Thursday, August 18, 2011

New Adventures in Crafting!

So, I've been trying some new things lately.  I am not a seamstress.  About two years ago, I thought I would try to take up sewing.  My awesome mother-in-law gave me her sewing machine, and I bought my first pattern.  It was a purse - a "beginner" pattern.  It wasn't that great of an experience...  I did complete the purse, and I used it for quite some time.  However, it took me and my husband (yes, he was kind enough to help me) over 8 HOURS to complete!!  Needless to say, I gave the sewing machine back to my mother-in-law:)

Now, here I am, two years later, giving it another go!  I got the sewing machine back and this time started with something a bit smaller - a clutch.  I bought a pattern on etsy, instead of a craft store (which is WAY easier to go through and understand), and I told myself I was going to have a good attitude about this, no matter how long it took.  And guess what - I'm making clutches now!

Tweed Clutch - www.etsy.com/listing/79808327


First, I want to give props to whilebabynaps.etsy.com.  Her patterns are SUPER easy to follow, and she doesn't use a bunch of "sewing" jargon.  Also, her nickel-free metal frames are the best, and I'm officially hooked! 

Next, I want to point out that I am not really even a "beginner" sewer (well, I guess I could call myself a beginner now), and the first time making this clutch took me about 3 hours from start to finish.  I've made 4 now, and now it takes me about an hour and 20 minutes, so I'm making progress!

Finally, I want to encourage everyone out there to try new things.  Because I tried something new, I'm adding to my shop and broadening my etsy seller scope.  Plus, it encourages me to not get stuck in a rut.  Next on the agenda - pillows!  My husband and his brother are going to start screen printing (yep, we bought a Yudu)!  I am so looking forward to all the fun:) 

Here are my other fun clutches:


  
Charcoal Clutch - www.etsy.com/listing/79133914
Navy Floral Clutch - www.etsy.com/listing/79136903

Nautical Clutch (not yet listed)

8 comments:

  1. Great clutches! I love the charcoal one. :) Have fun with screenprinting too. That sounds like much fun!

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  2. I love trying new things :) Back in February I bought a laser engraver and my creativity hasn't shut off since! And my shop has widened in scope as well :)
    Have fun with your Yudu! I've been dying to get my hands on one of those!
    Your clutches look great...keep it up!

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  3. Hi Tabitha!

    I think your clutches look fabulous! The tweed one is perfect for Fall. You are so right about trying out something new. I did just that by opening my Etsy shop end of last year.
    I'm going to check out your Etsy shop now!

    best wishes,

    Duni

    p.s. and thank you so much for your comment on my blog :)

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  4. Those are adorable! Great job! I really like the charcoal clutch with the ivory flower.

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  5. Your clutches are very cute - it's great that you have learned a new craft!

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  6. Wow! Thanks so much for the shout-out for my shop whilebabynaps.etsy.com! I really appreciate your kind words. I've taught many women this new skill, and I'm not a big sewer either: I can NEVER follow a pattern but can whip up a prom dress, like I did in 12th grade without a pattern. I've learned that we all learn differently, and as I'm a VISUAL learner, I have found that my instructions help all levels. Keep up the good work. If you would like to be listed as one of my sellers, convo me and I'll fill you in! I just added 2 this week and am heading into the fall promoting my clutch makers. Best, Winn

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  7. Your clutches are so fun! I love the navy floral one.

    Gabby
    http://stardependentvintage.blogspot.com

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