Atomic Holiday Bazaar This Weekend and I am there Saturday and Sunday

I am so excited to be a part of this show again this weekend. If you live locally please stop by and say hi and get 10% off anything you buy besides Envirosax. My friend Adrien runs the show and she is awesome! Stop by her booth too!

Atomic Holiday Bazaar, Sarasota's first and only indie holiday craft show celebrates its fourth year by introducing an additional Saturday night show at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.

This year Atomic Holiday Bazaar introduces a Saturday Night Show on December 12, 2009, 5:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m., 18 and Over with a $7 Admission. Atomic Holiday Bazaar's first Saturday evening craft show will present 40 crafters who infuse their dark hearted creations with splashes of punk, dabs of rock and jabs of general tuffness. The evening's entertainment includes burlesque performances by Moxie Le Femme and live music raining down upon the crowd like a foamy draft beer with rockabilly-punk rock by The Redliners, The Dead Popes and Viva Le Vox. Cosimo's Brick Oven. will be on hand selling small bites, beer and wine. Two fashion shows produced by Doll Face, Inc., will showcase vintage clothing from Silly Rabbit Vintage and Vintage Stew in addition to a second fashion show featuring rock-a-licious costume design by Joanna Coblentz of Doll Face, Inc., and Adrien Lucas of Tuff Betty Bags. If you keep your ticket stub from Saturday night and wish to return on Sunday to shop with even more vendors, with your Sat. night ticket stub, admission is only $3.

Atomic Holiday Bazaar celebrates its fourth Sunday show on December 13, 2009, Noon- 6 p.m., All Ages Show, $5 Admission, Children 12 and under get in free. Atomic Holiday Bazaar's Sunday craft show features over 80 crafters who create amusing handmade DIY crafts. Holiday shopping offerings include handbags, t-shirts, jewelry, body products, home décor, baby items, plushies, a smidge of art and even canned goods. This is not your granny's craft show! Free cotton totes will be handed out by the Bradentucky Bomber roller derby team to the first 100 adults through the door. Atomic totes are a local collectible and this year totes have been screened by locals Clothesline; the totes are filled with swag ala' Atomic style with special offers from our vendors, zines, buttons, samples and more.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Pic taken by Dawn check out her site. She took the best pics of Sam when he was only 10 days old.
My little man is 10 weeks old today!! I haven't been on the computer much lately but I promise to have tons of stuff on here soon! I am getting ready for an AMAZING show and am looking forward to being at and in it!

I am so fortunate and have way too many things to be thankful for this year. I am wishing all of you a very HEALTHY and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Motherhood

Sam is two weeks old today. I am still adjusting to being a new mommy. Sam is so sweet and just a very nice little boy. I am still tired, more tired than I expected but have laid off the pain pills and am just taking advil. I went to have my incsions checked the other day and I go back in two weeks to get checked out. Sam has his Dr. appt. next tuesday. I am looking forward to seeing how much he has grown.
Dan's friend from work took some gorgeous pictures of Sam the other afternoon. I can't wait to see how they turned out.
Meanwhile thank goodness I have a strong support system, I can't drive so my mom or Dan takes me around. Everyone helps out with the baby which is nice for me. Dan has been the biggest trooper for the past 2 weeks. He sat with me when they put my epidural in, was in during the C-section, held my hand and helped the nurse when she removed my staples, helped me pump and cleans my incisions. I didn't think it was possible to love him more than I did before but I do.

I will be more on the blogging craft track soon I promise. A little man has taken over my life so I have been a bit preoccupied.

Isn't he lovely.....

Isn't he lovely.....
Originally uploaded by sewitsforyou

This is a picture of Sam. He finally arrived via c-section last Thursday at 5:58 pm. He will be a week old tonight. He is such a sweet baby and we are so lucky that he is so good because I am functioning at about 50%. Dan and my folks have been a HUGE help. More info to come soon!

Been a long time....

