Sucie Bag Sewing Pattern

Features of Design
This is a handmade tote bag measuring 9” by 12” and able to fit in 1 or 2 A4 books. It uses interfacing to give it some support and has its own lining to hide ugly seams. The shoulder straps are made using the same fabric as the bag and has a drop of approximately 7”. Triple stitching is applied to certain aspects to strengthem them. Only straight machine stitches are used in sewing up this bag. Slip stitching also used to close a 2” opening as an invisible stitch.

Sewing Tutorial and Sewing Pattern
~ Materials listing
~ 21 color photographs to guide you through each step
~ 4-steps detailed instructions
~ Save to computer and print as you wish
~ Actual size ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) sewing patterns
~ Help on triple stitching and slip stitching
~ Information on cutting out and sewing tips
~ The right to sell your finished products
~ Delivery via email within 24hours upon payment

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buy it now! Make it now!!
Keep it, Gift it or Sell it!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Copyright 2009 © djstoreroom

ITEM OF THE DAY!!!~~

Check out the ITOD feature at hmn.org.
Photo courtesy of AliciaMae.

DJSTOREROOM received 8.7 score out of (10), at Blogged.Com

Woohoo.. I received an email today from AmyLiu of Blogged.Com!! Apparently they reviewed my blog and awarded a score to it.



" Our editors recently reviewed your blog and have given it an 8.7 score out of (10). This is quite an achievement!

http://www.blogged.com/blogs/djstoreroom.html

We evaluated your blog based on the following criteria: Frequency of Updates, Relevance of Content, Site Design, and Writing Style.

After carefully reviewing each of these criteria, your site was given its 8.7 score."

New Needle Pouch Sewing Pattern N002

This pdf sewing pattern is for making your own handmade needle pouch! The interior pages are for your sewing needles, machine needles, pins and even safety pins. Keep your needles and pins intact and easy to find in this little handy pouch.

Sewing Pattern
~ Materials listing
~ 3-steps detailed instructions and tips
~ 1 set Printable ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) Sewing Pattern
~ Size 3” Width x 3” Height
~ 29 color photographs to guide you through each step
~ The right to sell your finished products
~ Delivery via email within 24hours upon payment

Copyright 2009 © djstoreroom

DJSTOREROOM is featured!!~

DJSTOREROOM is featured at The Trading Post, Artfire's Trade Guild!!~

Lorrie had written a really angelic article about me, and I am so so honoured!!~

Click over to The Trading Post to read more...

FaceBook Facebook..

All right, I am going back to Facebook to try my hand at it again.. Now, I wonder how many frens are also on facebook now... Maybe I will send out a mass sms later.. :)

Add me at http://www.facebook.com/djstoreroom

Featured at Etsy Tresury!!~~

My handmade zip pouch was featured at Craftomanic's Etsy Tresury!!

Check out CRAFTOMANIA!!~~ It is a friendly tool-bar which organizes all the tools that we use on a daily basein order to remain connected and up to date with the ETSY community .simply click on this link and download the tool-bar-http://craftomania.OurToolbar.com/

Overall, this toolbar is quite useful in organising my stuff.. Try it and you will know what I mean...

We are back!!~~

DJSTOREROOM is reopened after a short short holiday at Genting, Malaysia..

These few days, I will be busy catching up on my workload. Most likely I will work on my sewing patterns tomorrow or the day after.. Going now to work on those loose ends... Cya!!~

Going to pack...

Hi, I will be away for holiday and will be back on the 22nd October 2009. Cya then!!

Holiday, Holiday to Genting, Malaysia

We are leaving for Genting, Malaysia tomorrow!!~~

Got to go send my brother off to Australia first before coming back to pack.

We are taking the earliest bus, at 6.30am tomorrow..

Need to put my studios on vacation before leaving..

Oh.. This is going to be fun!!

We haven had any holidays for the past 28 months!!

Sneak Peak... Work in progess: The Needle Pouch

Recently, I was busy sorting out my paperwork and accounts.

But I couldnt stay away from thinking about new stuff to work on.

Here is a sneak peek at what I am up to lately.

I will be starting work on this new sewing pattern.

I am intending to have 2 versions in a single bundle pack.

1 will feature fabric sheets for the needles (as shown in the pict),

while the other will have felt sheets for those who prefer less work.

New Flat Pouch, made for my little kid's color pencils.

Just made a pencil pouch for my little girl. She loved it!! Its pink.. HHahaha...

Its made using the latest sewing pattern, which you can find at my artfire and etsy studios.

On Holiday.

I will be away from 18th October to 22nd October on a short holiday. The stores will be switched to vacation mode.

My next physical shipping dates are on the 16th October and 23rd October.

Email orders will continue to be fulfilled until 18th October and resumed fully on the 22nd October.

More vintage buttons loaded at artfire...

Check out more vintage buttons at my artfire store..

New Flat Pouch Sewing Pattern, now live at Artfire and Etsy!

This sewing pattern is for a flat zip pouch that would be great for pencils, markers or even your crocheting needles. For this sewing pattern, I have indicated stitching lines (aka seam allowances), cutting lines and directions on the CAD patterns. Its the first time I am adding them in so that the pattern is more user-friendly.

Sewing Pattern
~ Materials listing
~ 4-steps detailed instructions and tips
~ 1 set Printable ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) Sewing Pattern
~ Size 3” Width x 8” Length
~ 31 color photographs to guide you through each step
~ The right to sell your finished products
~ Delivery via email within 24hours upon payment

Copyright 2009 © djstoreroom

Custom Orders

Need a custom order? I can connect you with other artisans who are able to provide just that service!! Here are the shops who are able to provide you with their custom-made service, out from my range of sewing patterns. Many of them have also some ready-made goodies stocked in their store. Be sure to check them out too!

Name: Marianne
Country: UK
Shop: picperfic
Email Marianne
Range: Zip Pouch.

Name: Holly
Country: US
Shop: zzzipt
Email Holly
Range: Zip Pouch, Pyramid Pouch.
Restyled: Zip pouches restyled to Wristlet and Leash bags.

Name: Erin
Country: Canada
Shop: pududdy
Email Erin
Range: Zip Pouch and more.

Name: Kim
Country: US
Shop: VaBeachQuilter
Email Kim
Range: Pin Cushion, Snap Pouch and more.
Restyled: Snap buttons on pouch are restyled to velcro closures.

Name: LeeAnne
Country: US
Shop: dillee::dallee
Email LeeAnne
Range: Pyramid Pouch, Wristlet with Detachable Strap and more.

Name: Joan
Country: UK
Shop: CalanaCrafts
Email Joan
Range: Zip Pouch, Pyramid Pouch, Flat Pouch and more.
Restyled: Cotton Pouches restyled to Harris Tweed Pouches. Specialise in working with Harris Tweed.

Name: Wendy
Country: USA
Shop: ogeorge
Email Wendy
Range: Pin Cushion, Pouch and Wristlet.

Simply email the artisans for any requests that you may have. They are most willing to explore other sewing patterns, decorative features and and maybe even incorporate their specialty for you. These are professional and friendly artisans who have tons of experience and are very supportive of the handmade industry. Just ask and try to work things out, eh?

Sellers; If you are interested in taking custom orders for my range of sewing patterns, please do email me your details. I would need your Name, Country, Shop URL, Email Address any other special notes on custom orders. As and when I have customers looking for custom orders, I will refer them to this list of studios that can meet their requests.

Sewing pattern on the way.. Flat Pencil Zip Pouch

Here is a sneak preview of my flat pencil zipper pouch sewing pattern that I am working on..

The zipper goes in the middle. Besides pens and pencils, crocheting needles would go nicely in too. The size of this pouch is approximately 8" x 3". Again, you do not need prior experience of sewing a zipper to make your own flat pouch. My sewing tutorial will guide you through each step with clear wordings and color pictures...

Gtg for lunch already.. We are all terribly hungry..

Custom Orders

Recently I have been receiving requests for custom orders but I am unable to fulfil those orders. I feel real bad at turning down 3 such requests last week and 1 request this week. And, I am thinking of passing on these requests to my own customers who have the sewing patterns and who are also able to take on custom orders!!!

If you are interested in taking custom orders for my range of sewing patterns, please do email me your details. I would need your Name, Country, Shop URL, Email Address any other special notes on custom orders. As and when I have customers looking for custom orders, I will refer them to the list of studios that can meet their requests.

Photo Courtesy of adavies

Upgraded my flickr account!!~~

I just upgrade my flickr account to the pro status.. It feels kinda exciting and yet, I am not too sure how I intend to maximise my account.. Do you have a flickr account? What do you mostly do with it??

Pyramid Pouch Sewing Pattern N010 is live!!

This sewing pattern is inspired by a Nyonya Rice Dumpling.. The cute pyramid zippered pouch features an interior lining and has interfacing on the exterior fabric to hold up its triangular shape. The pattern comes complete with 2 different sized ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) sewing patterns to print whenever you need it!!

