Tutorial Tuesday: eReader Cover

Since I made the lovely Kobo cover (pictured below) for our wonderful WEST leader - Ruth from Periwinkle Dzyns, I thought I would share the How To with all the WEST fans. :D





Isn't this a terrific eReader cover? You may remember the one that I made not long ago for myself. I still love it, but I much prefer the opening along the side like this one has. But, I made this one as a gift, so I guess I'll have to follow my own instructions and make one for myself later.

Here is all the information you need to make your own.

Supplies needed:
- an eReader (for measurments)
- .25 meter of main cotton fabric or 2 fabrics if you want coordinating top flap.
- .25 meter of fleece for soft lining
- button
- coordinating thread



Time Needed:
- this took me about an hour. If you're better at math than I am, it could take you less time to figure out.

Skill Needed:
- Intermediate
- some machine sewing including buttonhole
- some math for drafting pattern


Step One:
- We're going to have to figure out the math for the pattern pieces. Take the measurements of your eReader across, length and thickness. For example: the Kobo is 4.75 inches across, 7.25 inches in length and 0.5 inches thick.
- the main panels will be:

length + thickness +1 (for the long sides)
and
Width across + thickness +1 (for short sides)

- You'll want to cut 2 main cotton panels and two fleece panels using this measurements. For the Kobo it was 7.25 +0.5+1 and 4.75+0.5+1 so 8.75 by 6.25 inches.
- For the flap panel:

length+1 by thickness+3.5

- You'll want to cut one piece with this measurement out of cotton and one piece out of fleece. For the Kobo it was 8.25 by 4.5 inches.


Step Two:
- take your two flap pieces, one cotton and one fleece and place them right sides together. Sew along short sides and one long side. Make sure if your fabric has a pattern that the long side you sew across is the bottom of the pattern. You can round off your flap like I did above. Clip corners and trim seams.


Step Three:
- Turn flap right side out and top stitch along the edge you just sewed. I used a fancy machine stitch, but a straight or zig zag stitch will work just as well.


Step Four:
- choose the main cotton panel that you want on the back of your cover. With right sides together, centre the flap piece onto a long side of your main cotton panel. Make sure the pattern on the panel is facing the proper way (with flap at the top). Baste it in place.


Step Five:
- place the remaining main cotton panel right sides together on top of the piece that you just stitched with the flap attached. Sew along both sides (not the long sides with the flap attached or the bottom long side!)


Step Six:
- Sew your lining fleece together in the same manner (right sides together, sew along both short sides).


Step Seven:
- turn your main cotton piece right side out and carefully place your fleece piece around it, right sides together. Make sure your flap panel is still facing inwards. Sew all the way around top edge.


Step Eight:
- Turn your project right side out and top stitch along the top, making sure not to catch your flap in the top stitching. Once again, I used a fancy stitch, but a straight or zig zag stitch will work just as well.


Step Nine:
- Turn your project inside out again. Stitch along bottom making sure to catch all layers in the stitching. Trim close to seam.


Step Ten:
- sew a buttonhole into the centre of your flap. And sew the corresponding button on the main panel to match up with the buttonhole.




And in 10 easy steps, you've got yourself and pretty sweet Kobo Kozy (or an "eReader of your choice" Kozy). As always, you are allowed to use this pattern however you see fit. Use it to make Kozies for yourself, your husband, cousin, local town crier, whoever. Make them for gifts, to sell, whatever floats your boat.






This How To was originally posted on my blog - The L-T Experience on May 24, 2011

Crafty Minions - May 28

WEST members that will be there:

Marathon1981
Papertrail Craft Co.
Mrs Glockenheimen
Sew Dandee
Periwinkle Designs
Everything is Ticketyboo
Sea Caps

Plus many other craft folks!

Craft Sale Organizers Listen Up!

Here's what I think....

Craft Sales:
The focus should be on the customer and what they want.

It's why we are there!

