New Video Posted - Cellphone Bag for 5x7 Inch Hoop

A new video has been posted at the YouTube channel! Step by step instructions to make the cellphone holder with your 5x7 inch hoop. You can check it out HERE.

If you are looking for the bag design, you can find it HERE.

Do you like free embroidery designs and tutorials?

Be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter to get a free design every weekend (unless I'm running a sale). Sign up for Sher's Creative News

Quick Little Video on Machine Applique on Your Embroidery Machine

 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/45Q2AeuKTmE

Larger Bags Listed and a Video to go With!

By popular request, I've finally gotten around to adding larger zipper bags to the shops. There will be more to come. I've been super busy in the studio stitching and designing new embroidery designs. I've also added a video to help with making the larger bags since they are slightly different than the smaller ones to make. Also, you won't find the "mom" bag in any of the shops yet. It's hiding to make it's appearance as a weekend freebie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yH7L7Snags&ab_channel=IntheHoopBySher

Do you like free embroidery designs and tutorials?

Be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter to get a free design every weekend (unless I'm running a sale). Sign up for Sher's Creative News

Share the Love - Julie & Shawnna

Today in my "Share the Love" series you are going to meet Shawnna and Julie. These are such incredibly talented graphic designers who have both been such a huge inspiration to me.

First we have Shawnna. She is the talent behind LovelyTOCU. I LOVE her art! Her girls have so much class and style. She can make them look like you or anyone you want them to look like. I kinda think the one above looks a little like me, don't you think? I have seen a couple other artists who try to do similar work, but she has that something special that sets her girls apart from all the others. I think my favorite pieces of hers are her kitchen girls and her kitchen mixers. Oh, and her cupcakes! So cute! Stop by her shop and you'll see what I mean.

Shawnna's Etsy Shop
Shawnna's Blog
Shawnna's Facebook

Next we have Julie from Clementine Digitals. She has such a variety of clipart images and she sell's a lot of them so I'm obviously not her only fan. Her owls are so cute but the images above are my favorites. My mom's side of the family is from Wales, and that's what I think of when I see this kit. She also has an awesome collection of digital papers. So bright and colorful!

Julie's Etsy Shop
Julie's Blog
Julie's Facebook

Next time you will meet my two besties from the pattern designing world. And spell check doesn't like "besties" but if they say in on the Big Bang Theory, then it is indeed a word!

Quick Christmas Fix

Our living room is pretty big but we have almost an entire wall taken up by floor to ceiling windows. Since we live out in the country this isn't a problem and we have lots of privacy because the living room is facing the back of the house and there is no one behind us, just woods and cornfields. This does however create a few problems for decorating. We have a large ottoman that matches the couch and loveseat. I like it best at the side of the loveseat but with the tree up, I want lots of space for the tree, decorations and LOTS of presents!

We also have a big entry way that leads to the living room. Brian suggested we put the ottoman there against the bare wall. I like the idea because it's close at hand for any additional seating that will be needed during the holidays when the kids are all here. But that said, it just looked like a big, fat ottoman stuck against the wall. I happened to remember that we had an extra king sized pillow in the hall closet. I decided to make a cover for it that closes in the back with velcro so it can be taken off and easily stored until next year.

I'm actually happy with the way it came out. The last thing I wanted was for it to look like a bed pillow with a bed looking pillowcase. What do you think? I like the way it's a perfect fit for the ottoman too.

Images in the photo are from my "Waiting for Santa" and "Holiday Magic" graphic and clipart sets which are available at my shops.

Sweet Shop Dining Room

So far it's been a productive and fun weekend. The halls are decked and we even found some time to go out and see the new James Bond movie. It was AWESOME! I'm a Bond fan, always have been as far back as I can remember.

Above is a photo of my dining room. I like to do that in my sweet shop theme. This year I did add a few new things such as the gingerbread tree topper, the garland, and the gingerbread napkin rings. I love the look of the pins and napkin rings in my glass dish!

If you like my gingerbread theme, you can visit my shops (linked tabs at the top) because I have LOTS of gingerbread patterns to choose from, including all of the above. Most of them are quick and easy. If you click on my tutorials tab you will find the free patterns to my lollipop ornaments and my gingerbread boy and girl ornaments.

