Back in the saddle again!

As you can see, my last post was in June!! Yes, JUNE! I realized that this was the first summer I have not worked in 18 years! To say the least, I really enjoyed it! I spent 2-3 days a week on the golf course and a good part of the rest of the week enjoying my granddaughter Addison. Most of you probably remember that I lost my job in January and decided to start a sewing business online called Cutsie Tootsie Designs. Thanks to my wonderful daughter Jen, my name has gotten out there with her friends and I have had some great successes thus far. However, due to my lack of sewing mojo over the summer, I'm afraid that my site has really suffered with new and exciting products.

Sooooo.....with the cooler weather our area is experiencing, I am feeling the juices flowing again. I have so many great ideas for the fall and some awesome ideas for projects that would be great gifts for Christmas. One project I am working on is an Advent Calendar. For anyone who follows my daughter's blog, she posted the one I made her last year. I will make something similar to that but not quite as large. I also have some adorable coaster sets in the works as well as some photo book covers and water bottler carriers.

Thank you to everyone who has been so patient through my absence but I promise you I will make it up to you. Watch for many new products soon!

My newest sewing project

I have always loved purses that had a clasp on top. Reminds me of when I was little and my aunts used to carry "pocketbooks" that would clasp shut. I came upon a great website from the UK called "U Handbag" and she actually sells the purse frames as well as gives great tutorials on how to make them. I was intrigued so I decided to order a kit from her and try it. Well, let me tell you, I am hooked! They turn out soooo cute. I had some problems getting my order from "across the pond" and waited quite awhile to receive it. Never did receive the first order but the owner Lisa was kind enough to send me another package, which I received without a problem. Her tutorial gave instructions on how to take your own frame measurement and turn it into a clutch. After a first failed attempt at getting the size right for the frame I had, I tried again and I think I got it. I also found a company in the U.S. who sells purse frames so I am happy. Once I get my order from them I can make some cute little clutches to sell in my Etsy shop. The bigger one is 6" wide and is perfect to carry a cell phone, money, credit cards, lipstick, etc. Anything you need for a quick run or to carry to a wedding. The smaller size is more of a change purse size and very cute. I think I will also be ordering some larger frames to make more of a small purse size clutch. This company also sells the frames with holes for attaching a chain and actually making it a purse. So I'm excited to try something new for my etsy shop. Once I get my order and start sewing them up, I will let you know. Until then, take a look at how cute these things are!

Long overdue post!

Wow - where have I been? Better question would be "where does my time go?" I have been so busy that I sometimes wondered how I did anything while I worked and commuted 5 days a week! It's not that I haven't been doing lots of sewing lately - in fact I have done tons! It's just that alot of my sewing has been special orders and requests for things other than the items I sell. This is not a bad thing mind you, it's just that it takes up my time and I don't get new items up on my etsy site.

Since I have been bad about making things for Cutsie Tootsie Designs in the past couple weeks, I decided to keep the momentum going and make something that means alot to me. I made Addie her first quilt! I know - she is already over a year old and I feel bad about that. But I do think she will like it nonetheless. And I want it to be a blankie that gets tattered, torn and taken everywhere. Of course, because I waited so long to make her something, she has already grown attached to her pink velour blankie that she shoves her face into every single night. This one may not be the replacement for that one, but I do hope she spends lots of nights curled up on the couch with Mommy and Daddy watching TV and cuddling her blankie that Grammy Mueller made! I love you Addie!

Next cute purse coming your way!

As usual, I always make a couple samples before I actually put something out on Etsy. This is my latest! It is the CUTEST slouchy bag going and perfect for summer days in a cute floral print pattern. It is unstructured and holds lots of stuff. It has 3 inside pockets so you don't have to dig for your cell phone or small items. When carried on your shoulder it fits perfectly under your arm. Of course, if you prefer longer straps you can request a custom order and I would be happy to make them longer. Do you have a favorite color? I can take requests for that as well. My test person Jen will be carrying one of these for the week as well as myself to see if it "feels" right or if it needs any tweaking. If not, then I will be putting this style up on Etsy very soon. Me likey....I hope you do too!

A Happy Little Customer!

I just had to share this photo of adorable little Kya who just received her Kiddie Take-along in the mail! Doesn't she look like a happy little customer? I hope she enjoys her bag and fills it with lots of fun stuff! And Kya, make sure you keep it away from your big brothers!