All the room for my big fat ass doesn't matter if there are no customers.

So, to that end -- double entendre intended and tongue planted firmly in cheek!


I would recommend craft sale organizers

1 - Ensure a varied selection of products that appeal to the target customer base by limiting the number of vendors with similar products

2 - Know who their target customer is and provide vendors for them (back to 1)

3 - Provide ample signage, parking and egress between vendors tables for all who may attend: children in strollers, walkers, canes, wheelchairs

4 - Advertise, advertise, advertise - and be clear what type of sale it is - You can't call it a craft sale alone if you allow non local handmade. It then becomes Craft & Trade, Craft & Vintage, Handmade & Imported From China but we'll pretend it's Handmade....whatever....

5 - Consider conflicting events when setting date, timing for major events such as Christmas, Mother's Day, Earth Day, Star Trek Anniversary....

6 - Charge a reasonable table fee that both allows the event to meet it's fundraising goal and meets the current market for vendor table fees: which relates table price to attendence (ie. I expect proportionally more customers when I pay $500 than when I pay $50 and frankly when I pay $20 I expect nothing but a good visit with my table neighbours, there is no advertising budget from a $20 table...IMHO)

7 - Be open to feedback from customers and vendors, learn and grow together

8 - Understand that they will never make everyone happy and that the success of a craft sale lies 50/50 between themselves and the vendors and that there are vendors that do not accept this fact

9 - Provide reasonable comfort for customers: washrooms, ventilation, sufficient lighting and handicap/stroller access

10 - Communicate sale expectations, rules and set up conditions with vendors prior to the event so vendors can select based on their needs and expectations

11- Accept my sincere thanks for all they do! Without them I would not be able to interact directly with my customers - thanks!!!



All my opinion of course!

Feature Friday: A Dream's Recovery

Today we're reprising our Friday Features! I'm very excited to bring you a new interview with a creative and talented WEST shop each week.

We begin with A Dream's Recovery

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My name is Crystal. I am a prairie girl who loves the outdoors. This year, my new husband and I moved to the thriving metropolis of Winnipeg. We are currently child-free, though we plan to begin stretching the boundaries of our family within a few years. So we moved to the city anticipating enjoying all that it has to offer before we move back home (to small town Manitoba) to start our family near grandparents - aka convenient and loving childcare!

I love to create and have always been making "stuff". I am a collector at heart and quite resourceful. In the past I have found that it is hard for me to let go of beautiful things I have discovered. However, I've found that through repurposing these beautiful things, I can create something new that can enrich other people's lives. That exhilarates me!

Little Upcycled Fabric Boutonniere

Why did you choose Etsy to host your shop?

I have been an avid window shopper on Etsy since I found the website in 2008. It has been a source of inspiration for me. I love the artist profiles that give you a glimpse into the crafter's world and the ways the buyer can feel connected to the person making the product.

Simple Fabric Chandelier Glass Bouquet

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes to me inevitably in that groggy time between waking up and actually rolling out of bed. My mind is strangely clear in those early moments, or maybe it's not clear at all, but more dreamlike. Whether I am working on an essay for University or making a mental to-do list, the sweetest and most inspired thoughts come to me then. Recently, however, after enjoying one too many lattes, my inspiration came at around 2 a.m. I believe I am slowly discovering that as I sit and rest, letting go of worries or distractions, I can discover the gems in the hidden world of my brain. It's quite delightful. If I ever needed a case for more sleep... well, there you have it!

I have to say, on the line of inspiration, that I am the type that needs to "see" to work. When I am mid-project, our house is full of beads and fabrics and wires and glue... it's a whirlwind! But I thrive in the chaos as using my senses - touch & sight - is what lets me bring all of my collected beauties and tidbits together to create something fresh.

There is a balance between chaos and rest that allows me to make the most of my creative outlets. This is why my husband often simply sits back and wonders at my paradoxes. I can't explain it, I can only describe it!

