SAVE HANDMADE

There have been many concerns with indi artists, crafters, and small toy manufacturers about the new Consumer Products Saftey Improvement Act. This puts new restrictions on toys. Which is a good thing considering the recent issues of lead found in toys. However it will put small indipendent creaters out of business because of the testing that is required is to expensive. I think testing is fine but the cost is outragious. What I don't really understand is that most of us are creating work from supplies bought out in retail. Shouldn't that stuff have been tested for lead and phithalates? If I make a plushy out of fleece sold at Joann's is that not tested? I could understand if I raise my own sheep and make my own wool, or make my own dyes, etc. If I was creating the materials to make the item then I think there is an area for concern. This doesn't exactly affect me since my work isn't really geared for children. I even specify that it's not. But it kind of walks that fine line. Anyway, I know many people who make items for children and will be directly affected by this. To get more info go here.

ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

Not exactly another exciting pic but it's all I've been working on. So I'm ready to start sewing all the pieces together. Once I have this done it'll just be a matter of sewing the top and bottom pieces together and adding any final detailing. I've got to get moving, I've only got about 2 1/2 weeks to finish these guys.

BITS AND PIECES

Well here's what I've been up to for the past week. I'm working on twenty of my FeeJee Mermaids. These will be going to Schmancy in Seattle in mid May.
I've never made this many duplicates of anything and I feel like I'm going a bit crazy. It wasn't to bad cutting out 20 faces and fins but then there are 40 arms and little ears. I thought my hands were going to fall off. My hats off to those who can do this. I find I get frustrated easily making the same thing over and over. I'm very impatient and just want to move on to the next thing. But this is a great opportunity that I couldn't pass up. I know I'll be pleased with them when I see them all finished and sitting grouped together in a box.

HAPPY EASTER!

SHINY AND NEW

Last week we finished decorating our bedroom. All new paint, furniture and bedding. When we moved into the house we painted it the same color as the bedroom at the old house because it matched our bedding. We were tired of the color green and the light oak furniture so we decided to redo it. Furniture is from Home Decorators. We got a new bed, dresser, bookshelves and nightstands. I know a lot of people don't like HD but we've always been pleased. To save money we picked it up and put it all together. Cream bedspread, brown shams, and brown blanket, along with brown drapes, came from JC Penny. I used Michael Millers Pod Posey Fabric to make two pillow shams and decorative pillows. Can't remember the paint color but it's Valspar American Traditions from Lowes. We've tried many paints and in my opinion it's the best. Pretty much a one coat application paint. So two weekends of work and it's done and super pretty. The only thing missing is a nice flat screen tv.

SUMMER SEWIN' ALMOST COMPLETE

I finally got around to finishing up these tanks for my daughter from the fabric I bought a while ago. I think they turned out pretty cute. I also made 2 pairs of shorts and 2 pairs of capris to match. I used Simplicity pattern 5982, a very easy pattern. I also finished two other sun dresses for myself that I'll try and get a pic of as well. I'm just about done with all my clothes sewing projects...of course now the garden is calling.