I commented that I didn't have a favorite part yet. It was all like some form of torture. She said that she focuses on how strong she is and tells herself how well she is doing. I did that throughout class and I did feel strong and proud of myself for sticking with it. Still tired early in the evening. I am more aware of my skin and it feels good.
Day 5 - I asked before class about getting any kind of added energy benefit from the practise and was told that everyone is different. I will find what there is in it for myself. I went into class ready to tell myself how strong I was again. I did that a lot, but I also felt as though I was going to spontaneously combust. It was very difficult to stay with it for 90 minutes, but I did. My heart rate was not as uncomfortable and breathing was easier. I was just extremely hot.
Day 6 - Major breakthrough. I found the joy. After the initial breathing exercise and during the first series of asanas (I think that is what they are called - I don't want to say "poses" because I don't think of them like that) the instructor, Justice, said "squeeze your biceps with your ears." That cracked me up and I laughed all through the first series. I cannot even describe the feeling of laughter mixed with the physical practise of this yoga. It was like a magical combination. Instead of my sweat feeling like a gross toxic bath, it felt like a beautiful cooling shower. I felt a love and acceptance for myself. I was able to deepen some of the moves. I felt glowing and beautiful and I was hooked. I felt pleased and happy afterward and not tired like the previous 5 evenings.
Day 7 - I went into class prepared to focus on feeling strong and joyful. I was able to do more than before. Toward the end of class I felt like some new pathways opened up. Like the inside of my body was having a party. All of my cells are bubbly and sparkling inside. A new energy source is revealed inside of me.
Day 8 - For the first time, I felt that this practice - even in the heat and the demands of 90 continuous minutes - can be relaxing. My breathing was easy, my heart rate steady. I feel a kind of heat and energy inside my body now and a cool, clean sensation on my skin. I see how people want to do this everyday. I feel like this is one of the best things I have ever done for myself.
Here is where this is all happening: Yarrow Yoga.

Hot Yoga Made Me Cry

2011-09-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

I cried a little bit. I think I should have let myself cry more, but I rolled over onto my back and just let myself breathe for a minute before rejoining the class. Yes, it is that hard. I don't know what the poses are called yet. There is a pose where after sweating profusely for about an hour, you get to put your face, including your mouth on the mat. Breathing deeply through my nose, I was taken back to the tunnels under Jerusalem. Claustrophobia. Rather than bawling and throwing up (like I actually did in a Byzantine church in Bethlehem) I rolled onto my back. The floor was hot, but the ceiling was high which relieved me somewhat. I wanted to leave. I wanted cool air and sky, but I had decided to stay. Ara, the instructor, had told us our first goal was to stay in the room for the entire 90 minute class. We will be going back to this hot yoga class everyday for a month. Day one, my body felt like a sponge full of toxins getting wrung out. Glad to get it out. Let's see what a month does...

Namaste

2011-09-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

Yoga is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I thought it was all lolling about on a mat and stretching. Toward the end of a class the other night, holding a pose just beyond comfort and not in pain, soft music, dim light, in the company of other quiet people, I heard my body say "Thank you. I am so glad you brought me to this place."

How to Benefit From the Etsy Finds Even When You are Not in It

2011-08-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Etsy Finds refers to a number of opt-in email lists you can subscribe to on Etsy. As a seller, it is a good idea for you to subscribe to all of them. I will show you here, by using today's email, how to use them to help with your Etsy marketing.
First, subscribe to the Etsy Finds. I subscribe to all of those under shopping and all of the newsletters.
When you get the shopping emails, they look like this:

All of the words in blue take you somewhere. Spend a little time to see where they go, and take note as they apply to your shop. I will walk you through how I see this email.

The first linking words, August's Hot Topics, goes to treasury lists that are tagged with August Trends. If you are going to make a treasury anyway today, include something turquoise and items from your friends and teammates that could have made this email but didn't, then tag it August Trends. Your treasury will get extra activity over the next couple of days as people open and explore this Etsy Finds email. Your friends will love you for it. You can't really do anything for yourself directly with the treasury links. Indirect benefits of making treasuries include: you may find more people adding you to their circle if they like your picks. There may also be sellers who appreciate the feature and give you a feature in return.

The second link, turquoise, goes to turquoise items. If you have relevant items, you can renew them since there is still a row of recently listed items at the top of the page . From the looks of my screen shot here, renewing affects your relevancy too. I see 2 of the recently listed items showing up as most relevant as well. Do make sure you have relevant titles and tags and descriptions before you renew.

Competition

Turquoise links to a huge number of items on Etsy, so if you are already in the top ten pages on that link, you are doing great with your titles and tags. I have a turquoise pillow cover, but I don't think that turquoise is the most important thing about it, so I am not going to try to get in on the action here. I will leave this link for you jewelry sellers to battle it out. You will be able to see that relevancy has nothing to do with the quality of photos, so that is where your items can stand out. Take a look at the titles and tags that the most relevant items (those start at the second row.) Check them against yours to see how you can improve your ranking. The items with the best photos probably get the most clicks. As a buyer, I am willing to flip through a number of pages to find something that catches my eye.

Here is a good way to figure out which item to work on from your own shop - Click on the link in the finds where you know you have something. There are several in today's finds that apply to me (personalized, men, dresses, and Christmas.) Let's look at dresses. I click on the link and then go to the local results to see my most relevant items.

Apply the info

Oops, my mens dress shirt shows up in dresses. I don't like that. I will check my shop stats to see if anyone is finding me by searching mens dress shirt. I will also go to google and check to see if anyone searches mens dress shirt. If it is a popular search, I will leave it. If not, I will take dress shirt out of my tags so I am not showing up in the dresses. I am pretty sure I do not have dress as a stand alone tag on that item, but I better make sure. My most relevant item looks to be my girls dress pattern, so I will renew that today and probably sell it and relist a few times. Also, when I click on men in the finds, that same shirt is my most relevant item, so I will be looking at it and renewing it - sorry in advance, if it keeps showing up under dresses.

Do I spend time everyday doing this? No. If I had a marketing person - this would be one of their daily jobs. I think having 4 potential hits in this one email, and a treasury I was going to make anyway sitting in my Brandybuck favorites folder, makes today my day to jump on it this week.

Thank you for the treasury love

2011-08-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am sewing slip covers this week and next, but I wanted to pop in here and thank all of the lovely people who have helped me in the last week by promoting BrandybuckClothiers in their treasuries. I appreciate you!

This one by CreativityisMessy won the treasury challenge.

Isn't that full of manly goodness?

I have to say the above treasury was a close second for the challenge. I love so many things in it.

ZiBagz is one of my favorite curators to follow, I love that she included so many teammates in this one.

This treasury I found intriguing but ultimately disturbing. Fur hat = good - black eye = bad, really bad, infact, regretsy bad.

Another great guys collection with a lot of teammates used here. Great job!

White hot - love that idea!

Thank you Maggie, I think the linen theme is brilliant!

I think Lori and I must have similar taste in men. I love this collection. I guess that makes sense. She's got her Scottsman and I have my Irishman.

That one is from the nonteam and I love it!
Thank you everyone for helping get my new shop off the ground.

Jackets are my favorite part of Fall

2011-08-12T00:03:00.000-07:00

I do love Summer and wearing skirts all of the time, or my cotton voile lounge pants (sometimes in public.) But I think you will see that I have a special place in my heart for Fall. Look at all of these jackets! I still get those back-to-school butterflies in my stomach when I think about the season change. My jacket collection rivals my bag collection. Speaking of bags, as soon as I get some of this furniture out of the way, I will be back with some bag patterns - promise. But I have learned not to say when because I know my habit of interrupting myself and I am okay with that.

Lots of ways to go with my jacket design. Looking forward to seeing how this takes off and what people will request. I do love having the flexibility to make special fabric choices available.

Thank you to PamelasJewelry for the Front Page

2011-08-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

There is Brandon on the brick wall wearing one of my linen shirts. Looking good. I have been ignoring the blog, obviously. Not because I don't have anything to say. I simply have too much to do. I have been pattern making like crazy and sewing. I still have a back log of furniture to cover - and I am getting to it now.

Get ready to fall in love

2011-07-24T22:39:00.001-07:00

Short Sleeve Sand Linen Mens Shirt
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

With my mens shirts, of course. Rory and I had a blast today bringing some life to my mens collection. A huge thank you to our handsome model, Brandon. I am very happy with all of the shirts and am looking forward to putting out the sewing pattern soon-ish. You can find my shirts for sale at BrandybuckClothiers.

Lessons from Brandybuck Part 1

2011-07-18T15:16:00.001-07:00

Rory Killilea
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I have been needing this photo shoot since day 1 for the new BrandybuckClothiers shop. It was so good to finally get together with a great model and photographer to bring some life into the photos there. Just click on the photo to get to Flickr to see some of the more than 300 great shots we got. Rory and Shelby worked really well together.

My experiment with Brandybuck has taught me a few things.

Lesson one: A name that is easier to spell might have been better. Looking forward to Etsy letting us change names.

Lesson two: While dressform models seem to work well for vintage, there are very few clothing sellers who do well without live models. The bar has been set really high for photography on Etsy. So much so that I would advise people to get this part done before opening shop. I have to admit it has been a little disappointing to not have been featured in the Etsy Finds yet - since they do a fashion email about every other day. I am hoping Shelby's great modeling and Rory's photography can help with that.

