NEW STORE ALERT!!

I am so happy to announce that I have expanded my collection to a second Etsy store.  My original store, sundaystitcher is still alive and well with the focus being aprons, personal accessories and kid's items like smocks and bags.  My new store, Maisonboutique (French for Home Shop) will only sell items for the home.  Pillow cases, throws, place mats and more will be the focus.  Plus, everything will have free shipping on www.maisonboutique.etsy.com.  Please take a look at my new location and send me some feedback.  I'm always open to suggestions!! 

Summer Decorating

During these warm summer months I spend as much time outdoors as possible.  Living in the city means that any private outdoor space you have is considered precious.  I have a small patio, but love to decorate it as if it is the inside of my home.  After finding some really cute and fun outdoor fabrics (there are so many on the market now!) I got the bug to sew outdoor pillows, place mats and more.  My next project is a coordinating bench cushion for the wooden park bench I've held on to for the past 10 years. 

The most important thing to keep in mind if sewing your outdoor decor yourself is that you use fabrics specifically made for the outdoors.  Moisture and heat are evil culprits of untreated fabrics and will destroy your lovely creations within one season.  Use polyfill inserts for your cushions and pillows, and remember to make everything removable so that you can easily wash your pretty covers.  I make all of my pillow covers with envelope backs - but you need to make the envelope portion with a large overlap, or rain will get inside of your pillow cases. 

Another great tip... french seams.  Some people do overlock or serging to finish their edges.  But the truth is that nothing beats the quality of a french seam.  Essentially they are double stitched for durability, and you never ever have a raw edge to contend with.  Spend the few extra minutes and practice your french seam technique.  You'll be happy you did. 

The pillows shown are available for sale on my Etsy page (http://www.maisonboutique.etsy.com).  This is my newest Etsy store specializing in home decor items.  Take a look and let me know your thoughts!

iPad cases can be fun - who knew?

Ok, so maybe you don't think "fun" when you think about iPad and laptop cases... but they really can define you. The days of old black zipper cases for $40+ are over. The etsy boom has given technology users more fashionable and unique ways to protect their electronics - and at more reasonable prices than the stores where you buy your technology.

I decided to try out sewing up a few cases, and they came out great. Neat, clean, fun and modern. Not your average iPad case, but definitely something I would be proud to pull out in the park, cafe, office, etc.

Take a look at my etsy page: www.sundaystitcher.etsy.com and let me know what you think...

Vintage Spools of Cotton Crochet Thread

I love perfect vintage finds, especially when there are multiples. It's like an instant collection and even though you may not have a story to tell about each piece you find, you do get to instantly appreciate your new found collection.

My recent find was these vintage spools of silky cotton crochet thread. And when I say silky, I mean silky. Perfectly preserved wood spools and barely scuffed paper labels with vintage lettering. My guess is these are probably from 1960. I decided to take a handful of these lovely little spools and put them on my etsy page for sale. If you love sewing you will love these cool spools. Special hint; these are an easy find at most flea markets. However, make sure you pay close attention and make sure you don't pick any pcs that have rotting. If possible, unwind the spool slightly to check for rotted thread or spool. The ones on my page don't have any of the signs of rotting, which means they were kept in a cool dry place for the past 50 years. You will typically pay a little more for good quality vintage spools, but to be honest the high price is typically very low for a vintage collectible item.

Pretty in the Kitchen...

Just because you are in the kitchen slaving away over your lemon blueberry bundt cake doesn't mean you can't look pretty doing it. I found this really unique embroidered fabric and instantly thought "HALF APRON!!". This is such a crisp, white fabric with a high contrast black embroidered vertical design that you can't help but think it's more of a hostess apron. I added an extra long bold red sash with micro white polka dots for added fabulocity.

I just posted it to my etsy page and plan to make more with this lovely fabric as well. Take a look at my etsy page for a closer look... http://www.sundaystitcher.etsy.com

Gone to the Dogs...

Well warm weather has finally arrived after such a long, cold winter. That means more walks for the pup. She's thrilled, as am I...but along with the walk comes the plastic doggie bags. I reuse the plastic bags that I get at the supermarket. Even though I am pretty strict about bringing my home made shopper totes, sometimes I am still relegated to using plastic bags when I check out. So - I put them to good use. Doggie walking time. During warm months I hate stuffing plastic bags in my pockets, so I designed a doggie bag holder that attaches to any leash that I use. If you are like me, you have multiple leashes and need any accessory to easily affix to your preferred leash securely.

My solution is a fabric pouch with an elasticized opening and a velcro strap. The pouch holds 2-3 plastic bags - more than enough for a normal dog walk, and frees my hands (and pockets).

I am selling these on my etsy page (http://www.sundaystitcher.etsy.com) for almost nothing. Take a look. A few bucks will surprisingly make your walks more enjoyable!

Super Sweet Kids Craft Apron

I had this idea that little girls would love wearing a craft apron if it made them feel like a ballerina. Seriously, even as an adult I would consider wearing an apron that had a tutu. So - I made one. Actually, I made two, and they sold within a few hours of posting them on etsy.com (my page is sundaystitcher.etsy.com). I can't wait to make more variations. Really the idea is so simple, but little girls will love to play in this smock and think of all of the cute clothes you will save from finger paints and magic markers!

Retro Aprons

I just love fitted, retro style aprons. It's almost anti-feminist for me to think as a modern day woman that baking cookies while wearing a frilly apron is something I strive to do, but it really does seem like fun. Fun, that was, until I went to B-U-Y the apron. $38 was the average price in one of my favorite stores that actually does carry things that are super cute, but super expensive.

My solution? I sewed one. This was my first apron from a store bought pattern. Although I found it to be very time consuming, the apron really is well made. In fact, I plan to rework the pattern into an even cuter, more functional retro style apron sometime this month. I want to add a peter pan style collar to the front and possibly a crisscross back with flutter sleeves on the straps. The pattern I used is a Simplicity pattern. I lined it entirely - including each tier of the skirt. While this added some weight, it made the apron much more substantial since the fabrics used are not so thick.

Plumpy Pincushions

What sewing goddess doesn't have a plethora of pincushions? About 5 years ago I bought 2 from sewdorky.com (no longer online) and they were the most adorable donut shaped pincushions you could ever lay your eyes on. After I dusted off the ol' Singer and set up shop, I decided my first project would be a plumpy pincushion. What started out as an apple turned into something much cuter. I loved adding the double button trim. This is my favorite detail. Stacking 2 contrasting buttons together and running a satin ribbon through the top button adds such a cute detail that can't be missed.

My very first entry...

Hello world. This is my very first entry on my blog, and with so many ideas swimming around in my head it's almost difficult to find a starting point. So here goes nothing...

As a product designer with 13 years and counting designing and developing items for the retail world I decided to take my experience in fabrics and products and put them to good creative use. I love my profession, and I take great pride when I walk through one of those big giant retail stores that we love to hate and see my items hanging in the aisle for sale. I really get a kick out of seeing someone purchase one of those lucky items. The downside? Well, designs really need to be watered down in order to have mass appeal. This is where I struggle creatively. Sometimes I really want to go into a store, find a very cute cosmetic bag, vintage style (new) apron or place mats that are unique but not pay a small fortune.

My solution? I'll make the items myself!

Stay tuned for images of my ongoing projects, trend finds and tips. I travel overseas frequently and am always finding inspiration everywhere I go. I'll keep you posted on what's new and for a quick fix you can always visit my etsy page at http://www.sundaystitcher.etsy.com.

Thanks and happy blogging!!