ARTFIRE

So I have decided to give it a shot...what could it hurt, right? I like only paying $12 / month, no matter how much I list or sell. Just hope I sell enough to cover the $12, right?! The listing is MUCH easier. And faster. I am going to give it 100% and see what happens!

So how about you?? Wanna join? Register on ArtFire.com

Tutorial ~ How to Make A Lined Pocket

So here's my first ever blog tutorial....so bear with me! When I first started sewing, I absolutely hated doing pockets. I hated trying to press and sew the seams all the way around, and doing the corners. Until my mom taught me how to make a lined pocket. Now, no matter what pattern I may be using, all pockets are lined. They look nicer and are so much faster!

So here's my super easy instructions for awesome pockets.

1. Cut 2 of your pocket fabric. Exactly the same.

2. Placing the fabrics right sides together, sew (or serge) around the edges, leaving either one entire edge open, or a space large enough to turn pocket. In this case, I left a gap large enough to turn my pocket back right side out. BUT don't leave this gap at the top of your pocket, because you won't be sewing the top of your pocket to close it.

3. Clip your corners to prevent any bunching in the corners once it's turned.

4. Turn pocket right side out. Fold the open section to the inside, keeping it even with the rest of the seam. Press.

5. Pocket is now ready to be attached to shirt, apron, dress, etc. Be sure the open gap is on the side or the bottom. Topstitch to your garment fabric and TADA! All done!

**This can be used with rounded pockets also. Follow same instructions!**

Who wouldn't want to enter!?!?

Our friends over at YouCanMakeThis.com are launching a new site in April, http://www.youcanquiltthis.com/. How exciting! The fun we have is expanding! So to celebrate, they are giving away a Marie Osmond 200 Quilter's Companion. If you don't know what this machine can do.....LOOK IT UP! It's awesome! It's a quilter's dream! So click on over and enter! And if you decide you don't want it, you can give it to me! =)

~CPSIA~ Does it affect you??

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.


Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.


The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you?


Well, here are a few examples:


To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322


To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.


To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.


To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.


To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.


To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html


To the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.


To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html


And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html


Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

For the Love of Gaming

I stayed up very late last night, and at the last minute, I decided to see if I could snag an Etsy treasury. And I did! I wanted to do something a little different, so it was centered around "old" video games. You know, video games I played when I was growing up! So this is a whole bunch of Atari, and Mario, and Nintendo, and PacMan of course...for your viewing pleasure! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=35630

Share some Love!

Shopping on Etsy ! How fun!

I have done most of my Christmas shopping this year on Etsy. And check out some of the awesome finds!

(clicking on highlighted name takes you straight to their Etsy shop, so CLICK AWAY!)

This is wonderful soap that looks good enough to eat!
Strawberry Shortcake Mini Pound Cake Soap from Anita

So soft and adorable. Picture definitely does not do it justice!

Black and White eyelash neckwarmer from QuiltSALAD

Super cool Coffee Corsets for that wonderful Starbucks Coffee! =)
Coffee Corsets from JennGee

And this absolutely adorable bracelet for my daughter.
Child bracelet from melaniescrafts