Singer Designs

Cafe Apron

2010-10-12T11:36:00.000-04:00

So here is TSA (Twin Sew Along) project #3....the cafe apron.

I used reclaimed bed linens from goodwill. I wasn't totally inspired with these fabrics or how they went together. I really didn't want to have to spend $$ on new fabrics so I went the cheap route. But despite the fabrics, the cafe apron itself is a great idea. Although Phil asked me what the point of it is because you would still get your top front dirty. I told him it was more of a "hostess" apron for entertaining. He didn't seem convinced.

Visual Update: Hexagons

2010-10-12T11:26:00.001-04:00

Clutch

2010-09-30T07:56:00.000-04:00

This week Julia and I made clutches for our twin sew along. Mine definitely didn't turn out as well as I hoped it would, but that's mostly because I rushed through it. The zipper tab thingies didn't turn out...as seen below. I opted not to do the divider but only the card holder. I think the card holder was a little too big, but overall it was a fun little project.

Hop on over HERE to check out Julia's!

Stick It To Me

2010-09-21T07:42:00.001-04:00

Yesterday Jules and I both finished our pin cushions. I think it turns out pretty well, but there are some things I would probably do differently next time. I'm pretty great at sewing straight lines (well at least my machine is), but the curved lines of the circles really challenged me with this one. That definitely something I need to practice. Also, I think I would have stuffed mine a little bit more and also tried to get the tension on the embroidery floss a little more even. But all in all it was a fin project and I LOVE LOVE LOVED working with these fabrics. This line of fabric is a cotton sateen home decor weight fabric. I was actually at my local A.C.Moore looking for polyfil when I spotted this fabric. It was packaged as a set of four fabrics, but it had no indications of who designed it only the name of the company that packaged it up. I knew it looked familiar and since I loved it, I purchased it and did a little research when I got home. It is in fact Joel Dewberry Ginseng in Spice! It's lovely to work with and I have plenty of extra to make some more goodies.

Twin Sew Along

2010-09-17T14:29:00.000-04:00

Jules (my lovely twin sister, wife of David, mother of Henry) and I have decided to start something new...or maybe I have (very lovingly might I add) persuaded Jules to do this with me. I LOVE to sew, but sometimes learning all by myself is a challenge. So why not do some projects with a buddy and learn from each other? Well folks, that's what we're doing. Announcing the first ever Twin Sew Along! Jules and I will be doing the same sewing project at the same time and we will both be posting about them on our blogs.

Even if you're not a twin, feel free to join us! (just let us know if you are).

Our first project? A sewing necessity...a pin cushion a la Creative Kismet. Our thought is to start slow and work our way up to doing something more complicated like a dress following a pattern, like this one. (but not too complicated because this dress doesn't requiring a lining or a zipper!)

Plenty of creations to come!

"..Oh what can it mean to a day dream believer..."

2010-09-09T15:24:00.000-04:00

Yes, I admit I'm a day dreamer...especially when I'm at work doing things I would rather not do...actually hold the phone; I'm pretty sure I day dream even when I'm doing things I like to do! It's just so counterproductive.

I day dream about lots of things, but mostly I day dream about fabric and what I could do with it. Currently I am without my sewing machine (insert frown). We moved to a new place this past weekend and when we were putting the desk together which was supposed to be my very own sewing desk, it broke. So without a place to sew I now just think about it a lot. I think about how I'm going to tackle this dress for which I have this fabric for (the yellow one). Or what I'm going to do with this fabric, and this fabric, and this fabric. And how on earth am I going to finish my first quilt which I have blogged about below? How long is it going to take me to finish my hexagon quilt which I'm doing all by hand? What should I make for Christmas gifts this year? (I'm determined to do handmade gifts this year). When am I going to find the time to turn a pair of Phil's old madras shorts into a skirt for myself? (not maternity)

Then there's a whole pile of "I want to learn how to do that..." projects.
- bias strip skirt (but in an adult version)
- duvet cover
- pin cushion
- gathered clutch
- installing a zipper
- how to sew with a pattern (this pattern and this pattern)
- french seams
- how to sew with knits
(ok, so after reading this list it sounds like I need to take a clothing cunstruction class...anyone know of any good ones in the Boston area?)

Oh and then there's all the wonderful fabric I dream about owning....

But honestly there could be worse things than having a broken desk and day dreaming about beautiful things right?

New Project

2010-07-21T12:52:00.001-04:00

What? A new project before the quilt is done? I know I know, some would think I can't finish a project. Well in this case, I can't finish. See, as I was through a fair portion of free-motion machine quilting my quilt, I noticed my machine started to have some tension issues. I thought maybe my bobbin case was coming lose, so I took it out. It looked fine. Then I thought maybe there were some loose threads that were clogging up my tension discs. I didn't find any. I adjusted my tension settings, changed needles, changed threads, changed bobbins....nothing seemed to work. So I've pretty much chalked this down to my machine being old and not made to do free motion quilting. Which is fine, but this also means I have a quilt that is only 3/4 of the way finished. I will figure out what to do with it later...

I was so frustrated with my machine that I thought I would try and learn to quilt by hand. So this seamed like the perfect time to teach myself how to make hexagons using the English paper piecing method. You can learn more about that HERE. I have been admiring the hexagons I have seen on different sewing blogs and flickr pages and figured I would teach myself. So I did! I came up with a design I wanted to make and then picked out some fabric.