Sewing Pattern Includes:
~ Materials listing
~ 5-steps detailed instructions and tips
~ 2 Printable ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) Sewing Pattern
~ Size Small 3” Height x 3” Width and Large 5” Height x 5” Width.
~ 30 color photographs to guide you through each step
~ The right to sell your finished products
~ Delivery via email within 24hours upon payment

Copyright 2009 © djstoreroom



Here is a picture of the dumplings, from avlxyz.

Pyramid Dumpling Zip Pouch

Here's my lastest project... The Pyramid Zip Pouch. It measures 5" across the bottom and in height.

I just finalised the steps to making it. Made up 2 tests, then sat on it and thought a long long time through the process.. Eventually I changed all the steps to making it and also made up the CAD pattern for it.

Now that everything is sorted out, I will take some notes, then come back write out the pattern tonight and tomorrow I will make the actual pouch for the photo shoot. Once all the photos are satisfactory, edited and resized, I will combine the information and pictures, format my pdf file and all should be done within 2days, in time for my September newsletter.

Thanks to Kim

My blog won the recognition award "Blog De Oro" awarded by VaBeachQuilter, from http://vabeachquilter.blogspot.com/!! I would very much like to pass on the award, but I wouldnt be able to do that until a later period.. Now's really too busy..

Anyway, thanks a million Kim!!

New dress made from Seven Berry Japanese Fabric.

I made a little dress for my little 3yo!! She loved it!! And, I specially chose this Japanese Fabric from Seven Berry for it! The cost of the fabric is S$12 per metre. Quite decent price for quality fabric.. I bought it from a small shop at Arab Street, seems that they are the only one who stocks the Seven Berry Fabrics.

Another fabric I bought that day is a pink Batik from Indonesia. Its quite pretty, with lotsa flowers all over the fabric, with the edges lined with blue flowers.. Will get that done soon and show you...

New items in my artfire shop

I am currently loading new stuff up to my artfire store..

Check out the applique patches, cards and brooches!! Cya at djstoreroom!!

WINNERS, WINNERS!!

Its finally 14th September!! The closing date for 2 of our important contests!!

Flickr: With the end of our contest, I wish to thank all our contributors for all your pictures of handmade stuff!! I love them all!! Each picture uploaded is also twittered through my twitter account and many has commented that the quality and beauty of those projects is really great!

Number 44!! There is the winner of our 50 Vintage Buttons!! I counted and here is our winner!! jplante66!!

There is also a special prize!! Its specially for the highest contributor, VaBeachQuilter !!! There will be 20 vintage buttons waiting for her too!!

Blog: Our winner for the month of September is Sonic!! Congratualations!!

Thank you once again. I hope you continue to support djstoreroom and share with us your fabulous handmade projects at our flickr group and also stay tuned to our newsletter!~!~

Please remember that our blog contest is ongoing and you can join us via our mailing list.

Great Finds from Flickr!!

These fabulous handmade crafts were submitted to Friends of djstoreroom!! Check out those lovely handmade!!

twohappystampers

VaBeachQuilter

jplante66

The contest at our flickr group is ending in 3days!!

To join in to win 50 vintage buttons, simply join the group
and submit pictures of your handmade projects.
A picture will be selected on the 14th sept 2009!!
Cya there!!

Friends of djstoreroom

Introducing Julie from Creations With Heart

Last on our ACT PowerUp Promotion is Julie from Creations With Heart!

This creative lady started making friendship bracelets, in middle school. She had a ton of fun making and sharing those and those eventually grew into nicer jewelry.

In her own words," It wasn't until 2006 when I started creating again as a way of relaxing. I read beading magazines and searched the internet learning the basics and going from there as I caught on. I found myself making classic, western and paw print designs - very fitting for me! Shortly after, I had my own website, selling my own jewelry designs for the first time! Then Etsy came along and just this year, I starting selling on the amazing ArtFire! I'm having a blast! I continue to learn new techniques, bringing fresh, new creations to you!"

Julie offers Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces and Anklets in her store. Specially for all you animal lovers like Julie, her doggies inspired her Paw Print Jewelry collection and it continues to grow! Keep on the look-out for new designs!

Get 10% Off Your Order - Just add ACTPROMO4 in the Note To The Seller box~ Promotion ends 9th Sept 2009!! Hurry!!

Julie wants you to know also," Please don't hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions regarding the website or any jewelry creations. If you see something sold and you're interested in it, just e-mail me and we can work something out. I also take custom orders! Stop by for a visit ~ I'd love to hear from you!"

Visit Julie and CreationsWithHeart at...
http://www.creationswithheart.com/

http://www.creationswithheart.artfire.com/

http://www.creationswithheart.etsy.com/

http://www.creationswithheart.blogspot.com/

http://www.twitter.com/creationswheart

http://www.byhand.me/creationswithheart

Introducing Stacey from SWDesigns

Here is Stacey from SWDesigns, a stay-at-home-mom to 4 teenagers with a wonderful husband and sweet old golden retriever. She loves to cook and read books whenever she can.

In her own words, "I've enjoyed all kinds of crafting my whole life. A few years ago, I began making earrings and bracelets as gifts and for fundraisers for my children's schools. From this I received several requests for other items or for jewelry to go with an outfit. Last year, a local store started a display of several of my items, especially jewelry sets."

Stacey makes really beautiful handcrafted necklaces, bracelets and earrings out of a variety of materials, especially pearls, crystals and gemstones.

Special Promotion: All jewelry will be on sale 20% off, until 5th Sept 2009.

Visit Stacey at SWDesigns and follow her at her twitter account!!

We are going green..

djstoreroom has gone green!!

I am cutting back on plastic poly bags, using a smaller size envelope and yet still provide for a lovely gift wrapped look, using colored tissue paper. These papers cost more, but is more friendly to the earth then those poly bags!! The best part is that the nice tissue paper packaging can be reused for future gift giving and so on...

Sewing Slip Stitching

Slip Stitch is a very useful, permanent hand stitch for joining two folded edges, and is sometimes
called “ladder stitch.” The end result is an invisible stitch that does not show at all.

Download this ebook for help in sewing slip stitching for your projects!!

Sewing Tips

Here is the whole list of sewing tips that I wrote for HMN.
How to Avoid Marking Seam Allowances on Your Sewing Projects
How to Preserve Your Original, Uncut, Multiple-size Sewing Patterns
How to Make Your Own Sewing Pattern Catalog and Organize Your Pattern Stash
Master Your Sewing Skills: Straight Lines
Master Your Sewing Skills: Right Angles
Master Your Sewing Skills: Curves
Master Your Sewing Skills: Circles and Ovals
How to Create a Triple Stitch
Tips for Hand Sewing
Choosing Your Hand Sewing Needles
Some Tips on Interfacing: Part 1
Some Tips on Interfacing: Part 2
How to Make Simple Alterations to Your Sewing Pattern
How to Make a Simple Square Pin Cushion!!
Your quick guide to PDF sewing patterns
How to Choose a Simple-to-make Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Selecting a PDF Sewing Pattern
How to Seam Tack - Temporary Stitches
More on How to Seam Tack: Temporary Stitches
How to Tailor Tack - Temporary Stitches
Diagonal Seam Tacking

Introducing Christie from Stitch'N Love Boutique

Meet Christie from Stitch'N Love Boutique!!! A Mom to 6 precious kids who believes that "handmade trumps factory-made anyday. The price is well worth it." How true.

Christie has been selling online for a little over a year. She first learned how to sew as a teenager and has always been interested in crafts. She started Stitch'N Love at first to make quilts, then moved into handbags, then hairbows, then nap mats, then it exploded into sewing clothes!!! Now she does a little bit of everything and hope to have a full service online boutique!

Christie offers a little bit of everything: children's clothing, parent accessories, hair accessories, children's accessories and more...

Enjoy 15% discount with "ACT2009" in note to seller. Promotion valid until 3rd Sept 09!! Grab your favourites today!!

Visit Christie at Stitch'N Love today!!

Introducing Robin and Caeli from Everyday Moments

I really like Robin's store name; Everyday Moments.

It feels.. so captivating.. and has the impression of a photographer who is always around to capture the important everyday moments that we missed out... Really.. In our busy lives, we are almost always rushing from corner to corner and overlook so many beautiful moments..

Please meet Robin, a mom and a photographer. Her very first camera, the trusty Nikon F was a special gift from her dad when she was 13 and she has been taking pictures ever since...

In her own words, "It is truly my passion. I love to find new ways to share my photos and I am currently working on prints, coasters, and jewelry...and many other possibilities.."

Robin offers Photo Jewelry, Photo Cards and Prints currently and she intends to add more in future. Besides that, I woud like to also mention Caeli, Robin's beautiful 8 year-old daughter who designs and hand-make lovely jewelry in her little Caeli's Corner!!