Lesson three: Something I did do right because it costs a bundle to build an inventory: Make your first samples for yourself and your family. From there, your friends will see your product and if it is quality, they will buy from you. This gives you more samples to photograph and pays for more fabric. The white shirt Shelby is wearing in the photo above is for my friend Julia. The striped one is mine. The pink skirt is G's. The first tennis dress was going to be mine, but I need to get a little more ambitious about the gym before I wear one. As my friend Tera said, I can't get the butt I want by sitting on the butt I've got. (Pause typing to switch to exercise ball.)

Which leads me to lesson four: I can't get the success I want by sitting on the success I've got. Etsy runs on what is new, so I am always making something new. My newest pattern is not a bag. It is girls dresses. I am just tickled with how it turned out and how easy it is for people to make and enjoy. My gym bag did not do as well as I thought it would - sales wise. I love the bag. I love how I made the bag. I am proud of the pattern. I just did not have a super photo to sell it before. With this great photo, I am looking at it as sort of a relaunch. The Harry Chair slip cover was also launched with full size pattern pieces - you need to print with a 24" wide printer. And every time I wear that patchwork skirt I get a ton of compliments, so I am looking to put that down on paper soon. My list never gets shorter, but I can do hard things.
Speaking of Jessica Swift - the artist who made that next step print. Read about how she is launching one of her dream projects.
Inspiring!

Throw a kids craft party this Summer

2011-07-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

I was browsing Pinterest this morning and saw this awesome watermelon shark. As I pinned it to my DIY board, I realized all these ideas (on my board) were the ingredients for a fun kids party. I am so glad I have a girl. Click on the link to the board above to see the watermelon shark and some other fun ideas.

She is a natural

2011-07-09T12:53:00.001-07:00

She is a natural
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

We had fun doing a photoshoot at Manito park. Four new patterns in the works. I have a lot of writing to do. See more on Flickr. If you check in on my photostream there, you will usually get a preview of my projects well before they are released in pattern form.

Another designer in action

2011-07-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Michelle first caught my eye with that pillow. Then I read her blog and was hooked. Here is a blog post that is short and to the point about packaging. I love how she simply illustrates her point. Just wanted to share because I think this is a blog (and designer) you might want to follow. Nice variety of goods in her Etsy shop too. A trip to North Carolina is on my list.

Sharing video interviews with fabric designers

2011-07-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

Quilthome has become one of my favorite places to go online for fabric. Their selection is incredible and I get my orders lightning quick. Heidi, the owner of quilt home, did a brilliant thing at Quilt Market. She interviewed the top designers and has the videos embedded on her site. I enjoyed the interview with Valori Wells this morning when it showed up in my inbox. I think you will too. If you sign up for the newsletter at Quilt Home, you will get great coupons in addition to the video interviews.

Kids Fabric Design Contest

2011-06-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

I read about the Spoonflower kids contest just in time to mention it to Gabrielle. She drew a few rough sketches of designs. Some featuring squirrels and the things they like - trees and nuts. Some stripes and geometric designs. She was asking me which idea would make a good fabric design. I suggested she just draw and color something she really loved to draw like she was making a picture for a friend. After that, we could figure out how to turn it into a fabric. I love what she did. You know I am going to order her flower in the field fabric. If you click on the contest to see all of the great kids entries, keep your mouse hovering around the green arrow to get the photos to show up. You can vote for as many as you like. Seeing kids designs reminds me to keep having fun and make what I love.

Still in Love

2011-06-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

This was one of my first PDF patterns, but I still love it. My friend, Laura, recently made a batch of these 4 inch frame bags as gifts, and she shared these photos with me. I love her fabric choices! Laura sells the fabrics in her online fabric shop. You can get fat quarter sets and pick outside and lining fabrics to make your bags. I asked Laura if she was taking orders for the bags themselves, and she is not - but I am. So if you would like a frame bag in any of these fabrics, let me know and I will buy the fabric from Laura and get you hooked up with cute bags like these. Or you could get the sewing pattern from me, the fabrics from Laura, and open up your own cute frame bag shop. They are fun to make. Thanks for the pictures, Laura. Great work!

I have been Summer-ized

2011-06-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

A year ago, my friend Summer came over for coffee and a chat. Summer is the Costume designer (among other administrative and teaching titles) at Gonzaga University. She is a kindred spirit in terms of her creativity and appreciation for quality, but she has something I don't have- the "O" gene. A year ago Summer offered to help me organize my space to make it work more efficiently. At that time, I really believed that chaos was part of what made my creativity thrive. I turned her down, and she politely accepted that.
I spent the last year working in my 10' by 12' studio, winding it up like a slow motion tornado. I even enjoyed the thought of myself as akin to a natural disaster. (Tempted to analyze that right now - but I won't do it here.) Draw a pattern, cut it out, shove it aside, sew it up, scraps shoved aside - don't throw them away, save them for the crazy quilt! Fabric for the next project was handy - and often, in the way. Lots of fabric, lots of visual stimulation. Almost everything had a place, but I am the only one who could find anything. Sometimes it took me a couple of days to find a specific ruler. If I couldn't find something I really needed, I would buy another. Things that didn't have a proper place got hung on the peg board - jewelry findings, buttons, mirrors, they came packaged to hang in the store, I will hang them too. Then there was the drapery: twill tape draped on the pegboard, spools of chain, ribbons, elastic, a shoe lace, (I am not sure why)luggage tags, zippers. Anything hang able was hung there.
A whole year of making (and making a mess) passed. And then, I couldn't make any more. I began working at the kitchen table. I avoided the studio. I was still producing but not as much as I knew I could if I were organized. I found an empty box of sewing needles, but I could not find a single needle to sew on a button. That was the last straw. Finally, I cried for help. Summer was there for me. She came running and ready to work. Summer is full of practical suggestions and the sensitivity to let them sink in. I told her which piles were important and which hadn't been looked at in the last year. She sent me outside to weed the garden (We agreed it was best if I didn't watch this part.) while she hauled out 6 or 8 big black bags of giveaway and garbage (that is, my imaginary crazy quilt.) I came in, and joined her in going through boxes and being a lot more realistic than ever before in what to keep and what to toss.
We moved my big beautiful dresser out, and went shopping for shelves. It happened to be the first day of an incredible sale at Lowes on this shelving, so I spent about half as much as I had planned. Sweet! We went to lunch.

At lunch we talked about my sewing ADD and how maybe that was caused by over stimulation. Above is the shelving that replaced my big dresser, less stimulating and more efficient. I marveled as Summer told me about sewing more than 300 costumes between September and May. My jaw dropped when she informed me that she has over 800 patterns catalogued and stored neatly in her studio at Gonzaga. I got inspired by her efficiency, her ability and her humility.

Summer's layout of the room is so much better than the "L" shape I was using. I have more room now for everything. Just in case there is anyone reading this who finds they have worked themselves to a standstill, I want to invite you to get Summer-ized. If you are in Spokane, Pullman or in the Seattle area, chances are Summer can schedule something with you - before school starts up again at Gonzaga. I highly recommend her as an organization maven, and not just for sewing rooms. She is working with a local woman on her whole house next week. Summer has all of the right stuff and she knows how to use it. I love how my studio works. Thanks to Summer.

An organized and uncluttered peg board. Small stuff in small drawers and labeled.

My shipping area. I will organize the closet more, but right now, I am really enjoying how well my space works.

My Craft Party Project

2011-06-20T11:38:00.001-07:00

My Craft Party Project
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

If I go to a craft party, you can be pretty sure I will have a different project in mind for the craft than the one presented by the leader. I made sure this was okay with Sarah before the party, and she happily set me loose on the copper wire while she taught the class how to make a fine silver wire pendant. When I got home, I wrapped the new handle on my teapot. Now it's back to sewing. That was fun. Read more about the party at the team blog.

My thoughts on sequels

2011-06-18T11:40:00.001-07:00

Event Tags
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

There are sequels that are so bad, they make you forget how great the original was. (I realized this when Caleb was watching The Matrix for the first time.)
Then there are the sequels that keep getting better - like the Die Hard movies. (I like that there is less swearing in the last movie than in the first. "you just killed a helicopter with a car!" I was all out of bullets.")
I did not set out to become one of those designers that puts out the same thing over and over again. I am sequel-shy. Two things came together this week that made me rethink that stance for luggage tags.
1. The craft party we are having today. I wanted to bring something for everyone, and I thought a cute magnetic name tag that can double as a photo frame for the fridge sounded great.
2. I had a customer inquiry for 120 luggage tags and I could not do them for the price she needed.
I find that if I have the need for a project, there are lots of other people who have the same need. My new Event Tags Sewing Pattern can be made up in a fraction of the time it takes to make my original luggage tags. (With virtually no materials waste- bonus.)
I think they are just as lovely - and smarter than the original. I can sell them for as little as $4 each when ordered in bulk. See the wedding favor listing. And DIY brides will be able to get this project done quickly for under $1 each.
I hope my sequel meets rave reviews and opens up the event market to more handmade sellers.