I found the fabric at a nice etsy shop. I purchased 5" charm packs of the two fabric collections as well as some off-white solid cottons. The blue hexagons in the design will be hexagons made from all of these different patterns, randomly thrown together into the flowers.

Heather Bailey, Nicey Jane

I plan on binding the quilt like this, using more hexagons flipped over to the back. And I plan on doing some hand quilting around all the hexagon flowers.

So far I have 30 hexagons finished (only 193 left to go!!). The nice thing about making the hexagons is they are transportable. I have a little oil cloth zipper pouch that I keep everything in and it comes with me. I took it with me on the airplane during our recent trip to Nauvoo, and I plan on taking it with me on my trip out to Utah in a few weeks. Hopefully by the end of the summer I will have somewhere around 100 or so hexagons finished (maybe more!).

I know it's going to take me a while to get this done, but I figure it will be a labor of love...and I will be that much more proud of the finished product!

Blocks

2010-06-25T19:19:00.000-04:00

Here are my submissions for Anna Maria Horner's Rainbow Around the Block. I used scraps that I already had to make these. The green seersucker is from a pair of pants of Phil's that I turned into shorts for him. He seemed pleased to see me use it! It was a lot of fun to make these. I used a pattern for the plaid one, but for the house I just kind of free form pieced it. It obviously didn't turn out as I would have liked...notice the tip of the roof had to be cut off. Oh well, I learned from it.

Rainbow Around the Block

2010-06-05T11:12:00.002-04:00

I haven't even finished my first quilt (which I have put aside until I resolve some tension issues I'm having while free motion quilting) and I'm thinking about what quilt project to do next. I really want to work on my block construction skills since I just used easy 4x4 blocks for my quilt.

I was so excited when I came across this on Anna Maria Horner's blog! If you haven't ever heard of Anna Maria Horner, then you probably aren't a sewer or a quilter. Anna Maria is a fabulous fabric designer, textile designer, quilter, seamstress, etc. I have yet to use any of her fabrics, but have been drooling over them for some time now. Anyway, Anna Maria lives in TN right by where they had all that horrible flooding. In an effort to help the the families who have lost their homes, she has put together Rainbow Around the Block. She is asking for quilters to send her 12.5x12.5 squares that will be used in quilts and given to the families. This is perfect for me to practice my piecing skills and help others along the way.

I'm off to the fabric store today to choose some fun fabrics for this projects and some others! I will post pics of my blocks before I send them off to TN.

Oh and on another exciting note (well, exciting for me to say the least...you may roll your eyes if you choose) I made my very first skirt yesterday! I cheated a little bit and used an old pair of jeans that don't fit me, but I'm pretty proud of myself. It ended up being a really cute dark denim pencil skirt! I think I even impressed Phil a little bit with my skills! But I really can't take all the credit. I used THIS tutorial. I'm not pregnant, so I didn't even touch the waistband. Anyway, I'm pretty excited about it and I've been patting myself on the back since last night! I will post pictures when I decide to get the camera out...Lately I haven't been taking too many pictures because I'm really unhappy with my camera. Oh well, I'll have to suck it up until we buckle down and buy a new one.

Happy Saturday!

Newest Creative Adventure

2010-04-10T11:50:00.000-04:00

So I have recently taken up quilting. Well I guess it's not so recently, I started this quilt in December and am just now preparing to quilt the "sandwich". So it's taken longer than I had expected, but it has been very fulfilling for me. I started with choosing a color pallet and fabric, then I created my own design and started sewing. The thing with being a novice quilter is that measuring is still an area for improvement. Once I got all my squares sewed together I realized my quilt was rather narrow, so to remedy this I put some panels on each side. I actually really like the way it's turning out. It's not done yet. I still have to quilt it (I had to order a new part for my machine to do this) and then I need to bind it. I think because this is my first quilt, I'm going to keep it rather than give it away, for memories sake! Here's a sneak peek. More pictures to come when it's finished.

I was featured!

2010-03-18T09:17:00.002-04:00

I got an email from a fellow "etsian" (yes, that's an official term) that she had featured the vintage apron that I have in my store on her blog!

I've never really gotten much exposure with my etsy store. Recently I haven't really been focused on it. Getting this email has made me realize that I really enjoy selling stuff on etsy...maybe I should get back in the game?!

Fashion 2.0 Social Media Awards

2010-01-27T15:06:00.002-05:00

Check it out!

ideeli has partnered with Style Coalition to create the Fashion 2.0 Social Media Awards to celebrate fashion designers and brands for outstanding social media activity.

To cast your vote visit HERE and HERE.

Bloginion (Blog + Opinion)

2010-01-07T11:54:00.003-05:00

Many use their blogs as a way to gauge public opinion. I for one, think it's a great use of technology. And I have to admit, I do occassionally dabble in the opinion gathering myself. ideeli.com blog (a great on-line sample sale site) wants to know your opinion of pop-up shops and fur!

Now, I like the idea of pop-up shops, although I think they are mostly found in NYC. I have yet to hear about any in the Boston area. Pop-up shops also are a great idea for budding designers and boutique owners. You don't have to commit to a long-term lease and you can do some "street testing" of your products. I'd say they are a win win. (now we just need to move the phenomenon across those state borders...)