If you love these little bags and don't see the color you want, just contact me through my etsy site and I would be happy to work with you. Any ideas are welcome!

A boy bag for the little guy in your life!

It seems like every kiddie takealong I post is for the little girls in our lives. But what about all the little boys who would like a tote bag to carry their little cars and trucks in? This little bag is just as useful for them as it is for the little girls carrying their books and dolls in them. As you can see from the photo above, I made an adorable navy blue pin dot with red check lining for little Isaac. It turned out adorable and from what his Mom Kate says, it's going to be his church bag so that he has with him just enough to occupy him during the service! Perfect idea Kate! I just purchased a couple little car prints recently and thought these would be perfect for little boys. Of course, the busy prints on these make it a bit hard to see any embroidery on them. But I can take any request on these that you would like. How about a cute denim one with a truck lining. Or a cute pin dot or plaid? Should I use the word "cute" when describing a "boy bag?" Could this be like a man bag? I'm not sure. Only thing I'm sure of is that these would be a perfect carry all for the little boy in your life!

Another cute take-along!

These little kiddie take-alongs are the cutest bag going! I just had to make up the froggie one! I guess this means that my little Addison gets another bag to carry around! I just bought some adorable little boy fabric today. One has chunky little cars on it and the other has all sorts of cars, truck and fire engines on it. Very boyish! I will make sure to post one once I get it quilted and made up! So for all of you with little boys out there who like to carry toys along with them, you will love this little one! Way too cute!

The cutest notebook cover EVER!

I decided to make a smaller version of my notebook cover to accommodate a 4x6 spiral notebook. It turned out sooo cute! It was such a gloomy day with the rain that I wanted to sew something fun and cheery! So I chose two of my brightest florals! The finished dimensions of this notebook cover is 5x7.

Use it to cover your favorite little notebook for:

• Grocery list
  
• Errands to run


• Notes to babysitter


• Knitting project list


• Emergency Phone Numbers


• Anything you can think of that needs to be written down!
  

Why carry a plain spiral notebook when you can have it "dressed up." Oh, and there is an inside left pocket for little scraps of paper of even a pack of post it notes. Very versatile and oh so cutsie!!!

A fun little toddler bag!

I've been very busy sewing and embroidering these adorable toddler take-along bags. Addie is all into carrying things by herself so this is the perfect size for her to do that. She is still just a wee bit too short but she will grow into it nicely in a few more months! It's the perfect size for your toddler to carry just a few things when that's all the stimulation they need!!!! For being such a little bag (10x11) it can hold lots of fun little things. These have been lots of fun making and I think the embroidery on them is adorable. It would also be a perfect bag to be embroidered with "Big Sister" on them when a new baby is due to join the family!

Step away from the machine!

So sorry for not blogging in a while but I've been busy sewing away. I am thankful to everyone who has purchased from my etsy store. It means alot to me that you are helping me get started in my new venture. Doing something that makes me happy is the best thing ever!

And a special thank you to my wonderful daughter Jen who has been a blessing to me! She is my strongest supporter and makes sure to post a picture of the week on her blog. I could not be doing this without her support. I have always said that friends come and go but family is constant. Thank you Jen for ALWAYS being there for me! I could not ask for a better daughter and friend! I love you!

And thank you's wouldn't be complete without thanking my daughter-in-law Diana who spent the first month of my sewing business being by my side and "learning the business" with me. For being a new sewer, she has a great eye for color and has great insight into what people might like. And her sewing ability is more like a seasoned veteran than a newbie. I love you too!

My newest bag!

I have made two of these adorable handbags and am ready to list them on Etsy. I can't take credit for the design of this pattern as it was designed by a great company called Whimsicals. They have some fabulous handbag patterns and this one fit the bill as to what I was looking for. I did change the handle as well as the inside pockets. But other than that, the shape and style is theirs. I love the softness of this handbag. And what really makes it is the cord and button closure on the front. I don't have a picture of it being "modeled" but will do that before I post to Etsy just so you can see how it hangs. It's a very slouchy style bag and holds alot. It has an outside pocket as well as 6 small inside pockets for your cell phone and other smaller items.

This one looks like beige/tan in this photo but it is actually a very pretty olive green print.

