Because I had Jhoanna over for a little interview I thought I would for sure do her Peg Bear. Ok, that was one of the reasons I totally jumped for joy when the book came out. Big fan, never bought a pattern—now i have one! 

Okay- seriously I couldn't find anything I would change or any problems with this pattern. I think since she has been doing these for awhile the pattern is down-pat and good! 

Peg Bear is a little bigger than I had thought {it is around 20" tall}.  I used a upholstery remnant I had and it worked out just fine. Fleece is on the belly and the ears.  Felt is on his face.  I had eyes!! I bought them quite awhile ago at a thrift store and have never used them. Yippee!!! they are great!

The one thing i picked up from the pattern:  she has you sew the top of the arms after you stuff them. That is soooo smart! the stuffing doesn't fall out and when stitching it in the body it stays flat and in place when pinned. Perfect way of doing it.  It is a great pattern for beginners too. Simple, sweet and to the point. Nothing fussy about it.

Sigh. I love making peg bears.

pst— Last few days for the It's my Birthday Sale at the shop! Patterns are $4.00 each.

pst-pst— Last few days for Patchwork Posse year membership at $40.00!! February 1st is the next meeting. Quilting Melodies is sharing a bag pattern…Oh, my goodness it is cute.  You will also get 14 more patterns during the rest of 2010. We just started so come on over and join us.

pst-pst-pst– If you area  Patchwork Posse member please take a look at your email. I sent you some requests. I will be sending a reminder out also….

I thought i would include her little insite for the One Yard Wonder Book and how her pattern got in the book. "In regards to the book, early last year (from memory) Store Publishing put out a call for submissions for the new book. I submitted the Peg Bears and was not expecting anything – I knew there were a LOT of submissions. So I was thrilled when I received a response from them saying that they wanted the pattern in the book."   lucky her and the others!!

So how did you get your crafty start?
I had always been interested in making things since I was a child. I found a lot of joy and comfort in it. I loved sketching, drawing, painting and gluing things together. But it was only after the birth of my first daughter that I finally got into sewing. I wanted to give her a softie that was unique and different and I couldn't find anything that I was happy with at the mall. So I decided to sew it up myself! It was a crash course in sewing for me, but I was soon hooked!

How long have you been crafting?
Since I was kid. But I've been designing and making softies for almost 4 years.

What are your goals or dreams in regards to your craft/sewing/business?
When I started making softies, I never planned to have a 'business' as such. It just developed that way. I still don't have a clear view of where to take this 'business'. I'm taking it one day at a time and taking opportunities as they come to me. At the end of the day, I just want to continue designing and making because it brings me joy. I want to try new things as well. I want to keep learning and improving.

What or who inspires you?
Vintage design, children's books, children's drawings, colour, Japanese kawaii aesthetic, street art, my two daughters, Beci Orpin, Shinzi Katoh, Pip Lincolne and so many designers/crafters/bloggers!

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing?
During the day I work as a Business Analyst in the information technology and telecommunications industry

Tell us about your current projects.
Well, I'm going through a significant transition period in my life at the moment so I don't have many projects on the go. The things that I am excited about this year are: the current display of one of my fawns, standing 4 metres tall, in a wonderful store here in Melbourne; inclusion in two sewing/craft books to be published this year; releasing more sewing patterns through the company that distributes and publishes my patterns, Pattern Press; spending more time developing and releasing new fabric designs.
How many UFO’s do you have?
At least 10, may be more!

How much time do you spend on your craft?
A few hours every night after my daughters have gone to sleep. It's a wonderful way to unwind after a busy day.

What's your favorite color?
At the moment, chartreuse.

Do you have a favorite Notion?
I love Japanese novelty trims and vinatge buttons.

What sewing machine do you use?
A Janome DC 3018. One of the best investments I have made. I bought it when I started out and it has been a faithful, tought little machine. Highly recommended!

