Squirmy Worm Studio is on Flickr!

Hi friends!  I hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday.  I just wanted to let you know that Squirmy Worm Studio is now on Flickr (about time, right!?!).  

Have you made something from a Squirmy Worm Studio pattern and/or Made With Love tutorial?  If so, I would LOVE for you to join Squirmy Worm Studio's Flickr group and post a photo of your completed project! :) 

Answered Prayers!

I'm learning that patience is key.  I have to say that I've never been a very patient person.  I've never really had to wait for much, and at times I think I equate patience with boredom as I'd rather be overloaded with work than sit idle.  I've digressed a bit, but I hope you get where I'm coming from.

This past weekend was a BIG weekend for Squirmy Worm Studio.  Friday was the one year anniversary of when I lost my job.  It seems weird to equate an anniversary with unemployment, as its not oh so joyful, but it is what it is.  I really can't believe its been a year.  Sure I've enjoyed hours of Hoda and Kathie Lee (that one's for you Sherri!) and of course my afternoon indulgence of Let's Make A Deal (they give out some awesome prizes!), but I've really spent the majority of my time building my business.  Friday afternoon as I was driving home from the local quilt shop I received an awesome email...a wholesale order for two of my patterns (Diaper Wristlet and Thread Catcher).  Yep, that's right, my patterns are now for sale at Tall Mouse Crafts & Fabric!  :)  Definitely an answered prayer, AND exactly a year from when I was let go!  God has a great plan for my life, and I'm more than happy to be on this ride!

SoCal Quilter's Run @ Fresh Picked Fabrics!

Hello!  Sorry I've been so quiet this week.  Its probably been one of the busiest weeks I've had all year as I'm consulting again, AND I've been preparing for my patterns and products to make their debut at the local quilt shop!  Remember this post?  Well, I'm here to happily announce that "the local quilt shop" is Fresh Picked Fabrics (3810 Prospect Avenue, Unit A, Yorba Linda, CA 92886)!!! 

I think I've mentioned this before, but let me tell you...Fresh Picked Fabrics is my favorite local quilt shop.  The fabric selection is wonderful, the shop is packed full of samples (which always gets my mind working in overdrive), and the staff is always helpful and cheery!  Below are some photos of the shop...make sure to scroll ALL THE WAY down, to see my piece of the shop!  :)

Threaded Pear Studio's new Cabana Quilts.

 

A little Amy Butler fabric, and samples galore (I told you their samples are awesome!!!).

My home away from home...have you ever seen so much ric rac???

Halloween is just around the corner!

More great samples...many from Lizzie B Cre8tive's new book.

Now on to my little corner!  I've set up camp towards the back of the store (between the where you get your SoCal Quilter's Run passport stamped and the food)...I'm hard to miss!  :) 

I have four sewing patterns for sale (Burlap Tote Bag, Diaper Wristlet, Nursing Cocoon, and Thread Catcher), as well as finished products of all of the aforementioned products.  In addition, I'm selling the Coffee Burlap Bags, so that you can make your own Tote Bag!

One last thing...see that sweet Tote Bag, sitting on the table (between the Nursing Cocoon, and the finished Coffee Burlap Tote Bag + behind the red and green fabric)?  Well, that is the Mini Burlap Tote Bag (measures 10" x 10", and 3.5" deep) which is a free bonus pattern that comes with the Burlap Tote Bag pattern...not too bad- eh?

I hope that everyone has enjoyed my mini tour of Fresh Picked Fabrics.  It's a really great place, and I TOTALLY think you should come in either this weekend (Thursday-Sunday) or the following weekend to take a look around.  Don't forget to stop me and say hello!  :)

Sewing Pattern Cover Photo Shoot

I hope that everyone had a great Memorial Day!  I got up extra early this morning to meet up with my sweet friend Christa, of Jae Photography, for a photo shoot.  I spent all day Sunday (and some of early Monday morning!) sewing up product samples for the photo shoot.  I know its not exactly the same, but I think I felt some of the same pressure that the designers on Project Runway feel before their deadlines!  :)

Okay, back to the photo shoot details.  The Thread Catcher, Diaper Pod, Coffee Burlap Tote Bag, and Nursing Cocoons were photographed for my sewing patterns (which I hope to make their debut no later than this weekend in the local quilt shop!).  {Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I WILL announce the name and location of the quilt shop after I'm all set up, and I'll probably provide a few too many photos for your viewing pleasure!}

Here's a sneak peek at one Christa's awesome photos!  Click HERE to see the rest!  :)

Oh My Goodness!!!

