Some quilting and sewing

Mini Quilts

Hello, how are you doing? I've been busy with many random things the past few weeks. I share this scrappy mini pillow on my Instagram a few weeks ago. I made it for fun and to test hand quilting using cotton thread which I got from the local shop.  The mini pillow is for wrist pillow when I am working on my computer. And I just had fun while taking photos. Hmm, I think it can be a doll pillow too. 

I also finished a couple of wallet orders and face mask orders too. Thank you for always supporting handmade! I know there is a lot of more pretty stuff out there that is cheaper and prettier, so I am truly grateful when someone chooses to buy my handmade instead. It really means a lot. 

In the past 2 years, the e-commerce business has really boomed and the online market is flooded with all kinds of products. And of course, the competition is tougher too. It is a very challenging year but I believe that if we create with heart and sincerity, it will pay off. I always try to move forward at my own pace. Although sometimes, I got caught up in the 'rate race" of social media. I think we should not lose focus on our goals, things that make us happy. For me, to be able to create something and share my knowledge makes me happier. This reminded me of one quote from one drama I watched that goes

" you cannot just move forward and leave your heart behind".

 

This statement stuck with me for a few days, trying to make a sense of it. What do you think of the quote? 

Mini Zipper Wallet

Ikat Family Passport Holder

Singing Face Masks

I started another Kawandi pillow too and this is the current state! I am still not able to get time to continues as I am currently working on my next pattern! I hope I will be able to release the pattern by end of next week. 

There are so many things  I want to learn and experiment with.  Well, I did a couple of experiments that were halfway done and stashed in my WIP box. I think I will just make a video and show you all what's on my WIP box one day. 

Kawandi Pillow WIP

I also went with my son for his IELTS tests last week. The place was near my fave shop, so I went there (after 2 years!)  and a pick up a couple of kurtas. I can't resist Indian print tunics! 

And when you saw the window with patterns that remind you of quilting lines, you must take a photo! Yup, that was me, taking a selfie with the window :)

looking out 

The weather is pretty chilly and dry these past few days. My MIL's flowers are blooming beautifully this time. No, I can't grow plants. Somehow, they always die when I try to grow one. LOL. 

We also got a new baby calf yesterday.

Thank you for stopping by! Wherever you are, please take care and stay safe! 

Have a nice day,

Elvira

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Busy Weeks

Indian Fabric Bundles

I've been very busy in the past two weeks following my decision to discontinue selling fabrics. After checking my stocks, I decided to create another Webshop, just for fabrics. Since I have many varieties, I thought it will be easier for the buyers to check in one website instead of messaging me on Instagram or Facebook. It will be an easier and cheaper option for me to have a full catalog on one website. What do you think?

I will try to finish importing all the listings from Etsy by the end of the month, as I plan to discontinue selling fabrics there from January 2022 onwards. Many of my friends asked me WHY? Well, frankly, I started selling fabrics just for FUN and as I am getting more buyers, I don't really enjoy it anymore. I just want to do more sewing and quilting as I don't see myself being a full-fledged fabric shop owner in the future. 

I got the idea from one of the blogs (sorry I forgot, I will put the link when I recall it) about destashing by offering Pay Shipping Only. I listed a couple of embroidered applique motifs and they are sold out in a couple of hours. I will be adding more as I have a few ribbons and what's not from my dressmaking days. 

 Setting up a new website ( I use Ecwid) is super easy as I can start selling within a few minutes. However, importing listing, photos, and writing details take a bit of time. I'm working on it for a couple of hours in the morning in the past few days and in the evening I work on my orders and WIPS. Sometimes I wish I had a magic wand! 

Here's a couple of sewing that I completed these past few days! 

This passport holder was ready to sew a few weeks ago! So happy to finally finish it. I still have a couple more to complete.  Meanwhile, this family passport wallet is available in the Shop now. 