My latest creation - Clutch Wallet

I've been wanting to figure out a way to make a great clutch wallet that holds lots of stuff but doesn't get too big. Most clutch wallets I see in stores open as a tri-fold. I wanted something that opened but had a couple pockets to put random things in, yet was neat and compact. I think I've got it! Last night I made my first clutch wallet and I think you will like it.


It has slots for six credit cards (or more if you put two cards in each slot), two inside roomy pockets to hold additional cards, gift cards, receipts or even a cell phone. The outside has a zipper for lose change or anything else you might want to put in it. Because it's quilted and made of fabric, it will hold alot more than a leather clutch.

I have only one up on etsy right now but plan on getting lots more made soon! Take a look! If there is a special color you would like, just send me an email and I would be glad to work with you.

Still working away

I am now on to using my other sewing machine. I have been doing so much sewing for my Cutsie Tootsie business that I decided it was time to give my baby a tuning and cleaning! So off she went to the sewing store for a good workover. My Pfaff has been good to me and is still my favorite sewing machine because I love the even feed foot. However, I broke out my Bernina Embroidery/Sewing machine to use and I have to admit I love it for straight sewing. I have always used it just for embroidery but it has a nice stitch definition and is very smooth running.

I went to a quilt show this weekend and realized that if I'm ever going to do any shows I need a huge inventory. And I'm not there yet. But I did do a few new notebook covers and checkbook covers yesterday. With the economy right now, it seems that many people are going for the less expensive and smaller items that I make so I'm trying to build up that stock as well as think of some other cute designs that I can come up with that I would like to use. One thing I want to work on it a pattern that holds a cell phone and keys, with a small section for cash and credit card. Something you can grab and go when you are in a hurry. Stay tuned.

Happy Birthdy Addison!

My little peanut Addison is one year old today! Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that we were waiting for her to arrive. She has added so much joy to our lives that it's hard to think of what life was like without her.

Happy Birthday my little Addison! You are a special little girl! I love you!

New bag up on Etsy

Just thought I would share the newest bag I listed on Etsy. It's the large tote and has 6 inside pockets and 2 outside pockets. Tons of room for everything you need to carry! Large and roomy yet lightweight.

Also, I have been taking custom orders so if you have something in mind, send me an email and I would be happy to discuss.

Who "Hearts" Pampered Chef?

For anyone who loves to cook - or for that matter - anyone who doesn't but loves gadgets, you need to check out Ashley's blog. She is a new consultant with Pampered Chef and has a great giveaway going. Take a peak! Their products are amazing! I'm leaning towards the turnabout - I think I have enough to fill it! Go Ashley! Keep setting your goals high! Nothing is greater than being your own boss AND being home with your little one! If you want to see all that Pampered Chef has to offer, check out Ashley's business blog at www.pamperedchef.biz/ashleyhunt.

My newest listing!

I wanted to sew up something cute, small and functional so I decided to make a cute little credit card case. This case is not only for credit cards. You can also use it for business cards, change, lipstick or just a little "pocket" to hold all of those lose little items in your purse like a small pill box, nail clippers, emery board and small mirror!

Final chance for a fabulous giveaway!

If you haven't done so yet, make sure you check out Jen's blog "A Daily Dose of Davis". It's the last day for a great giveaway! If you love making lists, taking notes, journaling, writing note to babysitters, etc., this giveaway is for you. It's a notebook cover (including notebook and pen for the giveaway) that can be used to spice up any spiral notebook! Once you use it, you will never carry a "naked" spiral again! You will always want to dress it up! Maybe I will start making holiday covers so that you change the cover to fit your mood! Okay, now I'm getting a bit carried away!

While you are at my site, check out the fantastic planners! I can only say that once you use it, you will be hooked!

A great giveaway - check it out!

If you haven't visited Addie and Mommie's Bloggie (now referred to as A Daily Dose of Davis) you must check it out. She is having a giveaway of one of my notebook covers just for becoming a follower on her blog! Oh yeah, and if you add my button to your site you will earn extra points towards the giveaway. Who doesn't want a cute notebook cover! A Daily Dose of Davis is my lovely daughter Jen's blog and if you would love some great entertainment, you must read it. Her header says it all!!

So rush right over and enter to win!!!

P.S. I hope you like the new look of my blog! Jen did her magic for me today and created this fabulous layout! Unbelievably CUTSIE!!!

Revving my Engines!