I'm so excited to share this quick vlog, regarding the exciting happenings from this morning! 

 

 

A BIG thank you to everyone for their continued love and support!  :) 

Vlog #2- Coffee Burlap Tote Bags!

I spent most of the weekend in my sewing studio, preparing for a shop update- woo hoo!  I began by cutting the burlap coffee bags Friday evening, sewed the linings and the outside of the bags on Saturday, and then top-stitched the bags on Sunday!  It took +/- three days to finish 8 Coffee Burlap Tote Bags, but I have to say it was nice to sew a little each day, rather than trying to start and finish eight bags in one sitting- oy!  :)

Here's a quick little vlog to introduce you to the recently completed Coffee Burlap Tote Bags.  I'm excited to introduce a couple of new burlap bag designs, as well as a one-of-a-kind bag!  :)

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at: squirmywormstudio (at) gmail (dot) com.

Creating A Bag From Scratch...

If you're looking for the Thread Catcher Pattern giveaway...click here!

I've been tossing around new product ideas for SquirmyWormStudio, and am looking into introducing a new Market Tote Bag (but no promises...yet!).  :)  I don't know about you, but I LOVE tote bags (I believe its an odd obsession that I've had since childhood)!  If you have the same love for tote bags, I would love to be your enabler!  ;)

After a long day working yesterday (plus a trip to the mechanic and tire place- ugh), I decided to take the night off and do some much needed sewing.  Whenever I work on creating a new design, I use my least favorite fabric (because I don't want to waste any of my cuteness), so please excuse the orange farm print below.  My idea for the new Market Tote Bag is to create a bag made from canvas, adorned with decorative fabric handles, and a few extra additions!  :)  Last night's time in the studio didn't produce exactly what I had in mind, but I did learn a lot, made a ton of notes, and know that the next time I have the chance to sew, that I'll knock the new Market Tote Bag out of the park!  :)  Here's a quick sneak peek of the boxed bottom with the fabric handles.

I also stopped at the fabric store to see what kind of colors of canvas I would be able to work with.  Look at those colors, as I think its almost every color under the rainbow!  :)

  

I'm working until the end of March, so I can't promise if or when I'll have the new Market Tote Bags listed in the shop, however I'm hoping its sooner rather than later.  I do have a quick question for all of my faithful readers and customers- do you prefer the choice of one bag (say I make 10 bags from the same color canvas and same fabric handles), or would you rather multiple bags (made from different color canvas and different fabric handles, but with only 2 bags or so per color combo)?  Happy Tuesday, everyone!  :)

Let's Celebrate With A Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed.

Hello friends!  It's Friday, my tutorial debuted on The Quilted Fish's blog, and I've sold 25 patterns in my Etsy shop, which means it's time to CELEBRATE!  :)  Let's celebrate with a giveaway (I hope that's a-okay with you)!  :)

Up for grabs is a Thread Catcher Pattern of your own (a PDF {print-at-home} sewing pattern)!

Squirmy Worm Studio's Thread Catcher consists of a weighted bag/pincushion with non-slip grip, enabling it to sit (and stay!) on the table, serving as a great portable trash bag for your favorite Seamstress/Crafter! If you're a Knitter or Crocheter, the Thread Catcher can be placed over the arm of your favorite chair and used to hold your skein of yarn.

The Thread Catcher approximately measures 14" long, with the bag measuring 8" tall x 5.5" in diameter, with a 2.5" boxed bottom. The bag is constructed with boning, enabling the bag to always remain open and ready for your scraps!

 

TO ENTER:

1. How would you use a Thread Catcher?  
(Perhaps you sew, quilt, scrapbook, knit, crochet, make jewelry, need something to hold the TV remotes, take road trips and need one for the car, and/or all of the above?)

2. Become a follower of my blog.
(The button is located towards the bottom of the right-hand column. If you are already a follower, please kindly remind me!) 

There are 2 possible entries, so please be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry, and make sure there is a way for me to contact you (leave your email address in your comment if you don't have a blog or if you post as Anonymous, as I need to be able to contact you when you win!).

This giveaway will be open for a few days (I'm walking on the wild side, without an exact ending date- ha!).  :)

 

Winners will be selected via Random.org.

The Little Business That Could...

I've been thinking of advertising for a while now (I won't specify EXACTLY how long I've been thinking, as I don't want to embarrass myself with my indecisiveness), but never seemed to find the right fit...that is until now!  Ladies and Gents, I've purchased my first advertising spot as I am now a sponsor on Take Heart- woo hoo!  I've been following Danielle's blog for some time now, and knew that her blog was the right fit for Squirmy Worm Studio as soon as I received my first email from Danielle!