Mug Rugs - Too Fun!

Have you ever made mug rugs? They are so much fun! I thought I'd make a couple so I can list the patterns in my shops, but now I can't stop. All this hand applique I've been doing is nice, but machine applique is so quick. 

I have come to a couple of realizations while making these. First, the more you machine applique, the easier it gets and your skills improve very quickly. Second, the soft minty colors are so pretty and make a nice final product, however, they photograph like crap. And thirdly, I'm going to have to get online and order some more bobbins and another bobbin holder.

Oh yah, Punnkie helped me make them...

It's A Gingerbread Christmas!

Since I mentioned that I've been on a major creative streak a couple of my friends have asked me to share some pictures. We'll you asked, and now I shall show!

Remember last year that I came up with the idea to have a Sweet Shop Theme for my dining room? It was cute too. The tree was decorated with nothing but candy and cookie ornaments. Surrounding my tree was a lot of peppermint and other sweets, real and fake. Last year I came up with all the ornaments which are on my blog as free tutorials (link at the top). I also designed the tree skirt and the stockings. 

I took it a step further this year with the addition of the gingerbread girl recipe holder, new ornaments, napkin rings, a tree topper, and a garland. 

So I can't wait to see my dining room this year! And of course I'll post pictures!

You can make all these items yourself because all these patterns are available at my Etsy Shop, Website, and Craftsy Pattern Shop.

On Creative Overload!

I've been on creative overload for the past couple weeks and I can't stop!

I found some old contracts (from publishing companies) from my designing days, and as I was reading them, I noticed that I had signed allowing them first rights. That means that I still own ALL rights to my patterns that I created for them. I'm just giving them the right to publish my project before I publish it anywhere else. So I'll be creating those items and releasing them in the future. I did get one finished earlier today and released it. It's the cute little gingerbread recipe holder you see above. It was in a Christmas book that was published in 2003.

I'm also mid-stream on another pattern that will be listed later this week. I also took some time to sew for myself when I made Ollie the Owl from my friend Heather's pattern (post below).

And it doesn't stop there. I've created a couple new graphic sets the past couple weeks. Just over the last few days I listed a whole bunch of Premade Etsy Banner, Avatar, and Graphic Sets which will be customized for my customer. That's something new for my shop.

So tomorrow it's back to work and my creativity must come to a slow-down. But I'm not going to stop!

Craft & Sewing Tip - Don't Rush!

It's probably one of the first things we learn but it's also the mistake we make most often. The photo above shows what can happen when we rush. I remember the moment exactly.

I thought I'd quickly finish up some bags while waiting for our homemade pizzas to bake. Yes, mine was healthy. Anyway, all I had to do was add the embellishments after they were completed. It was the final step. I grabbed my paint and didn't shake it very well, I didn't have much time, because I was in a hurry. I also didn't take the time to test the paint on some scrap fabric before applying it on my little bags. BIG MISTAKE! Had I waited until after dinner when I wasn't so rushed, I would not have ended up with the face you see on the ghost to the left. Needless to say, I had to make another bag, with another hand appliqued ghost later that evening. So my rush to finish the job quickly actually took about an extra hour and a half.

Have you ever flubbed like that because you were trying to SAVE time?

Witch grouping in the image above can be be found in my "Halloween & Fall Graphic/Clipart Set" that is available at my Website, Etsy Shop, and Teacher's Notebook Shop. Links at the right.

Thank You Pattern Testers

I want to say a big THANK YOU to my pattern testers! These five ladies took the time out from their busy schedules to test my most recent pattern which is now available on my website, at Craftsy, and in my Etsy shop (links at the right). The pattern is for three different drawstring bags that can be made in three different sizes. The smallest is perfect for a small gift, party favor, or treat bag. The largest would hold a nice sized gift. Below are their versions of my pattern. Be sure to stop by the blogs and shops of these talented ladies.

