Seashell

BIG CLEARANCE SALE on my Etsy Shop

2012-01-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

Hello....

I celebrate New Year by made an event on mky Etsy shop.
A BIG CLEARANCE SALE to make room for new inventory, everything (Shoulder Bags and Clutches) must go....
Save 50% off everything in stock". Excludes custom orders.

Please visit here

Christmas is coming soon !!

2011-12-16T01:16:00.000-08:00

Have you get all gifts ready for your loved ones?
I made this small gift bag for my daughter.
The bag is ready, but not the gift :)

I stitched her name on the front.
Still need to make 2 bags for the boys.

Hope you all have a greatest time on this December :)

My new quilted pot holders...for Christmas!

2011-11-22T16:36:00.000-08:00

Living in a tropical country made me always feel Christmas should associated with snow...at least I decorated my home with some snowy touch :)

As usual I made simple modern design. I bought this red snowflake fabric last year.
I combined it with local unbleached cotton, my favorite fabric.

I quilted these pot holders or coasters....(yes, you can use them for both!).

I love the idea that actually I have 8 coasters :D since they're reversible.

A Red Chrismasy Table Runner - my latest project :)

2011-10-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

Just finished this morning after a whole month on and off working on it :)

Handquilted for the loop-d-loop lines at the top and machine quilted with simple organic lines for the rest.

Made from local red thick cotton with beautiful flowers print on it and local cream unbleached cotton.

The backing is also made from the same unbleached cotton.

Still in this project I was exploring how quilting polyester batting with organic lines could create a gorgeous texture on a quilt.

I used polyester batting to come up with unique and slightly different beauty in comparison if using cotton batting.

Well...this is my first christmas project for this year :)

How about yours?

A Journal Cover from Recycled Fabric

2011-10-15T03:03:00.000-07:00

Above is a journal cover I made this weekend. It fit an A5 art diary.

I used recycled fabric, from my kid's denim and my husband's beige cotton trousers.

As a lovely accent in the front I cut a piece of traditional Holland fabric that my husband bought for me when he was there 2 years ago.

This is how I made it, step by step...

Made a piece of patchwork fabrics from your favorite scraps or just like me ... from unused clothing. Measurement : 8.50 x 21 inches.

Turn the raw, short ends of the rectangle under by 0.25" and topstitch.

I add a small pocket (3 x 3.50 inches) on the corner to keep my business cards.

Then put the right side of your journal cover facing upwards, turn each of the short ends in by 3.50" or maybe 4.00" (depends on how thick is your journal) and pin.

Make a lining from patchwork fabric too or just 1 solid fabric. Choose which one you like :)

I sew the 2 edges of this lining zigzag to overlock the fray thread of the fabric.

Place the lining over the journal cover, matching centers. Don't forget to apply a ribbon.

Stitch the top and bottom using 0.25" seam allowance.

Make sure tuck the ribbon in out the way.

Now you can turn the entire journal cover from right or left side of the opening.

Tadaaa....now your journal cover is done!

You can ironing it to make it neat and perfect.

Psst...I'm not a perfect person, see....those wrinkles everywhere! Because I'm too lazy to iron :)

Insert your A5 journal and admiring your work!! Enjoy :)

This is the back of my journal.

Hopefully this simple tutorial could help you in making your own journal.

happy weekend :)

Shoulder Bags for Autumn Season

2011-10-07T17:57:00.001-07:00

An Orange Autumn flowers bags.....

This made from Denim...with cute little animal prints..
This is I love most...because I love RED :)
Happy weekend...all :)

Etsy Front Page

2011-09-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

I was on Etsy Front Page last night!!
happy, FUN!

Supporting Artists Team on HandmadeTop10 List

2011-06-24T00:06:00.000-07:00

-Supporting Artists Team-, is one of teams on Etsy. I'm one of the member ther, actually also one of the leaders, too.
Right now we're entering a contest here. The challenge will run for 15 days.. ending on Wednesday July 6 . We need votes...so if you're interested in and have time to visit our team, see many beautiful items there.