Sweet Fabric Flower Corsage with Vintage Chandelier Crystals

What is your favourite item in your shop and why?

It is so hard to choose my favourite product from my store! I guess I would have to say, currently, that my favourite item is my hair comb, made from upcycled beads and gold wire. This is probably because the item has bit of a story attached to it. I based this accessory off of a vintage comb I have had hidden in my jewelry stash for a very long time. In fact, I cannot remember where it came from. I am sure that it was once my mother's (I like to imagine that she wore it at her wedding. Or perhaps, even my grandmother wore it). How I got a hold of it, I can only guess. Most likely it was the fruit of a secret jewelry box raid, an event that took place often during my childhood. However, through much travel (it came all the way to Malaysia with me!) and use, the poor thing is begging to be retired. I love wearing it and had been a bit sad with the idea. However, I realized late one night that I didn't have to give up wearing such a beautiful comb in order to preserve it. I would make my version! So this item is my own, inspired by the past, bringing the old back to life once again.

Beautiful Hair Comb Accessory with Crystal Beads and Gold Wire

Why do you enjoy your craft?

I love being a part of weddings (period). A wedding is such a beautiful moment in life. I was married May 8th of last year and still enjoy compliments for our wedding style and the way both Nate (my sweet hubby) and myself were infused into the whole event, from music and food to decor - especially the flowers. I loved making the bouquets for myself and my beautiful bridesmaids. I loved creating flowers for my little flower girls and different individuals I wanted to honour for their participation in our lives.

I have also loved being a part of my friends weddings in the same way. After apprenticing with a lovely woman in her flower shop for a year, I've been able to transfer my skills in order to help my friends keep costs down. It's been an honour to be involved. Undoubtedly it has been a win-win; I have gained so much experience in working under pressure, ordering and arranging on my own, and they have be able to have the flowers and design they desire for their special day.

Most of all, I love to use the things I find around me in new and inventive ways. Finding a way to repurpose fabrics, making them into lovely bouquets and etc. has been eye opening to me in many ways. I am constantly shocked at the amount of "garbage" we make. Nate and I often discuss how people would treat a simple pair of jeans differently if they themselves had raised and harvested the cotton, weaved and sewn, and finally created a pair of jeans. That person would definitely not throw them out when the knees wore out. In pondering how much waste we make by constantly discarding the old for the next new thing, I am re-energized to continue to find fun ways to recycle.

Upcycled Feather and Fabric Hair Fascinator

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Click here to visit all the treasures in Crystal's Etsy Shop: A Dream's Recovery

WEST Fun at the River East Collegiate Craft Show

There were a bunch of WEST'ers at the River East Collegiate Craft Show and Sale this past Saturday.

The show was not too bad for a Spring show. As I was wondering around (yes there was time to wonder around - boourns), I talked to a few people. Most made their table fees back plus a little extra and had some chance to give out their business cards and put their name out there. Success in my book!

I took pictures of the WEST booths that I could find. Sorry if I missed you!

Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths

The Silver Agenda

Garden Gate Painting

Tawny Bee

Jonathon Wayne Designs

Don't we all look nice?

It was awesome meeting you all and finally putting some faces to the names I've been talking to these past few months! I'm looking forward to seeing you at upcoming WEST events and more craft shows of course!

Your Etsy Shop and Customer Service

A few tips for you this cozy Friday in Winterpeg on providing excellent customer service in your Etsy shop.