Specially for you, Robin and Caeli is offering Free shipping until 28th August 2009!! Hurry!!

Check out Robin and Caeli's store at Everyday Moments!

New Goodies!!

These are handmade snap wallets for business cards, credit cards or coins!! This is a great idea for your name cards or as a small snappy purse. The colors are vibrant and perfect as a gift!!

The purse was made as part of my experiments and is offered as a sample! Sample or no, I will wrap up this nicely for you so that you can give it away immediately!

Meanwhile, you can grab this ooak purse specially as a small christmas gift, as it is going away for only 50% of its original price!!

An idea for using this card holder is use it to hold Shopping Gift Cards!! No more handing over a simple envelope with the gift card with guilt! Use the presentable purse to hold your gift card and present it with a big bright smile!!

Or, why not reward yourself with this little present? Quality designer quilting fabric, snap buttons bought from France, light-weight interfacing and quality thread was used. Its quality stuff, but at a huge discount!! Hurry!!

Want to make this yourself?? Fret not, the pdf sewing pattern is on its way.. Sign up for my mailing list and be notified when its out!!

Introducing Kelsey from Bows For Baby

Here's Kelsey from Bows For Baby!! I absolutely love her Crocheted Booties!!!



In her own words, "I am a 25 year old FT college student, army wife and mom. When I'm not in school I'm at home with my daughter. I got into hair bow making when she was an infant and I took to it instantly! I think there's nothing more adorable than a big bow adorning her head!"



You can find Bug Bows, Crochet Sets, Hand Crochet Beanies, Hand Crocheted Booties, Misc Clips, Simple Clips, Stacked Pinwheel Bows - L, Tuxedo Clips, Large Pinwheel Bows, Mini Korkers, Small Pinwheel Bows, Tutus and more that values between $1-$25!!

Specially for you, Kelsey is offering 15% off everything in her store (excluding custom orders) during these 4days only!! Hurry!!

Visit Kelsey at Bows For Baby! Read more about her thoughts and updates at her blog!

I am the winner of a contest!!

As Stef puts it, I am the "FIRST-EVER Weekly Members Contest winner for The Crafty Moms Group Guild"... The winner gets to have her ad up on the front of the official website!!

This is really cool.. I mean, I just joined the group this very day!! And, I managed to win the contest.. Hahah... Its quite fun!! Visit the official website at http://www.thecraftymomsgroup.com/ today!!!

Ps; Are you a mom selling at artfire? Join us at TheCraftyMomsGroup today!!

Another raved compliment!!

I had another satisfied customer, Holly. Holly won the 48Larry's auction and is really kind to email me her comments...

"Hello Diana!!!I'm SO excited at my first attempt to sew a zipper and make a pouch!!!! It's not perfect, but your directions were simple to follow and I was able to make this in about 30 minutes. I have no intention of selling them anytime soon, but I have bought several and really like them!Thanks again, this was a very fun project!Holly"



"Second & third attempt....I'm HOOKED! Thanks again, Diana! I'm going to make some with a buckle strap so people can attach it to their leash for holding waste bags! On to the next one LOL! I bought 10 zippers today!!!"




Holly, is the owner of SpoiledBratzwear and she stocks beautiful and purposeful Belly Bands~Dog Diapers, Collars, Custom Coatz, Diva Dresses, Glow Doggy, Harness Dresses, Harness Vests, Hatz, Jammeez, Treats and more for men's best friends!!


Check out her goodies at SpoiledBratzwear!!

Introducing Tamra and Linda from With Our Hands

Check out this fabulous collaboration between yet another mother&daughter team!! Here's Tamra and Linda from WithOurHands!!

WithOurHands is a little artfire shop stocked fully with greeting cards, scarves, handbags/ purses, dishcloths, facecloths, cell phone/ iPod holders, bag dispensers, wrist cuffs, finger puppets, swiffer covers, market bags, jewelry, upcycled notebooks, paper crafts and more!!

This little formidable team is really creative and great with their hands. They would always make their own christmas ornaments and donate them to the church for their craft fair every year. Between them, they have 60+ years of experience!!!

For just these 4 days, you can enjoy free shipping on all orders over $25!!

Visit Tamra and Linda at http://withourhands.artfire.com/

and check out their blog at

http://withourhandsartfire.blogspot.com/ for more updates!!

Flickr Group Contest

Its true!! I started a new flickr group!! This group is for all friends of djstoreroom to submit pictures of their handmade projects!!

Specially from now until 14th Sept 2009, submit your pictures to enter a contest for 50 pieces of vintage buttons, including free shipping!! A random picture will be chosen as the winner!!

Join us at http://www.flickr.com/groups/djstoreroom/!!! Cya there!!

We have a winner for our July Blog Contest!

We have a winner for our July Blog Contest Winner!!~~

According to Random.Org, we have number 20!!~

I am currently in contact with the winner for her choice of prize!! Tata!!

Ps; have you joined in the contest? All names will be forwarded to all future contests.

Introducing Arlene from Spirit Essence Art

Next up on the PowerUp list is Arlene from Spirit Essence Art!!

Arlene started working with glass 25 years ago, doing custom stained glass windows for her customers. When she later discover fused glass, she became so passionate about it that she continues working with it until this day. The creative and experimental Arlene first started painting with oils. Now, she does watercolors and has dabbled a little with acrylic paints of late. Arlene even had her own supply and gift shop!! Amazing isnt it?? Who hasnt dreamt of having her very own gift shop?? And, to actually own a Supply & Gift Shop?? Fabulous!!



Arlene work at home in her own studio in western Pennsylvania and have her art pieces listed exclusively on Artfire!! She is also an active Member of Artfire Cafemom Team Guild and also Guild Master of A Passion For Painting Guild. She is an excellent leader and team member who always try to help out whenever she is needed!!



You should definitely check out her store offerings of Watercolor paintings, Oil paintings, Fused Glass Art Pieces and Fused Glass Jewelry!!




Check out Arlene at her
artfire store
blog
twitter
facebook

48 For Larry

48ForLarry is a fund raising event held by the online handmade community for a fellow handmade artisan Larry. Larry faces medical and financial problems. He will die within a few months if he does not undergo an important surgery.

Specially for the event, I donated several sewing patterns for the slient auction. I am now still waiting for the notifications on whom to send the sewing patterns to.

Besides that, I also bid on several items!! I won and paid for 2 items.. 1 is a graphics package from gymMama and the other is a eBook from RiskyBeads. Same thing, I am still waiting for the emails to arrive.. Its so exciting!!!

The lastest development? Larry managed to secure financial aid from a local organisation and he is currently in the hospital undergoing treatment. Bless him and his family..

Meanwhile, bookmark his artfire store for fabulous dreamcatchers, clocks, woodworking and more... It is currently on vacation until he is back in the pilot seat!! Please keep him in your prayers..

Happy National Day Singapore!!

9th August is our National Day!! We spent the day at my dad's new workshop to celebrate his moving in and also his business anniversary! Then, we went to my granny's place to play mahjong with her and my auntie.. I won 12bucks.. Heheh..

Playing mahjong really helps to destress and we managed to spend time with my granny at the same time...

Anyway, I am currently the PowerUp VIP!! There is a special promotion specially for you!! Receive a free Reversible Pin Cushion Sewing Pattern with each purchase of a Pdf Pattern!

And, there is free Shipping for Singapore only!! Hurry!! Grab your fav handmade pouch or wristlet today!!

Introducing Jenn from JazzyJemz and MyBraggBag

Today's ACT PowerUp Spotlight is on Jenn from JazzyJemz and My Bragg Bag.

Jenn is an Army wife and mother to a beautiful toddler and two cats. She has been an avid crocheter since she was 7. She daubles in knitting and loves to draw. She has been crafting all her life, thanks to her wonderful teacher- her mother. She won her first art contest at the age of 7 and had her pen and ink drawing of a white tiger published. After graduating college and working several years as a social worker, her drive shifted back to crochet and sewing when her daughter was born. She self taught herself to sew!! She has always had a passion in creating items with her hands.

JazzyJemz has clothing, toys, blankets, bibs, burp cloths and more items for babies and nursing items and diaper bags for the moms. MyBraggBag is where you can find custom-made military purses. She has also plans to expand the line of items in MyBraggBag to include other Military related accessories & clothing.

Just for you, Jenn has kindly offered Free shipping on all orders over $30 until the end of the August!! What are you waiting for?? Get Shopping!! Here are some of my favourites...

Jenn is also our Artfire Cafemom Team Guild Master and an admin for the Artfire Sew What Guild. She also holds membership in several other teams/ guilds on both Artfire and Etsy. Her commitment to promoting Handmade really inspires me and many mommies around. Thanks for the work, Jenn!!

Visit Jenn at
JazzyJemz Blog
MyBraggBag Store
JazzyJemz Store

Specially presented by Artfire Cafemom Team Guild.