What music do you usually listen to when you create?
I listen to music A LOT. At work, driving, sewing, whenever I can. It is a huge motivator for me. My taste in music is pretty diverse. At the moment, it is the soundtrack to Glee, A Fine Frenzy and covers of songs by the Vitamin String Quartet.

Do you also cook?
I had a little laugh when I read this question. All I can say is that yes, I cook – only because I have to, not because I enjoy it

Do you have a favorite pattern/project?
I never tire making my little Woodland Girls and Boys and Fawns.

What do you hate to do?
The step I hate most when making softies is cutting all the pieces out! I literally need to talk myself into sitting down and getting it done. I guess I have never been a fan of cutting stuff out – I'm rather impatient and just want to get onto the actual construction and putting it all together!

What craft have you yet to try but haven't – and why haven't you done it yet?
Crochet. I am pretty hopeless when it comes to yarn-crafts like knitting and crochet. As I mentioned, I am impatient and I have clumsy fingers. I would love to learn how to crochet – I am amazed by the crocheted softies I have seen especially the amigurumi softies – but I am quite certain that I would give up very quickly!

How did you come to start your business?
The "business" was only by accident. After I shared a few of my initial creations on my website, I did get a few queries as to whether I was going to sell them. So after some encouragement from family, I did finally open an etsy shop and put a few softies up for sale. I was surprised when my first sale was to a lady who lived on the other side of the world in the UK!

How do you keep your life balanced between family and work, especially if you work at home?
As much as I love designing and making, it will always be second to my family – my two girls. I make sure I leave work at work. When I get home, I am fully committed to spending time with my girls. It is only when the girls are asleep or napping that I work on my craft projects. Sometimes they want to help me and we stuff a few softies together (which is a lot of fun!). I also find time to run regularly, as this helps to clear my mind and provides some much needed "me" time.

Do you ever feel like you are in a rut or get burned out?
Definitely! Many times. And that's why I have learned to say "No" more often to craft-related commitments and ensure I always have my priorities clear in my mind. If it doesn't fit with my priorities, I will not commit to it.

And if so, what do you do to help yourself out of it?
I have learned to step away and have a break from crafting. I spend more time on other things and let the motivation to design/make/craft naturally make its way back to me. When I have done this, I always find new motivation, inspiration and energy in terms of my craft projects.

What else would you like people to know about you?
I am deeply and truly thankful for all the people who have supported me and One Red Robin – by stocking my work, providing encouraging advice, leaving lovely comments on my blog, or simply taking an interest in what I do. I am continually surprised, motivated and inspired by it. Any success One Red Robin has had can be attributed to these people.
 

One Red Robin
Website: http://www.oneredrobin.com

Softie Making
Website: http://www.softiemaking.com

Purchase her patterns here

I love to know that i am not the only one in this world with a pile of WIPS!  and that she sneaks her sewing time in the evening.  Makes me feel a bit more 'normal' ….even though i think i might be over the top with a dash of obsession.

So how did you get your crafty start?   I have always been part of a crafty family — my mom sews, my dad is a great artist (he used to sketch but now does woodcarving/crafting/carpentry and violin making), and my two sisters also knit and embroider. Drawing and sewing and crafting have always been a part of our upbringing.

What are your goals or dreams in regards to your craft/sewing/business?     For now I’d like to just keep it simple, writing the occasional pattern and blogging are really fun. I would love to be more involved with the sewing and crafting “work” I do someday, maybe design a fabric line or do paper patterns.

What or who inspires you?  I’m so inspired by Anna Maria Horner. She has 6 kids and still manages to throw out a couple fabric lines and a book every year. I don’t know how she does it. I’m also inspired by Heather Ross. Her fabric designs are really just breathtaking and so unique. Every time I see a new line from either of these talented ladies I get really excited.

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing?    Playing with my kids.

How much time do you spend on your craft?     Not much right now; maybe a couple hours a day if I’m really lucky and not too tired at the end of the day.

What’s your favorite color?    Aqua

What sewing machine do you use?      Bernina Activa 220

Do you also cook?      Nope. I’m so incredibly fortunate to have Mr Rae. He does most of the cooking and all of the grocery shopping. Every once in awhile I’ll go to Trader Joe’s or make a lasagna.

