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.

Visit http://djstoreroom.artfire.com/ to find more free tutorials...

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/