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

*******

linking up to this Wonderful BLOGS

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

*****************

Linking up to these wonderful BLOGS

*****************