I am getting very close to being ready to post my products online! In fact, I have decided that for the time being, I am going to sell through an Etsy shop. I have saved my domain through Yahoo Small Business but feel that maybe the exposure through Etsy would be a good way to start. Therefore, my new online shop will be www.cutsietootsiedesigns.etsy.com. I am slowly posting things but currently only have a few things up. It will be a couple weeks before I am ready to post any purses or totes but I thought I would give you a sneak peak of the kind of bags that are going up for sale. This latest one is an adorable smaller tote that can be used as a purse, totebag, or mini-diaper bag when you don't have alot to carry with on short trips. It is lined inside on all sides with pockets and has an outside pocket. It is secured in the middle with a large button.

The flu has set me back this week but hopefully my engines will be going full steam ahead soon!

A cute little tote!

I decided to take the diaper bag/tote and scale the pattern down to make a smaller tote. It can be used as a purse, a small tote or a mini-diaper bag. I made it a multi-colored stripe with a button closure. The inside has 6 pockets around the perimeter of the bag. I plan on making these in some fun summer colors as well as some baby prints.

Since my website isn't ready to launch yet, I thought I would continue giving you sneak peeks at my product line!

Sewing, sewing and more sewing!

Today I added a new product to my list - a diaper bag. Actually, it can be used as a tote bag OR a diaper bag but I made this one in denim with a cute pink and white polkadot lining so it would be perfect for a baby girl. The inside is lined with pockets all around. Next on my list is a smaller version of this bag - I will call it my "Quick Trip" diaper bag and can be used when you don't need to take everything with. It will be roomy enough for a bottle, a diaper, and a small pack of wipes. It will also have an outside pocket for Mom's wallet and keys. When your baby becomes a toddler, he/she can then use is as a Toddler Take-along. It will be the perfect size for a coloring book, crayons, a book a little truck or a small stuffed animal. Just a few things that your toddler can carry on his/her own to take in the car or to a restaurant!

Now can anyone suggest a way to add more sewing hours to my day? My brain is thinking faster than my hands can sew!

"Cutsie Tootsie"

Yes, you heard me right - "Cutsie Tootsie" is going to be the name of my new online sewing business. At first I was going to set up a shop on Etsy but knew that I would eventually want my own website. Soooo.. since I'm jumping in with both feet (as well as Jen and Diana's feet) I decided to get a domain name and just do it. Of course I need Ryan to help me with the details as he is my computer geek and knows how to do everything! I've convinced him to come down this week to get me going. Until then, I may play around and figure it out. I really want to get this up and going. But I still have lots of sewing to do but I'm getting there!

I will make the big announcement as soon as I hit the publish button! You all will be the first to know!

Sew I Begin!

Now that I'm officially done with jury duty, I can now focus on my "new beginning". So I have spent this past week sewing like a crazy woman trying to get some things made. I will be setting up a site on etsy.com in the VERY near future. One more week of productive sewing and I think I will be ready! But I wanted to give you a sneak peak of the types of things I will be selling. This is just a beginning. I have tons of other ideas in my head that I need to get on paper first. But this is a great start. Here are a few pictures of some of my items.

Notebook Cover: This cover will hold a 5"x7" notebook (other sizes coming soon) and pen. It's the perfect size to use as a journal, shopping list, Christmas Planning, party planning, knitting journal...you get the idea! It's a fun cover to dress up any boring spiral notebook! It has an inside pocket, pen loop and closes with a magnetic snap.

Checkbook Cover: This is cute, simple way to dress up a checkbook. Cute, colorful, fun! It has slots on the top flap for credit cards and has a pen holder in the center.

Planner and Holder of EVERYTHING! I designed this planner to be everything that I would want in a planner. My daughter Jen and I are always on a quest for the perfect planner and could never find everything we wanted in one. So one day I decided to make one and surprise her. She said she will never buy another planner again! It has credit card slots, 4 fabric pocket pages to hold coupons, gift cards, receipts and any other loose papers you have, a slot to hold a 4x6 calendar, pen loop, inside pocket for stamps or other papers, a top slot to slide a pack of extra checks in, an outside zipped pocket and a magnetic closure. Because it is fabric, you can cram tons of stuff in it.

So this is your sneak peak of what's to come. Future projects include purses, diaper bags, and knitting bags to name a few. I will post my etsy shop link once I'm set up and ready to go. I can also take custom orders or special requests! I hope you stop by to see me!