My top 10 tips
1 - Answer all Etsy conversations (commonly referred to as convo's) within 24 hours - even if it's to tell them you don't have an answer to their question, yet - let them know when you will have the complete answer

2 - Say Thank You, at every opportunity, even if you have no intention of meeting their request for 75% off everything or telling them where you get your supplies, just thank them for asking, thank them for shopping, thank them for returning

3 - Ship all made to stock orders promptly - define what promptly means to your shop in #9

4 - Seriously think through including unwanted freebies - not everyone appreciates them

5 - In your shipment, do include a coupon code for their next visit and a business card to help them remember your shop

6 - Do put your shop on vacation if you will be unreachable for longer than 24 hours - Do be aware this will make your shop invisible in most of the Etsy searches

7 - If you can't ship promptly let them know immediately - again see #9

8 - Offer refunds, AFTER they have returned the merchandise or proven non delivery or if you don't offer refunds explain why - more details for #9

9 - Write clear concise shop policies

10 - Clearly communicate how long custom orders take & as an aside never EVER start a custom order -- for paying customers, this does not include your Mom :) -- without at least 50% $ paid. This prevents all kinds of nasty things later. Explain it in good old #9.

11- Remember that rude convo's do not need to be answered. Yes, I know this is #11 in what's supposed to be 10 tips and that it contradicts #1. Sometimes, some questions or comments are just plain mean, hurtful,nasty or rude. People will say almost anything under the anonymity of the internet. Silence is the high road.


It's not just about getting new customers, it's also about keeping the ones you have. A happy customer will return.

As always, my opinion! Would love to hear yours.

W.E.S.T. May Design Challenge May Showers Bring May Flowers?

Here in Winnipeg this year it seems that May showers are going to bring May flowers. We like to do everything quick and efficiently since we don't really have much of a spring before summer bursts in on the show.

So this month I challenge WEST members to design a new product with the theme: May Showers Bring May Flowers

What type of spring person are you?

Do you revel in the freshness of a sudden spring rain shower?

Urban, Puddle, Reflection, Open Sign. Fine Art Photo Entitled Irresistable by Carla Dyck

Or are you more likely to be found in the garden, planting and nurturing precious flowers?

Boutique Travel Diaper Wipe Case by On The Go Designs

Here's your chance to work on something that incorporates your spring personality whether it be water or sunshine!

Here's how it works. Check the ning and blog at the start of the month to get the inspiration topic. As you mull over what that particular idea means to you, jot down some notes in the discussion thread or leave a comment on the blog. Take pictures of your process and finished item and post them in the thread or in the Flickr group (with the tag W.E.S.T._dc). We would love to hear the story behind how you arrived at your finished object! I will blog the results of each month's challenge.

A few notes: Create something especially for the challenge. Entries for each month should be finished by the last day of the month. Vintage and supply sellers are welcome to participate, too, with a focus on artful photography and careful choice of item.

Happy designing!

W.E.S.T. Design Challenge: "Earth Day" Results

The WEST design challenge for April was in honour of Earth Day.

Three of our talented jewelry designers came up with their interpretations of this theme with beautiful results.

First up is Marcella of Waterlelie Jewellery with a recycled vintage coin from Brazil on a sterling silver chain with a chunk of citrine.

Brazil Vintage Coin Pendant/Necklace

Gorgeous!

Next up is Wendy from The Silver Agenda with her Green Blooms Necklace:

Wendy writes:
For this challenge I wanted my piece to be comprised of recycled materials. I'm happy to say that I have switched my metal clay supply to a brand that is made entirely out of recycled silver. The Prehnite briolette that is suspended from the fine silver pendant came from an old pair of earrings that were broken. Absolutely no materials were wasted in the making of this piece.

Green Blooms - Recycled Fine Silver and Prehnite Wire Wrapped Necklace

The next project comes from Corina and Emily from jake and cleo.

Corina and Em write:
We used dill flowers to leave the impression of a flower garden or trees on our fine silver pendant. The pendant was created with 100% recycled silver which starts as a silver clay and when fired results in .999 fine silver. Happy Earth Day! We're looking forward to real gardens to start popping up in Manitoba :)

I couldn't find the listing for this particular one (sold perhaps?), but I found a very beautiful one using blades of grass. Check out their shop for more eco-friendly creations.

Aren't these interpretations of Earth Day just exquisite?

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Stay tuned for the announcement of the May WEST Design Challenge!