A Quick Card Holder Tutorial

One surprise best seller at my winter shows was the Business Card Holder.  I only had about 10 of them in my inventory to begin with and by the end of the first day they were gone!!  I'm only now starting to restock them and thought you all might want a quick, very simple walk through of how I make them...

Told you it was a quick walk through :).  Hopefully all of  that makes sense (and my writing is legible)!  Let me know if you have any questions...

Ultimate Boxy Pouch

I took my favorite parts of two different boxy pouch tutorials and combined them to make the perfect pouch for me. I loved the size and dimensions of the pouch by  kelbysews.blogspot.com but the handle and interior finish of the one by pinkxstitches.blogspot.com. 

I love the way these turned out and already have several more cut and ready to sew up :)

Cross Stitch Catch Up

Sorry for disappearing for the last few weeks!  There have been some BIG changes around our house and I'm still getting used to it. 

I quit my job and don't have access to a computer so my posts will have to be via iPhone for awhile. 

Since I'm home more I've been able to catch up on 2 of the 4 monthly samplers I'm working on. 

The Zodiac Sampler by Clouds Factory. 

And the Story Time Classics Sampler from The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery. 

Next up is the Woodland Sampler (by TFPS as well). It was actually the sampler for 2013. I was stitching along st that time but fell behind about halfway through. Then I decided I wasn't happy with my linen choice and trashed the whole thing. Now seems like a good time to give it another try :). 

But first I have a whole stack of precut craft show items that need attention...

Prepping

So far I've got 7 shows on the schedule for this spring/summer so I've been busy building inventory.

Sorry if you're sick of seeing the same types of items!

Hair elastics were a surprise hit at our winter shows so I've been trying to stock up on fun prints.

Hair Pins are always a best seller.  I managed to find some new embellishments to try out and I have more on the way.

These are some of the WIPs that I've managed to finish up.

These too!

Regrouping

Occassionally, when my sewing room is a complete and utter mess, I simply cannot seem to focus when I'm in there. 

When it gets to that point I have to just stop and reorganize things to I can start to think again.  This is only one small section of the room but it made me feel a whole lot better...so back to work I go!

I Got Goodies!

I feel like saying nahnahnahbooboo ;P.

Just a few of the wonderful swap items I received in December...

Mini/table runner courtesy of @karriofberries from the Sew Vote Swap Flickr Group.

Two pincushions and some treats from The SewCanShe Sewcialites Facebook group.

#festivemugrug package from @phatbobbingirl

and a wonderful basket made by Ann Solinksi and gifted to me through a Secret Santa Swap at our guild.

There were actually a couple of others I received but I've misplaced my photos...

Stocking Up!

 I have signed up for quite a few craft shows this year (and it's still early with many shows that still haven't announced dates yet).

So between that and my goal of finishing up all of my 100s of WIPs I'm hoping to boost my inventory as much as possible.

 A few curvy clutches, zippered pouches, wee wee tee pees, and a long wine tote and keyring clutch.

More curvy clutches... Hubby told me I needed a few items out of less "unique" fabric choices (because apparently not everyone likes zombies and cute animals) so I made a few with polka dots and chevron.

And some essential wallets made with scraps from one of my all time favorite lines.