Recycled Magazine Envelopes

Believe it or not, my granny is interested in making recycled magazine envelopes with me for my online store... It has been some time since my uncle stopped work due to mobility issues. The household income for them now is $0.00, relying only on my mom and her younger sister to upkeep the place and provide the money. Its certainly not easy for them as they have their own households to handle.

Currently, my granny works 2 hours a day for a chicken rice stall helping them to serve and clear tables. Its good physical and mental exercise for her as she is required to move around and bill the customers.

Having an additional dollar would certainly help a little..

djstoreroom

Buy Handmade

Introducing Charity from SubEarthanCottage

Here is introducing a very special lady, Charity of SubEarthanCottage, from our Artfire Cafemom Team, one of the specialty guild on Artfire.

Charity is wife to a wonderful man and a SAHM to one beautiful and very active 3 year old son. She learned to sew sometime in elementary school and has always enjoyed creating and making gifts for her family and friends. Charity started researching soap making about nine years ago and it was only a few years later that she attempted making handmade soap of her own. She started seling her handmade soap two years ago after much experimentation on herself, her friends and her family.



Charity has much to offer for you, your friends and your family. Her handmade shop is loaded with Handmade Soap in 4-5 ounces, 5-6+ ounces or Sets, Eco-Friendly and Upcycled products including Coffee Cozies, T-shirt Totes & Shopping Bags, Jewelry and more..

I checked out her store and guess what, she even offer samples!! You get to pick 5 samples of her handmade soap! Isnt that cool? Try first and we can later come back for the fragrances that we love. Did you notice that she even has a discount and sales section? And, specially for you, Charity has decided to throw in a free bar of soap for every $20 that you spend in either her artfire store or her etsy store!!
This looks totally delicious!!!

Charity is a very friendly mom who loves to chat and is always open to questions and comments. Do feel free to contact her for more information on her handmade goodies!! Meanwhile, you can stroll over to her blog to read more about her, or follow her on twitter!!

Quick Links
http://subearthancottage.artfire.com/
http://sophiecls.etsy.com/
http://subearthancottage.blogspot.com/
http://www.twitter.com/sophiecls
http://www.artfirecafemomteam.blogspot.com/

ACT Power Up Promotion Starting 1st August

Photo; Karate Mom courtesy from Flickr; chobecajero.

Hello Mommies,

Here is a chance for you to further promote your artfire store!! Its the ACT PowerUp!! We are gathering troops for this free promotional campaign!

If you are a member of our Artfire Cafemom Team Guild AND Artfire Cafemom Team, you are eligible to join us!! If you are a new member of our guild, please complete your application at cafemom.com to become eligible for this.

For further details, check out the forums at cafemom.com!!

*you would need to login..*

Quick!! You need to register, on a first-come-first-served basis!! Last day for joining in the fun is the 7th August!! Everyone gets 4days full of promotion!! Here is your chance to make use of our guild's cooperative efforts!!

Artfire Cafemom Team has lots more promotional ideas for you!

Join us now!! You have 9 more days to register!!

Vintage Button Bracelets

Vintage Button Bracelets are here!! I just made these up with my daughter.. She strang up the buttons and I sewed the elastic band secure. :-)

djstoreroom

Buy Handmade

Snap Pouch Sewing Pattern N009

This sewing pattern is for making a snap pouch holder for your business cards, credit cards and even coins. This is the most preferred pattern of all time! I counted and only 3 lines of machine stitching and a short line of handstitching is required to complete this tasteful snap pouch! It also features a snap button that snaps open and shut at your will!!

The snap pouch uses interfacing for the exterior fabric and has a lining. The sewing patterns are made using CAD programs and can be printed directly from your home printer.

Sewing Pattern Includes:
~ Materials and tools listing
~ 3-steps detailed instructions and tips
~ Printable ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) Sewing Pattern
~ Size 3” x 4½”
~ 16 color photographs to guide you through each step
~ The right to sell your finished products
~ Delivery via email within 24hours upon payment

Copyright 2009 © djstoreroom

Vintage Buttons a Galore...

djstoreroom Buy Handmade

There are 20 sets of vintage buttons for sale at my artfire store..

Giveaway!!

Enter to win a pdf sewing pattern of your choice!! Each month 1 winner wins!! The best part? Your name is always in the bag, until you remove it!

Simply enter your email address in the right column, under BLOG CONTEST.


*Updated to include snapshot of the contest box...

Thanks Trudy, I hear you!! I have moved the contest box upwards.. Its now on the top right corner of my blog! Thank you for pointing it out!!

CAD Upgrading...

Photo courtesy from Flickr; dave.camera

Hi.. Just a quick update on what I am doing lately.. I am self-teaching myself a new CAD program and more CAD skills.. Its a tough and steep learning process which I aimed to master asap. This will take time but eventually I will be able to produce bigger patterns on pdf files that are printable on A4 papers.. I could actually outsource my work, but being able to produce my own products is what I prefer.

1st issue of newsletter is out!!

There it is! I sent out my very first issue of newsletter via ymlp.com's free email credits. Its so exciting!! There is a free sewing pattern promotion in it.. So, it you would like to receive the newsletter, you can enter your email through the side bar..

My sewing studio, aka my sewing corner

Here is my sewing corner.. I feel really comfortable here, as it is in my living room. My daughter can play and even chat while I sew. I use 2 standing lamps and 1 table lamp to lit the area as there are no permanent lighting in this part. On the right, there is my antique safe and our gohonzon. On the left, there is a pillar which holds our pool cues. My ironing board sits folded in front of it. I do my cutting on the pool table. It is just right in front of the chair on the left bottom corner.

My iron sits right on the sleeve board for light sewing jobs. A tall plastic drawer holds my crafty stuff. My fabric are kept in another room as there is no other space for it here. The pink pail? That is my dustbin.. I got it in France for just 1euro.. Love the color!! And, I only have 1 little sewing machine right now.. Now, I mostly work around my sewing machine's capability. Maybe thats why I was able to come up with those sewing patterns which uses short-cut techniques. Hhaha.. So there, the reason why I can think of all those sewing methods is because of my sad little sewing machine which cannot change the width and length of the stitches and has limited sewing foots, with limited type of stitches.... But no, I am not changing it yet... :)

Drawstring Pouch

Just completed a drawstring pouch for my daughter's new ballet shoes.. She started ballet in July and last friday received her very own ballet shoes... I decided to make a pouch for her so that she will be happy to bring the pouch to class and back home again..

The ballet teacher had specifically reminded us not to let the kids wear the shoes outside the dance studio as the shoes are really just made for dancing, and not shopping or walking in them all the way from home to the dance studio. (Yes.. Kids love their ballet shoes and attire and has been known to sleep in them!)


Anyway, I chose a colorful fabric that suits my cheerful daughter's personality and tried to guess-timate the size.. Lucky me got it just right.. The shoes can slide in and they fits just snugly enough...

The best part? I use only 1 single piece of fabric, no lining at all AND i used French Seams!! No open seams inside the pouch itself!! No zig-zag lines, no serged lines.. Love it..

Now, let me recap how i did it and I will turn this into a pdf sewing pattern so that everyone can sew this.. Sizing wise, most likely it will be those 5 x 6 sizing... or maybe a small size so that it can be used for jewelry pouches.. Oh well, let me research what size is good for a drawstring pouch and I will get to work on it...

Wristlet Sewing Pattern N008

This pdf sewing pattern is for making your own handmade wristlet. The proudest part about the wristlet is the strap!! I made it to be in a continuous line, without any overlapping of fabric anywhere!! This simple technique makes the strap lay flat, instead of having to squeeze bulky fabrics through the sewing machine and having the bulky strap carried around..

The wristlet features interfacing for the fabric and an interior lining to keep seams neatly hidden. The sewing pattern is made using ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) program. All instructions are written in simple english and comes with color pictures. Instructions to triple stitch and how to eliminate marking of your seam allowances are included.

Sewing Pattern Includes:
~ Materials and tools listing
~ 6-steps detailed instructions and tips
~ Printable ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) Sewing Pattern
~ Size 7½” x 5½” with strap 10½” drop
~ 44 color photographs to guide you through each step
~ The right to sell your finished products
~ Delivery via email within 24hours upon payment

Planner Template N007

This pdf planner template is for making your own planner with yearly, monthly, weekly and daily agenda views. Comes with seperate 2009 and 2010 calendar. All dates are not filled in so that you can use them year after year. If you can print from the printer, you can make this!

My Planner Template Includes:
~ Materials and tools listing
~ 3-steps instructions
~ Printable ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) Templates
~ 2009 Calendar
~ 2010 Calendar
~ Daily Agenda
~ Weekly Agenda
~ Monthly Agenda
~ Yearly Agenda
~ Design of each calendar and agenda on 1 page
~ 6 Separate templates for easy printing
~ Prints on A4 sheet
~ Delivery via email within 24hours upon payment

Copyright 2009 © djstoreroom

Upcoming sewing pattern..