Well I am still pregnant, not sure for how much longer. I have an appointment with the OB tomorrow to see what is going to happen. Sam feels HUGE but as of my last ultrasound at 33 weeks he measured over 6 pounds. I am 36 weeks now and the OB originally said if I could make it to the week of the 7th of September it would be the best case scenario. I go for stress tests 2x a week and so far so good. Dan and I have been living at my folks for the past 6 or 7 weeks and that has been interesting. We are grateful that we have them here and close but we miss our house and I have a ton of stuff to do before Sam gets here...Thanks for all the good wishes I promise to make up all of the blogging I have missed for all my groups I belong to...

When life hands you lemons.....

I try not to get too personal on this blog but we have hit a few snags in the road with this pregnancy. Sam and I are fine, he will be coming along a bit earlier than planned. He originally was due the 29th of September but could be here any time from 3 weeks from now until the latest September 7th. I have beem a bit preoccupied so other things (like this blog) have taken a back seat. I will keep you posted!

Featured Etsyblogger MiesMama

The July featured etsyblogger is MiesMama. Her shop is full of fabric and felted goodness. When I was looking at her shop I saw so many diferent types of items from headbands and pins, to garlands and bags.

I have picked a couple of the items to post here that grabbed my eye!

This Heart Felt Garland is over 6ft long and perfect for hanging in your home to celebrate an anniversary or Valentines day.
This pin cushion is just what my sofa needs. I am notorious for leaving pins in the arms of my sofa.

ARRRGGGHHH! Who doesn't love pirates? This adorable hand felted skull and crossbones bowl is only $15.00.

So go take a gander at MiesMama shop when you have a sec.

Completed Sexy Girl top

Completed Sexy Girl top
Originally uploaded by sewitsforyou

This is what I was working on last week to sooth my nerves. I tired doing that but as soon as I put the sequins into play all hell broke loose. What a HUGE pain in the a$$. It came out awesome and I can't wait to wear it again. It did look a bit on a big preggo belly but who cares right? I am exercising to try and calm down a bit and got the ok for some yoga so let's hope for smooth sailing this week.



here is a close-up of just her head.

Featured Etsyblogger: Lazy T Crochet

The featured Etsyblogger this month is Lazy T Crochet. There are so many different items in her shop, here are just a few of the ones I liked. She also excepts custom orders and doesn't require you to have a paypal account.

This boucle scarf is only $15. I can't imagine needing one in Florida but it would have been great when I was in San Fran.

For those of you starting on a more green living experience the perfect hand saver for your starbucks, this coffee sleeve is only $12 and will be the talk of the office.

This hat is reserved for someone, but I am a sucker for hats. Not currently since I am almost 7 months pregnant and I am hot all the time, but I think hats are super fun!
So go check out Lazy T Crochet.

MIA for a bit

I am having some personal issues right now that have caused me to be MIA for a bit and may continue for a while. We are all ok but any positive vibes out there would be greatly appreciated.

My friend Adrien

I met Adrien a couple years ago at a show I was doing in St. Pete. She runs this fabulous show called Atomic Holiday Bazaar, which I was lucky enough to be a part of last year. We have become friends over the years and I asked her these questions recently based on my interview with kittykill.


1. How did you get into embroidery and how long have you been doing it?
My aunt is an amazing embroidery artist and gave me my first needle and floss kit which was a chipmunk when I was about 8. I didn't get serious about learning difficult stitches until my early 20s prior to that, I was just sewing things my way which made for some really cool pieces but beading that wouldn't hold because I wasn't using the correct thread, etc. It's good to really do it right the first time, duh!

2. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I'm sunny to partly cloudy.

3. Tell me about your indie business
Tuff Betty Bags began in '99 in L.A., I don't produce as much as I had in the past due to my other indie biz stuff, Vintage Stew on Etsy, Atomic Holiday Bazaar my crazy craft show in December, Raging Retro, stylized retro photography (I don't take the pics) so I'm pretty busy year round with my hands in a bit of everything.