PS- I know that I now only have 11 items in my shop- eeks!  I'll be sewing up additional items to add to the shop as soon as I can.  Does anyone have any special requests?

PPS- I delivered a Coffee Burlap Tote Bag to my coffee bag supplier yesterday and it was a hit!  He said that he was going to show the Tote Bag to the owners, in hopes of clearing some space in their coffee shops and allowing me to display some bags for sale.  I don't want to get too excited, just in case it ends up being a no go, but then again my Tote Bags may be for sale in a store- yippee!  :)

Notice A Change???

Hi Friends! If you're new, welcome, and if you're a regular you might have noticed a change or two!?!  I've been working with my sweet {new} friend Christa on a new blog design, as well as an awesome Etsy button, and an equally awesome Etsy banner! Christa is a very talented graphic design student and FIDM, and is working on launching CJae Photograpy & Design, so if you have a Facebook account, please do me a favor and 'like; Christa's page to stay up to date on her new business venture! :)

In case you missed it...below is the old and outdated blog design (by me)!  I don't think I can 100% express how excited I am to have a whole new look, and not to mention that Christa hand sketched the awesome sewing machine, as well as the Made With Love font- woo hoo!  (I'm telling you, she is crazy talented!)  Thanks again Christa!

Little Bitty Aprons!

Some of the best ideas for my shop come from my customers, and for that I am SO thankful! After seeing a photo of the aprons I made for my Momma and I for the Craft Show, my sister's co-worker placed a custom order for two children aprons! What makes the story even better, is that the aprons are going to two sweet little girls that are getting play kitchens for Christmas!


Not having made a child's apron before, I headed to Kohl's with my measuring tape in hand, to take some much needed measurements! The aprons turned out great and measure a perfect size 4t!

Diaper Pod Sewing Pattern- Now Available for Purchase!

I'm writing this post with a nervous stomach, as I FINALLY took the plunge and published my very own Diaper Pod pattern for purchase on Etsy...eeks!!!


The Diaper Pod pattern is a 4 page PDF file featuring clear and concise directions with 12 supporting step-by-step photos. I hope the pattern is a hit, as I already have plans to work on a pattern for my Thread Catchers! :)

Cyber Monday Coupon Code!

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Just a friendly reminder...I've posted a coupon code on Squirmy Worm Studio's Facebook page! In celebration of Cyber Monday, Squirmy Worm Studio is offering a percentage off all purchases made today, 11/29/10! Enter the coupon code during checkout and the discount will be applied! If you have any issues feel free to contact me at squirmywormstudio@gmail.com.

Happy shopping! :)

Cyber Monday...Etsy Style!

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Cyber Monday is a week away! Black Friday scares me, due to the crazy crowds and sleep deprived people, however I can do Cyber Monday! :)

I have plans of sewing like a crazy woman this week in order to prepare the shop for the Cyber Monday shoppers! I have product that I need to photograph and upload to Etsy from the Craft Show, but in addition I have plans of sewing up new Coffee Burlap Tote Bags, Large Zippered Pouches, and of course some of the Appliqued Zippered Pouches.

Stay tuned on Squirmy Worm Studio's Facebook page, as there just might be a discount code issued in celebration of Cyber Monday! See you then! :)

Trying To Streamline My Production Process...

I've always had high goals of streamlining my production process, as I think it is the secret to any successful business- right? From the get go the most tedious part of my production process is making my cute (and must have) Squirmy Worm Studio tags!


For the most part, everything that leaves my studio is either tagged with a Squirmy Worm Studio tag or a Handmade by Candice tag, both of which take precious time to make. I've been thinking about it for a while and wonder if delegating the making of my Squirmy Worm Studio tags to Miss Label is right for me.

Do you use sewing tags, and if so do you make your own or buy them from a professional? :)

Definitely Worth the Wait!!!

If you've been following me for a while now, you know that I'm smitten with burlap coffee tote bags, and that I've been working on the perfect proportions/design for WAY too long. I finally sat down Saturday to work on and complete a tote bag, as I had planned on gifting it to a sweet friend on Sunday (nothing like waiting until the last minute!!!).


