Sewing a swirl on my denim Market bag with my Industrial Pfaff 563.

So as much as this video did turn out, it isn't what I planned. I tried to do a whole tutorial. But it seems that my phone doesn't want to take long videos. Maybe it is the remote thing that starts and stops the video hands free. Anyway, its something I need to figure out. I also have to research how people get a good view of the sewing surface of the machine. I haven't found a spot with a good view that doesn't get in the way of the sewing. Forward march! Not giving up :)

Recycled Denim Jacket with Circle Appliques

(this post contains affiliate links. Thank you!!)

 So, I've been recycling denim jeans for a while now. I'm working on creating a website, but for now the etsy shop will have to do. I'm selling in galleries and the response has been fantastic! I'm always looking for ways to make my denim more interesting and I stumbled upon the idea to add circles to my jacket and bags.

I started out cutting all the circles by hand, with a cardboard template and scissors, but you know that got old fast! Then I found these OLFA Rotary Circle Cutters and I thought I found what I needed to cut all of my circles! Nope. That too got old, and my fingers got sore. I tried many different hand held and automated cutters with frustrating results.

Finally, I tried GO! Baby Fabric Cutter . THIS was the equipment I was looking for. I still use the GO! Baby for the circles because I have two dies with various sizes, but as they get dull I will upgrade to the dies for the Accuquilt Studio Fabric Cutter.
Yup, I purchased the Studio Cutter. I had to! I use strip cutters with the Studio Cutter. It has enabled me to use up my scraps much more efficiently and cut down on the time I spend processing the jeans. 

I can get the GO! Baby to cut through two layers of denim and sometimes three if I stack it correctly. The Studio Cutter doesn't even notice four layers. I do have a Star Die and a small Flower Die for the Baby as well. They haven't gotten as much use yet, but I know they will. I also look forward to trying different styles as my business grows.

The Accuquilt website states "You may use the output (i.e., the cut shapes) resulting from the use of the die shapes Accuquilt licenses from third parties, as well as the output resulting from the use of Accuquilt proprietary die shapes, for any commercial or private purpose".  I LOVE this. Not only does the company acknowledge that their cut shapes are usable for any commercial or private purpose, they make it easy to find the information on their website.

Taking Better Product Photos

I've been working hard to improve many parts of my business. I even took the plunge and bought this. I am also doing the website building training. It is SO much info that I have a little bit of overwhelm going on. She says "How do you eat an elephant?, One bite at a time."

One of my biggest barriers to success is my product photos. My products do great in their brick and mortar locations, but online the photos are the single most important way for customers to view what they are looking to buy.

I made a couple purchases to increase my ability to take better pictures. I made my own little photo room. (affiliate links, thank you!)

First a backdrop. I use an old white sheet on the floor when I need to get a bigger view.

Neewer 6x9 feet/1.8x2.8 meters Photo Studio 100 Percent Pure Muslin Collapsible Backdrop Background for Photography, Video and Television (Background Only) - White

I sewed a casing in the piece I purchased, put it over the roll it came on and attached it to the ceiling with wire.

I also purchased a low cost kit with lights, stands and umbrellas. I did have to purchase brighter lights and they came with a diffuser, so I'm not using the umbrellas. I suggest you purchase the most expensive set up you can afford.

Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio, LMS103



Photos can still be a struggle, but I think I have upped the quality with a small cost. Here is a photo of my unisex recycled patchwork poncho that is currently in the etsy shop.

Just so you know, I'm *not* good at photos. I only recently even got a smidgen of understanding about how lighting works. You can't sell online if you can't show your product in a good light. Watch videos on youtube, read a book on it. Get Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 and The Photoshop Elements 15 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter) to go with it. Learn all you can, I am. It hurts my brain sometimes, but its worth it!

Focus, focus, focus

As I've written before, I've been told, "Do one thing and do it well".  My one thing is sewing. All sewing. For me, for others, hand sewing, quilting, teaching, you get the picture. I'm all over the place.

A little over a year ago I rented shop space. Its been a super choice. It gives me the opportunity to get back to sewing after all of my former sewing spaces at home were filled up with my 4 children.  They are the joy of my life, but I'm only human. I needed this time for me badly.

Along with reestablishing sewing work from a couple customers from before kids, I've gained some great new customers.  One in particular has pushed me creatively in a way that is new.  I've done a lot of work for artists who are using clothing as a way to display their artwork. There have been weavers, fabric painters, dyers, embellishers, etc.  Even though I'm back in the sewing chair, I have to be careful that I don't take on more work than I can do.  After all I do still have 4 lovely children to care for.  A way to add quality sewing is to pursue my own creativity.

Enter denim. I've been playing with denim since about 2007.  I started with yardage, but quickly realized how much waste there was in denim blue jeans that no one wanted to wear anymore. 

I'm having tons of fun sewing, but I'm not focused. I've been listening to free youtube videos like Renae Christine and Jane Hamill. A lot of it is a peptalk and things I know are my weaknesses.  But, I learned that I'm doing "hope marketing" and need to focus on developing a line.  It is really difficult. I write a bunch of stuff down, following rules that I've heard and suddenly I'm thinking about pillows, Tshirt skirts and menswear.