 LeAnn from Pasque Flower Creations

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

Blog: http://www.pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower

Kim from Tall Giraffe

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TallGiraffe

Sarah from DeMoss Designs

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/demossdesigns

Blog: http://www.demossdesigns.blogspot.com

Val from Valerie Daisy

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/valeriedaisy

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShopValeriedaisy

 

Alexis from Hugs and Stitches

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HugsandStitches

Bird Watching

As I walk past the living room a few days ago I see this black tail sticking out from behind the loveseat, swaying back and forth so gently. Upon closer observation I was able to see what exactly it was that caught her attention. There must have been a "birdie" convention being held on our back deck. I know that Punkie was wishing she could go outside and play with them.

Cat in image is from my "Luv My Cat" clipart and graphic set which can be found at my Etsy Shop or my Teacher's Notebook Clipart Shop.

I Love Color!

While shopping for fabric lately I've noticed an area where I've change in my old age. Although there have been many changes in my tastes, one of my biggest changes is my use of color. I used to be a soft, muted tone kind of girl. Lately, while fabric shopping and designing, I've noticed that I've become a "Big Bold Color" kind of girl. And I like it!

Above is just a small representation of the fabrics that I've purchased recently. I went crazy at JoAnn's 99 cent fat quarter sale a couple months ago as you can see in the photo above. Yesterday I came home with the four fabrics also shown. I was so drawn to them. I bought two yards of each. I think I'm going to make some little zipper bags out of them. I love making quick little projects and I plan on making some things to put away for Christmas, as well as designing some new patterns.

My question to you is.....what kind of things would you make from fun and colorful fabrics?

Palette and floss images in the photo above are from my "Crafting Fun" and "Painting Party" Graphic and Clipart Kits which can be found at my Etsy Shop, Clipart Shop, and Website.

Baby Raccoons

Are these little guys too cute for words or what? A few days ago we got in a turkey vulture that was injured. Whenever we get something in that I've not seen before, I grab my camera and get some pictures. I thought, I'd share the picture of the vulture with you, and I will, at another time. But when I went back there to get it's picture, the baby raccoons were in the cage above. Anyone who has ever rehabbed baby raccoons will tell you, they want your attention and they want it now! So I took their picture too, and that is the picture I'm sharing with you today, even though I have quite a few pictures of baby raccoons.

These guys are too funny. We keep the younger ones in large crates in the back. If you are standing too close, they will try to grab your pant leg. As you walk past them you see all these little arms poking through trying to reach everything and anything. It appears as though they are crowded in a small space, but not to worry, the space is huge, they like to crowd together. God forbid, one should get more attention than another!

The guys in the picture are almost ready to release back to nature. Our mommy jobs will be over.

As for the turkey vulture, I'll show you that one a little later. The post also involves an abandoned water park.

The owl and branch in the scrap page below are from my Owls Rule Clipart/Graphic Set which is available at my Etsy Shop, or by instant download at my Website.

FREEBIE - Foldover Gift Cards

It's time for another blog freebie! I thought it would be a great way to introduce my new line of printables to my Etsy shop and my website. Many of you have already purchased my planners and lists, which have been there since I first opened my shop and website.

These are my foldover gift cards. They come two on a sheet, are blank on the inside, and are the smaller size for attaching to a gift or to hang from a gift bag. They measure 3 1/4 x 4 inches when folded. They are just big enough to slip a shopping gift card inside. I give you both PDF & JPEG files. The JPEG makes it super easy to adjust the size as needed if so desired.

I thought the handmade theme would be perfect for my blogging friends since most of you are crafty. And who doesn't love pets? I also included the envelope template.

All you have to do is download to your computer, print, and cut out. I even give you cutting guides. I did find that the easiest thing to do was to fold the sheet in half along the left edge of the card, then cut along the edges with a rotary cutter or Exacto knife. Enjoy!

You can pick your files at 4-Shared or at my website.

The Datebook Wins!

Everyone who knows me, knows that I love my electronics. I have a laptop, smartphone, and tablet PC. My digital camera lives in my purse and I never leave home without it, even when I take Bubba for a walk. You never know what you're going to see.

However, when it comes to my calendar and my To Do list, I want to see it on paper. I've been using the Lang pocket calendar for as far back as I can remember and that's where I put all my appointments and special events. Wouldn't want to be without it. As for the To Do list, I like to see my list, and I like to cross off my tasks after they are completed.