What do you hate to do?      Rip seams.

How do you keep your life balanced between family and work, especially if you work at home?     I don’t really try to balance it. I feel like my number one job right now is being a mom. And if I happen to have extra time to work, that’s wonderful. But when I find myself holding the baby in one arm and checking my email with the other, I know it’s time to step back.I started an Etsy with handmade sewn things that was more work than I bargained for so I had to stop. The pattern business really just happened by accident. I put a few free patterns on my blog and got so many emails from people saying, “Are you crazy? Why aren’t you selling your patterns?” That gave me the confidence to step out and give it a try, so I started selling those on my Etsy instead. Now I have instant download set up for pattern sales, which is so much easier on me and nicer for my customers. Too many to count. As I scan this room I can think of at least 20 off the top of my head that have been started but not finished. I’m really bad about that.

Do you ever feel like you are in a rut or get burned out?  Not right now (although in the past I have)…right now I just wish I had more time so I could make all of the ideas in my head happen!!! I feel like my head is so full of stuff I want to do it’s going to explode.

What else would you like people to know about you?   Professionally I still identify myself very strongly as a physics teacher. I taught science and math for 7 years and I’m really proud of that accomplishment (I’m pretty sure AP Physics is one of the hardest classes to teach). I just finished my Master’s this summer so that if I want to go back when my kids are a little older, I’ll still have that option. I also think the discipline of thinking like an educator has really been a benefit to me in my crafty life.

Blog:  Made By Rae

She is totally a girl after my own heart…..she dibbles and dabbles in all sewing!! I don’t do knitting, but can crochet so that counts. hee hee.  Throw in some clothing, quilts, bags, patterns. Oh, yea!!!

Thanks Rae for taking the time to answer a few questions and letting us get to know you a bit better.  Go on over and follow her blog—she has a goodie.

pros- easy enough. one fabric. no mistake in matching and all that stuff. 

fabric suggestions:  Make sure you ‘audition’ your fabric. In the store you can turn the fabric back on itself and see if there is enough difference to use the piece. Don’t go for the ones that have a small repeat in the pattern. And the ones with fat and skinny lines work the best, and do the best visually.  Also- go for the ones that have a lot of contrast. You don’t want something where all the stripes run into each other value wise.

cons- if you aren’t used to a big and i mean big, bulky center than this one might give you some issues. There are a lot of points in those centers….it doesn’t really matter that they match {that is a pro}, but they can be very bulky when ironing and especially when quilting. Those will give you a bit of a headache if you are quilting this on your own machine. You will most definetly want to avoid the centers. I ended up quilting mine in a box pattern. Kept away from all those bulking centers.

changes i made: I made this with 2 yards!! i know, 2 yards is more than 1…but it makes it a very nice lap size in the end with a few borders.

I really had fun with this one. You could make this in a weekend {not counting quilting} and it would make the perfect present for weddings, kids or friends. It is  can-do pattern.

I added a 2 inch stop border and then a 4 inch outside border.

Finished size: 54 inches X 54 inches

total cost: $25.00 + back {used a stash piece}  I bought the 2 yards on clearance at the quilt shop, and the last green border was a remnant piece. So not too pricey for a present either.

pst- don’t tell, but the green is really shiny like glittery on the one side. didn’t know until i opened it {it was a rolled remnant} and found out. hee hee too funny! it is a cotton/linen blend though and has some great variation in it that competes nicely with the center business.

pst-pst— It is the first quilt finished for the year!!! weee haaaa!!!  I am going to add this little goal for the new years resolution thing. When i finish the top, i finish the quilt!  That way my pile of un-quilted tops doesn’t grow.  Do you think that will work? Well, ok. so far so good.

Have you made a one yard wonder book project? Want to review it for the rest of us?

Send me an email— patchworkposse @ yahoo . com

Amanda from Sasikirana Handmade!!