So back to the focus.  I'm different in the sense that I'm going to sew. I'm not looking for a manufacturer. I also can't work full time or hire anyone until I personally get my ducks in a row.  Its a life changing experience in discipline.  Myself, my time, learning and applying new things to what I know and actually listening to the advice I'm getting.  Marketing is WAY out of my comfort zone. I'm a happy girl just sitting in my sewing chair.

I'm also purchasing and perusing marketing and organizational materials. The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate Them at Your Own Risk! (affiliate link!) is one that I have found useful. It talks about making your perceived weakness your selling point. This can definitely work in my case. I started making the seams on my denim clothing on the outside because no one could tell by looking at it that it was recycled/upcycled jeans reconstructed into an entirely new garment. This can be an exceptionally positive selling point if I just say it out loud.

Words matter

I was born in the Seventies. Upcycled wasn't a word. Spell check still doesn't like it! So What am I doing? I want to say Recycled Denim Clothing. Where is the line between recycled and upcycled? I feel like upcycled started with adding elements to an existing garment, I've done this successfully and don't have a problem with the label in this instance.

 

But, what about the other garments I make? I like neat and finished garments, I've already adjusted this by putting the seams on the outside so it can be better determined that something is recycled. I like it, it was a good choice brought about by listening to what my customers were looking for in their clothing.

I completely deconstruct the jeans, make fabric, and then cut out and make new garments.

 

I am (now and for the past couple years) so very inspired by Natalie Chanin. I first found out about her work when I was looking for hand sewing books to share with a co op class. Its kinda ironic, because she is dedicated to preserving hand sewing techniques and I'm sewing by machine, as fast as I can.  I sometimes think I'm going to sew something by hand, but I get impatient and it never happens.

 

 

I've been looking for and found some information online to move my business to a more professional level.  It is all stuff I know.  I guess I'm really gonna have to listen now. No more hope marketing.

 

I'm getting off topic! Recycled is what I think I'm doing, but what do my potential customers think I'm doing? If they are going to find me, I need to use the proper terms. Its something that I'm working on.  Things take time around here. Four little boys take up a lot of my time.  It will happen a little slower than it should.  I'm getting ready to write down a business plan. 

 

 

Sale! In my etsy shop till November 30, 2015

I'm having a sale! 30% off all items in my etsy shop now thru November 30, 2015! Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY. I'll be adding more skirts this week.



I've been working hard sewing for others, so I haven't made too much for the shop lately. I like sewing for others because its easier than being creative on my own.  I do have a new customer that is challenging me.  Having to be creative in my contract sewing is not how I'm used to working.  Its difficult and I'm not doing as well as I would like.  I'm not sure if it will work out, even as I am hopeful.

No matter what, this experience has changed me. First off I realize that what I am making with my denim is art. Wearable art.  Next, I'm learning to be more brave.  I've got some new ideas that I can't wait to get out of my head!

Pictures of the shop

Things are coming along. I have most of the machines at the new shop. It isn't a fancy space, its a work space and I couldn't be more pleased with it!

I will move the machines around as I need to for each job.

 Thread Racks, with room for customers.

The Bernina 950. I've got it set up for free-motion embroidery. I need to get a video.

The denim room. It even has a door, so I can close it when I need to get other things done!

Getting all the machines up and running

I rented industrial space and have been looking for piecework and making my denim.  I'm bringing everything over slowly and getting it all set up to maximize space and keep it from becoming too cluttered too fast.

Having this space is so enjoyable, I wish I would have done it sooner! I thought I wanted to only work at home. It is nice for many reasons, but the most glaring one is that I don't think about wanting to sew when I'm doing chores and stuff. I know when I get to the shop I'll have the time!

Work is coming in slowly, and my denim is selling slowly. I'm hoping to get a shirt gig.  I may have messed it up a little. I really wanted a great sew only order like I had years ago in Milford, but this could be a cut and sew.  I just need to get my hands on one so I can show them my professional sewing.  Supposed to be this week. I'm trying to be patient!

My Artisan overlocks are waiting on parts, but I've got the Babylock set up for a coverstitch and, just in case, I finally got the buttonhole attachment on the Singer 403A.

It feels great to be sewing again.

Deconstructing denim and Pfaff 138

I've been recycling denim for a few years now. My brain loves the different blues together! I'm creating things that I like and people are buying what I'm making. What a crazy concept!

Its a good feeling getting these ideas out of my head. I can't really explain it. I've had this rug idea for a couple years, but didn't have the Pfaff 138 running. I can't even remember for sure when I bought it! Has to be at least 6 years. It was a fabulous deal on craigslist, $250.00. I needed the umph of an industrial type machine and the huge zigzag. It isn't very big yet only 10" x 25". Mary pointed out that it will be crazy heavy when its done, but I'm making it anyway. Not sure yet how big, we'll see!

Here is some other recycled denim I've been working on. A poncho and a tunic.

