The Sunday Six

I was called a "talented designer" this week.  Me?  I guess I do design things, but do I deserve the moniker of "designer"?  I aspire to do so, but I still can't believe that someone else sees me as such.

Now these people?  I call them designers.  Talented designers even.  The photos speak for themselves.

1.  Sewing in no-man's land.  She recently put designed this beautiful baby outfit for Project Run and Play that I almost want a baby girl to put it on.  And her aprons?  To die for. Go over there and give her some bloggy love.  Wow.

OMG! Cuteness overload!  Now THAT is designing.

2.  This Mabey Heaven.  Hair accessories that require a sense of design that I cannot seem to fathom.  I love her materials and the unexpected materials and shapes.  Check out her upcycled sweaters and skirts too.  Talented Designer.

3.  Moda Bake Shop.  The Moda Fabrics ideas blog.  All their patterns are "recipes".  Tutorials galore.  Amazing eye for the awesome.  Sometimes I just go over there and stare at stuff for 30 minutes or so.  Talented Designers, all.

4.  Alma Stoller.  Just go.  A feast for the eyes.  Amazing Ideas.  Fabulous photos.  Fantastic-ness.  Enough superlative adjectives?  Mixed media art and jewelry.  Just go.  Talented Designer.

5.  Trey and Lucy.  Hair accessories.  Simple, yet innovative needs for the home.  Adorable pics of the kiddos.  Giant Fabric Flowers to go onto anything.  Original ideas.  Talented Designer.

6.  And last, but not least.  You want talented designers?  Go to the Paradise Blog.  This is the group of designers from Etsy shops that I got together with a few weeks ago to chat, shop, and commiserate over low sales weeks with.  All talented designers.  And people I owe thanks to for much of my shop traffic and sales. Thank you Paradise.

There you go.  Talented designers all.  Me?  I'm still not sure.

Inspired.

 I'm sure you peruse the blogs, looking for ideas on what to make, right?  I mean, I will spend HOURS looking over blogs at the beautiful things folks whip up, and am so inspired.  By the time my 3 cups of coffee are gone on Saturday mornings, I bust a move and try to replicate what I've seen.

I'm not always successful, but here are a few inspirations that have been sewn up on my cheap Brother sewing machine into things I am proud to gift to my loved ones.

The first comes from Luv in the Mommy Hood, where she made the "Infinity and Beyond" Flannel Scarf.  This thing very nearly made it into the "I know I should gift this, but I think I need it."  No one would ever know if this joined the Cashmere throw that I had to keep, or the jersey necklace (post coming soon!) that became a staple of my wardrobe.  Right?  Right?

My pictures suck, I know- click on that link above to see someone who actually knows how to handle a  camera.  Photography must improve if I want to start this Etsy business, but I digress.


Next came the Flower in my Hair from Trey and Lucy.  I tried.  I really tried.  But, for some reason, I could not replicate her beautiful flower exactly.  I'm still happy with the outcome though, made for a sister in law who adores purple.

 I've included both a barrette and a pin on the back.  Wear it in your hair or on your purple coat, sis!

And last, but not least- I made this beautiful scarf with the combined inspiration of many, many sites.  I can't wait to see her face when she gets it.  It is just sooooo her.

I know, I know.  Dress for success.  Or shower at the very least...

 So there it is.  Everything I've sewn for Christmas so far.  Run over to One Pretty Thing and get inspired.  They have foodie crafts too.  Stay tuned for that.  I'm going to try my hands at hot chocolate on a stick, people!

Check in this weekend for a tutorial on how to upcycle an old skirt into a cute apron!