Introducing the Wristlet with D-Ring and a detachable Strap with Lobster Clasp...

This detachable wristlet sewing tutorial with printable sewing pattern is on the way..

Featuring a smooth strap without any protuding stumps on the strap, use of interfacing, lining, zipper, D-Ring with Ribbon and Lobster Clasp, triple stitching, printable sewing pattern, 1 step on 1 page with colored photos and all rights to sell the finished work.

Check out my side bar and sign up for my mailing list to be notified when it is launched...

A rave review from a satisfied customer...

I received a really really wonderful review about my sewing pattern by Joan from http://www.artfire.com/users/CalanaCrafts!! I feel so so happy that my pattern has helped her out in sewing her very own handmade zip pouch..

Here's her review; as posted on her blog; http://www.calanacrafts.blogspot.com/
" I can't believe it! I finally managed to make this wee zipped purse after trying to follow a pattern to sew one, It was going against me, and through one of my followers I came across this website http://www.djstoreroom.artfire.com/ there was a PDF Tutorial which I bought today, and had to see if I could do it, This is the finished piece, I am so chuffed, a big thank you to the seller. the seller also gives permission if I want to sell the pieces I sew so these small Harris Tweed coin purses will be at our craft market on Friday 10th at the Harris Hotel in Tarbert. I have never been able to follow a sewing pattern but I am now going back to see if this seller has any more designs.. This pattern has been so easy."

Check out her first handmade zip pouch at her blog!!

Plus, Joan is an extremely talented "stay at home mum who has a bit of a passion for all things woolly, love dyeing wool, there is no story behind any shade, it all depends what mood I'm in, that helps get to the colour scheme. I also tend to name the shades after an Island or Loch around the Isle of Harris." Yes.. She hand dyes all these wool that you see below... Love her eye for color coordinating..

Visit her store at calanacrafts, etsy and artfire for more!!

Introducing SoyScentual

Introducing SoyScentual from Artfire.. She is our lovely VIP on the crazytrain today.. There are soy containers, soy tealights, soy votives, handmade soap and handmade melts in her store.. Soy melts are wonderful, leaving behind NO residue, NO black soot and smells GREAT!!

Visit her at SoyScentual!

KTV Pictures

Here are some pictures of a past installation of KTV System.

Our package includes

~ 1 PIECE OF DIGITAL AV AMPLIFIER W DIGITAL KEY CONTROLLER+/- 2.5, 11 STEPS AND ECHO/REVERB EFFECTS
~ 2 PIECES OF 10 INCH 2 WAY 3 SPEAKER BASS REFERENCE TYPE
~ 2 PIECES OF WIRELESS MIC AND A RECEIVER SET
~ 2 PIECES OF WIRED MICROPHONE
~ 1 PIECE OF KARAOKE DVD PLAYER WITH USB SLOT
~ DELIVERY
~ INSTALLATION

An example of installation. Note; Side Tables, KOD Library, Television and Xbox player belongs to Client and is excluded from our installation package.

Contact us to find out more...

Just added to shop...

Zip Pouch, originally uploaded by djstoreroom.

This is a handmade zippered pouch, made of quality designer fabric in the color of blue, with beautiful vintage pink cherries. Perfect for organising your things. Keep it, use it or gift it!!

Available at my etsy store..

Pin Cushion Sewing Pattern N006

This pdf sewing pattern is for making your own handmade reverisble pin cushion !

Comes complete with printable pdf sewing tutorial and sewing patterns!!

This step-by-step tutorial is simple and easy to follow for beginner sewers.

Sewing Pattern Includes:
~ Materials and tools listing
~ 6-steps detailed instructions
~ Printable ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) Sewing Pattern
~ 6 color photographs to guide you through each step
~ Size 3” x 3”
~ The right to sell your finished products
~ Delivery via email within 24hours upon payment

Copyright 2009 © djstoreroom

Handmade Cream with Red Vintage Cherries Large Zip Pouch Purse, by DjStoreRoom

This is a handmade zippered pouch, made of quality designer fabric in the color of cream, with beautiful vintage red cherries. Perfect for organising your things. Keep it, use it or gift it!! Check it at my etsy store..

If you would like to sew your very own zip pouch, check out the sewing pattern available in my shop.

Have you heard of BurdaStyle??

Have you heard of BurdaStyle?? When I first heard of them, they just started out their website. Back then, I did not join them. But when I chanced upon them once again after I started selling online, I joined right in!

Their site has grew and each member gets to share his/her creations, sewing patterns and mingle with the other sewers.. I really like the feel of the site. Everything is about SEWING!! Lovely eh?? I am currently playing around with the various features that they are offering. Did you know they let users upload How-Tos and share their knowledge via their very own Sewpedia? Its really cool..

The best part about this site is that they believe in what I always believe. All sewing patterns that you use should gives you the right to make modifications, or even sell your work! That is known as Open Source Sewing. Love it!!

Visit http://www.burdastyle.com now!!

Introducing ItsAJewelryThing

Its july.. I am so so sorry for falling behind CrazyTrainPromos.. Here I am, trying to pick from where I left off.. Please allow me to introduce ItsAJewelryThing!!

She has lovely jewelry in her store and I have selected 2 items that caught my eyes to show you here... Please do visit ItsAJewelryThing at her studio today!!

Free Shipping Ended

Free Stock Photos for websites - FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Please kindly note that our promotion for

free international mail on all items has ended!!

Sewing tutorial upgrade.

I have just sent out an email to my customers, who are holding on to the older version of sewing tutorials without the sewing patterns. This upgrade is only for paying customers who have the instructions for the zip pouch and the zip wristlet.

In the email, I have attached the sewing patterns for them FOC.. If I had left out yours, please do let me know via email. I need to know from where you bought your pattern, and what is your userid.

Also, I am currently starting a newsletter program.
To receive future notices on such pattern upgrades,
please do sign up for the newsletter via this link:
http://ymlp.com/signup.php?id=gesbbhqgmgb.
I will no longer send out individual emails like this,
as it may be considered as unwelcomed spam mail.

This program will send you an update once a month giving information on sewing patterns, contests, promotions and more... Signing up for our newsletter will automatically enter you for our monthly contest too. Each month, an individual will win a selected pdf sewing pattern. You can let your friends know too, everyone is welcomed to join the contest.

In future, when there is an upgrade for a sewing pattern, everyone on my mailing list will be able to download it. For instructions, you would need to refer to your existing sewing tutorials that you bought or you can purchase it at my online stores.
http://djstoreroom.etsy.com/ or
http://www.artfire.com/users/djstoreroom

Update to listing for free

Remember my last post?? I submited my crafts to 2 websites for free. 1 was CraftStylish.Com.

I just checked my artfire's studio stats and noted that CraftStylish sent 14 hits direct to my studio!! It works! Try it!

2 places to advertise your handmade crafts for free...

Submit your crafts at http://www.craftjuice.com/ for others to vote!!
Vote for my submitted products! Its free!

Also, Share your craft photos at http://www.craftstylish.com/! Its also free!

Blogging and Pictures...

Today, I was reading a blog post that ponders if including pictures with a blog post is a must.. Definitely having a nice picture to go along with your blog post seems a great idea.

Sadly, most times I do not have a picture for my postings.. Some bloggers use flickr for free photos, simply crediting the original user with a photo credit and an url link. I certainly do not want to infringe on copyright issues, so had never before tried that method..

But seriously, do you think blogging each post with a picture helps??

Be Inspired by Granny and her cooking

“Would you be coming for dinner and mahjong on Sunday?” My maternal grandmother asked me over the phone this morning.

My maternal granny, 69years old, raised 4 children single-handedly when my grandfather died some 30 years ago. After her 2 daughters got married and had kids, she looked after 5 grandchildren for them during the weekdays. They return to their parents only during the weekends. The exception grandchild, who did not live with her, is me.

The story that goes into why I was not placed in her care is that I cried non-stop for the 1st week and she had no choice but to call my mother to come back and fetch me home. I have never felt really close to her as I visit her only during festive seasons and family gatherings. However, we started getting closer since I returned from France, with her great-grand-daughter in tow. She always calls to hear the voice of her only great-grandchild, invite us over for a session of Mahjong Game and dinner.

‘Ah mah’ as we all call her used to sell economy fried bee hoon (Stir-fried Rice Vermicelli noodles) that was very popular with her customers. She still loves to cook and cooks very well. Her dishes are dashed with a mixture of Asia flavors. She can cook chinese dishes, such as Pork Ribs Soup and Stir-Fry Chicken with Ginger and Spring Onions. Her Malay dishes such as Asam Sotong (Squid with Tamarind) and Nasi Lemak (Rice with Coconut Milk).

My granny can also cook Curry Chicken really well. Special Spicy Chili with Ikan Bilis (Chili with Small Fishes) and Fried Onions for garnishing dishes are also popular with her neighbours. Many times, people will ‘order’ her classic dishes from her and she will whip up a storm in her tiny kitchen.