Chasing Butterflies

2011-06-12T21:32:00.001-07:00

Tiger Swallow 2011 June 12
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

Something clicked inside me this week that made it more okay than ever to just slow the heck down. Instead of wishing we were moving down the trail, I enjoyed the breeze and the fragrant flowers while Rory chased butterflies with the camera. I love that this butterfly lit on the rusty old gate. The yellow Iris along the Little Spokane river smell heavenly. Shoulder high grass. Cottonwood seeds fall like slow motion snow then a gentle breeze lifts and swirls them up, reminding me of fireflies. I was happy today to go slow and breathe deep. More photos on Flickr.

Listen to Your Mother Video - See me read

2011-06-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

This is 2 stories I wrote for writers group and have published here. I was chosen to read them at this event. I just wish the videographer had been in front of me instead of so far off to the side. Oh well, enjoy the view of my hair.

Coffee Sleeves, yes please

2011-06-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Amber of SoniaBegonia1 has convinced me that these sleeves are a must have in the glove box. Check out this info I pulled from her Etsy bio:
"I also LOVE the thought of reducing my carbon footprint at the same time. How fun is it to get to do your part by "going green" and looking fashionable. Just imagine that an average commuter gets 5 coffee's a week x 52 weeks in a year (260 PER YEAR). Now think about the fact that most often that drink is being double cupped or a disposable sleeve put on it ... or worse yet BOTH. By simply reusing this coffee sleeve there is a significant beneficial impact to our environment.
** These sleeves are made with a layer of InsulBrite that helps keep your hands cool and your drinks warm."
Amber is making a quality product. By buying coffee sleeves from her, you are supporting a Spokane work at home mom. Here is the treasury Amber made for me last week - Thank you Amber!

Mukilteo Memorial Day

2011-06-01T19:43:00.001-07:00

Mukilteo Memorial Day
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

Easy to believe: I grew up in Seattle and have been to Puget Sound innumerable times. I have walked many miles in the rain and enjoyed it. I miss it even though I am chilly when we visit. Hard to believe: This is my first pair of rubber boots. You can bet I will be packing them for every trip. They make walking on the beach even better. The boot socks make the boots better too. I think I will try to stock some in the shop this Fall.

Introducing Creativity is Messy

2011-06-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Tera, the woman behind CreativityisMessy, makes so many wonderful treasuries, you will be glad to add her to your circle on Etsy and watch her favorites and treasuries. She has a great eye and is always delighting me with her fabulous finds. Here are some goodies from her shop:

Notice how Tera is on top of Etsy trends in her shop offerings too. I have had the pleasure of spending a little time with Tera in person. She is just as gracious, beautiful and smart as can be. What a treasure.

Introducing Kilted Woman

2011-05-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

Lori made that treasury for me. She is another of my wonderful Inland Northwest teammates. Lori has a passion for Scotland and makes beautiful jewelry and a fun variety of things. Here is her profile statement from Etsy:
I am married to a Scotsman and enjoy traveling to Scotland to take pictures and pick up treasures on the beach. I also enjoy highland dancing and learning gaelic. I have been a nurse for 20 years and very much enjoy making these little crafts in my free time.
I enjoy having Lori on the team. She is a supportive teammate and always nice to everyone.

Introducing TeraBliss

2011-05-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the great fortune of being the featured seller for the Inland Northwest Etsy Team. Many of my teammies made great treasuries to feature my new shop. As a thank you to these gals, I want to highlight them here, and introduce them to you.

Here is Tera's Etsy profile: Thank you so much for stopping by my etsy store! I am so excited to be a part of this amazing community. I am inspired by dancers, performers, vaudeville, burlesque, and all artists that find passion in their lives thru creating and performimg. I am a belly dancer myself and love to experiment with all styles of dance. I love costumes, jewelry, make up, and hair...new and vintage. I love beautiful things that sparkle, shine and move. I've been a jewelry and costume designer for most of my life. I am excited to finally become a member of this amazingly creative community of etsy. For me this is just the beginning!! Peace, love, and art!! ♥☺♥

Artwork Licensing Check out this story

2011-05-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

Cori tells it so well on her blog, I want you to read it from her. I am struck by the power of a dream. In my life it has been true that if I wonder what it would be like to do something or experience something, I often get to see that dream come true. I am not talking about a casual sort of wondering, but of those deeply felt soul urges. Read about Cori experiencing that in the grocery store.

dragonfly knot belt

2011-05-25T09:39:00.001-07:00

dragonfly knot belt
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I made a couple of these belts yesterday to add to the BrandybuckClothiers shop. It is a fun way to use up the leftover jute from duffle handles. It is also a versatile waist or hip belt. I put this out here to see if there is any interest at all in having a tutorial for how I make them. Just let me know here.

Instant banners and email signatures for Etsy shops

2011-05-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Some of you who know me know that I have been bannerless for a long time. One of Etsy's first big sellers, Littleputbooks, advised me quite a while ago that banners were a waste of precious space. Just get to the items and let people shop. Etsy has made a lot of changes since then. When I found this new instant banner and email signature site, and tried it out - and liked it, I checked over at LittlePut, and noticed she has a banner now. That was all I needed. If you want an instant banner like mine, do this first: renew the 4 items you want to appear in the banner, wait for about an hour, then go to Etsync.com and use the banner maker. The colors of your items will affect the background color of your banner. If you don't like the first try, experiment with different items until you get one that you like. The site is generating PNG files that you can save and use - that is how I have more than one below to show you.

Another cool feature on the site is a generator for an HTML signature you can use on your email that will be a photo and a link to your shop. The photo will always be the last item you renewed or listed. I think it is a nice way to dress up your email.

You just copy and paste the code as your email signature. Here is where to go to get your code.

sketchbook 1

2011-05-15T19:13:00.001-07:00

sketchbook 1
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

For Mothers Day, Gabrielle gave me a fancy new journal with rough (watercolor I think) paper and a beautiful fabric cover. I took this weekend off from sewing and I thought I would do something I have not done in a few years. I curled up on my favorite couch with my new journal and a mechanical pencil. My daughter and I sit down frequently and draw things we imagine, but she has never seen me draw what I physically see. The sun was setting, and as we sat in the unlit room, we talked about how we see. Also what it is to actually see and how much easier it is to make something up than to see a thing as it really is. She talked me into giving her my back up sewing journal so she could join me in drawing. It was a good exercise for me. Good times for both of us. I should find something better than a mechanical pencil for future entries.

Fresh Content ideas and my next 2 weeks

2011-05-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

My friends don't ask me - Dude, where do you come up with all of that fresh content? But they do say - I would love to blog more but I don't know what to talk about. This article is the most comprehensive list of ideas I have seen. 21 ways to Create Compelling Content When You Don't Have a Clue. I hope it helps you.
Do you want a glimpse of how I am going to carry on for the next couple of weeks? Here it is:

Writing the pattern for my travel back pack. I am really excited to launch this and jamming to get it out before the end of the month.

3 more linen shirts for my writers group friends. Everyone loves theirs so much they want another one. Just waiting for the fabric to come in.

More cute baby change pad bags. Waiting for some special fabric to come from Korea that a customer specified.

5 slip covers that will live with this chaise. This includes preshrinking 24 yards of canvas. This project will carry on through June.

Also high on the list is finding models for my BrandybuckClothiers shop. Obviously they are going to have to come to me because I have my hands full.

So if I don't practise what I preach as far as filling this space with compelling content and taking over the blogging world, I hope you will understand. Feel free to do that yourself if you like. I will probably be reading your blog around midnight on a Monday night.

Spokane Spring

2011-05-10T22:05:00.001-07:00

May 7th 2011 Deep Creek Spokane WA
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I am thankful for good hiking weather again. So many walks cut short this year by stormy weather. The earth is coming to life again. Different every year depending on the weather. This year we get fungus. A morel maybe? I love using the macro function on my camera. On this hike, farther on, we saw an eagles nest and thanks to a lovely older couple and their spotting scope, we also saw eaglets. Winter is over at last. My friends are gardening again.

Things I do in my dreams

2011-05-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

There are places I go in my dreams. My dreamscape is my alternate reality in which I dance, travel, wear nothing but a huge ruffle, fly, get weighed (yes, and it was a good dream - my weight said "worthy") sail, dance, grow things in my hair, and talk to centaurs. Sometimes I run and run in my bare feet and just enjoy the scenery and covering ground. Sometimes I run in a panic as I did in the dream where I found Caleb hiding inside a tree (I peeled the bark with my bare hands to find him inside.)I am not sure if the centaurs are people or animals, but they protect us from the wild animals all around our woodland home. Some of my houses have secrets and they make me think of the people who lived there before (like my mother-in-law.) I prefer my outdoor adventures, swimming, flying, running, floating. The cars have a nasty habit of going furiously fast. The bridges can be perilously high. I stay in a lot of hotels. I speak at conferences to which I was not invited. I join sororities.
The treasury is my entry for this weeks challenge. If you are new to Etsy, I recommend the non-team challenges as a great place to make some friends without the commitments you have on other treasury teams. Check them out on their blog.

Listen to Your Mother

2011-05-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

We had our last rehearsal last night for the Listen to Your Mother Spokane show. I am in awe of the women in the show and the breadth of the motherhood experience that we will be covering in a one hour show. If you are in Spokane, I hope you will come out on Sunday to listen to me and some other mothers. I will be wearing my pink slip dress and Alice is making me a shirtdress from the pattern I drew up to go on top. So it's a mini BrandybuckClothiers fashion show too. Check out the Listen to Your Mother blog. From there you can link to the wonderful blogs of the other women in the show, and the national website too.