Here's only 10 items you could see, but many more beautiful items from other members joined this challenge so....please take a visit, just click the picture below. Thank you :)

for the Love of Pouches...

2011-06-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

Love making pouches lately....
These are made from local cotton with accent from Moda Mill House Inn Stripes Bun.
and...these are the latest pouches...
actually it's made from kitchen towel, good thick cotton.
I thought it would be too pretty as a towel, so...I changed it into a pleated zipper pouch :)

and this one is not made from kitchen towel fabric...but Bali batik cotton, a local Indonesian beautiful batik. Shade of blue....

You can see my other pouches at my etsy shop.

Waterproof fabric

2011-06-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I 'play' to make something with waterproof fabric.
I bought the fabric online from a Korean fabric shop on Etsy.

When I first touched it, I was surprised to the quality of it. So soft, almost similar with real cotton. Before I received it, I thought it would be like plastic fabric that we often used for kids raincoat, but it was not.
So .... finally I made a tote and a pouch to accompany me to swimming pool or beach.

My stuff would not get wet with this tote :)

Ah, I just love my new tote!

I also list one to my shop here.

Supporting Artists Team on Etsy

2011-06-01T15:07:00.001-07:00

I just joined a fabulous etsy team last month. The members are so welcome, helpful and very supporting to each other. Yesterday I made this treasury for them. You can see and enjoy their beautiful items they had created, so..artsy!

'A bit Blue, a bit Brown' by hennyseashell

Beautiful color combo. Enjoy :)

Water Lilies hand print... giardino $285.00	Natural Round leather 1... Naturebeads $5.25	Set of Four Vintage Swi... WiseApple $16.00
Pastel Blue and Beige F... BerryAlaMode $4.90	SALE-Brown- Milky Brown... sesiber $30.00	Hello Speech Bubble Han... eatpraycreate $6.00
Blue Chocolate Burp Set SlugBugNoHitBa... $18.00	Natural State of Copper... Cheydrea $58.00	Beach Cottage 16" ... KindredSpiritH... $26.00
Tags Small-Blank Gift t... UniquesStashNS... $3.25	White Furry Owl Snuggle... babycricket $20.00	Tranquility.....A Flora... JANNYSGIRL $16.00
AdORabLe BoHeMiAn CoiLE... BohemianBasket... $32.00	Make A Wish Silver Neck... KimArt $30.99	Serenity Prayer Pillow ... restintheword $75.00
Fraktur With 36 Hearts ... THEODORADESIGN... $5.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Pop Up' Quilt - An Entry for Blogger's Quilt Festival :: Spring 2011

2011-05-20T05:26:00.000-07:00

I made this quilt almost 1,5 years ago. It made of hand dyed cotton fabric that I didn't like at first (but don't want to throw away), so I decided to cut it in small pieces, then bleached them in trying to make varieties scheme color of blues.`Such an experiment...but it turned out good. I had blue fabrics in many hues.

Most people always use cotton batting for their quilt. Since it's very difficult to find cotton batting in my country so I tried to use whatever available, in this case polyester batting. I also use my favorite cream unbleached cotton (similar with muslin).

It's such a journey to me for exploring quilting with polyester batting including a willingness to think out of the box.

I chose natural straight lines (organic lines) to quilt this piece.

The orange yellow binding is an accent color for the quilt.

It is pleasing to see how the scattered squares could add a unique design element -looks 'pop out'- squares and making you just want to touch it!

That's why I called this wall hanging 'Pop Up' :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Now, I'm off to look at all these other amazing quilts on the Blogger's Festival :: Spring 2011 here.

A Series of....Kitty Creme Cushions!

2011-05-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

New cushions ...
A series of cute Kitty Creme !

First time in applying simple stitching as an accent to my project.
I made these pillow covers from creme Indonesian local unbleached cotton (similar with muslin) and Korean soft brown linen cotton with cat prints on it.

They're all available in my Etsy shop.

Have a great day :)

I miss it :(

2011-05-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

Last month I made a table runner from Bali batik cotton. Bali batik is so hip right now here.

