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For the past few days, I've been working in creating 2 new summer tanks. After trying them on today, I realised I wasn't happy with one of them so it's back to the drawing board with that one.

I was able to take a quick picture of the one I am happy with. Unfortunately, it's a white fabric and the lights reflects off it weird-ly. I'll need to experiment with different types of background to make it look nice. Once I get good pictures, I'll be listing it in my Etsy shop.

TransCanada Etsy Team Treasure Hunt

The TransCanada Etsy Team is having a treasure hunt to celebrate Canada Day. You can win a fabulous 100% Canadian made goodie bag donated by various team members.

Below is a list of questions and the participating shops. Search the shops and answer at least 10 of the questions to be entered into a random draw to win our Team Canada Goodie Bag! Check out our Team Shop for an example of the goodie bag!

When you are ready to submit your answers, please contact PiggytailsStationary through her Etsy shop! Submit your answers by MONDAY JULY 7th!!!!!

Questions:

#1
Which Saskatchewan jewelry artist has over 350 sales?
#2
Which Winnipeg artist lives in a small rural community with her husband, 2 kids, cats and a dog?
#3
Who has poppies in her avatar?
#4
Which Ontario Etsian has 3 etsy shops?
#5
Who has a link to a supply shop with the number 28 in the shop name?
#6
Which BC artist grew up in South Africa?
#7
Which Edmonton artist makes dinner napkins?
#8
Who has a thing for Giraffe's?
#9
Which jewelry artist gives a description on how to determine your ring size?
#10
Which Ontario Etsian is a stay at home Mom to 3 girls?
#11
Which artist has a love of books?
#12
Whose favourite saying is "Black is easy. Colour is hard"?
#13
Which artist is moonlighting as a Tree Nymph?
#14
Which Edmonton artist has a category for sock monkeys?
#15
Whose colourful shop features vintage fabrics and was an Etsy Featured Seller?
#16
Whose store is named after fruit?
#17
Which Eco conscious artist is generating good vibes?
#18
Who is a published knitwear designer and mom to 3 boys?
#19
Which jewelry shop is owned by 2 sisters? One in Canada and the other in Australia?
#20
Whose shop name was inspired by and named for her two daughters?
#21
Whose Etsy banner has hearts on it and a heart in her shop name?
#22
Which jewelry artist creates from refashioned vintage items and has an entirely blue banner?
#23
Who went to College in Nova Scotia but now lives in Vancouver?


Search these TCET shops for the answers:

PiggytailsStationary
Starry-Eyed Studios
Rikrak
Mieldesigns
DesignedbyRJ
Minouette
Tanisalexis
iheartthatdance
LauraBucci
Enthral
WillowCatStudio
WoolThing
OCBaby
Divalovessilver
puncezilla
Needlequeen
pinkfiredesigns
siiso
Myhandboundbooks
elanknits
inkyspider
jenmerritt
pearandplum

Sewing tip -leftover soap

I love using a thin leftover bar of soap to mark lines on dark fabric. It's a great alternative to using tailor's chalk. It's good for the environment as well as the pocketbook. Just make sure it's nice and dry before you start using it.

In the picture below, I'm marking a line on the stretch jersey to make a 1/2" band as part of the
finishing on a halter top. I bet you thought soap was just for washing !

Sewing and Pattern Drafting courses

I am pleased to announce that I will be offering summer courses in my Ottawa home studio. I offer an alternative to taking lengthy part-time classes and I teach what you want to learn. Courses are offered in french or english and can be paid on a daily basis.

• Basic sewing course

Choose one of the following patterns (pj bottom/top, skirt, drawstring pant/capris) and we'll go through the steps together. You'll learn the patterns symbols and terminology, measuring techniques, assembly, interfacing/facing, pressing technique and finishing. I can also teach you alteration techniques and tricks.

• Basic serger course

Learn how to properly thread your serger. Learn all the different stitches with 3 threads and 4 threads. Sew a few examples (tshirt, tank top..) using only the serger.

• Pattern drafting course

Learn how to draft your own patterns using standard blocks. Learn how to alter your pattern after a fitting. Grading for commercial purposes also available.

• Kids/teen sewing camp

Kids camp days are available for July and August only. Courses will begin at 9am and finish around 3pm with a half hour lunch (after/pre care also available). Student will learn the basic requirements to sew and will hopefully be able to complete 2 projects per day. Prior sewing experience is not necessary. Student will be required to bring their own sewing machine and materials . Maximum of 3 kids per day.

A student's list of bring-to-class supplies will be provided upon request. You can also view my studio here. Please contact me for more information.

**Please note: no classes will be given in SUMMER of 2009 **

Craft Magazine blog

I'm so excited! I just received my daily email from Craft Magazine and I was mentioned in their CRAFT Flickr Pool Weekly Roundup. YaaaaaaaY!

They featured my NYC skirt that's made out of recycled t-shirts. It's still available in my Etsy shop.

A few vintage dresses

I picked up these vintage dresses last week. I'm going to attempt to modernized them and resell them on Etsy. My boyfriend gave me a snarky "good luck " comment. I'll be sure to post the before and after pictures when I'm done.

The polka dot dress still has the original tag attached with the designer name Kayman of Toronto. The second dress is silk (oh la la !) and has the name of Jack Mulque of NY on the tag. I tried to Google these names but nothing came up. If anyone recognizes these names please let me know :)

Montreal craft show

If you're in the Montreal area this weekend be sure to check the out the Fringe Bazaar. It's their first year and they already have more than 60 exhibitors. You can get more information on their website at www.craftmafiamontreal.com .

Front page and new addtitions

I was lucky to find myself on Etsy's front page last week. It may have been Friday the 13th, but it turned out to be a lucky day for me. This treasury was made by fellow Canadian Tanis Alexis, you can check out her awesome shop here.

Here are also a few additions to my Etsy store:

Retro - vintage scarf top

Beige sunflowers - vintage scarf top

One for me, one for you Dress

Business cards

I finally got my business cards from Overnight Prints (US based) last week. I really like them but I won't be ordering any more from this company. They made a mistake on my invoice which ending up costing me an extra $20 to UPS in brokerage fees. I called UPS right away and they were very nice in explaining that if OP could send a corrected invoice I would get my fees refunded. YaY! I emailed OP and explained the situation. A few days letter, I got an email from their customer service rep saying "my request may or may not be processed". What..?

Well, it's been a week since I received the last email so I'll take that as a NOT.

Rant over!

Melvin and Fluffy

Doesn't it look like fun to be a cat. You get to lay on the couch all day like Melvin or pretend to be a centerpiece like Fluffy.

More blog action

I just discovered I was featured on 2 blogs over the weekend. The first is a great blog called Vintage Indie Magazine. Their slogan is "living a modern life with a vintage perspective". Very Cool!

The second is called Indie Gals Vintage & Indie Clothing, Accessories and Jewelry Finds. They feature the best indie styles on the web. I also discovered another designer Erika Hendrix. On her website, where it mentions she's attending Ottawa Fashion Week. There's an Ottawa Fashion Week? I'm so out of the loop...