Click on the link to add your opinion.
Pop Up Stores: Love Them?

As for as fur goes, I'm not a proponent of it...but "to each his own."
Click on the link below to let ideeli know what you think about fur.
The Fur Debate

Check them out and add your opinion!

Oh, and if you don't belong to ideeli, just click here!

here are some of my favorites....

2009-12-14T15:04:00.006-05:00

Because I know you're all so interested (ok, maybe not, but since this is MY blog, you're going to have to deal) I'm going to share some of my favorite blogs with you.

Hip2Save

This one is great. Colin shares her secrets about bargain shopping. She posts coupons, store sales, on line deals, etc. Check this out to read more about her story.

I really love this one because sometimes the comment sections have some great conversations going on. Sometimes they can get quite heated...people criticizing Colin, then fans defending her. Really does get entertaining sometimes. Another great thing about this site is that it's like a community. Colin gets information from readers about sales, deals, freebies, and they will also leave information in the comment sections about deals that Colin hasn't highlighted.

I know what you're thinking...this doesn't sound very interesting. But really, I enjoy this one and she posts throughout the day. Colin speaks to the part of me that LOVES getting a bargain!

Thanks Cara for this recommendation!

NieNie Dialogues

If you've never been over to NieNie Dialogues you must. I think I spent a whole afternoon once reading through her past posts just so I could learn her story. Stephanie Nielson and her husband Christian were in a airplane crash in the summer of 2008. Christian and Stephanie survived the crash, but their pilot did not. Here you can read more about their incredible story (warning: I cried through some of this...typical). Both Christian and Stephanie were severely burned during the crash and her blog (kept up by her sister during her recovery) is a an inside look into a woman's struggle to become the mother and wife she used to be. Before Stephanie's accident she already had a strong following on her blog as she recounted her experiences as a wife and mother. After the accident the blog has been reported to have received tens of thousands of hits a day.

I enjoy reading Stephanie's blog posts daily to learn more about her recovery, and to be inspired by her strong spirit and her adventurous kids. The way she writes lets you look into her inner thoughts and how she is feeling as she goes through experiences many of us couldn't even imagine.

Style Rookie

I have just recently found this one via another blog that I read. The Style Rookie is a blog written by a 13 year-old girl named Tavi. About a year and a half ago Tavi started getting more curious about fashion, so she decided to start a blog (unbeknown be her parents) which started getting a lot of buzz. Tavi is a very original girl that thinks of fashion as an outward expression of art. Tavi become so well known in the blogosphere that she got invited to exclusive fashion shows and after-parties during fashion week, even the hard to get into Marc Jacobs (accompanied by an adult of course). She also was part of the inspiration for the Rodarte line for Target. In fact, apparently her parents didn't even know much about her blog or how popular their daughter was getting until she asked for permission to appear in a New York Times magazine story.

Apparently there were some who were skeptical that the blog was actually written by Tavi herself and they argued her parents were doing the writing. But Tavi truly is the only one behind this blog. She's original and I would want to be her friend if I were 13...ok, I would be her friend at the age of 25 if only I were cool enough for her. ;)

I think Tavi is very funny and also very insightful when it comes to fashion. Check her out it.

DECK THE HALLS

2009-12-10T13:37:00.003-05:00

If you're looking for some cute holiday blogger templates, just click Here. This is the post I did last year. Sorry, I don't have any new ones, but I hope to find some time to start doing this again.

Happy Holidays to all!

Free $$$

2009-11-09T15:48:00.004-05:00

So, Rue La La is doing it again. If you sign up before Dec. 24th, then they'll give you a $10 credit to go towards any purchase. Just click here to sign up to get your credit.

If you haven't heard of Rue La La before it's a free invitation only sample sale site. Check them out!

ideeli: Burberry Giveaway tomorrow!!!!!

2009-11-05T15:29:00.004-05:00

ideeli.com is giving away this great Burberry Filelding Leather Tote tomorrow!

The giveaway starts tomorrow November 6, 2009 at 1:30 pm EST and will end at 8:30 pm EST. For a chance to win, make sure you log into ideeli and enter! You can only enter if you are an ideeli member, so if you need to join, just click here!

Should I? No, yes, no,....ok here it goes

2009-10-30T14:37:00.005-04:00

So I'm having an inner struggle trying to decide if I should tell the blogosphere (as well as many friends and family who I love and respect) about a recent obsession of mine. But here it goes....

I've always known I'm the type of person that gets addicted easily to things: TV shows, books, candy (seriously craving chocolate right now), shopping (Phil would totally agree with this one, but I have to say I don't actually SPEND a lot of money for which he should be grateful!). But I never thought I would spend maybe 6-12 hours of my week engrossed in just one frivilous thing. Oh it's so hard to admint...My name is Jennifer Singer and I'm a Grey's Anatomy-aholic (reruns on Lifetime). They're on M-TH at 6,7,and 8. That's right, three episodes a day, 12 episodes a week, way too many episodes a month.

