In this installment of my series I want to think about how our businesses change overtime as we learn what we’re good at and what is profitable. Allowing a business to head in a new direction can be scary because the path ahead is not yet trodden, but it can also save you from…
Softies For Sale Series: Plush You! Introduces New Audiences to Handmade Softies and Builds a Community of Collectors
Do you have particular customers that purchase your work regularly? A person who seems to buy something every time you list a new set of items in your Etsy shop or someone who comes by your booth at the craft fair and buys something every year? They think of you whenever they need to buy…
Hello From the Studio
My friend, Carolyn, came over yesterday to take photos of me at work in my studio for an upcoming project. Here are a few of my favorites: Here you can see my work desk with my bulletin board filled with all kinds of clippings from everywhere and my whiteboard with a list of upcoming tasks…
Magical Molly and Bronco Ben Hobby Horse Pattern
I am very excited about this new pattern. Last summer I made a hobby horse and it has been sitting in the corner of the studio staring at me all this time. I reimagined it as a magical pink unicorn sewn in dark and light pink fleece with colorful polka dotted reins, a sparkly horn,…
Softie For Sale Series: Joining Together With Other Makers – The Etsy Plush Team
Running a small handmade business is a rather solitary pursuit. Each day I sit down at my studio desk, put on my headphones, and draw and sew for hours on end, and often I don’t talk to anyone at all. I’m an introvert so this life actually suits me well, but I recognize that connecting…
Custom Plush from a Child’s Drawing: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
I found this excellent drawing in a box of artwork in the attic saved from when Roxanne was four-years-old. I don't actually remember her making this one in particular, but I absolutely love this rainbow guy and the writing, too. A beautiful, fleeting moment in her life. And now we have Mr. Rainbow to hug….
Baby Bear and Blankie Set: A New PDF Sewing Pattern
Imagine making a baby’s first favorite toy – a soft, huggable, handmade teddy bear. This bear has embroidered features and machine-sewn arms, legs, and ears. There are no small parts that might come off, even after years of snuggling and play. And make a cute matching blankie, too, perfect for the crib and complete with…
Softies For Sale Series: Showing Your Work in Galleries
For this installment in my series about sewing softies for pleasure and profit I am focusing on gallery shows. Scattered all over the country, and all over the world really, are a select few very special galleries that show indie art. These are places that are run by people who are savvy to the online…
Felt Hibiscus Flowers for National Nonwovens
This week I've been making felt hibiscus flowers for National Nonwovens' booth at Quilt Market next month. National Nonwovens produces gorgeous felt in all varieties. Last year I sewed butterflies for their booth which was a lot of fun and they kindly provided me with all the felt for my new book. It's always an…
Upcoming Workshop: Design Your Own Stuffed Animal
I am teaching a new workshop at Gather Here in May called, "Design Your Own Stuffed Animals." In the class we will start by sketching and then work to transform our drawings into sewing patterns for stuffed animals. You'll learn how and where to add gussets and darts to make your design truly three-dimensional. Don't let…
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