Going with the Flow

I love how life reminds me that going with the flow is so much easier sometimes.

For the last half of 2009 and the first half of 2010, I beat my head against the wall trying to figure out how to sell my creations. I twittered, facebooked, blogged, promoted, joined groups, etc. I spent more time on the computer trying to sell my stuff then I did actually making stuff (or so it felt).

I managed to sell one thing.

Around summer time last year, I said the heck with it. Trying to sell my stuff was so stressful, it was making me not enjoy the actual creating.

Once the pressure was off (and in between running all over the country) I managed to make some great stuff. I still have most of it, but I tried to give some stuff away to people who could use it.

By chance, I managed to sell some of my book purses. Well, to be accurate, my mother-in-law (the awesome woman that she is) managed to sell not just one, but 3!!!

Then, in one week, I am commissioned to make hats for two different people! (you can read about that here)

I finished up the hats for Angie while I was in AZ (a long story and one I don't really have the energy for). I shipped them off to her on Wednesday, and she got them on Saturday. Just in time for her Packers fan friend to have her hats for the super bowl.

They loved them! Nothing makes my day brighter then knowing someone is happy with something I made for them.

Actually, a lot of things make my day brighter; Emma (or the hubby) giving me an unexpected hug or kiss, a ray of sunshine on a cold, gray day, cooking something new and having it taste good, etc.

But knowing that I made someone happy just by making something for them? That is way up there.

I did remember to take pictures of the hats, but not until I was in the Post Office. The pictures did not come out great, but at least I have some :)

Packers Fan Hat (Child and Doll)

I decided to make some scarves also

One Black, One White Adult Hat

Pink Hat (Child and Doll)

with matching scarves

So, to reiterate, going with the flow works for us. Very well :)

I hope everyone is surviving this crazy winter. If you need a hat to keep your head warm for the remainder of this winter, just let me know!

Purses Galore!

I seem to be stuck on making purses, clutches, and other bags.

Let's start with the "Book" bags that I have made.

This brown book made me think of a professor, (kinda like Indiana Jones)and I wanted to find a tweed fabric to go with it, but I didn't have any, so my next favorite was the stripped fabric you see above. The handles are some beads I got on clearance. I was happy that I only needed to use one strand, means more for another project:) I have not decided on a closure for this one yet, so if you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them!


This one I did a little different. My original plan was to make a pillow case type thing and slide the book inside. I didn't measure correctly (which is known to happen around here with all the winging it I do). Plan 'B' was to use the fabric on the outside. I love it! I added a zipper closure to this one (I think this might be like my third time sewing a zipper). Add a recycled belt, and I am set. I have been carrying this purse around for a few days. I love it. It fits just under my arm and is super comfy.

I had grand plans to make a ton of these purses (I bought about 20 of these Readers Digest Condensed books at a garage sale last weekend for $.25 each!). But, I got distracted.

I can almost hear you asking, "What could possible distract this focused and steady individual?" (and yes, I can hear the sarcasm:)

These fun little doohickeys!


I think the technical name for them would be "Clutch", but that seems just as goofy as doohickey. Well, to me anyway.

Here is the first one I made.


I borrowed the book "bend-the-rules Sewing" by Amy Karol after reading her blog, Angry Chicken. I love the book and may have to start looking for a used copy to add to my own collection.

Anyway, one of the patterns in the book is for this cute clutch. I was suppose to decorate the white fabric first, but seeing as my artistic abilities do not include drawing or painting, and I didn't have the patience to do any freezer paper stenciling, I decided to just leave it plain. I still like it, but it would look much snazzier with some artwork on the outside.

So, the same day (night actually) that I made my first one, I decided to whip out a few more using the same fabric and such just to save myself a bit of time.


I like them. Don't think I would ever actually carry a clutch around instead of a purse or bag, but they are super cute. And with 3 bags being completed in an hour or two, it is the perfect project for this Kaotic Krafter :)

Lets see, what else.

Oh, my brick pillows.

Before I introduce you to my brick pillows, let me ask you something. Do you ever go into the fabric stores and look at those big huge swatches of special order fabrics? You know, the ones that are absolutely gorgeous, but cost around $30 a yard or more? I love those fabrics. I would never in a million years spend that much money on a yard of fabric, but I still love the fabrics.

One day while making a quick run to Joann's for a few specific things, I discovered that when the fabrics are discontinued, the swatches are sold. And for only $2 a swatch! I suck at guessing sizes, but I would say that the average swatch is about 18" X 18" (I could get up and measure one, but I don't want too).

I bought a ton.

Emma and I where at Joann's this Sunday (because the April stash bust was over and I "needed" a few things). I was delighted to see that the swatches where now only $1!!! I think I bought all but about 10 of them.

Don't they look pretty though?


I did try to pick ones that would go together, but I am not the best at matching (which is why I am happy that Emma dresses herself and I can tell people that it is not my fault she doesn't match).

Anyway, as I was greedily grabbing all the swatches, I made a vow to use the majority of them before the end of the month. Lucky for me, they are the perfect size for the clutches, and for the books. Score for me, I love it when things accidentally work out :)

Ok, so after that really long side note, here are my brick pillows (which I used fabric swatches for).


Sometimes I like to just start cutting fabric and sewing it together to see where it takes me. I had originally thought these swatches would turn into a bag. They decided they wanted to be a pillow.



I made this purse using the left overs from the clutches above.

So why are these pillows called brick pillows? I used fabric scraps to stuff them. An awesome way to use every last piece of fabric. The only problem is that it makes the pillows heavy. They are still pretty comfy (though I wouldn't use them to sleep on all night).

Well, I feel that I have taken up enough of your time for today. To show you how much I appreciate you sticking through this long post, I am going to be posting a giveaway on Thursday.

Hope you had an awesome first half of the week!