It's more light and soft than Javanese traditional batik eventhough both of them are from cotton.

I quilted it with my favorite organic lines style. There are some major reasons why I love organic lines. First: the gorgeous textures that come out after I quilt my linen or unbleached cotton with those lines.

After that... maybe I love the freedom how I could move the needle, actually I don't like to follow orders!

And the last : my limited skill in quilting ! :)

Finally....I love to see how it turned out!

I put it as a listing on my Etsy shop. Two weeks ago someone bought it.

Today is the first time I missed something I made and not longer with mine. I keep busy telling myself, 'let it go, let it go..' :)
Have you ever felt this way?

Recycled Bags and Giveaway

2011-04-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hello...
hope you're having a happy Sunday :)

first of all..there's a giveaway event from my Etsy shop.

Just visit Samantha's blog here. It ends until April 11, 2011. Please join to win a cute pouch.

Like I said on my last post, I made another recycled bags.
From my old jeans...
I made a casual style clutch. I used my old jeans for the flap and handle.

For the body and lining of the clutch I used new light jeans fabric. Look at the cute animal prints on it and the Indonesian wood handcarved button. Beautiful isn't it?

the other bag...is a tote.

I used thick cotton kitchen towel that I bought from a local kitchen equipment stote.

I just fall in love at the first sight when I saw the tartan plaid pattern.

The color is so soft, too beautiful for a towel :)

For the lining I also use another kitchen towel, but in different texture..its lines pattern is a bit protude.

Both of the bags are now available on my Etsy shop.

Recycled my Old Jeans into "New Shorts"

2011-04-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today is saturday here. I always love weekends!
Last night I found that my favorite jeans has already faded at the front and has a hole. I just can't throw it away.
I was thinking to recycle it ...so I cut it into shorts.

put a stripe of red paisley pattern fabric and sew it like this.

What do you think?
I love my "new shorts"!!
By the way I still have the left over jeans fabric from the pants.
I'm thinking to recycle and transform it into something cute like clutch maybe..
I'll let you know in my next post.

For now...have a great weekend to you :)

My Etsy shop's :: S P R I N G S a L E ::

2011-03-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you knows that I celebrate Spring Season by making a Spring sale event at my shop on Etsy.

Happy Spring to you all :)

New 'Wonky Star' Patchwork Pillows

2011-03-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

Remember I'd ever posted about this wonky star block?

The one I made for a Bee Group I joined this year?
After I sent it to one of my 'Sew & Bee Addicted' friend...I started to make 2 for my self.

I couldn't think any other than turning them into pillow covers like these...

Yayy...finally I have 2 patchwork pillows now! Wonky Stars :)

2011-03-06T06:36:00.000-08:00

I just made this treasury on Etsy this morning...
Enjoy the silence and quiet feeling on it.
Happy Sunday :)

Apocatastasis - turquoise ...
Raceytay
$15.00 USD
3 dragonflies dream of spr...
babyjives
$94.00 USD
Nature Beauty
cemara
$22.00 USD
White Swan Enchantment Dre...
amandaarcher
$235.00 USD
Crochet Balloon Necklace
beliz82
$30.00 USD
Cote d'Azur Purple Por...
MaaPstudio
$128.00 USD
Art Textile. Sparkle Cloth
contemporary...
$650.00 USD
Stone cutie brooch cream a...
zsazsazsu1...
$15.78 USD
A Monogrammed Pillow and P...
mollyannemak...
$35.00 USD
Hand Embroidered DREAM BIG...
thecareerscr...
$25.00 USD
Butterfly Cluster Mobile
royalbuffet
$32.00 USD
DONT RUN AWAY, Original, A...
chillyArt
$175.00 USD

Curator

hennyseashell

18 minutes ago

feel the silence....

View hennyseashell's other Treasury lists

Blocks for 'Bee' Friends

2011-02-18T19:18:00.000-08:00

These are blocks for my friends on Flickr : 'Sew and Bee Happy', a Bee Group with Kathryn as a moderator.