Sadly enough, none of her children inherit her talent for cooking. Every time we have dinner at her place, she will always probe and ask if the dishes taste good. If it is too salty or sweet, we were sure to let her know as she herself is diabetic and needs to monitor her own diet. Everyone is quite frank with her. If it tastes good, she will ask if we want to learn how to cook it.

What about you? Do you have any recipes inherited from your grandmother?

Starting a newletter program

Thats right! Your Mailing List Provider is by far, the best value for setting up, managing and maintaining your own email newletters and email marketing programs. There are options for you to upgrade as your business grew. The minimum starting package is for 1 - 500 emails, at $3.38. Given 10% off, with a 12 month subscription period.

Starting a newletter program is a long term commitment. And cost is important to me.. I do not want an expensive program. If it gets too expensive, I would need to source for a new program and time would be wasted when we set up a new account, and transfer everything over.. I am looking at sending out monthly emails to customers and to those who signed up through my blog, with the option of unsubscription anytime that they choose to. It will be specially dedicated to those who wants to receive updates to djstoreroom, sewing patterns, special offers and just a touch of contact with us.

Currently I am in the midst of setting up my mailing list and the first people who receive the first copy will be my customers who had bought earlier versions of sewing tutorials. I am going to include sewing patterns for them who have only the instructions on hand. This would most likely be sent in the last week of June.

For those who would like to stand a chance to win a pdf sewing pattern of their choice, you can check out the side bar. There is a form for that! Currently the form is not linked to the newsletter program yet. I will merge them later on. The best part of this contest is that I run it monthly and your emails are rolled over to the next month's contest!! Yes.. Each and everyone has a chance to win!!

Create your YMLP account today with this promo coupon code: Y0B1EK

to enjoy 15% off!!

*Limited time only!! Hurry!! *

Be inspired by Granny and her English

“Yao bu yao mai si-tic-ker?” Cannot understand that? This is a very common question that my maternal grandmother asks my daughter every week. She is asking her great-grandchild, “Do you want to buy stickers?” in a mixture of Chinese and English.

My granny single-handedly raised 4 children when her husband passed away some 30 years back. She worked hard, cooked and sold food at the 5-feet Path (a walkway under Singapore’s HDB flats that typically measures 5-feet wide) at the void deck (the ground floor area of high rise flats). Sometimes, she washes dishes and serves food for a coffee shop (A small shop which sells coffee and cooked food) just so to put food on the dinner table.

Tolling through hot and humid Singapore, an uneducated single-parent, earning her way through manual labor, she managed to raise her children up and keep the family intact till this day. She is indeed a person we all look up to in the family. Besides the family, she is on good terms with her neighbors, be they Chinese, Malays or Indians. In Singapore, where many races and cultures are blended into close proximity through staying in high-rise flats, it is a case of live well together or quarrel and be at war with one another.

We need to understand a little about the culture and differences of each different group. Besides that, we also have to try at communicating so that everyone can live harmoniously together in a close-knit community. My granny is a professional at this as she speaks 3 different Chinese dialects. She speaks Hokkien, Cantonese and Teo Chew fluently even though she cannot read and write. She can speak some Malayu and chat with her Malay neighbors. She had an Indian neighbor who picked up some Hokkien phases just so that he can chat more with her.

In Singapore, the education system uses English as the main language and allows each student to take a Mother Tongue subject as their second language. When my siblings and cousins try to communicate with our grandmother, we find it difficult to as schools drill us only on English and Mandarin. To talk to us, my granny started picking up phases of Chinese words slowly and in no time, she can talk to the youngsters in the neighborhood.

Coming to her great-grand-daughter, she faces another problem. My daughter’s primary language is English. Undaunted, my granny starts picking up phases of English just so that she can communicate with my kid. For that, I am so proud of her. Being able to say “Si-tic-ker” is already a major feat for an uneducated 69 years old great-grandmother.

Some great picks from HMN

VISIT http://www.handmadenews.org/ to read thousands of craft, business, inspiring and helpful articles, written by fellow craft artisans around the world!

Here are a few great picks on photography!!~
How To Save A Bundle Photographing Your Bundle @ http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=1558

Shutter Speed and Its Effect On Photos @
http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=1216

Making Lemonade Volume 5 @
http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=1507

Understanding Your Camera Settings @
http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=1304

Introducing HaffinaCreations

The details of this jewelry crafts are totally lovely!!!

They are all handmade by Jennifer from HaffinaCreations!!
HaffinaCreations is the rider of the Crazy Train today!!!

Please visit her artfire store at http://www.artfire.com/users/HaffinaCreations.

Follow her at http://www.flickr.com/photos/haffinacreations/, http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/JenniferMercer,

http://www.myspace.com/haffinacreations,

http://twitter.com/Haffina,

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Haffina-Creations/62034704023 and

http://haffinacreations.wordpress.com/!!

Advertising my online store

Just made up these ads... How do they look??
I am intending to put up ads to increase traffic...

HMN is offering free ad space for all the editors and columnists!! Cool, isnt it???
Columnists and Editors will now receive: ·
1 Free ad on their HMN Dept page or column·
1 Free main category ad on ArtFire (excepting those that are sold out)·
1 Free subcategory ad on ArtFire·
1 Free ad on a Holiday Gift Guide·
1 Free ad on a trend page
The total of these ad space is worth more then US$200!!!

Plus, I am gonna put these ads up on Project Wonderful, blogs and other sites, if possible...

How about you? Do you have advertisments for your online store too?? How do they fare? Where do you put them?? Do you have ad space on your blog too??

Cotton and Linen

Here are 2 interesting combination of linen and cotton fabrics. I really like the texture contrast provided by the rugged linen and the smooth cotton.

The best part about this 2 projects is the applique. I just use my dressmaking sheers to cut out the cotton applique freehand!! I like that the curves being cut out are not static and always of the same shape. While sewing it on, it was pretty exciting as I had to navigate the curves entirely freeflow since it is not a regular shape.

For the stress points, I always made sure to triple stitch them so that they will be secured. Under my sewing tips, I wrote about how to make sa triple stitch for your own projects too..


Handmade wristlet zip pouch, made of linen fabric with a green designer quilt cotton fabric applique that was cut without a pattern and sewn on with a steady zig-zag stitching. It comes with a comfortable linen strap.


Handmade Wristlet zip pouch made of natural linen fabric, with linen strap. Purple applique made of designer quality quilt cotton fabric applied with brown zig-zag stitches.

Curved Wristlet Sewing Pattern N005

This pdf sewing pattern is for making your own handmade curved wristlet. The wristlet features interfacing for the fabric and an interior lining to keep seams neatly hidden. The sewing pattern is made using ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) program. All instructions are written in simple english and comes with color pictures. Instructions to triple stitch and how to eliminate marking of your seam allowances are included.

Sewing Pattern Includes:
~ Materials and tools listing
~ 8-steps detailed instructions and tips
~ Printable ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) Sewing Pattern
~ Size 7½” x 6½” with a fabric strap of 8” drop
~ 40 color photographs to guide you through each step
~ The right to sell your finished products
~ Delivery via email within 24hours upon payment

Copyright 2009 © djstoreroom

Introducing Popnicute and her lovely jewelry

Beautiful, arent they??

Please visit Popnicute's artfire stores at

http://www.artfire.com/users/popnicute and http://popnicutesupplies.artfire.com.

Visit her etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6134661.

She also have a blog at http://kaysommers.blogspot.com/.

Follow her on twitter at http://twitter.com/popnicute,

on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/a2kei,

on indiepublic at http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/KaySommers,

on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=680305220

and on flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaysommers.

Getting my things back

Ah Ha!! I guessed correctly!! My diary was neatly tucked under the driver's seat, in our van!!

I really did think that it was not lost.. Just not found, yet.. I mean, I am a really precautious person, always double checking the places that I am leaving, before I actually leave!! That was because I psycho myself to think that I am a very forgetful person, and I can only make up for that through vigilant checking, and double checking.. Hence, I have never lost my wallet before...

The only time I lost something, was my pager... That was many years ago.. I had a little yellow Motorola pager that i kept in my bag.. One day, I realised that my pager was missing.. After my friends and I kept on paging it for a few days, a young lady called back and says my pager is with her. Now, if the pager was in my bag, how could i lose it, with the clips all cliped to the interior lining AND with the zipper closed! I am guessing its a theft, but since she is cool enough to return it, I did not ask much.. When I got my pager back, the identifying stickers were all torn off, rendering all warranty void!! Well, its good that I managed to get it back..

Other than that, I frequently misplace my things. I still remember once I kept my thumbdrive inside the laptop bag that I was going to bring out. And yet, I still went around the whole house searching for that thumbdrive! Silly old me..