She was nice enough to answer a few questions about her sewing ‘career’ for us.  {that’s what i call it, so i can buy professional equipment. hee hee} anywhosies. 

Here is her project she did for One Yard Wonders our Focus for the month:

Enjoy!!

How did you get your crafty start?
I’ve been crafting on and off since elementary school thanks to my mom. But it didn’t turn into such an important part of my everyday life until I moved to the US. It’s so easy to get crafting supplies here that it just tempts me so much.

How long have you been crafting?
I started sewing since I got my machine in 2005.
What are your goals or dreams in regards to your craft/sewing/business?

I have a New Year’s Resolution to restock my sadly neglected Etsy shop. Other than that, finish my stack of WIPs!

What else would you like people to know about you?

I move from Indonesia to the US in 2004 with my husband. It’s a long way home from sunny tropical weather to a foot of snow! I’m still getting used to it.

What or who inspires you?

Right now, I’m inspired by zakka style, especially Rashida Coleman-Hale of I Heart Linen’s new book.

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing?Browsing Ravelry. I wish there’s a similar thing for sewing projects.

Tell us about your current projects.I’m planning to make a linen lap quilt out if the book I just mentioned above. 

How many UFO’s do you have?There’s too many! I have three quilts in progress, two bags, two overalls for my son, a shawl, and I don’t remember what else I have hidden in my WIP basket.

How much time do you spend on your craft?A few minutes here and there in between taking care of my kids. Sometimes at night when my husband can entertain two children at the same time. Not enough, I tell you!

I always try have two kinds of project going at once. One that has to be done at the machine and one that I can do by hand like embroidery, knitting, or some hand sewing project. That way, I do something that suits the time slot that I have.

What’s your favorite color?Linen and bright fun prints.

Do you have a favorite notion?

My seam ripper and dissappearing ink pen.

What sewing machine do you useA basic Singer that I bought at Target. I want to upgrade but I’m too intimidated with all the research I have to do to find a new one.

What music do you listen to during crafting time?

No music, just my daughter singing in the background.

Do you also cook?

Yes, but it’s more of a necessity than a hobby.

Do you have a favorite pattern/project?

I love Oliver + S clothing patterns and Denyse Schmidt quilt patterns.

What do you hate to do?

Cooking and laundry. I wish all that clothes would magically fold themselves.

What craft have you yet to try but haven’t – and why haven’t you done it yet?

I can’t recall any right now.

How did you come to start your business?

From my husband’s nagging, he kept saying that I should make something profitable out of my stash of fabrics.

How do you keep your life balanced between family and work, especially if you work at home?To tell you the truth I still hadn’t find the perfect balance. I go through with it, if home is calling then I get to it, then I do my craft in every free time that I have.

Do you ever feel like you are in a rut or get burned out?Sometimes, yes.

And if so, what do you do to help yourself out of it?I take a break from whatever I’m doing and do something else. Mostly it’s playing with my daughter or cuddling my baby, then I’m refreshed and ready to attack whatever’s been bugging me. Blog: http://amandasasikirana.wordpress.com

Shop: http://sasikirana.etsy.com, it’s empty right now, but I promise to restock it soon!

Isn’t she delightful?!  Run on over to her blog and check her out. She loves to do it all….photography, knitting, sewing, baby stuff, stitching, ……right up my alley.  Can’t find one true love….then give them all a try {not refering to the honey}. 

pst- notice that she said wip basket….how big is that? I just know that all my wips can’t fit into a basket. hmmm…

Quilt group!!! yay I love it when i can go—which is most of the time. This year it is 4 blocks away. Perfect for me.

This year {fan-tab idea} they gave everyone a pillow form, and then each month they will be doing a pattern or slip cover for it!!! I am soooo excited! Too cute.  So this month they handed out black or brown corderoy for the back and then you could go and pick out a bunch of strips to embellish it. It was in a magazine—the pattern– but what if i did a tutorial on it? Is that allright?  Think about it and let me know…i’d love to do it for you girls.