October block for Felicity

November block for Kathryn

Desember block for Tracy

January block for Allie

Februari block for Leona

I just realized most of my friends love triangles very much!
Happy sewing everyone :)

Simple Sling Bag Tutorial by HennySeashell

2011-02-11T03:58:00.000-08:00

Hi...this Simple Sling Bag tutorial is ready!!
I had tried my best to make a simple tutorial for you..

For the BAG you will need:

2 pieces fabric 16 x 14 inches or 40.50 x 35.50 cm (outside)

2 pieces muslin fabric 16 x 14 inches or 40.50 x 35.50 cm (lining)

4 pieces interfacing fabric 16 x 14 inches or 40.50 x 35.50 cm

Cut 2 of 2 x 2 inches (4.50 x 4.50 cm) squares on the corners for each fabric.

Sew 3 sides of the outside and interfacing fabric together like in the picture above.

Stitch 1/2 inches from edge.

Leave it open for the top and both square corners.

To make a boxed corners.....

Create a triangle at each bottom corner with the side seam centered on top.

Ah, it's difficult for me to describe this into words...

Just please see the photos below :)

Then sewing straight about 1/2 inches from the corners edges.

This is what your outside bag should look like at this point.

For the inside POCKET you will need:

2 pieces fabric 13 x 10 inches or 33 x 25 cm. I use the same fabric as outside bag for this pocket.

Sew 3 sides of the pockets (leave the top open) after you first top stitching both of the pocket shape fabrics.
Turn right side out. Place the pocket in the middle of the lining.

Pin and sew the pocket to the lining.

The pocket would be like this after all...

Here, I made 2 pockets by sewing double straight lines in the middle of the pocket.

Repeat all the process again for the lining to make bag shape just like for the outside fabric.

Don't forget to put the interfacing fabric between layers.

Leave a 4 - 5 inches opening for turning bag (I usually leave this on the bottom of the lining).

Now you have 2 same bag shapes, one is made from the outside fabric and the other is the lining.

For the STRAP you will need :

1 pieces 7 x 41 inches outside fabric.

1 pieces 7 x 41 inches muslin fabric for making the strap thicker but still soft to your shoulder.

Press each side of straps, then fold straps in half, being careful to matched edges closely.

Press well to create strap.
Sew close to folded edge on strap, top-stitch 1/4" in from outer edge stitching.

Place straps in between right sides of fabric on each side.

Don't forget to put magnetic snaps at the top of the lining.

Place lining fabric inside the outside fabric right sides together.

Pins straps and top edge of bag well.

Stitch around top of bag 1/2 inch from edge.

Turn the bag right side out by pulling outer shell through the opening in the bottom side of the lining.

This is what your sling bag should look like at this point.

If you are happy with everything, finnish by top stitching a 1/4" from the edge all around the top of the bag.

Don't forget for also sewing the opening on the bottom (lining) of the bag.

Ta Daa..!! Enjoy your beautiful new sling bag now :)
Please let me know if I don't make sense on somehing.

My Latest Treasury on Etsy

2011-02-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

This is my first post here after sooooo....long hibernation :)
A collection of beautiful things for our home...
Hope you'll enjoy it.
After this...I promise to post a tutorial on making sling bag soon, very soon!!
Keep in touch here...thank you :)

Beautiful Things...for our Home

Waterfall Chair
blook
$3,100.00 USD
Birdcage Ribbon Organizer
birdfromawire
Sold
white birch forest - organ...
virtualdesig...
$80.00 USD
Industrial Pipe Book Shelf...
DirtyBils
$99.00 USD
Letter Pillows - BED
shopdirtsa
$65.00 USD
VASE Little Violet
lessandmore
$57.00 USD
Natural beauty clock made ...
twigsoup
$48.00 USD
Room divider
machele
$495.00 USD
Sputnik
grayinc
$279.00 USD
Hand Embroidered-Turkish A...
sukan
$169.95 USD
Slate Mat / Aged Wood Fram...
natureinspir...
$225.00 USD
Graphic Blooms Table Lamp
birdfromawir...
$65.00 USD
CHOPSTICK HOLDER Big Lee
lessandmore
$68.00 USD
1960s era White Oak Dining...
cubb
$395.00 USD
Set of 3 hanging bowls... ...
vesselsandwa...
$74.00 USD
Headboard made from wine b...
faludisandor
$2,100.00 USD