Anyway, getting back my things is really a grateful issue for me.. Does it happen to you too?

Argh... I cant find my diary...

I cannot find my diary... And gets that little tiny fear ignited in me..

I am so fearful that I would never ever find it..

Happy Fathers Day!!

Really, I do not know if today's fathers day, or not. It was my hubby who told me that it is Fathers' Day today. The crowd out there is not as strong as I expected. But then again, we went for dinner at 6pm. Way way before the crowd came..

Today is really special. My daughter decided that she wanted to go to her grandfather's house, leaving us a special couple day.. We went and finished our errands and decided to go for a movie. WOohoo!!! The last time we went for a movie was in 2004, august... OMG! Its 2009 now!! 5 years??? Wow... Sometimes I wonder if i am really a 26year old... 5 years without going to the cinema for a 2o++?? Totally unheard of in Singapore..

Today, we caught the Land of The Lost. Quite comical and pretty sure its well worth the 19dollars... In the whole cinema, there were less then 20people!! We practically had the whole line of seats to ourselves!! Now, the popcorn and 2 drinks cost 10bucks!! Bloody expensive.. But still, since its a date, and dates are known to be expensive, we both did not comment on the prices...

After dinner, we called my in-laws and they came to meet us with my daughter. We went for a steamboat buffet!! Its quite a spread.. We ate at 6pm and ended at 7.30pm.. My hubby suggested for us to go to a prawning site, to see how others fish for prawns and to check out the place too.. It costs 15bucks for 1 hour. Seems quite expensive, but its totally for the experience. After 15minutes there, we left for home.

Back home, I peeled out the durians and empty them into containers for the fridge. They were bitter sweet!! My faviourites.. That spells the end of a long long, nice little date for me and hubby.. Sweet..

My pressie!!

Isnt this beautiful?? I snarked the picture from Monica's blog...

The talented Monica made this specially for me!

Read more at http://monicaholtsclaw.blogspot.com/!!!

Last year and this year..

Last year was horrible... I dread thinking about it.. But still, to face it would be a even better healing process.. Last year, I was very very unhappy in my job. I spent alot of time on work, virtually very little at home. I started feeling guilty and lousy when my family relations suffered because of me. I saw my child when she woke up, sent her to school and by the time i get home, she is nearly in bed.. Very little time was spent with her. I couldnt guide her, teach her and couldnt talk to her at all. With all that guilt pressing down on me, I decided that I needed a change. And so, I took a break from work. My hubby also helped to source for a new business venture so that I could still work, while having flexibility.

Moving on, I went back to the simple things in life that made me relaxed and happy. My family, cycling and sewing. I started selling handmade goods online and to friends. However, I wanted to create something of value, that would add value to others too. That was the time that I came up with the idea of selling sewing patterns online. Sharing my ideas online to fellow sewers was really a brilliant choice. Others got the instructions and the sewing patterns to create their own handmade bags and pouches! Its value, being turned into value for others!! In March, our partner and my hubby gave up the business venture as it took up too much of our time.

With the encouragement of friends and my hubby, I took up event planning. Event planning is an art in itself. Each little detail has to be taken care of. After all plans are in place, inplementation and tracking is also crucial to the success of the events. Coordinating work is still manageable for me. In the past, I had helped my hubby with his event planning too. Just that now, I am solely in charge and am no longer just an assistant. I am a really paranoid person who always thinks of the possible 'bad' senarios. I mean, we always need to be prepared for the worst! This part would be helpful to my clients as I always prompt them on certain issues that they need to take note of. Overall, event planning is pretty cool for me. I am loving it...

I am reviewing my goals.. There are some projects that I took up that are not in line with my goals. Some projects even took me further away from my goals because I had to spend alot of time on them... Seriously I am even thinking about my online selling venues. Some switches and sort of that.. Well, Maybe I will be making the changes this and next week... Tata!!

Goals for the year 2009...

Its JUNE!!!

How time passes... Its been 6 months since I made my goals... I have some pretty far-fetched dreams and I turned them into goals at the start of the year..

For this year, My goals were pretty simple. 3 of them.
1. I want to lose weight. 14kgs.
2. I want 1000 number of sales this year.
3. I want to have my own backup funds of $15000.

This is my first time revealing my goals... Its so frightful just announcing it here. I am someone who really minds what other people say about me, my work and so on.. Perhaps I need to work on improving that by ignoring others' comments.

Anyway, I am not even 1% there for each of the goals.. And yet, I only have 6 more months to go..

What about you? What are your goals? Have you reached them?

Lovely Blog Award - Update

Sweet isnt it? Another dear lady had nominated me for the Lovely Blog Award too!! Yet silly me did not realise it.. Thank you Creations With Heart, from http://creationswithheart.blogspot.com/

I browse thru the CrazyTrainListing to hunt randomly for 15 lovely blogs that are upcoming riders on the Crazy Train!!!!!

For the blogs which are nominated, please kindly accept this award and forward it on to another 15blogs!! Remember to leave them a note so that they knows...

*,=

Here they are!!

1 http://www.designsbypatriciahall.blogspot.com/

2 http://licaleedesigns.blogspot.com/

3 http://dancingwinddesigns.blogspot.com/

4 http://rockycreekgems.blogspot.com/

5 http://www.paprikasperch.blogspot.com/

6 http://libertydoll.blogspot.com/

7 http://daisyleedesigns.blogspot.com/

8 http://mydoggieandme.blogspot.com/

9 http://www.squareonebeads.blogspot.com/

10 http://www.artisticjen.blogspot.com/

11 http://mea-culpa-aromatherapycreations.blogspot.com/

12 http://amydesignsmusings.blogspot.com/

13 http://kgkraftsartisticfriends.blogspot.com/

14 http://brokenxhallelujah.blogspot.com/

15 http://www.woodngoods.blogspot.com/

Lovely Blog Award

I am deeply honoured to be awarded the lovely blog award by 3 wonderful ladies!!
Arlene from http://www.spiritessenceart.com/,
Coco from http://bycoco.blogspot.com/ and
Trudy from http://sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com/!!!
Thank you ladies!! Its really a great surprise..
Following which, I am required to choose 5 +15 +15 = 35 blogs to pass on the blog award!! Its not really a difficult thing since I love to read blogs and have a huge list of them...

I would like to draw your attention to SEWING BLOGS!! Yes.. I love sewing, and reading other sewing blogs helps to inspire and motivate me in my own projects. Furthermore, I have started a sewing blog directory at http://welovetosew.blogspot.com/ that sort blogs by their latest blog posting!! I will be passing on the lovely blog award to 35 sewing blogs that I read regularly.

For the blogs chosen, please do accept this award and post it on your blog. Then, pass this award on to another 5 lovely blogs (or more..). Be sure to message them and let them know that they have been selected!! Here goes...

1 http://sipandsew.blogspot.com/
2 http://www.suzical.co.uk/blog
3 http://southernmatriarch.blogspot.com/
4 http://sewretro.blogspot.com/
5 http://thelongthread.com/
6 http://thestitchery.wordpress.com/
7 http://minoridesign.blogspot.com/
8 http://juliassewsweetandspecial.blogspot.com/
9 http://off-the-cuff-style.blogspot.com/
10 http://juliasewing.blogspot.com/
11 http://stitchscrapsew.blogspot.com/
12 http://jonag.typepad.com/stop_staring_and_start_se/
13 http://reginageesplace.blogspot.com/
14 http://thehemline.blogspot.com/
15 http://sewingsister.blogspot.com/
16 http://www.texassusannie.com/blog/
17 http://flamingoks.blogspot.com/
18 http://backporchblessings.blogspot.com/
19 http://eleanors-closet.livejournal.com/
20 http://anothercreation.blogspot.com/
21 http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
22 http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/
23 http://www.jenleheny.com/
24 http://behindtheseams.wordpress.com/
25 http://customsewingbyamyj.blogspot.com/
26 http://thesewingdivas.wordpress.com/
27 http://unspeakablevisions.blogspot.com/
28 http://kbdesigns74.blogspot.com/
29 http://freebiesforcrafters.blogspot.com/
30 http://mummydaughtertime.blogspot.com/
31 http://sewprimkhris.blogspot.com/
32 http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com/
33 http://sewconfused.blogspot.com/
34 http://sewasyouare.blogspot.com/
35 http://sewmuchtosew.blogspot.com/
There!! I finished all that... 2hours, I took...
Please do visit and hug the blogs!
They are updated with lotsa sewing tales and interesting stories!!

New project ahead

Hello Folks, I am working on a new sewing pattern.. The curved wristlet!! Here's a sneak preview... The bag above? I am using it for myself.. :p

I am supposed to finish the course of antibiotics today for suspected urinary tract infection. I couldnt do the urine test that day, so it remains suspected.. Well, next friday, i am scheduled to go in for a urine test next friday. All should be well, as the pain is nearly gone...

Contest Winner

Okies now... We have 6 participants and according to http://www.random.org/, the winner is....