Ohana Family Passport Wallet | Pattern

This small wallet is one wallet that I never get tired of making. You can find the pattern with the video tutorial here. 

Small Fabric Wallet

NUNO SMALL WALLET

My sister in Indonesia also asked for more face masks, so I'll be making more of this breathe easy face mask and sending them to my sisters and my mom. 

International shipping is pretty challenging in the past 2 years. And the most recent one was that for now, India Post will not send mails to US and Canada until further notice. As a small business owner/Etsy India sellers, this is really a big blow for the business, since most of us rely on India Post for cheaper shipping rates. For now, there's a major delay delivering orders even via FedEx. I've been sending orders via DHL Express in the past weeks. Even though it is more expensive but it is more reliable. 

I wish Etsy will have a better Delivery Setting. Just like on my Website, where I can set up shipping to certain countries with multiple shipping options. Buyers can choose the shipping that fits their budget. 

Kids face mask with head loop

So that's all that kept me busy in the past weeks. Now I need to take a break, enjoy some slow stitching and maybe make Indonesian Satay for the boys :)

Thank you for stopping by today, have a wonderful day!

Elvira

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Hello December

my home studio where all the sewing happens

My December started with a lot of blessings. First, Tina Katwal came to my city and she visited me! I was so excited when she told me a few weeks ago. Finally, I get to meet the leader in our Desi Quilters (the biggest Quilt Guild in India). We've known each other for almost a decade on Facebook. She's an accomplished quilter and entrepreneur. Her studio, the Square Inch in Chennai is literally our go-to shop for anything related to quilting or sewing! Online and Offline. It was really an honor to meet her and hopefully, I can visit her in the near future. 

We talked about quilts and more quilts and a lot of plans for the Desi Quilters activities. I really admire her passion to take Indian Quilter society to the next level, from managing the group to organizing the India Quilt Festival. The first Quilt Festival in India and also showcasing Indian Quilts in several cities in India. Kudos to her! Do check out her Facebook Page or visit her Website to see more. 

Thank you Tina for the beautiful gifts!

The second thing is I woke up to an email from Etsy that I'm a star seller for the month of December. Wow, I really did not expect this! There are a lot of opinions when Etsy first launch the star seller badge and honestly, I still have a mixed feeling about it. Especially as a handmade seller who creates the product from scratch by myself. It's really a nice surprise and a good feeling as the badge is a validation and recognition of your hard work and services. Thank you for all your supports! I would not be able to achieve it without your love and supports! 

Sewing wise, in the last couple of days, I finished quite a few wallets, for orders and stock. This family passport wallet in world map print is pretty popular and from these two wallets, only one is available now in the shop now. I still have a little bit of map print fabrics, but I think I'm going to make a new family passport wallet for myself. We need a new one anyway! 

Map print family travel wallet

Don't you love these cute zipper ends?

I love this linen floral print wallet so much and I am using one myself. It's also available in Blue with the same beige combination. Nowadays I made more zipper closure wallets and I love it too. Especially I love using a single tape zipper.  You can check the tutorial HERE (for the family passport wallet) or HERE for the mall wallet.

Linen Wallet

Lavender Wallet

Bifold Wallet

Snoopy Wallet

Zip Around Wallet

I am still following the time blocking plan and frankly, it makes me more focused and relaxed, especially with a lot of things are going on right now. I still have a basket full of WIPS but I am working on it slowly, as time permits. With the combination of time blocking and batching, I am sure we can be more productive. 