Curator

curator

hennyseashell

21 hours ago

Really beautiful things....I wish I could have them all for our home on this Valentine :)

View hennyseashell's other Treasury lists

Sunday Morning

2010-11-27T16:58:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged almost a week!
Just feel I don't have something to share.
So...what should I want to share this Sunday morning?
maybe start with this one...

a new shoulder sling bag.

I think for the next post I'll put a tutorial here in making it.
What do you think?

Another news that made me happy 2 days ago was one of my pillow cover was on Etsy Front page!
Here's the link if you want to see...

Excited!

2010-11-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

I'm excited for this weekend! Really looking forward to meet her, a new friend from Holland who want to stay at our home for about 6 weeks. Actually, she's one of my husband's good friends when he was studying there last year.

While waiting ... I made these:

a clutch for holiday gift

As a dog lover who doesn't have a dog :(
I made this cute little pouch.

Give Away for this week !!

2010-11-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

This week, Angie from The Country Chic Cottage featured my shop at her gorgeous blog and helped me to make a giveaway event!

The gift is not only my Autumn fold over clutch from my shop, but she has many more gifts.

Please visit her blog if you want to join this fun :D

Hurry...she'll wait for the next 72 hours to pick the winner :)
Good luck!

'Tint of Violet'...a treasury of love for my bestfriend

2010-11-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

I dedicated this violet treasury for my best friend who's bravely fighting her illness at this moment. I always remember that you love violet so much :)

Tint of Violet

Lavender Ruffle Rose Petal...

stacyleigh

$225.00 USD
Les Fleurs Fossiles Dande...

fleurfatale

$22.00 USD
PURPLE HAZE-STREET FASHION...

Hagarae

$32.00 USD
Sale- Merino lace knit fin...

JRoseAtelier

$49.00 USD
Victorian Purpure Earrings

MissBird

$17.00 USD
The Lavender necklace

rafya

$25.00 USD
Set of 3 Yarn Wrapped Stac...

mysticfibers

$25.00 USD
Hot Chick - 6 Felted Acorn...

Fairyfolk

$12.00 USD
BlueJeanBaby Cuddle Quilt,...

BadBabyQuilt...

$50.00 USD
Lavender Sachet - Hand Emb...

allisajacobs

$20.00 USD
Foldover Clutch in Purple ...

EdensWake

$15.00 USD
FREE SHIPPING Sweet Pea Po...

SweetPeaPods

$27.00 USD
Wedding ring pillow, custo...

ArtfulBeginn...

$29.00 USD
Linen pincushion - croche...

namolio

$14.00 USD
Boxed Charms Quilt - Amy B...

parkcitygirl

$125.00 USD
Grape Soda Cup and Saucer ...

TangerineLim...

$75.00 USD

Curator

curator

hennyseashell

Sew, Fun and Done!

2010-10-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

For 2 days, Monday and Tuesday I could finish all these....
Can't believe it though! Because this is the first time, hehe..
This is the 'Circle Geese' block I made for Felicity from Sew & Bee Happy, my new bee group.

These 2 blocks will send to Debbie, one of my friend from the previous Bee group I attended, 'Bee Addicted'. A little behind to send her since I supposed to do that last month. Sorry, Deb!

Debbie will make a complete quilt from blocks we sent her and it will go to a fundraiser for children in foster care & protective custody there.

And the last one...

I sew something new for my shop :)

Truly yesterday was 'Sew, Fun and Done' day !

Circle of Geese Block and a New Tote

2010-10-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

Last night I gave it a try for making this Circle of Geese block (actually still on a quarter circle) using paper piecing with left over scraps. It was a 'practice block' before I really sew today for Felicity. She's one of my new 'Sew & Bee Happy' friend.
October is her block.