3. Ramishia Mckissick!!!

Congratualations!!

We will be contacting you to make your choice of pattern...

Be sure to reply!!

For the rest of you, your names will be rolled over to future contests!!

To participate in our contest to win a pdf sewing pattern of your choice, simply enter your name and email in the side bar. 1 winner will be chosen at start of each month.

Construction in progress

We are currently reconstructing our site.

Please do bear with us.

Thank you.

Down with flu...

I am so sorry.. I was supposed to be getting the contest winner out, yet I did not.

I am down with flu and find it totally difficult to work. Tml, I will be heading ot the doctor.. I hope all will be well.. Its definitely not the swine flu since I did not travel, nor come into contact with the sick.. I am guessing its the common flu, which is easing up a little. But yet comes another problem.. I am suspecting uninary tract infection as there is pain when I visit hte toilets and my adominal is hurtig. The pain is getting worse and the fever is coming back... I find it diffficult to concentrate on work and sewing. So, I am leaving everything as it is, until I get better.. The contest winner will be chosen when I am back at work...

Sick, but still, we need to and managed to set up a karaoke system for our client today. Client's tv got burned out as it wasnt used for a pretty long time already. Most likely will post the pictures up sometime later...

While lying in bed, I am dreaming of seetting up a website for djstoreroom. A website that incorporates sewing patterns and handmade bags and purses, findings, event planning with sound systems, emcees and magicians, karaoke setups and evertthing that we are doing...

Anyway, I dun really know if my post today makes sense. I am really not able to concentrating and kept needing to backspace and type again. Hope I will get a proper diagnosis from the doctor tomoorrow. Tata...

Contest for PDF

Our May 2009 contest for a pdf sewing pattern has ended. The winner will be chosen tomorrow!! Stay tuned!!

Meanwhile, you can start to enter your email address for our JUNE 2009 PDF Sewing Pattern Contest!!

Cooking

Amazing.. I have started cooking again..

I would like to work up to my past cooking sessions of just 30mins.. But of couse, the preparation time is still the same.. Soaking, washing, cutting, slicing, peel and the sort... But, after the preparation, I do hope I can whip up a dinner in 30mins or less.. :p

For 3 years, I cooked nearly everyday.. But stopped until recently when I felt the need to cook again. Each time we eat out, we will spend alot! Food, snacks, drinks.. Plus, the transport to the restaurant... Even when we eat at cheap places, such as hawker centers, we still spend like $20 and more n the food...

I believe its time to start cooking again.. I do miss cooking..

Thinking of making an apron for myself, and my little girl... Should i?

Handmade News

Have you noticed?? I am currently writing craft techniques at HandmadeNews.Org.. Here are some new articles!! These articles are meant to help you improve your sewing skills at your sewing machine!! Start from the top, all the way down...

Master Your Sewing Skills: Straight Lines
:: http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=849

Master Your Sewing Skills: Right Angles
:: http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=850

Master Your Sewing Skills: Curves
:: http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=851

Master Your Sewing Skills: Circles and Ovals
:: http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=852

Simple Branding Tips for the Newbie Seller

Branding? What is that? Everywhere I turn, I see the word. I saw it on books at the library. I saw it on every business guide websites. I saw it on articles written by experienced online entrepreneurs. I saw it practically everywhere when I do research on my online craft business. I am still unclear as to the full meaning of it all, but I did some tweaks on my own and suddenly I saw my own business crafting its own image and identity out. That to me is branding.

Do you have a business name? Is it used frequently? My business name is registered as DjStoreRoom. With every website registration, I use my business name as the user-id. Whenever I join in on forums, write articles, blog or leave comments, everyone can see my user-id which is also my business name. Use your business name frequently and soon it will be recognized easily.

Have you written your company profile and share it under your shop bio? My profile lets my customers know that my business is a legitimate and registered business. I include my current working condition and also a statement about the importance of setting goals and priorities in my life. Do you have any specializations? Share with your customers on the benefits and features of your merchandise or services.

Next, printed materials such as name cards, post cards, thank you cards and gift tags must be of a matching set. Use a printing service that offers the same design on all the different products. I use VistaPrint and I even got a matching website with the same design! If at all possible, use the design that you have on your materials and put it in your banner.

What do you use as your avatar? Use an online free service to create a cute look-like-you avatar if you do not want to use your own face. Having a face to the brand will help to remind your customers that there is a real human being behind that online 24/7 store. Include your avatar in your banner design. This will help make your avatar and your banner into a matching set.

Branding is about image and identity. The image is what your customers perceived and remember. Be consistent in your merchandise quality, marketing materials and services as all these components play a part in your brand identity. Branding is not easy. Still, we should not stay idle. We should move forward and do things within our means to brand our business and our crafts. What other tips do you have for us, the newbie sellers?


This article is written by Diana, from DjStoreRoom
Diana and DjStoreRoom can be found at
http://artfire.com/users/djstoreroom
http://djstoreroom.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/djstoreroom
http://djstoreroom.etsy.com/
djstoreroom@gmail.com

Sew Craft Blog Group 4

Sew Craft Blog Group 4 Members

Angela - RiAnge Creations
Ann - Gorgeous Things
Bek - Red Chocolate
Brooke - Because I said Sew
Christine - Future lint
Donna - My Big Mouth
Jill - Spinster Handmade
Kathy - Back Porch Blessings
Maggie - Sketchbook Maggie
Myra - Adventures in Baby Sewing
Rebecca - Edward and Lilly
Sally - Craft Sally
Stephanie - Addie Mae's Closet

Featured Artisan: Jennifer and MyMagicMe

Part of me wants to speak to other online business owners about their stores, their crafts and getting them to share their experience with everyone. This would help to keep things interesting as each business owner has their own creative ideas on promoting and running their online business.

For today, please allow me to introduce Jennifer Caro. Jennifer is the owner of mymagicme.artfire.com and has graciously accepted my invitation to be interviewed for my article. Jennifer, 24, recently moved to England after a three year online, long distance relationship, to be with her love who is now her husband. She is still a sweet little New Jersey Girl at heart. She is a Fashion Marketing and Management College Graduate, who chose to start her own business in Graphics Art, specializing in Personalized Photo Manipulations.



Jennifer is self-taught and learnt a lot of things through trial-and-error methods. She is also a fast learner who picks up bits and pieces of knowledge along the way. Her response to her craft is this "It is truly my passion and calling. Turning people's family photos into artwork is something I take much pride in.” And, she is determined to make this her career. She is a true fighter who will not let her dreams sink, without a good fight.

Here are some tips that she has offered for our readers.
 Do not give up even when you seemed to be getting nowhere. An ant hill was built a grain at a time.
 Join social groups and network! In this day and age, they are vital. Sign up at one good and important site and nurture it well!
 Ask for help. You cannot do this on your own, emotionally and physically!
 You need to put in the hours. I work on my business from the second I wake till now.... 3:47 am.
 The computer isn't everything! You need to get out of the house and into the communities. People need to see a face!

Taking up Jennifer’s advice, I went out yesterday and guess what? I met a lot of people and spoke to 3 different persons about my own online business. Now, if I were to stay home and use the computer, I certainly wouldn’t be able to meet them and tell them more about my work, my studio, my life and my beliefs. Special thanks to Jennifer for sharing her online selling experience with us.


Jennifer and MyMagicMe can be found at
http://mymagicme.artfire.com/
shop@mymagicme.com

This article is written by Diana, from DjStoreRoom
Diana and DjStoreRoom can be found at
http://artfire.com/users/djstoreroom
http://djstoreroom.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/djstoreroom
http://djstoreroom.etsy.com/
djstoreroom@gmail.com

Wristlet Sewing Pattern N004

This pdf sewing pattern is for making your own handmade wristlet. The wristlet features interfacing for the fabric and an interior lining to keep seams neatly hidden. The sewing pattern is made using ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) program. All instructions are written in simple english and comes with color pictures. Instructions to triple stitch and how to eliminate marking of your seam allowances are included.

Sewing Pattern Includes:
~ Materials and tools listing
~ 7-steps detailed instructions and tips
~ Printable ComputerAidedDesign (CAD) Sewing Pattern
~ Size 7½” x 5½” with strap 8” drop
~ 40 color photographs to guide you through each step
~ The right to sell your finished products
~ Delivery via email within 24hours upon payment

Copyright 2009 © djstoreroom

New Directory of Sewing Blogs

Get your sewing blog listed at http://welovetosew.blogspot.com/!!

This directory of sewing blogs seek to bring together all the sewing blogs that are online and seeks to bring you the freshest content available.

We do not sort alphabetically or by popularity. Sorting of the blogs are by updates. The recently updated blogs are pumped to the top of the list!!! Now, you can come here everyday for the latest posting on those sewing blogs!!

Go direct to http://welovetosew.blogspot.com/ to add your sewing and craft blogs!!!