Boot Socks PDF on SewMamaSew

2011-04-29T06:14:00.001-07:00

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.

Being New Again - My First 16 Friends

2011-04-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

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.

New Boutique Pattern

2011-04-19T11:30:00.001-07:00

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.

There is only one of me and every check mark counts

2011-04-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Baby Sea Stars

2011-04-13T09:09:00.001-07:00

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.

carpet making school Egypt

2011-04-09T12:10:00.001-07:00

carpet making school Egypt
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

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.

Thank you Walrustusk

2011-04-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Chat about Style with Iris Apfel

2011-04-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Mohammed Ali Mosque Cairo

2011-03-26T15:00:00.001-07:00

Mohammed Ali Mosque Cairo
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

Obviously, this is another spot I would have loved to linger and not be with a tour group. Rory would have figured out how to get some elevation and shoot that lion. I love looking up at his mouth though. The sun was setting. We had to rush through the tour so they could close the place for the night. The light was perfect I think. A month in Cairo to take it in sounds about right. Two days was just a taste. Oh, I think my favorite thing I ate there was dove. Not a dove bar, dove meat.

Pyramid Puppies Giza, Egypt

2011-03-25T20:02:00.001-07:00

Pyramid Puppies
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I have been thinking a lot lately about what a blessed life I have. It is pretty amazing to me that I got to spend a couple of days in Cairo just a couple of months before their revolution.

The whole time I was there, I was wishing Rory could be there with me - partly because a man on my arm would have let me put my own guard down- but mainly because there was so much to photograph and so little time to do it. When we go together, we will just want a guide and not too much on the schedule. Taking our time to hang out with locals and take a million photos.

Our Egyptologist told us that the Sphinx is the most photographed place on the planet. Still I felt it was a privilege to be there. The pyramid in this photo is the oldest surviving pyramid in Giza.

In Israel, there were lots of stray cats. One of the first things I noticed in Egypt were the stray dogs. There was a 3rd pup and I wish I could have got them all, but they were on the move and so was I.

My mom is heading to Panama next month. My friend Cheryl-Anne is going to Iceland and to Europe. I'll be here sewing and remembering my big trip. Looking forward to a long season of travel in my future.

Free Sewing Tutorial Yoga Mat Carrying Strap

2011-03-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

The gym bag pattern should be ready by the end of this week. Meanwhile, warm up with this quick and easy yoga mat carrying strap project.

Materials list:

* 1.5 yards of 1” wide webbing
* 2 scraps of fabric 17” long by 5” wide
* 2 pieces of heavy weight iron-on interfacing 17” by 5” each
* 8” of 2” wide Heavy Duty Velcro

Step one- Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric following manufacturer’s instructions. (I used pre-washed cotton duck which is already a heavy fabric, so I skipped this step.)

Step two-

a. With right sides together, fold fabric in
half the long way, as shown right.

b. Mark 2 dots, each 1” from either side of

center of the fabric as indicated.

c. Using a 3/8” seam allowance,

stitch the raw edges together,
leaving a 2” opening between the dots.
d. Do this for both pieces.

Step three – Clip corners (as shown top right of photo,) turn the fabrics right sides out and press, pressing the seam allowance under in the open area.

Step four-With openings facing one another, pin the following items in place as shown below:
a. 4” of female (the softer side) Velcro at one end of each piece.
b. 3” of male Velcro on the opposite end and flip side of each piece.
c. Strap ends inserted in the openings (not twisted.)

Step five – Stitch everything in place and stitch openings closed. I used contrasting thread so you can see some different ways to do it.

To Use – Just wrap the fabric around the ends of the rolled up mat, secure with Velcro, and carry.

Feel free to stitch and sell, just mention this StudioCherie tutorial

Women Writers I Admire Part 1

2011-03-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

My friend Valerie is both a talented seamstress and a talented writer. She belongs to an online writers group and the stories she writes as a result of their prompts are delightfully nostalgic, just like her barkcloth bags and pillows. I am serious about her talent. I will not be surprised if she publishes a book of short stories. I would be the first in line to buy it. I wish she lived in Spokane and could meet with us in our writers group. I know every one of my friends there would love Valerie like I do. Take a couple of minutes to visit Valerie's blog and enjoy a story or two. You will be glad you did.

Something I forgot to say about my journal

2011-03-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

My sewing journal. The interesting thing about documenting my process chronologically is that I will be able to go back a year from now and see how and why I interrupted myself. I will be able to evaluate whether this is a good way to move forward. My instinct is that it is good because my furniture work informs my bag work and clothing requires other details and attention that affect the furniture and bags. The gym bag I was hoping to put out in February got interrupted by mitts, a kindle cover, several skirts, a dress, a shrug, a new photography set up, and about a dozen sketches I have not had time to sew up. The positive side of that is that I have been able to use my gym bag prototype for several weeks and have been working up changes to the final design based on how it works. Rather than charging through the design process one project at a time, things are allowed to simmer and take on a life of their own. Somehow this works for me. So when I get back to my journal in the morning to pick up on the gym bag, I will have to page back to find where I left off. I might need to number my pages... My next page could say gym bag continued from page...

Sewing Journal

2011-03-08T14:00:00.001-08:00

While my story writing suffers at the moment, my sewing journal is getting filled fast. This year, I am even dating my entries. I decided to go ahead and use the journal from left to right and fill it up one page at a time with all my notes for sewing projects. I know this sounds elementary to some of you. If it does, you don't share the love of random and chaos that fuels my creativity. In previous years, I have tried to organize myself by having subject driven journals. Alas, the proper subject journal was not always handy, so notes on slipcovering were scrawled on sheets of paper that were later added to the furniture journal. These loose notes would then fall out into my bag at some point to be collected about 4 months later when I cleaned out the bag and put back into the proper journal as soon as I could locate which bag contained the furniture journal. Repeat this process for my bag journal, clothing journal, writing journal, random idea journal, and business journal.

I am using one from ScarletFig. I feel extra cool since one of her journals was just featured on design*sponge.

writing and reading and just taking notes sometimes

2011-03-07T11:47:00.001-08:00

Writing:
I like to write. I think all of us who blog have that in common. Unlike Jane Austin -I am sure she would have blogged, right? - I do not have a room of my own. I share everything with my husband and children. I have no place to lock myself away for hours or minutes on end to just ponder and write. I have even taken to saying, I am going to the bathroom now, don't anyone follow me! I find the best place to pull my thoughts together is on the treadmill at the Y. It was there this morning that the idea occurred to me to go ahead and list some of the things I will include in stories one day. Some writers have files of notes they can refer to, I will have my own blog.
Reading:
On Mothers Day, I will be reading a rare (and therefore, valuable) story from my own life as a mother. The event is called Listen to Your Mother. Click on the link to see their blog, event details, and the list of women who were chosen to read at the event. I spent some time the other day clicking through the list to read the blogs there, and I can tell you this will be a memorable event. If you are near Spokane, bring your mother to hear us and laugh and maybe cry too. I am humbled to be a part of this.
Notes for today:
My own thoughts on domestic life-
A house is just a house. It's the people that make it an insane asylum.
If I hired a housekeeper, it would not save me any time, but I would have a clean house.
On Philosophy-The narcissist sees everything is about them.
The reflective person sees themselves in everything.
The deep person sees beyond themselves in everything.
The creative person sees other ways in everything.
Places I go where I am glad I no longer have pre-schoolers-
The YMCA
The grocery store
The beach
An airplane
The car
The shower
On being creative-
One word, Everyday

Everything is New in Spring

2011-03-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

The robins returned to my yard the other day (while it was snowing.) Ways that I celebrate the return of Spring-

Enjoy the birdsong. Add something new to my wardrobe. Learn to play an instrument (mine is actually a penny whistle - kids are on the guitar.) Get a journal and use it. (check) Some redecorating.(of course) Spring cleaning and oraganizing.(I will get to it!) Exercise in the fresh air. Use fresh ingredients. Design a new line...coming next month!

Another one for you. Be encouraged. Read the words posted here and imagine they were written just for you. Breathe them in. Be encouraged...

fast fingerless mitts

2011-02-26T21:28:00.001-08:00

fast fingerless mitts
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I am celebrating tonight that I made my goal of putting out one new pattern this month. Even though it was a short month. Even though I interrupted myself a lot! The gym bag is still coming - in March. This was a little distraction along the way and I really wanted to share it in the form of an easy pattern. A great project for beginners - I don't have a lot of those. And a great project for people who like to give handmade gifts but maybe get rushed. It is so quick and easy and satisfying that I put a warning on the cover: this project may be habit forming.

Sneek Peek

2011-02-20T20:14:00.001-08:00

Sneek Peek
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I was born in the Spring - but it wasn't last Spring... Every year around this time, I get a balled up feeling in my soul, like something is ready to burst forth. At the oddest moments I want to run and run. I have a lot of dreams about running and flying and of rivers and roads. This year, I am going to attempt to harness some of that energy and put it into a new online shop. If all goes well, I will be posting a new Etsy shop, maybe even in April in time for my 3rd Etsyversary - thats my goal anyway. Clothing and accessories. I can't say the name, some surprises have to wait.