I also add a new tote on my shop.

This white floral on blue Tote with a lovely tie front accent is made from high quality Indonesian batik cotton and muslin. It hold a lot, but isn't too big! That's the most I love from this bag.

For accompany your day to a library..it's perfect! The tote could carry couples of books inside.

Re-post : Fabric Pumpkin

2010-10-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

I remember had ever made this craft project. One of my friend asked me to post it here.

So..I apologized for re-post it again. if any of you had ever seen it here last year...

Only the pic and link for the tutorial :)

Treasury: Letters, Words, Quotes...

2010-10-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

First it just letter, then words...and become quotes! Funny, inspiring...Enjoy :)

NEW - All Good Things Are ...
happyfamily
$14.00 USD
A Large Income- Jane Auste...
Brookish
$15.00 USD
Yoda Pear white plush home...
lapomme
$12.00 USD
Message stone - custom tex...
sjengraving
$16.00 USD
peace, handsculpted fine s...
WildWomanJew...
$65.00 USD
Live what you love - inspi...
HoneyBoo
$12.00 USD
20x5 Funny Bathroom Toilet...
willowcreeks...
$7.95 USD
LIFE QUOTE by Oscar Wilde ...
bunkleberrys...
$18.00 USD
Spock Quote. Ready-made Le...
OfTheFountai...
$10.45 USD
MacBeth pillow cover
TheShabbyChi...
$26.00 USD
Glowing Love
madieralove
$10.00 USD
Master Your Own Fate rando...
agawacanyon
$28.00 USD

Curator

I love sewing, not cuting.

2010-10-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's true..
I love sewing but not cutting! What about you? Lately I also feel more comfortable to cut with a scissor than rotary cutter. Enjoy the 'smooth' movement so much.

Because of the 'cutting issue' ..

I made these pouch this week , less cutting than if I made bags or quilts :)

24 hours a day...sometimes not enough!

2010-10-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

I often feel that way .. especially on the beginning of each week.

Like this Monday, since early in the morning until 4 pm I had to move from one place to another, take and pick up kids, daily check to the preschool, daily household chores, some errands, etc....except touch my sewing machine! No time for it.

I don't know how to achieve my goal in making at least 3 items each week for my shop.

Hopefully having a new 'Etsy Holiday Boot Camp' buddy Lisa from Waterpathdesign would encourage me to do better.

Last weekend I finally able to complete making these 2 Autumn bags, need a whole week to sew both of the bags. I bought the Autumn leaves and acorn pattern fabric last year, just found it on my pile of fabrics.

For this clutch I used Indonesian batik cloth. The finishing of this batik fabric is really special. When you touch it.....the fine protruding fibers on the surface would give you a feeling of 3 dimension shape of the pattern, slightly rough but beautiful indeed.
At this moment ...I feel very sleepy. Couldn't write anymore, so...goodnight to you :)

I now join "Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp"

2010-10-08T02:40:00.000-07:00

Maybe I'm a bit late to join this fun event on Etsy,

but it's ok..I'm starting now :)

and this is my pledge:

I, Hennyseashell, pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

Hopefully get many new friends, at least 1 'Etsy boot camp buddy' to keep us both moving forward and encouraging each other .

Would you want to join, too? Visit here..

First Monday of October

2010-10-04T01:33:00.000-07:00

Last week was not good days for me and family, especially about our health. One by one, get cough and fever. We spent the whole weekend just at home.
Today my kids are getting better except my hubby. He got very bad flu.
Staying at home all Monday morning with the little one..I tried to finished Rachel's Bee Addicted August block.
I'm a little behind on this :(
These are wonky houses for her.

My Philippines friend, Melanie sent me this package.
A bunch of beauty! She sent me a lot of 'I spy' fabrics too! So sweet of her.
Really glad to have it all :) Thanks, Melanie!

'No Spending Spree' on fabrics...How?

2010-09-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I stopped by to a fabric shop, intended to buy ONLY for a meter of burgundy floral fabric. I kept on my mind for only buying 1 piece, but....

not more than 30 minutes I also bought these...