The lake near my sons' school

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Sewing,

Elvira

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A few WIP hand quilted projects

Quilt in Progress

 

Hello, 

Time flies when you have fun. For the past 2 weeks, I have been busy with a few quilt projects and wallet making for my Etsy Shop. And I also working on my Kawandi QAL which sadly I have not been able to work on it so much. I really enjoy doing this hand quilting and want to start quilting on bigger quilts when I have enough confidence. Right now I have a few smaller projects going on, I'll do it one at a time as time permits. Now both my sons are going to have board exam for grade 10 and 12 and that really make me nervous, though they seem to relax, this hand quilting projects help me to calm down a bit. My DH keeps telling me not to get anxious and he keeps sending me to my sewing room hahaha. 

hand quilted table topper 14 x 14 inches

QIP using Handloom /Shotcotton fabrics

On the (small) business side, yesterday I finally got the dust bags for my wallets from Canvas2Craft. I ordered the bags a couple of weeks ago and Poonam is very helpful and lovely to work with. She updates me about the progress and makes sure everything was per my requirements. 

Dust Bag and Family Passport Holder

I always wanted to make dust bags as an added bonus for my customers, so that they can reuse the bag. Instead of wrapping them in paper, this reusable bag will be more useful and eco-friendly too. So here is the first order that goes in the bag. Yes, the small quilt above. I think I will order another size. 

Another happiness last week comes from Saira my secret swap partner in Desi Quilters Love and Healing Swap. When she posted her pouch in the group, I secretly wish for it et voila! My wish come true. The bag is so spacious and I use it to keep my hand quilting projects. She also sent me the pin and magnetic pins. If you're a hijabi, like me, you know these magnetic pins are a game-changer. Thank you so much, Saira!

I also completed a few wallet orders from my Etsy Shop. These two wallets are popular. I only have enough fabric to make a few more wallets. And now that many states are going to restart offline school, I made a couple of triple and double zipper pouches too. They are very versatile as you can keep extra face masks for them. I guess, we all have to accept the fact that wearing a face mask is necessary even when the pandemic is over. At least, that will be our first guard against any virus, IMHO. 

My fave wallets

Multi Zipper Bag

Triple Zipper Bag


Thats' all update for today. I hope you enjoy reading my blog. 
Take care and stay safe!

Elvira

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Pattern Update: New Video for Family Passport Wallet Pattern

Get the Pattern on Etsy

The Family Passport Wallet is my first Pattern that I release a few years ago. Although I write blogs and tutorials, but pattern is totally a different experience. I will try to keep sharing the updates through this blog. I'm thinking of re-writing the pattern but it will be difficult to resend the pattern to those who already purchase it. So, I thought sharing an update in this blog and my Youtube Channel is the best solution for all. 

The question I got the most is about assembling the passport slot and the zipper pocket. So, here's the updated version on how to make the passport slot and the mini zipper pocket. The method is  slightly different from the pattern: 

Mini Zipper Pocket (Easy Method)

Passport Slot (Easy Method)

I hope you find the videos helpful!

 Please subscribe to my blog and Youtube Channel so that you won't miss an update. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Happy Sewing

- Elvira- 

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Resources: 

Family Passport Holder Pattern
How to do Zip Around Closure Wallet

Travel Wallet for Family

Get the Pattern on Etsy

I finished this family passport wallet few days ago! I just got a new sublimation heat press machine which works amazingly for attaching interfacing. Thanks Namrata for the recommendation! Naturally I have to try it immediately.

The machine is quite big and for now I set it up in my kitchen! I can finish attaching interfacing for 5 projects in less than 5 minutes! How cool is that!! Hmm, I think I can iron my scraps there too, that will be faster, right!

Zip Around Passport Holder

The heat transfer machine is definitely a game changer. The interfacing is attached evenly and firmly! I got it from Amazon India for INR 16K. Not a bad deal since it's free delivery too.

The second good thing I got is the pegboard! I always wanted to have Ikea Pegboard and after my visit to Ikea in Jakarta last summer, it's been on my mind. A good friend Wulan, who lives in Hyderabad offered me to get it for me and of course I said YES ! Thanks dear <3 . Though the shipping cost quite a bit but it was worth it!  I hope they will open a branch in Northeast India soon :D. 

What do you think? 

Thank you for stopping by,

Have a nice day!

~ Elvira~

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