I Just Love New Ideas

So I was thinking, it would be nice if I would build up the Kitchen section of my handmade shop, ReneesBags.etsy.com.  Looking around on the web I found this blog: http://goingsewcrazy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/02/retro-potholder-tutorial.html. She created an easy-to-follow tutorial, and this is what happened when I set down to master the idea.  I am not a quilter, and I don't know if this is "the folded star pattern", but I call it Folder Star Potholder. Mine turned out somewhat larger and it's made with 5" squares instead of circles.  So far, I have given away 2 of them and they are being used as "a trivet".  I suppose if I had been given one, I would want to use it as a trivet because they are lovely.

This red, white and blue potholder is the first one I made.  The pretty print fabric is a recycled Dutch symmetry floral clothe.  Both the print and the solid color fabrics are heavy cotton and make a trivet-weight hot pad.  Because of the weight of the fabrics, the pieces are a little hard to fold, and I suggest using light weight cottons instead.  Also, I found that a 12" square of fabric is enough to make the matching bias tape that goes around the edge.  So, get busy, check out GoingCrazy's wonderful tutorial and make some!

The following 2 are made with quilter's cotton and they have found new homes already with friends of mine.

         

This potholder is easy to make, and GoingCrazy's blog, has it posted for your enjoyment.

And What is Your Passion?

I really enjoy what I do with my sewing machine.  I like thinking of new things to make and designing new things.  I get enjoyment from a finished product.  I want my creations to be enjoyed by others for a long time to come.

I received in my email box an article about a couple who have a very successful Etsy shop: Paloma's Nest at http://www.etsy.com/shop/palomasnest. As it turns out, Caroline Colom Vasquez and Jose Vasquez-Corbalan also offer handcrafted consulting at @http://handcraftedconsulting.com/.  

I like to check out other handcrafters for help with ideas for my shop and for ways I can improve my chances for success.  You might get inspiration, too.  And if you would like to read more from Caroline and Jose, they are writing a monthly article on the blog "Poppytalk" in the Business Matters column.  And Poppytalk is worth check out, too!  Get to it here: http://www.poppytalk.blogspot.com/

Oh, where does our time go?

Thanks for visiting.
Renee

Autumn Cover Up

I so like the Summer when we can feel free with very light clothing when outside.  But it does not take long for me to "freeze" when the cooler weather comes...like now.  To minimize outer wear, I go with a cape.  And this cape pattern is wonderful because it actually has sleeves...no draping that cape up and down your arms.  The sleeves are very loose fitting as is the whole cape.  Since I live in the South West, I wear capes all winter.

I made this medium chocolate brown version, and it's listed for sale at, ReneesBags.etsy.com.  One size fits most and totally right for cool mornings, evenings and daytime. Casual and an easy pick-me-up for that quick trip to the store.

I like wearing the cape and made two for myself last season.  One is a camel or buckskin color and the other is a kitty cat print. No matter which one I wear, there will always be someone somewhere who gives a compliment.  I almost gave it to a lady in a doctor's office waiting room who was there for her cancer treatments, too.  The poor lady loved the cape and looked like she needed a hug that I know the cape would have provided. The cape is so cuddly and warm, and yet it is airy and not to hot.

Until the next time,
Peace,
Renee
(Just in case you are wondering, my cancer has been gone for 4 years!)

The New Jewelry Match Maker

Time to unveil the Match Maker; the Jewelry Match Maker. This is a “wow” idea! Please tell me what you think.  It’s never too late to redesign.  You have heard of the Kindle I, II, III, and the iPhone I, II, III, and etc. and etc.  Well, I’m not going to get carried away with my design.  It actually works great just like it is.  Oh my, I should patent this!

No need to untangle those long chain or bead necklaces anymore. No need to find a place to store that bulky jewelry.  The whole set will be right at your finger tips…at the ready, on the hanger with the outfit. Keep the earrings there, too. Unhook the necklace, slide it through and hook together. Split rings in the top allow the holder to separate for long beads that have no clasps.  The whole thing slips easily over the hanger. The holders are made of vinyl with a separate earring holder sewn onto the front side

The Match Maker is great for traveling. If you want, slide the beads into a small plastic zipper bag while it hangs with the outfit.  These are great for gift giving, and I have them in my shop: ReneesBags.etsy.com.

Thank you for looking.
Renee

And the Match Maker is Being Born

I am developing a new idea.  First I have to make a prototype and try it out myself.  With my make shift "Match Maker", it seems to work great. Designing it, making it and then offering it for sale is another story.

I have been drawing, measuring and cutting.
Here are my first photos:

In a day or two I will have the finished product to show you.  In the meantime, I will do the sewing, and I have to shop for one more thing to finish it up.  You will love it.


I will tweet (@NeonSunsetEtsy) a link to here when it is done, and then get it posted to my shop (ReneesBags.etsy.com)

Bye for now!
Renee

Autumn Time is a Grand Time

My area of the world has just come through a long and hot Summer.  We will still have very hot weather ahead but with cool down times, too.  The fall months are a time we really look forward to and my new Treasury on Etsy is ready for your enjoyment.

I keep busy with the process of filling my shops on Etsy with new and interesting items.  One of the things a lot of shop owners like to do is feature items from different shops in a collection of 16 all with something in common.  I have put together a collection of blue and orange Autumn themed products.  I hope you enjoy.  At the time of making the Treasury, all items were for sale. Click anywhere for a larger view of the collection.

Here is the original link to see the Treasury in my shop, ReneesBags:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTYyNDIwNTZ8MjcyMDcxNjI2NQ/our-vibrant-autumn-in-blue-and-orange?ref=pr_treasury
If you want details of an item, just click the title under each photo. Happy Browsing!

We Have the Answers...Now!

As fast as it takes to type search words, anyone with Internet access can find out the answers to most anything.  I love it!  And I would like to say, "if the President of the United States can say, 'I am evolving', I will say that when it comes to being Vegetarian".
I typed "low carb casseroles" into Google search and came up with this idea. I totally changed the original recipe to suit me and what I already had.  I call them, "Pop Up Omelets".
Ingredients can easily be changed to suit you, too. (Sorry my "inside" photos' color is a little off.  I'll remember that for the next time)

  POP UP OMELETS

10 eggs, whisk good (I removed 5 yokes)
1/4 cup Jalapeno Peppers, chopped (I used jarred)
1/2 cup cooked sausage (I used veggie sausage)
1 1/2 cups any shredded cheese
salt and pepper to taste.

Stir together, pour into oiled muffin pan and bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Makes 9 omelet poppers.

These can be frozen.  To eat, just pop into the micro wave. Yumm with fresh fruit.