Oh, I never can't help myself to buy only 1 piece of fabric ...every time I visit that shop! I wrote on my FB wall about this. My lovely friend, Nina said that she also on a 'No Spending free' this moment and it's hard!!
So..what about you? How could you stand for buying not MORE than you need on a fabric shop? I really want to know..because I really 'weak' on this issue :(

Her 'Unquilted Bag'

2010-09-22T05:57:00.001-07:00

This is the 'unquilted bag' my daughter asked.

Try to put a feminine girly touch with the light purple fabric and slouch style.

Btw, I think I need a break in making bags and start quilting something again :)
And I just found this awesome blog, 365 days of freemotion quilting! It means she made new quilting line everyday...wow! You'd better check her works here:
http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/

'....but please don't quilt it, Ma."

2010-09-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

Maybe you're curious about that my title for this post.

Actually that was my daughter said to me couple of days ago. She asked me for a slouch bag, but doesn't want me to quilt it like I often did.

I don't know with you, but since I get hooked to sewing and quilting...I often quilt most of my handmade items. Even when it doesn't need or just fine not to be quilted, still my eyes or my feeling said,"it seem this items would be prettier if I add some quilting lines there", haha....

That's why my daughter said ,"I want a cute bag, but please don't quilt it, Ma."

By the way here's the slouch bags I made. She asked for the same design but in different fabric.

Well, let's see..:)

3 Surprises & a Blogfriend's Give Away

2010-09-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

I've got 3 surprises today.
The first one ..

a package of beautiful fabrics from Diana, a dear family friend in Holland. she said it was a birthday gift :D

second...

quilting books!! One of my dream is to have Denyse Schmidt's book and noew I have it :D

My ex-college roomate (also my bestfriend) who lives in San Jose now sent it to me by mail.

Oh, I just can't stop turned the pages over and over again.

The last surprise is...

I made a puckery quilt (again), finally finished and could take a quite good macro picture of every details (usually it was difficult for me).

It could be a table runner or wall hanging and still explore the same fabrics.

That's all my 3 surprises for today.

How about yours?

By the way...one of my blogfriend -Christy-has some awesome books for you this weekend. Please pop in to her blog :)
Good luck for you, hope you will win!

The Winners and New Wall Hanging

2010-08-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Thank you for all the wishes. Sorry that I publish this post a little bit longer. The electricity at my home was on and off couple of times yesterday.
So....here are the winners! I wrote your names on little pieces of paper rolled and my little boy helped me to pick up your names randomly.

Congrat for my friends....

* Jackie *

* 42things *

and.... * Colleen *

Please send me your address by email.

I didn't blog or browse internet so much yesterday because of the electricity, so here a little piece I made..

A small wall hanging with spiral pattern.

Inspired by rose bud, I tried to translate it into a simple spiral pattern to the front of this wall hanging.
To create an impression of a sronger vertical I added a natural straight lines between the 2 batik boxes in the middle. The batik cloth I used has a genuine traditional batik pattern from Java, Indonesia.

Since here in my place already Tuesday morning, I wish you "Happy Tuesday!" :)

Blog's (and my!) Birthday Give Away

2010-08-27T21:43:00.001-07:00

I just realized this morning that my blog has already 2 years old this August. I checked a moment ago that I started writing here for the first time on August 27, 2008.

From a person who can't sew at all become a person who sew straight lines now :)

I found that creating beautiful items made of fabric is my passion now.

I'm so grateful being here on blogland and get lots of new friends who always help me along my journey in exploring my creativity, especially in sewing and quilting (simple lines for sure).

So..I'm thinking this is the perfect time for me to give thankful gifts for my friends here (yesterday was also my 41th birthday).

So here's the rules...

I'll count everyone who put comments here. Hopefully you'll be my next follower, but if not it's ok..This is all about thankfull gifts from me :)

I still count you, don't worry.

This little blue batik pouch is my first gift..

I'll pick 3 winners on Sunday, August 29 midnight.