New Ways to Share on Etsy

2011-02-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

CraftCult has still got to be one of my favorite Etsy-related sites. Now we have the ability to share any treasury on our blogs. I love this one probably because my item stands out so well among the other fabulous choices. Another thing we can do is show a slide show of our items - like the one below. This is just my ready to ship bags section of my shop. I love that I can choose just a section if I want. A lot of people have asked Etsy if we could have an item in more than one section of our shops, and so far the answer has been no. So what I did is use the new copy listing function on Etsy to make another copy of my ready to ship bags and add the new listings to my new section. This way, the ready to ship clutches still show in the bridal section as well as the new section. The ready to ship duffles are still in the travel duffle section, as well as the new section, etc. If you make one of a kind items, you probably can't do that, you wouldn't want to sell both of them at the same time if you only had one.

Presidents Day Coin Pouches

2011-02-16T12:38:00.001-08:00

Presidents Day Coin Pouches
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I glued a penny on the front of my own coin pouch and it really surprises me how often cashiers get a big kick out of it. I thought it would be fun to celebrate Presidents Day by putting Lincoln and Washington on this set.

Made from my zip pouches A to S pattern and Joel Dewberry fabrics inside and out.

New Pattern out

2011-02-08T11:03:00.001-08:00

pattern cover
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I meant to tell you all that my latest pattern is now available. I love how fantastically flexible this bag is. Looks so cute over the shoulder folded over. When you are out shopping, it can convert to a larger capacity tote to include your purchases. For those of you who don't sew, I have 4 of these bags made and ready for purchase as well (the link goes to my one of a kind bags section where you can easily pick out the 4 bags I mean.)
Next up is my gym bag which will be great for yoga or general gym use. Working on that some more today.

collage of things I made with my first fabric set

2011-02-04T13:10:00.001-08:00

collage of things I made with my first fabric set
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

These are made from my set of fabrics at Spoonflower. The smaller hearts and stripes are fun coordinates to have for the sweethearts fabric. The pillow case just happens to coordinate with Melissa Averinos fabrics which is perfect since Gabrielles room was already done in those. I sent the hug card along with one of the orders I filled for sweethearts banners. The hug might be a nice sentiment to send along for sympathy or get well cards. I am not going to say anything about my next fabric except that it will be something completely different.

New bags on new chairs

2011-02-02T10:22:00.001-08:00

New bags on new chairs
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

Yes, I have been sewing and writing my brains out. 6 slipcovers for my own kitchen chairs from my tutorial - although these took 1.5 yards each so they must be 1.5 yard wonders. Releasing the pattern for this bag this week for sure - almost there. Squeezed in a sewing lesson for Gabrielle too. She made her own sunglasses case from my pattern. I have to say that is a really great pattern for beginners or anyone who wants to make a cool case. Which reminds me...my Simplicity pattern is out. Look at the first page of accessories in the Spring catalog - that's me. If you want to make them like I do though, you need the PDF version. That is all I am going to say about that.
The thing about making new slipcovers is now I need a new table cloth and napkins and new curtains and a new rug - oops! Not to mention new table ware. Where is my fairygodmother when I need her? Opinions please: I have 2 of each of these chairs around my table, white tablecloth would be gorgeous but impractical for my messy eaters. Maybe I need to have a look at the Free Spirit laminates. I wonder if there is one that would pull these together nicely?

Surprise Party

2011-01-24T21:10:00.000-08:00

We spent last weekend in Seattle, celebrating my mom's birthday. Trying to throw a surprise party for a woman who wants to throw her own party was a little tricky. My sister and I did manage to pull it off, and I must add that due to Carol's hard work and imagination, we pulled it off in style.

First, how we managed the surprise: I booked an encaustic painting class with one of my Etsy friends, Janet Nechama-Miller. I told mom that her birthday was the only available time and it was my present to her. She could not say no. Janet was a wonderful hostess for our artistic adventure. Mom and I both enjoyed painting with Janet. The smell of the beeswax was wonderful and I love Janet's art. The fact that mom wants to do it again says it all.

While we were playing with paint, Carol was at home putting the finishing touches on the food. The kids were decorating the house. As guests arrived their cars were valet parked around the corner and down another street.

When we pulled up to the house, there were no extra cars and no indication of anything happening. When we opened the door, we were greeted by a huge roomful of people who all looked like my mom. They were wearing masks my sister had fashioned from a photograph. A really cool surprise.

Carol's cake was another awesome touch. She is definitely the "Martha Stewart" of the family.

Where is the love?

2011-01-15T19:31:00.001-08:00

Just when I was thinking - come on etsy, I have great new items, my stuff is so Valentine perfect, when are you going to show me the love? My friend Tera comes through with a terrific treasury that makes the front page.

Thank you Tera! Her shop, creativityismessy, shows what a creative powerhouse she is. I have purchased several jewelry and hair accessories from her, and I am really impressed with the quality - plus it was fun to go to her house to pick them out - we are practically neighbors. Her daughter makes wonderful soap as well. The soap shop is germaphobe.
I also want to put in a word for Julian over at craftcult. I think a lot of people take for granted the tools available to us there, but there are people behind that website. Very responsive and constructive people. I contacted Julian a few months ago, sometime after Etsy had put out their API and changed their platform away from flash. I was disappointed that the way Craftcult showed treasuries on blogs - like that one above - had shrunk. Julian worked with me and we went back and forth a few times to find the ideal size for sharing a treasury on blogspot. Since then, Craftcult has launched new tools for us as well. For Etsy sellers, Craftcult is a sweet site.

color check

2011-01-09T16:54:00.001-08:00

color check
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

My first Spoonflower fabric is ready! I have got the printed Spoonflower color guide to make sure my colors are exactly what I want. This is as close to perfect they can do on the sweethearts colors. The one I could change is the orange, I could lighten it up, but I think I like it this way. I did scoot the hearts around from the original a little, so a person could cut the fabric in strips and use it as a border or incorporate it into a quilt easily. It also looks great as a whole piece of fabric to make a quick quilt. The white space between the hearts allow room for a quilter to show off her sweet freemotion skillz. Watch for 2 coordinating fabrics. If you want to make banners, this one is ready to order now. I was amazed at how quickly Spoonflower shipped it to me - I had it in hand in less than 7 days. A fat quarter will have 30 usable hearts, which translates into 4 yards of banner. The whole yard has 125 hearts.
Here is the link to the fabric itself at Spoonflower. You can see the other 2 fabrics there as well. They will be ready to order by this time next week.

Made with Simplicity 2298

2011-01-02T15:23:00.001-08:00

Made with Simplicity 2298
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

When I saw this Apron in the Fall Simplicity Catalog, it was a bit of a thrill for me because the designer of this apron, Joan Stroh, is someone I interviewed for my article on sewing pattern licensing. When I saw her designs featured on the inside cover of the catalog, I had even higher hopes for my catalog placement. Still waiting to see the Spring catalog for my pattern by the way. The December 17th date that Simplicity gave me must have been the printing date. Looks like JoAnn's might have it beginning of February.
I posted a pattern review for this project at Pattern Review. I highly recommend this for gifts. The ladies I made these for were thrilled on Christmas morning.

Sweetheart Valentine Banner Tutorial

2010-12-31T15:30:00.000-08:00

There is a very exciting announcement and preview at the end of this post, so scroll to skip to that if you don't want to read the step by step. I think this Sweetheart Valentine Banner is simple enough for you to duplicate without illustrations on the step by step tutorial that follows. I just ask that you link to this post if you want to share the instructions. Also, if you want to make them for sale, go ahead and give me credit for the idea. If you have never purchased one of my patterns, just know that the instructions here are representative of how I explain things, but my patterns for purchase include pattern pieces and loads of illustrations and extra notes on tools and materials. Here is the how to:
Materials list (makes 112 flags for 16 yards of banner)
2 yards Décor bond interfacing—A heavy weight, fusible interfacing
1/4 yard each Pastel cotton fabrics—I used pink, yellow, green and purple
1&1/8 yard Pink cotton duck fabric
16 yards 1/2” heavy cotton twill tape plus 1/3 yard for every separate banner. If you are making 16 one yard banners, you need 5 & 1/3 more yards of the twill tape for tails. If you are making 2 eight yard banners, you need another 2/3 yard.
3 or 4 sheets of iron-on light T-shirt transfer for ink jet printers
Instructions:
Step 1:
Print backwards words onto the transfer paper. If you want to make your own sheet of words, either make the sheet backwards, and print normally as I have done, or make the sheet forward and tell your printer to print a mirror image. The font I used is Arial Rounded MT Bold. The font size varies between 30 and 36. These need to dry for at least 1/2 hour before you use them. Make the words red.
Step 2:
While the transfer paper is drying, make your paper heart pattern pieces. To make your own heart pattern, mark a 3” square in the corner of a sheet of paper. Fold the paper in half, then in thirds, keeping the 3” square visible. Fold the 3” square in half and cut 1/2 of a heart on the fold through all layers. Take up as much of the 3” square as you can with the heart. When you open this up, you will have 6 identical 3” heart pattern pieces.
Step 3:
Following manufacturers instructions, adhere décor bond interfacing to the pastel fabrics to make them stiff. This makes cutting the heart shapes much easier.
Step 4:
Pin heart pattern onto pastel fabrics and cut out heart shapes. I layer the fabrics and cut through 2 fabrics at a time.
Step 5:
Following manufacturers instructions, iron the words onto the hearts. If you ever wanted an excuse to buy one of those mini irons, here it is.
Step 6:
Cut the light pink duck fabric into rectangular background flags. The size of the flag is 4.12” wide by 4.5” long.
Step 7:
Stitch each heart onto a background flag. Use thread that matches the background fabric or the hearts. Use either a small zig-zag stitch or a blanket stitch.
Step 8:
Stitch flags onto the twill tape. Leave a 6” tail on either end and leave 1.25” between each flag. This will produce banners that have 7 flags per yard. These flags are fun to make and customize for different people and occasions.