This all started when Phil left me all alone (really it's not his fault) for someone else (and when I say someone else I mean a hospital in Wisonsin...not permanent). One evening I was sitting on the couch waiting for my dinner to get done cooking, when I realized there was nothing on and I'm aimlessly flipping through the stations (because that's what I do) when this little known channel called Lifetime (only known to me because of their awesomely-bad made-for-TV movies) comes on and I see an episode of Grey's Anatomy on. Now normally I try to tame my TV watching when Phil's around so he won't get the wrong idea about me (yes, we've been married for 3 years, but I still don't think he fully understands how lame I am...so shhh, keep it a secret!) I try to stick to the Food Network or HGTV. But with no one around except for me and the occasionally squirrel rumaging through our garbage can out the window, I figured, hey why not? I mean there's got to be some reason why there are millions watching this show, right? Well, there is. Reason: The plot is so dynamic (i.e. twisted and not based in reality) that you can't stop watching or you'll miss something...so I've kept watching and haven't stopped.

You wouldn't believe the drama that goes on at Seattle Grace (or maybe you can becuase you're familiar with the ER/Chicago Hope type show). I'm always sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Izzy is going to get over Denny, or if George is going to pass his exam and become a resident, or if Meredith is FINALLY going to see that Derek really does love her unconditionally. All this is thrown around with brain surgeries, experimental liver transplants, the power struggle among cocky surgeons, and the occassional dance party.

And really, who doesn't like a good dance party?

But last night Phil came home from his weekly 4 day trip right in the middle of an episode and just rolled his eyes...you know, in the "oh, Jennifer, you're so silly, but I still love you dearly" kind of way. I mean I don't think I'm ignoring my responsibilities. During the first episode I usually do my workout on the treadmill, and then during the second I make dinner, and then I sit down to enjoy the third. But is it really that bad? Should I stop watching this show? Is there anyone else out there who can realte?

Love, Jen

**please no comments Phil...or Mom! Mom I already know your answer!!! :)

This week's ideeli highlights

2009-10-26T15:42:00.002-04:00

There are A LOT of sales going on this week on ideeli. Too many in fact for me to list them all in a timely manner. So, here are some highlights.

10/27/2009
Donald J. Pliner
Handbags
Save up to: 56%Off
Prices start at: $97

These are great handbags. I've seen them over at TJ Maxx occasionally for well over $150! So you might be able to find a good deal here.

10/28/2009
Tart
Contemporary
Save up to: 60%Off
Prices start at: $22
With prices starting at $22 you're bound to find a good deal!

10/28/2009
Donna Ricco
Dresses
Save up to: 58%Off
Prices start at: $55

I remember buying a Donna Ricco dress for my 8th grade semi-formal! I promise these styles are updated for 2009.

10/29/2009
Atelier
Suit Separates and Outwear
Save up to: 78%Off
Prices start at: $29

I love the look of this jacket. It would be perfect for the weather right now in Boston!

Gwyneth
Shoes
Save up to: 54%Off
Prices start at: $47

I will definitely be checking out this sale. Gwyneth Shoes are a line of comfortable shoes for real women. They believe a woman should not compromise comfort for fashion. They apparently have a patented comfort sole system in every pair. Plus they carry up to a size 14 women's! I wish more shoe companies had this philosophy!

Trilogy
Home
Save up to: 52%Off
Prices start at: $37

Find some great designer pillows for your home from Trilogy!

Remember, new sales start daily on ideeli.com at 11 am est and last for 48 hours!

To sign up for ideeli.com just click here!

For the Kate Spade lovers out there...

2009-10-20T11:41:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow on Rue La La.com, they are having an essential handbag sale which will include designers Furla, Francesco Biasia, Rafe New York, and KATE SPADE! The sale starts at 11 am est and will last 48 hours or until sold out. I have no idea what the prices will be...but it's not very often you find Kate Spade on sale! Since I just purchased a Kate Spade bag I'm not sure Phil will let me purchase another in the same calendar year (or even the same decade) but it never hurts to look!

If you've never heard of Rue La La, it's... an exclusive, invitation-only online destination where Members discover premier-brand, private sale Boutiques, each open for just a brief window of time. Our focus is a well-edited collection of sought-after offerings from the best brand names in the world - combined with helpful service.

To join, just click here!

This week at ideeli (10/20-10/23)

2009-10-20T08:51:00.002-04:00

Check out all the great sales this week on ideeli. You can find some great bargains on designers such as Bill Blass, Betsy Johnson, Donald Pilner and much more!

Tuesday, 10/20/09

Laundry
Outerwear
Save up to: 62%Off
Prices start at: $99

Marquis & Camus
Jewelry
Save up to: 66%Off
Prices start at: $59

Wednesday, 10/21/09

Me (el)
Contemporary
Save up to: 70%Off
Prices start at: $19

Adam + Eve
Basics
Save up to: 66%Off
Prices start at: $59

Bill Blass
Handbags
Save up to: 71%Off
Prices start at: $149

Thursday, 10/22/09

Signorelli
Contemporary
Save up to: 73%Off
Prices start at: $25

Portolano
Men’s Cold Weather items
Save up to: 61%Off
Prices start at: $39

Alexia Admor
RTW (Dresses)
Save up to: 76%Off
Prices start at: $69

Friday, 10/23/09

Betsey Johnson
Outerwear
Save up to: 69%Off
Prices start at: $85

Bellino
Home/Linens
Save up to: 59%Off
Prices start at: $49

Donald Pilner
Handbags
**Pricing is unavailable**

Rothschild
Children’s Outerwear
**Pricing is unavailable**

ideeli is the first members-only shopping community in the U.S. They offer limited-time sale events that feature the most sought-after brands in fashion, home and beauty -- at up to 80% off. Membership is by invitation only and there is no fee to join. To join, just click here!