Because I helped Angie {she is in charge in Feb. can’t wait} with quilt group last year and did the Cranky Quilt Row Quilt the group gave me the cutest little sewing scrap/thread holder ever!

It was totally loaded with this sideways picture!! Do you see the two new notions in the back? The fabric glue stick and the needle stasher something. It is magnetic and flat and skinny. So excited about giving these two a try. yay! Thanks everyone…i love it.

By the way. Here is the front entry of the new place we meet at. Isn’t the door the greatest? with the white brick?  Just had to share. 

There was a bit of show and tell at the meeting, but not the greatest seat to get good pictures…so this is all i have for you girls. sorry. next time i will sit in a better spot. But I love this!! Sue spargo of course pattern. The needle keeper. I think i have had this on the table in the to-do pile for awhile. I just need to-do it!

I did sew a bit yesterday too! It is another project from One Yard Wonders. Can you tell what it is?

And to finish us off for the day—- my show and tell for Patchwork Posse group.  This is in my sewing room.  I really like drawers. Nice fronts, everything can be stuffed inside and you would never know!

I have 8 drawers that are divided into colors. purple & yellow share and so do pink and red, and black and brown. Then i have an additional drawer that has kind of conversation fabrics in it and then one with like leftover lost blocks or groupings of fabrics. A couple of months ago i went through each drawer and cleaned house! I took all the ‘strips’ and put them into their own extra large bag and then folded everything else and put it back into the drawers. I do have to report that it has stayed so nice.. well, kind of nice.  ok. fine. whatever.

This is my next drawer bin that i L O V E!!!  The top drawer was missing when i bought it, but i stuck a rubbermaid inside and it works perfect. It is full of buttons and when i need one I can remove it and put it where i need it and dig. Then just slip it back in place when i am done. The other drawers are filled with ribbons in one, lace in another, and then thread in another. I love the system and really can easily find what i need pretty quickly.

pst- i know you can see the open shelf to the right, so this one is filled with finished quilt tops, or fabrics that are grouped together in a clear bag ready to be put together. There are a few baskets also. One has all my ric-rac in it {love them} It is easy to grab and dig and then put back too.

Are you looking for the winner of the last FREE MEMBERSHIP?  I’ll be posting again later….sorry, just didn’t have enough time yet….. but i’ll be letting you know! Don’t worry, i didn’t forget.

So this book is great!! My first thought is that i didn’t understand that the two didn’t write it all. They have a wonderful collection of projects designed by others in the blog arena! I recognized a few- did you?  So really that was fun to see what others came up with. And they are very different patterns! Not all of them are bags, or aprons…or toys…or you know what i mean? There is a nice bit of variety in there for everyone and every sewing ability- that is great.

So for the first project I chose the craft apron. I need one of these girls! I am constantly, and i mean constantly moving things around the table when i am setting up for a show! You have to lay things out and then clip and hang and move around…where do those clothes pins go? on the table in the way- how about the pen? where? didn’t i just have it? check off list? um.  You see? I needed this- bad!

Finished apron:

I used a Denise Schmidt fabric. It has been waiting for another project, but i stole it for this one! It is the designer heavier weight of fabric which worked perfectly for the project.  I made my own double folded binding.

pros- easy, quick. really. finished it in an hour! quick pockets. lots of them. Perfect for crafty things and shows to stuff all of your needables in one place.  The binding is the strap also. skinny. easy to tie.  Light weight and did i mention all the pockets?

cons- i made my own binding and didn’t measure the length. would have been nice to know ‘how much is left’ after i bound the outside edge.  The foldover or pucker or pleate wasn’t centered in the big bottom pockets. Not sure what happened here.  I would have liked it in the center. The picture really stinks of the finished product. It is folded over a bit because it is hanging. It is a great little apron and the pic doesn’t show it off! 

changes– I didn’t put in the loops on the sides. I didn’t need these for anything so I left them off. 

overall- I love it. If you need a quick apron that is multi-function then go for it! Easy, cute and I just love it.  What stinks is there isn’t a show until the spring to give it a try   But i am ready!