Here is the exciting announcement part: As I was making these Sweetheart Valentine Banners, I was wishing I had a pre-printed fabric with the hearts and words. I could do away with the need for a pattern piece. I could do away with the tedium of cutting out and transferring words onto the hearts. Hummm. So, after telling several people including my husband that I was not really interested in designing fabric...I designed my first fabric. I ordered a yard of it last night. As soon as I see it in person and verify that it is just what I wanted, I will make it available for order. This is a preview of what you would see on a fat quarter of fabric. The full yard has 125 hearts with 25 different phrases and the 5 basic colors you see here. It will be $18 per yard at Spoonflower, which is pretty cool since a yard of fabric will make 17+ yards of banner.

New Camera Christmas Morning

2010-12-26T14:12:00.001-08:00

New Camera Christmas Morning
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I bought Rory a new camera for Christmas. Here is a still life he made playing with the settings and learning the camera. I am looking forward to Rory doing more of my photography now that he has a camera he is excited about. Many thanks to Amber who was on the Israel trip with me for selling me her camera. It is a Cannon S5IS. We love it!

Goodies for the party

2010-12-21T16:10:00.001-08:00

Goodies for the party
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I am writing up the tutorial now for these ribbon tied goodie baskets that store flat. A lot of work went into this photo shoot, but the reward is delicious. Fabric by Debbie Mumm. Baked goods by
Gabrielle.
Each basket uses 8 grommets - the same large eyelets I use for luggage tags. The tutorial will include the formula for plugging in the size and depth you want to make any size square or rectangular fabric basket. If you like to use heavy duty snaps instead of the ribbon ties, just use the snaps in place of the grommets. The baskets are fully lined and they are finished without the use of bias binding. (After making 6 aprons recently, frankly I have had enough bias binding for the year - I am counting 2011 as well.) They are super quick and easy. I love how they dress up a hostess or neighbor gift. My last minute Christmas project. Plenty of time for New Years parties. Of course, these will show up in the shop as a Valentines suggestion as well, along with another fun craft project especially for Valentines. Holidays just make me feel so crafty. It's not like I don't have 50 bags to make as well...These are a fun distraction.

Notes to self

2010-12-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

If you read my notes from this morning, you will see, blogging is not among them, yet, here I am. Shower is also not on the list, but I better do that if I am going to deliver veges and do a photoshoot. The light is good today, so I must carpe diem. This often happens that as I sip my morning coffee and sit with pen and paper - not my notebook, that would be too easy - a piece of scrap paper - not even a full sheet of paper... I start thinking about a project and go ahead and draw out ideas. Now I am going to have to add this piece of paper to my sewing journal because I will want to reference it as I build the bag. As you can imagine my journal resembles a scrap book - a disorganized, random scrap book. I wrote the notes clockwise, but when I read them, I read counterclockwise. It must have to do with always searching for a new perspective. As you can see from the lack of writers group posts, we have not met in a while, and I have not written. That is on the master to-do list in my head. I hope you find some relaxation when you pop in here to look in on me. I know my random world touches yours through this blog and I appreciate it when you take a minute to post a comment. When Gretchen comment last week, that really touched me.

Thorn Tree - Israel

2010-12-10T13:54:00.001-08:00

Thorn Tree - Israel
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

We visited this park where our guide said David trimmed down the number of men in his army by how they drank at the stream. Does that sound familiar? Now I am going to have to look it up - later, I mean. It was near Ein Gedi. So as the guide is talking and explaining the significance of this place - I was feeling pretty toured out - this unusual tree caught my eye, and I wandered off a bit to photograph it. Next time, less tour, more time to relax and enjoy. This park would be great in season - see the empty swimming pool in the background? I wandered away from my sewing room for a minute to post this. I am pretty excited about the new bags I am working on. The great thing is I don't have a boss (or a tour guide) cracking the whip (or saying "Let's go folks!")

The fortune cookie

2010-12-02T12:58:00.001-08:00

Dim Sum Seattle November 27th
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

Rory fairly roared as I read my fortune cookie. After my big trip and all of the loot I brought home... So I thought maybe this fortune was for you? You can still get $20 off a duffle for yourself with coupon code RTS20. It is good on any of my ready to ship duffles - I have 5 of them.

Sunrise on (and in) the Dead Sea

2010-12-01T19:59:00.001-08:00

Sunrise on (and in) the Dead Sea
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

The sun rose from behind the mountains of Jordan and shone on the Dead Sea. As I watched from my balcony, I thought - what would Rory do? If my husband had been with me, he would have been on the beach to greet the sunrise with his camera. I pondered that for a moment, and since this luxury hotel room had no hot pot for instant coffee, I slipped on my shoes and headed for the beach. I was surprised by the number of sunrise bathers already floating in the sea. This is the only photo I took. I am not usually such a miserly photographer. I must have needed that coffee... The experience of floating in the dead sea was interesting - we did it the night before. The best way I have of describing it is that you have to let your body become a boat. You can not swim or kick. If you do, your "boat" will capsize. I thought lifeguards on this beach were the silliest idea, until I saw a man who kicked his way into a mess of trouble and had to be saved. That is another story.

Yad Vashem - The Name and The Place

2010-11-30T15:37:00.001-08:00

Yad Vashem - The Name and The Place
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

Our guide told us that Yad Vashem is translated The Name and the Place. Taken from Isaiah 56:1-8. This holocaust heros and martyrs museum is much more than I expected. I would put this on the must-see list. I especially appreciated the video interviews with survivors. There are places to sit and watch an interview while you are surrounded by pertinent artifacts. One could easily spend 4 hours there. I think we only spent 2, and it felt like I had to rush through the last half. There is no photography allowed inside. This photo shows a hero martyr: I don't remember his name - maybe someone on the trip got a photo of the caption for this monument. The man was a school teacher who chose to stay with his boys and be killed with them rather than abandon them to the Nazis. I spent some time today at the Yad Vashem website reading from the Righteous Among the Nations stories. What a valuable experience.

Thank you Olsun, for the info on this photo: This man - named Janusz Korczak
- was polish Jude, teacher and writer. He has wrote books for children and for teachers and parents. Sorry for my English :-)

Ready to Ship Duffles Now on Special

2010-11-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

If you have been saving up for one of my fabulous travel bags, now is the time to get the best deal. I have 7 bags made and ready to ship. Go to my duffle section to choose one, and enter the coupon code RTS20 to get $20 off at checkout. This special applies only to my ready to ship duffles pictured here. There is still time to order a custom duffle for Christmas. Those are regular price and we need to talk fabric ASAP, so contact me if you want something other than what you see in this photo. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. We are heading to Seattle to enjoy it with family. More Israel and Egypt photos coming.

My Carry-on Backpack

2010-11-23T20:09:00.001-08:00

My Carry-on Backpack
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I made this bag specifically for the Israel/Egypt trip. I wanted to test a large backpack for the person who wants to travel with only one bag. I made it to the maximum carry-on size for Delta Airlines which is 22x14x9 inches. It fit into the overhead bins nicely. I did carry it just about everywhere. Here it is pictured at the Roman ruin of Bet She'an. There are a few changes I will be making as I put it into production and prepare the pattern for release - like adding a belt strap to take some of the weight off the shoulders. I had a blast making it and figured out an awesome way to line every part. It really is a serious piece of luggage. Part of the joy of making it was using Etsuko Furuya's fabrics. Watch for bags like this one in my shop soon and the sewing pattern Spring 2011.

From Western Stairs at Dome of the Rock

2010-11-23T09:22:00.001-08:00

From Western Stairs at Dome of the Rock
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

Correct me if I am wrong. Maybe there is a better name for this location. (I am sure that invitation opens a can of worms.) This may be one of the most controversial places on the planet. Believed by both Jews and Muslims to be the location of the creation of Adam, and the location of the sacrifice of Abraham, this spot stirs the heart of both faiths. Jews still refer to it as the temple mount, the site of their only temple, destroyed in 70A.D. Currently, it is the site of a golden dome memorializing a mystical visit by the muslim prophet to this place. The heart of Jerusalem for Muslims is the famous golden dome (my back is to it in this photo,) while Jews seek the heart of Jerusalem underground (literally below my feet.) We walked through the tunnel that is under the Western wall of the city (some of you know it as the wailing wall,) and witnessed devout women fervently praying underground, as close as they can get to the Ark of the Covenant, buried in the Holy of Holies beneath the temple mount. I think my word for Jerusalem is Layers. Our trip was all about geography and history (we covered a lot of both.) I would love to go back again and just have the time to be a person instead of a tourist.

Art Galleries Netanya, Israel

2010-11-22T16:31:00.001-08:00

Art Galleries Netanya, Israel
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

My first impression of Israel was peace, the second impression - respect. The artwork hung outside the galleries which you don't really see in the US unless the watchful artist is present. I wondered, Can they really trust one another to this degree? We happened upon this place on the Sabbath, so there were only us Christians wandering about. There seems to be a genuine respect for family and tradition in Israel - so many businesses closed for an entire day every week. I was starting to feel how intimate this country is. There are so many ways I can describe Israel, yet I feel I don't really know Israel at all. The portrait in the foreground looks like the Israel I met. She is dressed for work. In fact, you can see she has been working hard, yet her hands are behind her back. She is young and fragile. Larger than her borders. Simple and beautiful. Unfinished.