The Adventures of Toothie....

2009-10-19T15:05:00.003-04:00

Note: this post is mostly my effort to journal my teeth experiences and for my posterity. If you have no interest in my dental history, please disregard.

My coworker nicknamed my front tooth "toothie" and told me that if I ever got a new one I should register at CVS and she would throw my a shower.

But why would I need a new one you my ask?

Well, it all started about 9 years ago on a windy day a Joey's Park in Belmont, MA by Winnbrook Elementary School. Julia and I were warming up together at softball practice...and with one pass to me and a gust of wind, I was in the pre-school bathroom (very short sinks) looking at a bloody mouth, one chipped tooth, and one broken tooth. (side note #1: this was not Julia's fault...I blame it on the wind, or possibly my sad softball abilities) I'm hazy on all the details...but over the next three years and after many many appointments I came out with one root canal, one metal post, and a porcelain crown. (Did I mention this is one of my front upper teeth...you know, the ones everyone sees when they look at you?)

Then I was off to college. The first porcelain crown served me well for the first couple years at school until another fateful day during a basketball game. I was guarding Julia during an intramural game (which turned into a scrimmage due to the other team not having enough players). Julia was posting up down-low and her teammate passed her the ball. Julia wasn't ready for the pass (she swears she wasn't open, so that's why she wasn't expecting the pass) and she flung her head backwards right into my mouth housing my lovely porcelain crown. The crown cracked and fell out and thus was born crown # 2. (side note #2: a couple months after my second crown was put in on my front tooth I found out that one of back molars had also cracked due to having two fillings put in right next to each other which caused that tooth to split...so now I have two crowns). Thanks to my lovely Aunt JoAnn, I found a great dentist in Provo who did a smashing job on crown #2.

Crown #2 was also holding up quite well for quite a while...it got me through the rest of college and graduate school. Then, in August of '08 we were at the beach one day with E&B and the kids, and I bit down into a candy and part of my crown chipped off in the back which caused the crown to come a little bit loose. But I couldn't do anything about it because Phil and I were both unemployed at the time and we didn't have dental coverage or any money. So I tried not to use that tooth until I could go see my dentist. Then about 5 months ago my dentist took the crown off and reattached it.

This now brings us to last month. I woke up one morning and my crown felt a little bit loose. I hadn't done anything to it, so I thought maybe I was clenching my teeth or something and that did something to it. But once again, I just ignored it and thought, well it isn't that loose so it would probably be OK for a little while. Last weekend I was in Utah for Julia's baby shower and I bit down on a chicken salad sandwich and I heard/felt my crown crack. It had come a bit more loose. I decided I would make an appoint with my dentist for my 6 month and have her look at it. Then yesterday during our Sunday School lesson, I was wrapping things up, reminding the kids that they need to behave during our Primary Program practices, and my crown + the metal post just fell out mid sentence. I fit right in since half of our class is also missing that same tooth. But I ran to the car, Phil wrapped up the class and then we drove right home and I called the dentist's emergency line. I saw the dentist this morning, and the news was not good.

Apparently my tooth (or what still exists of that tooth) has fractured due to normal movement of the metal post. She said this was inevitable in a tooth that has had a root canal w/ a metal post, so that's why it just fell out. Why didn't anyone warn me that this could happen? Who knows. But my dentist told me I needed to go see an oral surgeon who would perform an extraction and put an implant in it's place. In the meantime, she attached my crown back on with some cement and told me to pray that it would stay in until I could get an appointment to see about that extraction.

apparently, this is what a dental implant looks like...ouch!

In my conversations with friends, family, and coworkers, I've come to the conclusion that lots of people have similar issues with their teeth, they just don't talk about it as much. So to ease my anxiety about the coming extraction (think wisdom teeth...but in the front), at least I can take comfort in the fact that I'm not alone in the extraction/dental implant arena. (side note #3: somehow this doesn't comfort me one bit....)

This Week at ideeli (10/13-10/16)

2009-10-13T08:14:00.004-04:00

There are some great sales events @ ideeli this week ranging from the playful, care free brand-Free People to some stellar designer labels-Mackage and Soia.

Tuesday, 10/13/09

Sweet Pea
Contemporary
Save up to: 57%Off
Prices start at: $25

Calvin Klein
Handbags and Luggage
Save up to: 60%Off
Prices start at: $32

Wednesday, 10/14/09

Free People
Contemporary
Save up to: 65%Off
Prices start at: $25

Pur Cashmere
Cashmere
Save up to: 60%Off
Prices start at: $24

Pure Sugar/Collective Concept
Contemporary Designer
Save up to: 65%Off
Prices start at: $25

Thursday, 10/15/09

Linq
Contemporary
Save up to: 66%Off
Prices start at: $19

LSG Designs
Jewelry
Save up to: 63%Off
Prices start at: $54

Paper, Denim & Cloth
Denim
Save up to: 83%Off
Prices start at: $29

Friday, 10/16/09

Mackage/Soia
Designer Outerwear
Save up to: 47% Off
Prices start at: $47

Industry
Contemporary
Save up to: 72%Off
Prices start at: $25

Adrienne Vittadini
Handbags
Save up to: 56%Off
Prices start at: $44

Chooka Boots
Shoes
Save up to: 49%Off
Prices start at: $72

ideeli is the first members-only shopping community in the U.S. They offer limited-time sale events that feature the most sought-after brands in fashion, home and beauty -- at up to 80% off. Membership is by invitation only and there is no fee to join. To join, just click here!