I experienced a few setbacks on Saturday, but was able to complete a stylish burlap coffee tote on-time, and without any tears- woo hoo! :)


The bag measures 17" wide x 13" tall and 6" deep. The handles have a 9.75" drop from the top of the bag, perfect length for both hand and shoulder carrying. The handles were sewn a couple of times for extra support, and the bag is fully lined. What do you think? :)


I'm working on additional tote bags for the Craft Show, and hope to add some to my Etsy shop in the near future. As always, if you are interested in a product or are thinking about a custom order, please feel free to email me at squirmywormstudio@gmail.com!

Learning Experience and New Products!

Just a warning for sewers everywhere... I used to be one that swore by a Point Turner and Seam Creaser, as it really was my best friend. However I've had unfortunate luck this weekend while finishing my projects as the Point Turner has poked through the fabric a time or two- eek! I'm not sure if there is anything more disappointing than coming to an end of a project and then making an oopsy. So, if you are (or were) and avid user of a Point Turner, like myself, please know your strength and learn form my mistakes! :)


On a happier note, I've been working on a new line of Zippered Pouches for my Etsy shop! To date I've made a happy flower and a darling tree, and I have so many more ideas in store for future pouches! The pouches measure 5" x 7" and are made out of canvas, which stands up to almost anything! The edges of the sweet designs will fray overtime which only adds extra character to the pouch! :)


While we are on the topic of new products, make sure you come back on Monday as I have a sweet giveaway planned for your budding artist (aka- child, niece/nephew, grandchild, neighbor kid, etc!). I'll see you then! :)

"Shop 'til You Drop" Christmas Boutique!

I'm so excited to announce (and a teeny bit nervous!) that I sent in the registration form for my first craft show- woo hoo! Squirmy Worm Studio will be at the Grace Harbor Church's 6th annual "Shop 'til You Drop" Christmas Boutique on Friday, November 12th from 3-8pm.

I've been to plenty of craft shows, but as I mentioned this will be my first as a vendor, which is a huge leap of faith! My momma has graciously offered to help me man my booth, which is such a blessing as she definitely has the personality and accounting skills to make a successful vendor! Between now and November I plan to build my inventory as well as introduce new products. I'm hoping that crayon rolls, key/id badge fabric lanyards, and fabric flowers will appeal to the masses as well as the burlap coffee tote bags (that I'm still trying to figure out...darn burlap!). :)

Also on my to-do-list is to make two cute and sassy vendor aprons for the event...one for me and one for my helper!

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Before you go, I would be tickled pink if you would be willing to leave your craft show experience/tips/suggestions as a comment, so that I show up to the event with the knowledge of an experienced vendor! :)

New Products- Woo Hoo!

I'm happy to announce that I've added Zippered Pouches to the shop- woo hoo! The Zippered Pouches measure approximately 10" wide x 7" tall with a 2" box bottom. The Pouches are constructed with a layer of quilt batting, which makes it soft to the touch and durable, and are top stitched and adorned with ric rac (my favorite!).


The Zippered Pouches are great make-up bags, toiletry bags, medical supply bags, bridesmaid gifts, diaper bag organizers...as always, the possibilities are endless!


If you ever have any suggestions for new products, or are interested in a custom order you can reach me at squirmywormstudio@gmail.com! :)

The Handmade Marketplace

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For those of you who know me in real life, you know that I'm a thinker who is easily frightened by change and has a hard time making decision. Needless to say the day I lost my job my world was spinning! A short 3 months ago (a month and a half before I lost my job) I opened Squirmy Worm Studio- a place to sell handmade goodies, build friendships, and an avenue to spread handmade love. I have to say that although my business is still new, and a bit awkward at times, I am so thankful to have something to wake up to everyday (other than Live with Regis and Kelly!). ;)

I moved all of my sewing paraphernalia over to my parent's house and when I'm not looking for employment opportunities, Stuart and I go over to my parent's house to work a half a day or so in my one person sweat shop. Last night I was over at my parent's house sewing when my Momma handed me The Handmade Marketplace, by Kari Chapin.

I opened the book and the very first sentence is "Why do you create?"...which got me thinking. Personally, I sew and craft because I love seeing what I can do with my hands. I would say that sewing helps me de-stress, but that would be a big fat lie as I'm always stressing about deadlines, fabric combinations, and slightly imperfect top-stitching, but that's who I am! I grew up in a crafty household as my Momma sews, cross stitches, and did her share of shrinky dinks and puff paint when they were the in style! My little sister was always working on something whether it was a sewing project or a polymer clay figurines. I guess you can say that crafting is in my gene pool!

Why do you create?

P.S.- Keep an eye out as I'm adding a new product to my shop! I'm quite excited about the reveal! :)