Gate - Netanya, Israel

2010-11-21T09:55:00.001-08:00

Gate - Netanya, Israel
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

My first impression of Israel was the Ben Gurion airport just outside of Tel Aviv. Quiet. No music. No TV's. No ads bombarding my senses. Even though I had been travelling for about 24 hours to get there (stupid long layover at JFK included) I had a feeling I was going to like this peaceful place. A short drive North to our first destination, Netanya, revealed this tranquil corner. This is the backside of a Mediterranean beach front home. Yes, I would Summer there. White sand, finer than sugar, small town, art galleries, restaraunts. Click on the photo link to go to Flickr where you can see it larger.

New Lines and Personalization on Etsy

2010-10-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Etsy's Guide to Custom Work is a thorough treatise on the tricky art of successfully listing and selling custom handiwork in a venue where people look and click to buy without reading much. Anyone who sells on Etsy can get ideas from the article. I can not recommend it highly enough. Here is my personalized gift guide.

'Personalized Gift Guide' by StudioCherie

Great work everyone. Loving these personalized options.

8 x 10 print with your vows,... riricreations $35.00	personalized just for you - ... thefuzzymonkey $17.00
Personalized gift tags shape... rasamalai $18.00	Custom Initials Pendant sarahndippity $50.00
The Poppy Collection - Perso... thesweetunfold... $22.00	The Simple Name Double Disc ... TinyBellesBout... $37.99
Rustic sterling silver patte... tinahdee $	Custom Initial Brooch .. Ice... TheFancyLamb $22.00
Bible Verse Belt Custom Leat... Geralyn $119.00	Make it Personal Monogramme... sentimentalsto... $10.00
Pumpkin Spice Pillow Monogra... letterperfectd... $65.00	custom family tree -- brown cozyblue $30.00
choose your Destination - B... nextdoortoheav... $35.00	Slice of the Pie - Address L... KumquatDesigns $5.95
House Numbers Sign - Rusted ... metalgardenart $65.00	PERSONALIZED geography lesso... cutiepiecompan... $28.00

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Sarahndippity, as I have mentioned before, is a talent to watch and collect. In addition to these initial pendants, she has also started a new line of more affordable stone and filigree pendants in her shop. I predict they will be a big hit. My friend Kim of SentimentalStones has been doing a lot of custom work off Etsy with her stone coasters, creating special designs to commemorate weddings in a stylish way. Kim has discovered this can be her mainstay on Etsy as well.
Megan, another sweet friend from the Eastern Washington Etsy team, found her business really picked up when she added her hand stamped jewelry to the mix at FlowYogaMats. She has a real knack for choosing the words and phrases that people want. I have been kidding around with her about how someone like me needs "um" rather than "om" and "blog, just blog" instead of "breathe, just breathe." Come to think of it, other people might like to choose their own phrases too....Hummm. How to do that personalized thing? (Hint: read the article.)
There are other new lines I want to mention. Maybe I can squeeze in another post before I hit the road and fall off the radar for a while...

Cherie rambles a bit on artwork licensing

2010-10-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

There were a few more people I met on Etsy who have licensed their artwork and it just never worked out to do a full interview. Etsy did a quit your day job article with Becky of PoshDots, who is still in the throes of licensed products launching. Her shop remains impressive even as busy as she is, she has even expanded by putting her artwork on fabric.
By the way, for artists who might like to try their hand at designing art for fabrics, there is Spoonflower. You upload your artwork and spoonflower prints it on a variety of fabric types. You can even let people order your designs directly from Spoonflower. They have frequent contests, so there is a way to see how your work might be received. A number of Etsy sellers design fabric and have it printed at spoonflower, then sell it in their Etsy shops. Click this search to see items listed under the supply category with Spoonflower as a tag. Fabulous! ScarletFig is now licensed with Robert Kaufman Fabrics. I believe the contests at Spoonflower were instrumental in launching Laurie as a fabric designer, but I could be wrong. Laurie is writing a book...I am writing patterns, going to Israel, etc. I will ask her for an interview when I get home. How is that for journalistic instinct? Write about someone then ask for an interview. I think I am fired. Oh, that's right, I am the boss. Still, I think I am fired.
I want to mention KiriMoth, while we are talking fabrics. She is working with HautTotes and designing exclusive fabrics for Melissa's shop.
Reading the full shop announcement for Suzanne Woolcot's Shop, Gorjuss, is impressive. Obviously, a lot of licensing going on there. I hope you get better, Suzanne.
AudreyJeanneRoberts has quite the portfolio if you want to check out someone who has been successfully licensing for a while.
Okay, so now everyone here (I mean literally here) including me, is wondering what is for dinner. I need to answer this question now, even though I have not illustrated this post with any of the many lovelies that could have spiced it up so well. You will just have to click and explore for yourself. I hope you do. I think all of these gals are inspiring. I appreciate their talents and their dedication.

Artwork Licensing Interviews Part 3

2010-10-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Here is Renee Charisse Jardine with a fabulous answers and a valuable perspective on licensing artwork.

What inspired you or nudged you toward licensing your artwork? I was selling my hand painted furniture in a local shop. The owner, who was an artist as well made decorative wall hangings and it was very exciting news when she was picked up by Enecso, one of the leaders in collectibles. When I heard the news I asked, what does that mean, “picked up”. That was the first I had ever heard the term licensing but, as soon as it was explained to me my first thought was, “Really…., well I can do that”. It was to my advantage at the time to be naïve about the whole thing.

I think a lot of artists have reservations about licensing their work. They believe that they will get taken advantage of or that licensing will reduce the value of their original works. What do you have to say to those artists? When I first licensed it never crossed my mind. Once I became more involved in the business I learned that there is that slight possibility that you can be exploited in a number of different fashions. My advice is, as it would with any venue that you need to trust, do your homework first. Know who you are handing your portfolio out to, know who you sign a contract with by doing background checks. Before signing a contract go as far as to ask the company if one of their current licensed artists could contact you so you can get feedback on their experience. Any reputable company should be happy to oblige.

Do you have a vision for the success of your licensed artwork that you would be willing to share? I have met many of my expectations and part of it was because I really didn’t know what to expect. Having over a dozen contracts at one point in time was a highlight for me. At this time in my career I am happy to keep going the few contracts that I have. It takes a lot of time and devotion to keep viable in the market and I have cut my workload back in recent years to spend more time with my family.

How long did you spend creating a body of work before you were satisfied that you had a portfolio worthy of licensing?
I already had a portfolio before I knew what licensing was. In the 1990’s a home computer and digital photos were not very common if at all an option. I began my art career painting on furniture and took photos of everything I painted. My portfolio consisted of furnishings, many of them being tabletops. It was the many photos of tabletops that helped me to land my first licensing contract.

Do you create artwork with certain products in mind?
Once I got into the game of Licensing, absolutely, all of the time. Every image had a focal point, different background choices and borders. And, many of my designs included sets of four.

What is your favorite piece that has been created featuring your work?
Calendars by Avalanche featuring butterflies and Ceramics from Santa Barbara Ceramic Design, one line featuring a fruit pattern called “Fontana” and another
featuring a rooster called “Tuxton Rooster”.

How does that piece make you feel?
Proud and lucky.

Do you approach manufacturers yourself, or do you have an agent for that?
For the first two years I worked on my own and I acquired an agent, Kathy Lally and worked with her for 9 years. For the past 3 years I have been on my own.
Having Kathy for an agent was really needed and a great experience.

What role has your Etsy shop played in licensing your artwork? Because we cannot sell our mass produced items on Etsy I have not used them as a venue to show my licensed products. What Etsy can do for a Licensed Artist is show the viability of ones art if their art is in good demand and their store shows success. My Etsy shop has been more related to the next chapter in my art career and that is making one of a kind jewelry. I also sell prints that have been used on products out of my Etsy store.

Any words of caution for fellow artists?
•If it seems to good to be true it probably is.
•Stay calm and focused and realize that 99 rejections and 1 acceptance IS a good ratio.
•Be business smart and keep your artwork in that mental frame. The artist who is strongly personally attached to their art may need to work on letting go of the emotional side to think in a business manner.
•Meet every deadline always.
• Never end a phone conversation or leave a message saying “I will wait for you to call me back or can you please call me”. Always say, “I understand that you are busy so if I don’t hear back from you within a couple of weeks I will call you back.
• The average amount of time a marketing campaign takes to get up and running is 3 years. YES years! If you are wanting to become a licensing artist for real, for the long haul keep at it, work hard, don’t give up and you will find your path.
• Make a business plan to have a booth at the Licensing Show in New York no matter what the cost.
•Licensing is very much like trying to be an actress in Hollywood. The competition is high. You have to keep auditioning. Sometimes you land a commercial and sometimes you get the staring roll. And, sometimes you get cut out of the film.

Any words of inspiration for fellow artists?
If you love what you do it will love you back and with hard work and focus you can find a way to be successful with your art or craft. Know where you do and don't fit in, find you path and follow it. Don't let anyone else tell you differently because there are just as many individual tastes in style as there are artists.

