11/20/11: Zipping Along

I have some updates for you concerning my newly fashioned home-based sewing/knitting business. Through the two ads I placed in my local shopper's guide for the weeks of November 6 and 13, I have been given at least four zipper replacement orders and one custom sewing project. I haven't done any work for another person outside the family so it has been such a learning experience! 

At this moment, I just finished replacing the first zipper (in a winter coat, by the way), and will be dropping it off tomorrow. Fingers crossed the owner will be satisfied! I have some zippers coming in the mail tomorrow so I will be starting on the rest as soon as I can. 

Replacing a winter coat's zipper is not an easy project to take on and I remembered from doing my own coat, as well as my two sisters', is that the hardest part of the whole process is figuring out how to put it together in the right sequence. As you can well imagine, every single coat design is different. Some have wind breakers, others don't. Some, like the one I just finished, have an added button band making it a little more difficult to sew. 

That is why I did something different this time. While I was removing the dysfunctional zipper (whose zipper end was entirely frayed and useless), from the coat I took digital pictures and video along the way. 

This way I know exactly how each piece is seamed. And by using the video, I can dictate quickly and easily those important measurements that might be lost if I simply ripped out the zipper without stopping to investigate. Such as the measurement between the edge of the zipper teeth and the line of stitching that is made to piece the zipper to a fabric strip, (yeah, sounds vague but it something I had to know!). 

So my new idea really helped me move along quicker and now I have a brand new zipper installed:

So what about that custom sewing order I mentioned? This order is not something you would expect, or at least I didn't. It is for two custom made dog outfits that resembles the Marine Corps blue uniform and the camouflage suit. You have to smile when you hear that. :) This will be my first dog outfit and I can't wait to have all my materials at hand to get started on this project. I'll keep you posted on how it is coming along.

And so before I run off I wanted to show you a few shots of some newly designed business cards I ordered from InkGarden.com. Here they are: 

Don't they look like something straight out of this blog of mine? That was my objective when I was designing it. Thanks, InkGarden, for the wonderful printing job! 

11/7/11: Commissioned Crafting

For the rest of this fall and the soon onslaught of winter, I will be diving into the world of commissioned crafting, or in other words, handcrafted items made by me for a person who orders in advance. Sort of like Etsy's Alchemy feature that once was.

I have, from the very beginning, regarded my crafting exerts as hobbies and no more. But during the last couple years I have been looking at them in a different perspective; more as a business, you can say. The idea of selling what I create (be it through my Etsy shop or by commission), really sparks my interest and even though it will really begin to feel like "work" at times, I am excited about it.

So this past Sunday I placed an ad in the local shopper's guide for my services of custom knitting, sewing or crochet related items. As well as mending, such as zippers, buttons, and patches. I already have had some response through this ad (replacement of zippers to be exact!), so no made-to-order knitted cardigan or baby quilt has been assigned to me as of yet. But that, I believe, will be coming along shortly. My knitting needles are earnestly awaiting their cue! :)



If you or someone else is looking for me to knit, sew, crochet, or quilt an adult/child garment, accessory, or home decor item, email me at this address: artandneedlework at gmail dot com. I would be happy to help you out! Note: I will only be able to do mending for those who live in the Newaygo, Michigan area.

11/6/11: What's Up Next

Hi everybody, it's me again. Yeah, I've been gone awhile, haven't I? Since the middle of summer, matter-of-fact, and not too proud to say it. The main culprit has been my sparse crafting drive over the last couple of months which usually leads to empty content when a crafting blog is involved.

But I am one hardcore sewist, knitter, and plain hands-on-person to have this last forever. I have plans for this upcoming winter and they will be unfolding over the span of this week and next week. Most I will post about but some have to be kept under wraps because particular special people shouldn't be the wiser. :) Its fun to be mysterious, I have to say!

I remember reading L. M. Montgomery's depiction of November: the gray and dismal month. Yes, it may be wanting in color with its usual overcast skies and lack of leaves but my way of life has always made it the month of laying of plans and learning new things. For me, the farming season is coming to a close here in Michigan and giving me more time to look into other interests and experimentation. And that is exactly what I am hoping to do!

Will be back here tomorrow to share more with you all!