Best scissors for deconstructing jeans

I'm a big fan of Fiskars spring loaded scissors. I use their Micro tip 5" blades instead of clippies for cutting thread at the sewing machine. I once had a customer that did a fake flat felled seam on boiled wool. Each pass with the sewing machine meant a trim on the seam, followed by another stitching line.  I got good at using them and can't sew without them now. They do get dull quicker than I would like them to.

At last year's Sewing Expo in Novi, MI I purchased the above spring loaded 7" heavy duty power shears from the Kai booth. I noticed them when I was saying hello to an amazing sewer, Rosebud. I meant them to replace the small 5" blades that I use, but their blunt tip makes this not a good trade off.  (I won a pair of Kai shears in the 2008 PFF and those things have never been dull.)  They are very heavy duty and perfect for deconstructing denim. I've got a system for taking them apart and with any other scissors, I'm in danger of cutting myself because they slip at the thick parts if I go too fast. These cut through the whole pant like butter.

you can use this affiliate link to find them here:
Click Here to view our huge selection of Scissors in stock at WAWAK Sewing!

It worked!

On my, this time it worked so well I have no idea what I did wrong. Only that it was VERY wrong! Excellent. I don't need to buy new equipment I can use what I have. Yippee!

Learning to post on youtube

I'm trying to do some sewing videos, because I already don't have enough to do, lol. I'm having trouble. My little video camera seems to be working, but for some reason only 19 seconds of my video will up load. I've even tried to upload at someone else's house in case its a satellite bandwidth thing, but so far its a no go :(
here is the video:

I will have to keep trying and figuring out. The actual video is a little over 4 minutes. Any suggestions welcome as I keep trying.

A Long Winter

 It was a long winter here in Michigan and elsewhere. And in spite of the 80 degree temps yesterday, we are back into the 50's today.

I wasn't able to spend much time in the shop because of the new baby and the low temps. It feels so good to be able to go out and play again.

Sewing refreshes my spirit and calms my nerves. It gives me a sense of accomplishment as well as some extra income.  I've got a lot to do. I have sorting and cleaning, my contest entry and lots of plans for denim.

In the meantime, I have been looking at my Alabama Chanin books. I made a cute boa! But alas not with hand sewing. I always change my mind at the last minute and opt for speed.

I also struggle with focus. I have much to do at home, and in spite of good advice early in my sewing career, have never managed to do just one thing. I write, I teach, I sew and on top of all my family responsibilities something gives. We must eat, but the house isn't always clean and the laundry gets done when we are out of everything! I am blessed to have an understanding husband and so many great opportunities. The examiner.com page gives me the opportunity to meet many interesting people. While I'm not really shy, I am a little insecure and have been surprised by the very positive response I receive when I use the title to help with an introduction.

I still like to sew for others when I can. It has to be someone I've known for a while because my family keeps me from meeting too sharp of deadlines now, but I still love the pre cut out repetition! Thanks for stopping by :) time to make dinner!

Dress Alteration

I'm always doing something. It is difficult to get it all posted here. I am making an effort :), but my pictures are a bit lazy.

I re did the waist and hem decoration on a First Communion dress for a friend's daughter. I am reminded of how much I dislike alterations. I would rather make it from scratch than alter. But it turned out good anyway.

Before:

 After:

 Had to pick the waistline apart, redo the zipper and do the hemming detail. Not difficult, I enjoy sewing when I'm doing, but I procrastinated on this because I just do that with alterations.

Its supposed to be 66'F today! Yippee!

Trees, trees, Trees!

The youth theatre is doing "Into the Woods, Jr.". They have 4 shows with two casts. Everyone who tries out gets a part. That means about 50 children will get to be singing trees. I got to sew the trees!

Here is the inspiration:

 

I was able to modify an angel pattern to be A-line and put 1/4 circle panels in the side seams, the boys costumes have legs.

 The treetops cut and with ties.

 They have horsehair braid in the hems.

 43 Trees, only a few could share because they were full length.

Treetops painted.

Getting decorated.

 And I also made a dress for Cinderella last minute.

 The play is this weekend! I'll get final tree pics asap.

 Looking good!!

Denim Wrap Skirt from repurposed Jeans

I love how it turned out!

Now back to cutting!

May 18, 2013 is Free Class Day!

 

Have you had the opportunity to look at Craftsy yet? Today you can try out a class, up to a 39.99 value for free! This deal is open to new members only. I'm taking the Hand-Embelishing Knit Fabric Class and I am learning a lot! 

**edit November 30, 2013, the graphic in this ad updates with each new sale! If you see it here its still current ;) 

Tutorial: Make a shrug from a t shirt

I've still got hand sewing on the brain, but I wanted to make a shrug from a recycled/upcycled t shirt.

I did not do it by hand because I was into instant gratification! 

The first cut of the bodice is 13" from the neckline/shoulder.

 I cut a pleasing curve.

 I have a bin full of these hems.

 I also cut 1/2" strips for trimming.

 Sewing first strip.

 Second row.

 And the sleeves.

 These strips will develop more character with washing and wearing.

 Finished!