From the Scrap Basket

So, we recently moved into a house after living in our motorhome for a year. Upon receiving our household goods, I was shocked and dismayed to see the amount of fabric I not only had in storage, but also had accumulated over the past year. Piles and piles and piles of material. I'll NEVER use it all, not even if I sew 8 hours a day, every day until I reach 93 and a half years of age. Maybe, just possibly, if I live to 93 and three quarters...

I have three distinct categories:

1. yard goods
2. recycled clothing
3. scraps

My plan of action to tame this beast is:

1. pillowcase/laundry bags with the yard goods and
2. these adorable totes and mini totes with the scraps.

You can expect to see lots more of these products in my Etsy shop, http://www.recycledjeans.etsy.com/, in the next few weeks. If not, call 911. It means I've been buried alive under a mountain of cotton.

I know I'm not the only fabric-aholic out there. How big is your stash and what do you plan to do with it? Show us your pics...

The Immortal Utterances of Children

Every family has a cache of stories involving their children and the surprises that issue forth from their sweet little mouths. I was reminded of this the other day when my children got into an argument as they played in the pool. My oldest daughter was trying to grab hold of the little one who shouted, "Leave me alone. You know I have issues!" I could only shake my head and tell myself, "I've got to stop letting them watch Oprah."

Here's another story from my own childhood. It was Sunday afternoon. Church had let out and everyone including the preacher was gathered at my Mamaw Johnson's dinner table for a feast of fried chicken, roast beef and a truly impressive array of vegetables, breads, and pickles. My mother, being a good mom, was encouraging me to eat my English peas. And I, being a three-year-old, naturally didn't want them. The battle was on. I don't know how long we argued, but finally I had enough. All conversation halted when the angelic toddler in the sweet pink dress shouted, "I don't WANT any damn peas." I'm sure it was nothing worse than the reverend had encountered before, but I KNOW my grandparents and mother were mortified. The story got told and retold until it became a family legend.

I'm sure you have at least one good story to share, so let's hear it.

Creating a New Work Space

As I mentioned earlier, we recently moved to San Antonio and I'm in the process of setting up my studio. (I use this term loosely. It's really an extra bedroom.) I don't know about you, but I'm always interested in the work spaces of other artists and crafters, so I decided to document the process for you. As you can see, I have a LONG way to go before this is a well-functioning space.

As the work continues I'll be posting new photos. Stay tuned, because I have an exciting contest planned as well. View the "before" pictures.

Three Cheers for Etsy

My newest obsession, http://www.etsy.com/, is a virtual marketplace for all things handmade. Going into it's third year on the Internet, Etsy now has over 1 million listings, so you're SURE to find something you like.

There are many reasons to buy handmade:

1. You'll be getting a one-of-a-kind creation
2. In most cases, handmade products are of superior quality
3. You'll be supporting individuals, families, and the U.S. economy (there are other countries represented on Etsy, but the vast majority is U.S.-based.)
4. You won't have to fight the crowds at the mall

I enjoy selling in my Etsy shop, http://www.recycledjeans.etsy.com/, but I've also purchased some GREAT items. I highly encourage you to check it out.

Yeah, San Antonio!

Who's been to San Antonio? I just moved here, and IT ROCKS! Despite the 100-degree heat, I'm really enjoying it. Having spent the past year in El Paso, it's so refreshing to see trees and grass and flowers! The Riverwalk is beautiful. I was walking along it the other day and there was a little water snake swimming along. I was highly amused that no one besides my family noticed it. And the baby ducks... you would need a hard heart indeed not to be enchanted by baby ducks. Anyway... San Antonio is great and if you haven't been, you should definitely give it a try.

Inspired Design!

I'm so excited about our newest, original design - the Lunch Bag. This adaptation of our popular Pixie Pouch skips the drawstring closure in favor of two side ties that thread through grommets and make the bag expandable. Pull the handy wrist strap through the ring on the front of the bag to secure the contents quickly and easily.

We're calling it a lunch bag - and it IS great for that purpose, but it has many other uses. It's the perfect size for the "little lady" in your life. Kids love the petite proportions and colorful ties.

It's also handy for those of us who are more mature - in years if not in attitude - when we're traveling light! Just the right size for one of our mini wallets and a few other necessities.

As always, this product is made from at least 50% post-consumer materials!

Check it out at our Etsy storefront: http://www.recycledjeans.etsy.com/

Old Sorehead Trade Days

I can't tell you how much fun we had this past weekend at the Old Sorehead Trade Days in Stanton, Texas. Our next-booth-neighbors, Judy and Glenda of Juda's Creations based in Archer City, kept us laughing the entire weekend. (Thank you ladies. It was a rare pleasure.) I was tempted to spend my entire profit on their beautiful jewelry. I did spend a goodly portion on the scrumptious food at the fair. The deep-fried Twinkies intrigued me. Have any of you tried them? In the end I settled for homemade ice cream, which was delicious.

Our Raggedy Ann dolls, which sported dresses made of vintage fabrics, were a big hit. In fact we sold out. There was also a lot of interest in our coffee cozies. One nice lady opened up an entirely new marketing avenue for these handy items. She planned to use hers on her mixed drinks. And why not! They insulate from the cold just as well as the hot. She inspired me to try one on my Diet Coke bottle and it was great. No more cold hands while I'm enjoying the elixir of life! I had to ask myself, "Now why didn't I think of that?"