Finding Time to Sew

2 Years ago, I foolishly thought that when my youngest was at school all day I would get so much sewing done. This is why I timed starting http://bstauffdesigns.com for when all three would be away at school.

Boy was I mistaken. Now that the oldest is in High School and the other two starting 45 minutes later, I spend most of the day in the car! I don't get back home until 8:30, so by the time I eat breakfast, shower, and check my emails, it's 9:45-10 am before I can actually start sewing. I roll along pretty good until the phone rings, or the washer buzzer goes off, or the dog needs to go out, or I have to return books at the library. I then have to leave at 1:40 to pick up said teen, then drive to pick up younger two. It is 3:30 by the time we return home. I maybe get another hour in if I am lucky before homework, dinner, driving to activities and baths happen. By the time youngest is in bed at 8, I am tired and not feeling too much like sewing!

I have such ambitious intentions when I first wake in the morning. I think of my new fabrics and of what I want to make with them. I dream of completing three projects and posting them on http://bstauffdesigns.artfire.com or http://bstauffdesigns.etsy.com and still having time to work on the computer a while. Sadly the reality is there just are not enough hours in the day.

Balancing a start up business, being a mom, and running a busy household is not easy, but it is possible. You must be disciplined and dedicated, and you must want it bad!

I Made The Front Page of Etsy!!!

Holy Cow! I went online this morning only to find out that my Box Tote graced the front pages of etsy last night at 7pm! I am so sad I missed it, but thankfully I got to see it in the archives.

I am so excited! It got a ton of views and 8 people marked it as their favorite. This has been a really good week for me as far as exposure to new markets.

Currently, I have been very busy with custom orders. I finished a wedding bag set for a friends daughter, and I made some clothes to send to S.O.T.A. in New Hope. I also made my daughter a dress for her spring choral concert which I have to put the finishing touches on. I have 7 more bags to finish for orders and then I can start making some new ones for my artfire and etsy shops.

Have a great weekend everyone, and what ever you do, don't lose hope, keep plugging and do it the best you can.

Growing

In the past few weeks business has started to really take off which I am so excited about. More people are hearing about B Stauff Designs and word of mouth has been really instrumental in helping me to make a brand for my work.

In addition to my custom orders and selling at Etsy, the consignment shop down in New Hope, Simply SOTA is now going to be running a weekly feature in the Bucks County Herald. Each week a different artist will be featured and this will bring lots of exposure not only to the store, but to the individual artists as well. The artist will also be at the store demonstrating their craft, answering questions and letting people see how things are made. I will be down there one of these weekend so when I get the date, I will let you know!

I have been working on some new original designs which I will be showing this summer. They will be part of my Fall line so stay tuned for that too!

News Update!

FYI, I wrote an article for http://handmadeinpa.net on what to do with old fabrics. It is the first of a series I will be writing for the site and it is up today! It's weird seeing my name as a byline!
Swing by and check it out for some great repurposing ideas.

Also on the site is the giveaway for my Olive Green clutch. The deadline is Friday so don't forget to comment and enter for a chance to win!

My foray into Vintage Couture

Ok maybe not couture, but it is a vintage inspired cocktail dress from the 1950's. I had this lovely sage green brocade fabric in my stash for years. I never knew what I wanted to do with it until I came upon the idea of making it into a vintage styled dress.

The bodice has a boat neck collar and is fitted with waist and bust darts. It is fully lined for comfort as well as for shape. I chose to line the bodice with a really pretty cotton floral so there would be a surprise when moving or bending down, or hanging on the hanger. It went so well with the main fabric and I had to put it somewhere!

I also had a vintage barrette in my collection that I sewed to the waist as a focal point. I think it gives it just the right amount of interest without having to use a belt. The full skirt is knee length, and fun to twirl in!

I love how this turnd out and I can picture someone wearing it to a wedding, a shower, a summer party in the Hamptons, a matinee, or a special evening out with friends. Wouldn't it look equally great at the Kentucky Derby paired with a gorgeous large flora hat and a mint julep? Can you tell I must have been wealthy in a previous lifetime? Ah well, back to reality.

Off I go to the studio to create yet another fantasy in fabric!

It's Giveaway Time!

This week I am beginning a giveaway contest. One lucky winner will receive this beautiful quilted makeup bag in the cutest spring colors! Here's how you can win it!

1. You must go through my Etsy or 1000 Markets shops and comment back here on your favorite item.

2. Comment here on my blog with your name and contact info.

3. Winner will be announced March 5th, when I will contact the winner to get shipping information. If winner does not contact me within 3 days, I will pick another winner through a random drawing.

4. Blog about this give away and receive ONE extra entry. Just leave a seperate comment here with your blog link.

5. Twitter or Plurk about this give away and let me know and get One extra entry!

Why wouldn't you go for it! It's easy, It's Fun and It's FREE!

Good Luck!

New etsy mini for faves

It is another new week and Saturday I posted my new faves on the mini to the left. This week I used Etsy's pounce feature to show off some artists that have never had a sale. I love the photos and art work.

I have a big show coming up on November 1st that I need to stock up for. I just can't seem to find the time! I really have to get of the computer and start sewing! So, with that said this will be a short post so I can make at least one bag today. Have a good day everyone!

Handmade Holidays

I know its early, but I wanted to let everyone know that I will be having a handmade holiday season this year. I did so last year also making the women in my life handbags, and the men, fleece pullovers and PJ bottoms. My girls received nightgowns and American girl doll clothes and coats in addition to other gifts.

I have added some of my favorites from Etsy in a photo mini to the left. These Etsy artists are my favorites because their shops are unique and their products are original and beautifully made. I will change the list every Saturday to showcase a new crop.

This holiday season, check out Etsy for your gifts. Think of all the people you buy for, friends, family, teachers, bus drivers, coaches etc. Etsy has thousands of gift ideas in all price ranges and these are unique gifts that will be treasured more than the standard token gift.

Have a great weekend!