Fussy Cut Friday (or, Some Things Never Change)

I'm still fussy cutting fabrics in order to match patterns. Loving it, though, especially with my latest pattern: The Craft Corral. If you don't need a tote for knitting, crocheting, or embroidery projects, it's quite handy as a Car Caddy, too. And--are you ready for this?--it has 15 pockets! This will likely be the first pattern I create in .pdf format to sell for other seamstresses to make.

Yes, I said "seamstresses." Cannot get used to seeing "sewers" used in reference to women who sew. I mean, where I come from, sewers are something entirely different....

Blogging is not my forte (just in case you haven't noticed). I won't go into the reasons why, but one of them is the sheer time it takes to upload photos. When I add a listing to my etsy shop, it can upwards of 45 minutes to load 5 photos. A few months ago, I decided to make some changes, and try to find an easier way to upload photos. I gave in and purchased a smart phone, with hopes that it would improve my Internet life out here in the country. Not only did it not, it won't even receive calls while I'm in the house.

I'll add more photos to this post in the morning. (It's A.M., and during two cups of coffee, I uploaded additional pics.) Adding three took several minutes, and this ol' cowgirl is gonna turn in.

 

Red Hot

They say we're breaking temp records today, and I don't doubt it. Even with the central AC unit fighting for all its worth, my upstairs studio is red hot. In keeping, here's a look at some of the red hot fabrics I recently bought out West:

The one on the left has been seen in two other colorways in my shop, made into Card Corrals.
Those will be back soon.

This is just about the most gorgeous faux leather I've ever seen!
(Here's hoping my sewing machine can handle it.)

Paisley...I'm always drawn to it. I'm anxious to see what other fabrics in my stash go with that small red print.
Candy Moulton (dear friend and the new executive director for Western Writers of America) once told me that she loves bear fetishes. Ever since, they make me think of Candy.
I'm thinking of pairing this wonderful print with the brown tooled-leather cotton....

A fabulous Navajo print in four different colorways!

Etsy Front Page!

Remember that Card Corral? The Navajo design with colors that remind me of Santa Fe? It made the front page of Etsy. A real honor. I'm beyond excited. Much thanks to the Treasury curator, Kimberly, of 14xbags!

I'm Trendy. Who knew?

Sandra, a fellow Etsian who blogs at A Little More Than Life, kindly included one of my Card Corrals in her Sweet Finds segment. Today's subject: geometric trends. If you like geometric design, you'll like checking out her choices. Thanks, Sandra!

Five Six Seven Eight...

When I hear that music beat, prepping one to move at a certain pace, my mind always sets it in quick-time. But, my body? Not so quick. Both mind and body got derailed with a trip to the hospital (no serious worries to report), and I got a bit behind on everything, including reporting features in treasuries. Numbers six, seven, and eight for my Navajo Card Corral in Santa Fe colorway. (That particular card case remains popular. Wish I knew the secret why....)

Side note: When I asked my daughter for a reaction to "five six seven eight," she said, "Who do we appreciate?" I'll tell you who: All those who have shown some love to Thread West. Thanks, everyone.

"Navajo Traveler," curated by B0nafide Vintage. Thanks, Kate...


"South X Southwest," curated by wetlaundry. Thanks, Lynsey...


"Part of the Tribe," curated by SprocketDynamics. Thanks, Jessi...

Five Golden Rings...

Fifth Treasury for my Southwest Card Corral, and it feels like Christmas!
Curator: Starfly Creations. Thanks, Starla, for including this in "The Beauty of the Southwest."

The Card Corral: Treasury #4

 The Card Corral did it again. Chosen for the Treasury titled, "Tribal Inspired." (Last row, #1.) Curator: WhiteFoxDesigns117. Thanks, Shannon!

Stampede!

Sure, to some Etsy shop owners, this isn't much, but to me it feels like a stampede. Another Treasury, this time it's my Wild Horses Wristlet. Second row, item #4. Thanks, Genevieve, of Turquoise & Bone!

Third Time's a Charm

The Card Corral (my original card case design) in the Navajo blanket print from what I call the Santa Fe colorway is featured in another Etsy Treasury (top row, #3). Thanks, Tara!

The Card Corral Scores Again!

My Card Corral, which was featured a few weeks ago in the Etsy Treasury, "Colors of the River Canyon," has been chosen again. This time, it's featured in the Treasury, "Under the Desert Sun." (Top row, last image.) Thank you, Iveth!

Wednesday's West--hunting down the goods

It's challenging, living in Michigan and locating fabrics with appealing western design. Granted, it's much easier with the Internet (except that I'm Connection Challenged here in the sticks). Although it's easier, ordering online also means that I'm not always sure what the exact color will be, or the scale of the pattern.... It took awhile to round up The Sierra Trail collection from Windham Fabrics, but it was worth it for these fabulous Navajo designs and wild horses. Here are a few items I've made from part of the collection. You can find them in my etsy shop:

 

Navajo Handbag with Spanish Cross concho and lots of details!

Two-Step (Wristlet/Clutch) with 6 Credit Card Slots

The Card Corral in Navajo blanket print and lined with clay pottery print

The Card Corral in Navajo blanket print and lined with horseshoe print

"Round Up Your Gear" in this large makeup (or gadget) pouch.