This Week on ideeli

2009-10-06T15:44:00.006-04:00

I have become an ideeli.com blogger, which means that weekly I will post what sales are coming up this week. Enjoy!
ideeli is the first members-only shopping community in the U.S. They offer limited-time sale events that feature the most sought-after brands in fashion, home and beauty -- at up to 80% off!! To join, just click here.

Wednesday, 10/7/09:

Voom by Joy Han
RTW (Contemporary)
Save up to: 83%Off
Prices start at: $45

Portolano
Cashmere & Leather Gloves
Save up to: 66%Off
Prices start at: $12

Thursday, 10/8/2009

Joe’s
Handbags
Save up to: 63%Off
Prices start at: $59

Friday, 10/9/09

Lara Kazan
RTW (Contemporary)
Save up to: 70%Off
Prices start at: $29

Dav
Rainboots
Save up to: 58%Off
Prices start at: $14

Stephanie b.
RTW
Save up to: 59%Off
Prices start at: $25

Greenbeads
Jewelry
Save up to: 61%Off
Prices start at: $29

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-09-23T10:52:00.003-04:00

For my birthday Phil gave me a choice. Either I could buy myself a new purse (which I have have been delaying since the cost of leather purses are insane!) or a new camera. I opted to see if I could find a purse first and if I couldn't then have him get me a camera.

So last Friday I ventured down to the outlets in Wrentham, MA. They have many outlets there, including Coach, Kate Spade, Cole Haan, etc. So I thought I would try my luck. Boy was luck on my side! I ended up with this beautiful purse from Kate Spade for almost 80% off! It was tucked away on the bottom of the clearance shelf in the back of the store. It was marked down about 50%, with a tag saying it was another 25% off because of some scratches (which are NOT noticable and are pretty much typical in a leather purse), plus another 40% off for being a clearance item! I had to do a double take because it was the only purse of it's size and kind on that shelf, but sure enough when I took it up to the register it was well within my comfortable zone for a purse purchase. And the best part about buying something from a designer store? (albeit an outlet...but who cares!) They buffed and cleaned the leather for me before packaging it up for me! So it came home with me all shiny and clean.

And the lining of the purse is a really pretty green abstract floral print, which I love. A nice hidden surprise everytime I open it.

Etsy Update - UPDATED w/ PHOTOS

2009-08-24T13:06:00.003-04:00

*** UPDATE*** Per Julia and Margaret's requests I have added picturers of the baby blankets....

This first one is a zebra print, backed with lilac flannel, and stitched with a magenta thread. I found the zebra print on sale at JoAnnes for $2.50 - it was a remnant sale and a full yard!

This second one is the second blanket I made for Jules....but we might keep this one. I love this fabric and I don't know if I'll ever find it again. The Fabric is brown with red, yellow, and blue flowers. It is backed with a baby blue flannel and stiched with brown thread.

-----------------------------------------------

So since I started my etsy shop I have made 9 sales! I think that's pretty successful considering I have only been up and running for 5 months and I work full time at a job that generates much more income and provides wonderful benefits! Below are a few of the items I have sold.

Recently, I've delved more into the world of making baby blankets. I have to give some thanks for this to my sister Julia, who is expecting her first. I made the first blanket for her little girl later to find out that she's not having a girl, but a boy. Then I found out she thought the boy blanket I made was too girlie. I've finally made a third blanket that I hope will satisfy all gender requirements. But because of this I have really rediscovered the world of sewing and my mom's old Singer sewing machine. (Yes, there are many punny jokes just waiting to make their debut, but I will refrain.) Anyway, after becoming quite good at making baby blankets, finding some fabric on sale at JoAnn's, and findig a whole pile of old fabric I intended to use to make humanitarian baby blankets, I am now making some more. My first thought was just to have a stock pile of baby gifts, but on second thought...this might be a good item for etsy. Although, I am quite hesitant to start selling them because I know I'm no way near being a great sewer. Your thoughts

Photo Blog

2009-08-11T15:55:00.004-04:00

This past weekend my in-laws were in town. On Saturday we drove them down to Quincy, MA to go to the Adams National Historic Park, home of John Adams and John Quincy Adams. We visited Peacefield, the Birth Place Cottages, and the Church of the Presidents where they are both laid to rest next to their wives. Anyway, we were too late to get in for the tour of Peacefield, but they let us walk around the grounds and peep inside the adjacent library. They has some beautiful flowers growing in their garden. Here are a few pics for your enjoyment.

