The Finish Line, Collecting, and a Contest

So, I've finally reached the finish line! Several people have asked me to work on projects for them this summer, and I am happy to report they are all completed. And most have even been delivered. It was fun, and I really enjoy creating things for others. Until I get swamped again with projects for others, I'll be working on some projects for my family.

Now to a problem...getting paid for my work. I'm a very trusting person, but since starting my own sewing business I am quickly learning that trust and business can not mix. For most of my projects I have waited until getting paid to ship the items. But for a couple of projects I decided to go ahead and ship them because I knew I would be gone for quite some time on vacation with my family. So, here we are 6 weeks later and no money. And we aren't talking a couple of dollars.

There are a couple of solutions to this problem. One is that I can require folks to pay half down before I even start a custom order for them. This way if they decide to not send the rest of the money I've only lost payment for my time and not cost of materials. And I can always list the item on my etsy shop. The other option is to make the item and list it on my etsy shop as a custom item for that specific person. If they do not purchase it within a certain time period they will forfeit the item.

So, for all three of my faithful followers - What is your advice on the matter?

On a brighter note - I WON A CONTEST!!! So, the other day I was browsing blogs I follow and came across a contest to win two patterns from http://www.thehandmadedress.blogspot.com/.
Samantha is an awesome seamstress and great designer of patterns. Her patterns are super easy to follow, and the best thing is they are no buttons and zippers to deal with. All you had to do to enter the contest was to leave a comment. So that's exactly what I did. Then I really didn't think much about it. I rarely do this sort of thing, because the odds of winning are so low. I never win anything. I decided to check her blog again Sunday evening to see if any winners had been announced, and right there on her blog was my name. I clicked on it, and it went straight to my blog! That's how I knew it was really me. I'm so excited to get the new patterns and start sewing! I'll definitely keep entering these contests now. Who knows? Maybe someday I'll be blessed again...

Saturday projects

I just completed the other bible cover I needed to finish today. After sewing the topstitch, I almost had a moment of panic. I needed about a quarter inch more for the cover of the bible to slide in easily. Right now it is snug, but this way it won't slide out easily. I just hope the child doesn't rip that cover off!

And for Caroline...here's the completed skirt we worked on together. The gal picked out all her fabrics and the style skirt she wanted me to make. When she tried it on it was a perfect fit! And it was a huge learning experience for me. I could not have made this skirt without the help of my wonderful friend and fellow seamstress Caroline. Thanks a bunch!

Birthday Projects

There are a lot of little girls having birthdays in August and September. So I've been busy making presents. I love to make a present rather than go buy a toy they might not like or already own.

I'm loving these fold n go notebook holders. Since I'm trying to stay away from the fabric store, I had to put these together with fabric already in my stash.

The denim fold n go is now my favorite. And I love the look of having the child's initial appliqued on the front. This time I needed the initial on the front because they are for twin girls!

I was also asked to make two bible covers. I've never made one, but using the design of the fold n go made it rather simple.

I've almost managed to complete my goals for this week - 2 fold n go notebook covers, 2 bible covers, and finish a skirt. One more day in this week - I can do it, I can do it...

Kindergarten 1st Day Outfit

That same sweet little boy who is getting a fun frog towel for rest time at Kindergarten will also be sporting a brand new outfit for his first day. He picked the fabric, and I picked the design. And the end result is total cuteness!

Now on to all those other projects waiting for my attention...

Kindergarten Rest Towel

A sweet little 5 year old boy is starting Kindergarten next week. The supply list asked for a "rest towel" rather than a rest mat. His mother wanted it to be a little more special than just a plain old towel. So, I found this really cute frog flannel and sewed along the bottom and up one side. Now he will have a little covering during rest time to keep him warm in that cold classroom. And thank you Andrea for the idea!

The camera wasn't cooperating tonight, but there are "happy" frogs all over. And I folded it in half to get the photo.

Sweet Tyler

My sweet nephew Tyler modeling his new romper. It was a perfect fit! My Dad had to capture him and hold him just for me to get the photo. He's such a busy little boy!