Ouch...almost forget! The other 2 gifts are available on my new Etsy shop here..

an autumn Orange Brown and Cream striped zippy pouch

and...

a quilted pillow cover made of Indonesian brown

ok, I'll wait!
Once again...a big thanks for all my friends in blogland who's been very sweet and kind, helpful...aah, I just can't say it all...too many! I'll be back here on Sunday.

"Monday, hopefully being a beginning of amazing week"

2010-08-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

That was my yesterday morning prayer.
I just joined a new thread of 'The New Attraction Law team' on etsy. Interesting, meet new friends and especially could have a chance to practise and learn together what we all had read on the book. Excited!

I started my Monday by sending this pillow covers package to a lovely customer in Wisconsin.

Unfortunately my little boy was sick (He had a lot of cough because of the weather), but getting better now. While accompany him at home I tried to create a new pillow from my Indonesian batik stash. This time I took Java batik pattern and my favorite unbleached cotton.

I quilted 'rose bud' pattern on the white checkered part.
Love to see the result after all :)

How was your Monday? Hopefully great, too :)

When Orange meet Turquoise Blue...

2010-08-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

I want to share all these beautiful items with you...
This is my first treasury on Etsy. I just surprised how vibrant and fabulous when orange and turquoise blue meet together in one piece...

This is the first time I used 'print screen' tab and paste here on my blog.
Can't upload the better pic yet :)

Recycled Jeans Tote

2010-07-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

I made this tote from my unbleached off white cotton stash and left over red white stripe fabric. When I tidy up my little boy's drawer wardrobe I found his old jean pants. I took the pockets and part of the pants to use as straps.

I was excited when the first time see this recycled thing!

Christmas in July Sale

2010-07-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hi...

Back here again...I'll announce my first 'Christmas in July Sale' on my new Etsy shop.

I discount all my items 20% off from now till July 25.

Please visit here if you have time and enjoy..:)

My newest creative things I made was this...
a splash of yellow and a bright accent of red on grey. I love grey so much!

Come back....and get the mood!

2010-07-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

After a long vacation mood and great experiences we have been through...
now I push my self to get back here, writing again on my blog!

Well..I upload these pics to boost my mood. My family and I spent couple of days in Bromo mountain 2 weeks ago. Real a great adventure!
Sea of sand...
We were hiking through the top without the help of horses just our feet!
We had ever stood here , enjoyed the depth of the crater :)1 hour drive from the volcano we found this sanctuary.

The savanna behind the volcano.
Enjoy our pics :)

Can't wait for tomorrow! Holiday....

2010-06-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

I think we should take a break, going on a holiday!
Yup, my family want to go this beautiful place. Bromo Volcano!
These following pics I downloaded from Mr.Google.
I really hope I will find exactly the same amazing places like that on the pics.
We are going to see the sunset there. Going up by jeep or horses.
I think horses are quite exotic.

See you next week :)

Learn from the mistake, a trial and error process!

2010-06-26T02:54:00.000-07:00

Do you see something strange on this following pic?
Look, I sew the inside pocket of a bag upside down! Silly me... I've just realized after totally finished sewing the tote!

The second mistake ..

I did it in a hurry and insisted to use the wooden handle without really think if it matched with the tote style or fabric.

Consuming time to rearrange the tote then I made up my mind to use it as a 'Leftover fabrics Casing'.
As a little bit perfectionist, after take a break then I try again on another trial and error tote project. This time I sew a simple tote.
Learn from the mistakes I realize for this recent times my sewing skill is quite good only for simple totes :)

Tote, Tote...

2010-06-24T01:47:00.000-07:00

Lately I love making Tote Bags. This week I try on pattern from Sewingwithme from Etsy. I bought this 'Silhouette Flower on White' fabric last week and planned it for my bed sheet, but I can't stand and cut it for making a Tote :)

I used fusible interfacing between layers.

About this one....I used my left over Modern Blue Batik for this one. Quilted both sides of the bag body and used polyester batting between layers. Make it a little bit more puffy than the White Tote.