Etsy Giveaway

2009-08-10T09:47:00.003-04:00

In the past week I have found that many Etsy sellers have blogs and they offer many giveaways. jacarandadesigns right now is giving away a perfect little pair of earrings. They are exactly what I have been looking for to accessorize my closet. Head over to her blog (Jacarda Designs Jewelry) to check out the details.

If you are an Etsy fan and would like to find out more about etsy giveaways, Etsy Giveaways is a great site. Enjoy!

That Trusty Intern

2009-07-15T16:58:00.002-04:00

Leave it to "the intern" to tell me about an awesome store on Newbury St. (and also online) called 1154 Lill Studio. You can design your own purse, wallet, clutch, bag, or even pillow. Here are a few that I created using their online design tool.

I think this would be so much fun to go into the store and pick out my own custom bag. They're not cheap. They range from about $30 - $210 depending on the size of the item. Check them out. If anything it's a fun hour (or two or three) playing around with some designs on their site.

Family Promotion

2009-07-08T16:30:00.005-04:00

So rather than promoting myself, I'm going to stick with family this time.

My sister-in-law, Wendy, is a very talented artist and just started her own etsy shop. It's www.therealdiehl.etsy.com. She has done some great charcoal sketches which I think are lovely and I hope she posts some. Phil and I are going to commission her to do a charcoal portrait of us. But here are a few of her pieces in acrylic.

I love this one! On Monday we went to the Cathedral of the Madeline in Salt Lake City. While sitting outside by the fountain we saw this great Monarch butterfly feeding on some flowers near by. Wendy caught the scene with her awesome Nikon camera (which I fell in love with!) and just a few days later she has this great series of three paintings of said scene. She's quick!

She still needs her first sale, so check her out and if you like it buy it!

I MADE MY FIRST SALE!

2009-05-20T14:26:00.002-04:00

Woo hoo! I made my first sale on my etsy shop. Yes, yes, it is my only sale thus far, but still none the less it is very exciting for me. This is the dress I sold for $20. I really like this dress (and apprently so did mackeyda) and I only had it listed for a couple of days before it sold. It is heading out the door and off to the postoffie this afternoon!

I've been trying to work on the look of my etsy shop, especially the pictures I post of my items. It's hard for me since my camera is quite old (in camera years) and I don't know much about photography, but I'm trying and having a blast doing it.

jngrl7

2009-04-27T12:35:00.005-04:00

No, I don't have any new blogger designs to share...but I do want to share with you my newest venture.

I've recently discovered a Goodwill store in Davis Sq (I scored a cute pair of silver sandals there for $5!) which I sometimes stop by on my way home from work. Also on the same street is a store called Poor Little Rich Girl, which features vintage and contemporary used clothing and accessories. In the recent past I have also become a HUGE fan of etsy.com, which is filled to the brim with awesome shops sporting handmade and vintage items. I have loved browsing both etsy as well as thrift stores and I thought I too should venture into opening my own etsy shop featuring my handmade and vintage/thrifty finds...so I did! (For any of you out there thinking about starting an etsy shop, it's really easy!)

By default (because this is the user name I chose when I signed up to join the etsy community) my shops name is JNGRL7... (jen girl 7 - jen is my name, I'm a girl, and I'm the 7th child). Yes, silly I know, but it's the screen name I chose when I was 12 or 13 when I signed up for instant messaging, and it's just stuck. My inventory is low, considering I'm still in the start-up stages, but I hope to beef it up soon. I only have four items listed: a vintage scarf, a leather suede purse, and then two items I got in Ghana, but haven't ever used or gifted away. I'm hoping in the near future to add some vintage clothing - depending on what I can find on my thrifty adventures.

This newest venture isn't so much me wanting to make money, but me finding a creative outlet. In the past, designing blogger designs has been a great creative outlet, but with low computer memory, fading internet signals down in the basement, an old computer, and not so state of the art software its been hard to do. I'm a big believer that I'm happier when I have something that's all my own that allows me to explore my interests. Not only does this enable me to have some creative expression with choosing items, writing up descriptions, taking pictures...but it also fills one of my addictions - bargain shopping. Phil can attest, I LOVE to shop. And no, I don't spend a lot of money, or even buy a lot of stuff, but its the act of actually going shopping and rifling through the sale racks that gives me some kind of sick enjoyment (much to Phil's dismay), even though I may not even make a purchase.

So, if you're interested or have never explored etsy, take a look. www.jngrl7.etsy.com

Sisterly Request

2009-02-17T09:44:00.008-05:00

So Jules asked me to do a post on how to create a title for a blogger blog.

When you click on the layout tab there is a space that says header, click edit down in the lower right corner. You can either type in a text title, upload a picture you have, or you can upload one from the web. Then it gives you the option to use a picture behind the title and description or to use it instead of the title and description.

What I have done in the past is create a title using fun digiscrap items (see first couple of posts on how to download, and use these elements) and then upload it instead of the title and description. I like to use publisher as my design program (because I can't afford to buy photoshop) but at work I only have PowerPoint to work with.

Here's one of my titles in creation:

Choose a background for the title

Crop background to desired size

Arange letters and elements to your taste.
(I change the background after I decided I didn't like it)

Then group all the elements together and right click on the image and save as a picture.

Upload picture to blogger and choose placement as instead of title and description. (Before you upload picture, there will be a box that says shrink to size. Click that to make sure the title fits on the screen...)