I gave the electronic calendars and To Do lists a try, but they just didn't work for me.

So how much do you depend on electronics?

Blue frames in photo are from my Frames Templates Set and the teapot is from my Tea Time Set. Both can be found at my Etsy Shop.

Yay for Summer!

Summer is definitely here. We've been in the 90's and the sun is shining. We have the pool open, lots of flowers are in full bloom, and it just feels like summer!

I'm also still on that mad creative streak. Since my pattern shops have been doing so well I've been doing a lot of pattern designing the past few months. After I bought my computer, I came to discover that my graphic shops have been terribly neglected. I've been having so much fun on my new (speedy fast) computer designing graphic and clipart sets. In the past few days I've added six new sets to my shops.

I even freshened up my blog topper using images from my two new sets, Crafting Fun, and Painting Party. Both sets can be found at my website (instant downloads), and at my Etsy shop.

I hope you like the picture above. It was taken from flowers in our yard. That particular flower bush (or whatever you call it) blooms more flowers every year.

Top Sellers & Top Secret

 Since I haven't been blogging so much that must mean I'm locked away in my new craft room creating. That's exactly what I've been doing! As you can see in the photo above, Punkie is supervising the situation just as she always does.

 I'm excited to announce two new patterns. My most recent is this sewing machine cover. It's a cute way hide the sewing machine when not in use. It's available on Etsy, but it's also available on my website and at Craftsy they have instant downloads. No waiting for the files to be emailed.

 Another exciting thing is that my Hanging File Folder Organizer has been on Craftsy's 20 Top Seller List for sewing patterns the past two weeks. The past few days it's been fluctuating between number 9 and number 11. I think people really like the instant downloads there.

Now on to the "Top Secret" part of my post. It was so fun to spend today in my craft room doing personal things. I made a few little surprises for some special people in my life. They all read my blog daily so I can't share right now. I'll post some pics later.

Next "Top Secret" item are two new patterns I've recently completed. I can't show them because the photos and manuscripts have been submitted to magazines. Until (and if) they are published, I must keep them under tight wraps. 

So that's what I've been up to. What about you?

Applique Templates

I'm really excited to add a new section to my Etsy shop! I'm now selling applique templates. I got the idea when I was designing my "Mom Cave" quilt for my sewing room, which I'll show you in a future post. Stitching the detail on those little scraps of fabric is so addicting. I've got a nice selection to start but look for lots more in the future because I have a basket full of them that just need to be stitched. I started with my graphic and clipart kits, then added PDF patterns, and I figure these tie it all together nicely.

If you want to take a peek, you can click on the link above or in my menu at the top of this page.

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Someday Has Arrived!

This post is for all my fellow seamstresses. I know you all buy fabric because you plan on doing something with it "someday." While you are making these purchases your supply is getting bigger, and bigger, and bigger. But, when you are about to make a new project that requires more than a few scraps, what do you do? You walk right past your already purchased fabric and head out for some new fabric for the project. Come on, admit it! I know you all do it! Well, I'm here to tell you that my "someday" has finally arrived for my biggest "someday" purchase.

What you are look at is about 25 yards of good quality decorator fabric. Back when I worked at JoAnn's we would get awesome discounts. Our everyday discount was 15% off of everything including coupons, sale prices, and clearance items. About five times a year they would have double discount day and we would get 30% off of everything! Double discount day is always during the best sales of the year.

Anyway, this fabric was already 50% off (one of their killer sales), minus my 30% double discount and I got a bargain! I loved all three of these colors together and knew that someday I'd use it. Of course I didn't stop at the fabric, you see decorator trims too.

I've already designed the curtains from the striped fabric, which will be embellished with a buttoned valance. I also see a wall organizer, covered boxes, and whatever else I can think of. These will be good projects to work on while I'm putting my room together. Of course, I'm still sewing on the dining room table for now.

So, how big is your "someday" fabric stash?

Sewing machine used on the photo is from my "The Sewing Room Graphic/Clipart Kit" that can be purchased from my Etsy shop here, or as an instant download from my website here.