Handmade by Shell

Handmade Cosmetic Bag

2010-06-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

New Item! Cosmetic Bag

A while back, I was toying with a pattern for a small roly-like cosmetic bag. I am kinda lazy and prefer patterns that are almost mistake proof. The roly pattern left so much room for error, that I was always messing something up somewhere. It also took quite some time to make, and I am an impatient person. =)

So a recent small bag that I was making, actually got picked apart and reassembled when an idea hit me on the construction. This pattern I am pleased with. Doesn't take me much time, and very little room for error it's that easy!

Here are the results:

Handmade Purse & Matching Checkbook Wallet

2010-05-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

I worked all last week, designing, measuring and stitching. Going through different purse designs, sizes and layouts. Finally, I came up with one I really like! I hope you like it too!
It measures roughly 6" x 11". The straps are a total of 18" long with 9" being the carrying section. The top closes via a recessed/gusset zipper.
The checkbook wallet is in matching fabrics. It measures 3 1/2" x 9 1/4" closed. It has 6 card slots, two slots for your checkbook and register plus a pen slot!I'm going to go through my fabrics and pick coordinating pieces to make a set just for me!

New Handmade Accessory!

2010-05-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

I am typically an afternoon person. I don't normally get up until between 9am-10am. On this particular morning, Precious (my male kitty) and Kadi (my BF's female kitty) decided it was time to rough house at 7:30am. After being awoken by Precious 'bawling' and chasing Kadi across the bed (ugh), I got up and handed out some discipline. However, when I layed back to down with the intent to go back to sleep, sleep didn't come. I began thinking about my sewing, thinking about my handmades and how I can make something different. All these ideas came flooding to me on changing my checkbook cover. I just lay there in bed mulling it over in my head how I would incorporate this or sew that, etc.

8am, no more mulling, let's go sew!

The above two were my first trials. Both were just not long enough for the fold.

For the first one, I didn't think it looked appropriate to have the card holder on a flap. I decided that I wanted it in the center instead.

So on my third trial (they say third time is a charm!), after much debating and measurement figuring, I put the card holder in the center and made sure there was enough fabric for both folds to go well.
Here is the outside, all folded

Now the inside:

You can see here below, the card holder has enough spaces for SIX cards! And you get to see a little detail too. =)

So there you have it! My newest item to add to my shop! Now to go restock on interfacing and get back to sewing!

Wristlet & Checkbook Cover Set

2010-05-07T12:04:00.001-07:00

I am still feeling the creativity flow! So here is a Wristlet and Checkbook Cover Set in Blue Floral. I used the previous checkbook cover design and put it with a wristlet. You can pick up this set here:

HANDMADE Wristlet & Checkbook Cover Set - Blue Floral

Still sewing while I'm in the mood, I went creative on the wristlet in this next set with some cute green dot and flower fabric. You can see I added the other design with the center strip to this checkbook cover. This set can be purchase here:

HANDMADE Wristlet & Checkbook Cover Set - Green Dots

I will continue to sew away and make more adorable, useful accessories!

New Design Ideas

2010-05-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

So I decided to experiment with some design ideas. One idea actually came from my boyfriend! He's so helpful! He's my number one fan! Below are two design ideas for my checkbook covers. One is a strip on the side, the other is a strip down the middle (BF's idea!). So view away and let me know what you think!

I'm on eBay!

2010-05-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

I have listed a small handful of my items on eBay! Mostly my wristlets and a few of my checkbook covers in the old design. You can begin browsing here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130388817720&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

If you are a follower of my blog, with any purchase of a Wristlet, you get a checkbook cover FREE! That's a $10 value! Not to mention the FREE SHIPPING!
Please note: The checkbook covers are my OLD design. They are sturdy and usuable, but have visual imperfections that I have eliminated in my newest design.
See the photos below.This first photo shows the detail of the visual imperfections.
This second photo shows the detail of the NEW design and no visual imperfections.

Many more to come!

Checkbook Cover Changeup

2010-05-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

I decided to change my technique for making my checkbook covers. My original design is stylish, but I felt the pull tab was 'out of place'. So I removed it from the design. I then decided to edit the basic design in many places. I now use less fabric, less interfacing and make checkbook covers easier and more durable. My stitches are much neater giving a more quality-look to the overall piece.

As you can see by the above photo, my checkbook covers are now just a single-fold without a clasp. If you purchased an original one, then purchase one of my new ones, you will see the profound difference. I have a handful of critics that I show my work to and they all agree the newest design is the better one.

I am in the process of making more in varying attractive fabrics. I am also revamping my site and trying to decide how I want to showcase my products. I have decided to not try a craft fair at this time, as I do not think I have enough product to make it worth my time, effort, and money.

My First Flea Market

2010-04-15T06:30:00.001-07:00

Flea Market, Farmer's Market, call it what you will, I have my first one (planned anyway) in June! Time to take this show on-the-road!

Currently, I just have my Handmade Wristlets and Checkbook Covers. I would like to add these neat little things called "roly"s to the list. I just need to decide the size and then get to perfecting the pattern!

I will attempt a roly pattern today! Stay tuned for peek-a-pic!

Handmade Checkbook Covers!

2010-04-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

An item's pattern usually takes me time to perfect. I go through about 3-4 'trial' pieces, getting the cuts, stitching and placements just right. By the end, I have my own pattern for how to make something attractive and durable!

Today, I worked for hours perfecting a nice Handmade Checkbook Cover!

I used thick Pellon interfacing throughout, 100% cotton fabric and thread, and a standard sew-on velcro. One thing I realized while creating these: They can also be used as covers for those purse-size calendars!

Welcome!

2010-04-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! If you're new to my handmade goodies, please drop by my site to see my entire stock! www.HandmadebyShell.com

Follow this blog to be updated when I add new goodies to my store plus special discounts and sales!

Wish I had more to say here, but I have much sewing to do!

=^.^=