Just in case a manufacturer or licensing agent is reading this article, do you have anything to say to them? Don’t ever underestimate Etsy as a place to find who you are looking for.

Art Licensing: Another Kind of Interview Part 2

2010-10-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am not a journalist. Journalists take better notes. I will tell you I had a wonderful conversation with Cori Dantini, the brilliant self-taught and just plain talented artist known as CoriD on Etsy. Cori was approached at an art fair by a licensing agent. She currently has a number of products in various stages of launch and unlike me, she is not in a position to go blabbing about them. Suffice it to say that in a couple of years, CoriD will be a household word. Another way to say this is: collect her originals now!

Since I can't find my meager notes, Cori may have to come along and correct some of this. This is from my memory of a phone chat we had around the first of September. The first way Cori licensed was with greeting card companies. She said that what they lacked in percentage offered, they made up for in volume. Cori is glad to have an agent, even though the fees are a factor. Cori would rather free up her time to create art rather than manage a multitude of product relationships. I think it really makes sense to focus on your strengths if you can and leave the rest to experts in their field. Again, what she is giving up in percentage, she can gain back in efficiency. Art fairs are hit and miss. She sells a lot at some and others bomb. There is an art to choosing art fairs. Maybe we need agents to handle that too? There is so much more that we talked about, and I will look forward to sharing more, from better notes, when Cori can share some of the specifics. Meanwhile congratulations, Cori.
Resources
For any artists out there wanting to educate yourselves on licensing, here is a super blog to plug into by Alyson Stanfield. Another resource for you is Tara Reeds site, artlicensinginfo.com. Here is more from Cori. All so charming! I am guessing you can find yourself among Coris thoughtful portraits. I do.

Artwork Licensing: Taking the Long View Part 1

2010-10-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

When I find myself running around like a chicken with my head cut off, it helps to stand back and take the long view of my work. Where do I want to be in 5 or 10 years? I am inspired by artists who have taken steps on the long road of licensing. This may be your busiest time of year, so I offer this series of interviews and resources as a chance to gain perspective from some successful artists I have met on Etsy.

Ali J is a talented artist who resides in Perth Australia. Here is my interview with her:
What inspired you or nudged you toward licensing your artwork?

To be honest, I never knew it existed. I was selling my artwork, and creating more everyday. Then companies started to get into touch with me to hire my artwork for their products. I researched it a bit more, and was very happy to proceed with working for them. I've licensed images to t-shirt companies, cd designs, character illustrations, magazines and much more. It has given me many opportunities to create my work in new formats and reach a wider audience then ever before.

I think a lot of artists have reservations about licensing their work. They belive that they will get taken advantage of or that licensing will reduce the value of their original works. What do you have to say to those artists?

To stop looking for negatives, and look at the positives of every opportunity that is presented with an open mind. Whether it be an exhibition, or wholesaling, or consignment, or selling online, or licensing..... there are always negatives. But if you focus on those, you'll never be able to move ahead. Negativity shuts down creativity. Licensing has open up new worlds for me, but I ensure not to limit myself to this field.

Do you have a vision for the success of your licensed artwork that you would be willing to share?

I think the most important thing is not to jump on the trend bandwagon. Moustaches, owls, big eyed girls, dollhouses, lazer cut....... they are trendy now, but won't be in a few years time. Something else will be. The thing with licensing is that you are always working to the future trends that you don't know about. So all you can do is create new work, be honest, and companies will license your work according to what they feel will be big sellers. It can take months and years for images to be printed, or transformed into products, so do realise that licensing is a long term commitment.

How long did you spend creating a body of work before you were satisfied that you had a portfolio worthy of licensing?

I still am not satisfied with my portfolio, it is always being updated on a continual basis. I don't think any artist can be, and if they are, it means they are being safe as a business. Companies like to see recent artwork (created in the past 18 months) that is fresh, future focused, and unique. The most important thing is to have a wide variety in your portfolio as well as a certain style that will differentiate you from the millions of other artists in the world. Not a copied style, and not a forced style.

Do you create artwork with certain products in mind?

No, because at the end of the day each image could be used for such a multitude of purposes, sizes and types, the best thing to do is create an image that is open. Ensure all your artworks have a large reproduction size, as that is what always limits my ability to license my work. I had one company that wanted to reproduce my artwork to well over 12 feet wide, but simply couldn't reproduce one of my paintings (12" x 12") that large.

What is your favorite piece that has been created featuring your work?

I have many, but I'm going to say a CD of "Para Todo O Mal" by Mesa for Sony/BMG. The reason being is that the process of creating the artwork was so amazing, stressful, creative and inspiring all at the same time and I'll never forget it.

How does that piece make you feel?

Fresh. It marks a moment in time when I realised I was a real illustrator, and that I was entering a new phase of my life.

Do you approach manufacturers yourself, or do you have an agent for that?

I don't actively approach any manufacturers, all my licensing deals have been through companies contacting me directly. In the future I'd like to have an agent, but for the moment I enjoy learning as much as I can by doing it myself.

What role has your Etsy shop played in licensing your artwork?

Etsy has introduced many people to my artwork, and has been a great avenue to introduce communication between my brand and other people on a worldwide basis.

Have you been discovered by anyone noteworthy by having an Etsy shop?

Every single person who has visited my shop has been noteworthy. I have been approached by many companies who have found me through Etsy.

Any words of caution for fellow artists?

Licensing your art isn't easy. It is a business transaction and one that requires paperwork, follow up, maintenance and a lot of legwork. Make sure you research as much as you can about the field before diving in. It is a hugely competitive field, and if you want to make a real go of it make sure you know what you are saying & doing. Charging $5 to license your artwork for a book cover will get you laughed out of the industry. That means you should know your rates, what you want to license your images onto, and even better.... communicate with others who have experience in the field. There are many great books out there to help guide you into the field.

Any words of inspiration for fellow artists?

Licensing your art is a challenge, but so rewarding. Waking up everyday to new clients wanting to license my artwork onto books, onto products, onto clothing is exciting. However nothing in your life will eclipse the moment you hold that item in your very hands, or see it sitting in a shop on a shelf, or see a life size cutout of your characters on a stage whilst the band plays music beside it. It will open up your world.

Do you offer licensing for independent crafters on Etsy, your images on their products?

I have in the past, but don't actively promote it. I'd be happy to license my images for other independent crafters to use on their products.

Just in case a manufacturer or licensing agent is reading this article, do you have anything to say to them?

I'd be happy to discuss licensing my artwork to new clients, please feel free to contact me at anytime.
Ali J is AussiePatches on Etsy.

I will get back to posting my entries from writers group on Mondays in December.

New Pattern Release

2010-10-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else feel like Friday comes too early in the week? I did manage to get a slip cover and a baby change pad bag out this week. My bride is being very patient with me on the 6 duffles she ordered, as I have run into fabric back orders and interrupted myself to bring out the Christmas stocking pattern. I probably will not do too much sewing for myself before my trip, so those clothing projects and the pattern reviews will have to wait until Thanksgiving. My mom is here helping me too, so that brings me down from panic to just plain excited. This will be her second trip to Israel and my first time there. I am looking forward to traveling with my mom. Meanwhile, my daughter is having fun cooking with Grandma.

Now is the perfect time to panic

2010-10-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

I never wear a watch. I rarely look at a clock. I try to stay in touch with the calendar, but only very loosely. I was looking forward to writers group tonight, but discovered that Cheryl-Anne is in Tuscany this week, and I thought "already?" I better look at the calendar. I looked. My palms began to sweat. Here I am, 16 days to go to my big trip. This is what is on my sewing table: 1) a new bag for my trip, not a duffle but a totally new design for a travel bag. 2) a small bag for my mom, also a new design for the trip - a couple of prototypes done already, but still not finalized. 3) several skirts and tops I want for myself for the trip. going with simplicity patterns for these. already have fabric. 4) Caleb's cowl cloak - design in my head, fabric ready. 5) 4 new baby change pad bags - 1 already sold and 3 for the shop. 6) Finishing up for the release of the stocking pattern. 7) Oh, and some duffles, the black and white houndstooth and a new houndstooth in browns to be ready to ship in the shop. 8) an office chair slip cover that I hope to finish and ship today. Seems like a lot for 2 weeks. I will just take it one day at a time. If anyone who reads this blog was thinking about placing a custom duffle order with me before Christmas, I can still handle those. I will be taking slipcovers out of the line-up until after Christmas. I think it's my only chance at sanity.

my catalog page

2010-10-15T08:14:00.001-07:00

my catalog page
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

Here is an easier way to see it. I can hardly wait to run through the JoAnn's exclaiming, "It's here! It's here! The new catalog is here!And I am in it! I am somebody. Things are going to start happening to me now!" -Steve Martin fans will recognize this.

Madonna Stocking

2010-10-15T06:52:00.001-07:00

Madonna Stocking
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I love the artwork on this fabric. This will be my new Christmas stocking. There are more stockings to see in my Flickr stream, if you click on the photo, you will be taken there. I have got to set the pattern aside for a day or two, while I get a slipcover out the door. Pretty soon, I am going to have to take the made to order items out of my shop for a while, so I can get ready for my trip and be gone for 3 weeks. I have a lot of sewing I want to do for myself. Those projects will include pattern reviews which I am looking forward to writing.