Enjoy your new blog title!

Deck the Blogs

2008-12-05T13:11:00.004-05:00

So here are some Christmas/holiday blog designs. I would have posted them sooner but my computer (which is now about four years old) has been very slow! But here they are. Let me know what you think.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/winterowl_holiday.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/Santas_Holiday.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/orangeflower_holiday.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/jinglebells_holiday.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/homefortheholidays_holiday.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/decemberornaments_holiday.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/christmasornaments_holiday.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/candystripepresent_holiday.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/candycanes_holiday.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/BlueWinterScenes_Holiday.gif

Fall looks

2008-10-28T15:27:00.006-04:00

Fall is my favorite season. I absolutely love sweater weather, where you can substitute a sweater for a coat. Not to mention, I love the autumnal colors on the trees. So in honor of my favorite season, these designs are fall inspired.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/sepiatree_fall.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/yellowbirds_fall.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/scarecrows_fall.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/orangepumpkin_fall.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/orangeandpink_fall.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/burntorangeleaves_fall.gif

Rainy day designs

2008-09-26T16:52:00.003-04:00

So today is rather rainy and chilly here in the Boston area, so I threw on my turtleneck and cozied up to the computer for some more designing. Here's what I've done.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/greenandbrowngarden.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/pencilforest.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/tornwallpaper.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/orangedaisy.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/orangetwine.gif

Just a reminder, to learn how to put these on your blog click the "How To" label on the right.

A more masculine touch

2008-09-14T18:11:00.006-04:00

So I realized I have been partial to my female market, and haven't been appealing to my more masculine readers. So here's my attempt at more masculine templates.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/blueplaid.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/Ppinnedtogether.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/YellowTree-1.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/blueandorangewallpaper.gif

I know this last one isn't as masculine as the rest, but I'm trying....

Someting old, something new....

2008-09-07T19:19:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more templates. Some I had posted on my other blog and some are new.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/brownhearts.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/blueandbrownrays.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/AndrewandRebekahBlog.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/AndrewandRebekahBlog2.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/bluebird.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/greenandpinkgarden.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/pinkpaisley-1.gif

Debut

2008-09-06T12:07:00.000-04:00

Here's my debut of my template on my new blog! The links to paste into your own blog are below each picture. To learn How To do this yourself click the How To label on the right. There will be more coming!

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/bluediamonds.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/jellybeans.gif

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/jngrl7/multicolorsquares.gif

How To Create Your Own Blogger Template

2008-09-06T11:43:00.000-04:00

So here's how to create your own blog template.

1. You need to download digital scrap booking elements. They are exactly like what you would buy for conventional scrap booking (like ribbons, papers, alphabets, sticker, etc.) but they are digital! You can find them all over the place for free...but I like to use digiscrapdepot.com. Go to their freebies page, search for things, and it will take you directly to the designer's websites. A lot of websites are in other languages...so you might learn a few words like the word "free" in French or German. (WARNING: these files are rather large, because essentially they are pictures...)

2. Figure out which design program works best for you. I think Adobe Illustrator or Photo Shop would work the best, but I don't have either of of those, so I use Microsoft Publisher. You can also use Microsoft PPT or any other program that lets your design things. You need to create a canvas that's abou 14.5" wide and 10" high.

3. Then copy and paste elements into your workbook and start designing! You need to make the middle panel, where your blog posts will be about 7.5" to 8" wide.

4. When you're done bedazzling your design, save what you have made as a picture. In publisher, all you have to do is group all the elements into one object and right click and save as picture.

5. Then create an account on photobucket.com. Upload your picture to photobucket, making sure you choose the option to reduce to 1 megabyte file size, which will allow that your template will cover the whole screen.

6. After you have uploaded your picture, underneath it you can copy the direct link for that picture. This is the direct link that I have referred to in the previous post on how to change your blog template.

It's fairly simple, but if you have trouble just send me a note and I will see if I can help you out!

How To Add a New Template

2008-09-06T11:35:00.001-04:00

So here's how to add a new template into your blog:

Log into your blog

Next go to ‘customize’ then ‘layout’ then ‘pick a new template’ then choose a minima template. Save.

Then click on "edit HTML:" and scroll down to where it says:

body { background:$bgcolor; margin:0; color:$textcolor; font:x-small Georgia Serif; font-size/* */:/**/small; font-size: /**/small; text-align: center;

Change that part of the code to say this:

body {

background:$bgcolor;background-image:url(direct link);background-position: center; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed;

margin:0; color:$textcolor; font:x-small Georgia Serif; font-size/* */:/**/small; font-size: /**/small; text-align: center;

Now copy the address of the picture where it says "direct link"

Click Save!

Grand Opening

2008-08-30T13:17:00.000-04:00

So lately, since I've had so much time on my hands...I have been delving a lot into the world of blogger template designs. I'm not very good at it, but I am learning a few tricks here and there. I thought I would create a blog just devoted to my templates. I think this is more of a creative outlet for me rather than me providing a service to others. I find a lot of enjoyment in doing this...except when my computer runs slow!

Anyway, I will periodically post my new designs on here for your use. I'm really not looking to gain a profit from this...so feel free to use my designs and give me your feedback.

I will put the directions of how to design and change your templates on the blog so you can do it yourself too.