4. Any advice for the masses
Trademark your business name...very important. The potential to lose your rights to your business name after you have established a good following is a true reality that can bite you in the behind. You can easily trademark your biz name on line and it is worth every penny to do so.


5. What is your website/blog
www.tuffbettybags.com
www.tuffbettybags.etsy.com
www.myspace.com/tuffbettybags
www.atomicholidaybazaar.com
www.myspace.com/atomicholidaybazaar
www.vintagestew.etsy.com
http://vintagestew.blogspot.com/
www.ragingretro.com

6. What is your favorite piece of yours?
Really too many to mention. Here are most of my bags on a Flickr slideshow, 1999 - to 2009

7. Who/What are some inspirations for you
Aubrey Beardsley, Edward Gorey, Arts and Craft Movement, Art Nouveau, nature, music and vintage clothing.

My friend Kittykill (AKA Pam)

This is a little interview I conducted with my good friend Kittykill. I met her on Craftster oh about 2 1/2 - 3 years ago. She is the moderator for needlework and I have learned so much from her. I am also lucky enough to have a few pieces made by her and her craftsmanship and attention to detail is not to be believed. We became fast friends and although we have never met in person I feel like I have known her my entire lifetime! I am so excited to have you all meet her!

1. How did you get into embroidery and how long have you been doing it?

I saw an ad for Sublime Stitching in Bust magazine and decided that I wanted to try it. I bought some patterns and began stitching. I had done some needlepoint and crosstitch up till then but really fell in love with embroidery. It was like I found a home,something I could do well and have an excuse to watch movies while doing it.I also discovered Craftster and my life has never been the same. I've met so many amazing talented people. I've been embroidering for about 5-6 years.

2. Tell me a little bit about yourself.....

I just turned 39, live in Portland Oregon with my husband Mark and our two Jack Russells Lola and Jujube. When I'm not stitching. I work for a women's domestic violence/sexual assault crisis line and help moderate Craftster.org. I love anything vintage from 1890-1950's, scary movies, kitschy stuff. We have a Tiki bar in our house and my hubby can make a mean drink. I treat my dogs like chilren and I'm sure it embarrasses my husband to death. I'm also a contributing writer on FeelingStitchy.com and I just started the Scrappy Dog Society. I love embroidering vintage patterns, it makes me smile to think 40 to 50 years from now my work will inspire someone when they see it at an estate sale or a thrift store. I love the way embroidery tells the history of our cultures. You can see the world evolving (or de-evolving) through stitches.

3. Tell me about your indie business

I have a shop on Etsy.com. 3 Jack Design. I sell jewelry, embroidery and vintage clothing/housewares. I also have a joint venture with an awesome friend selling patterns. We are still trying to come up with a name but the patterns seem to be doing quite well.

4. Any advice for the masses?

Don't listen to negative criticism! Do what you want to do and you will be happy. I don't embroider the conventional way but it always turns out the way I want it to. Also, practice, practice, practice. My first pieces were a little shaky but I kept up with it and really like the work I turn out now. Also, BE NICE TO PEOPLE! You can certainly be sassy but the head you step on, on your way to the top, is the ass you will have to kiss on the way back down to the bottom. Meet people in your community, encourage others to share their talent and their voices.

5. What is your website/blog?

My blog is fasterkittykill.blogspot.com and my etsy site is http://www.kittykill.etsy.com/

6. What is your favorite piece of yours?
(I have added some of kittykill's favorite pieces throughout the interview as well as here)

This pillow above was made for me by Kittykill from a Shag print and I <3 it.



7. Who/What are some inspirations for you?

My family inspires me. Music and movies inspire me. People in the crafting community like Jenny Hart, lovely little deer, anyakase, kunderwood, Lilyvanilli, Brook, flossbox, sew sew a go-go, fiberartsy. Pin up artist, bad "B" horror movies, vintage embroidery patterns and pieces. And of course-you!

If you want to read my interview on her blog check it out here
>

Busy Weekend.

Whew! I got caught up in embroidery this weekend. It's funny cause I only started on Saturday but then Dan went fishing so I was home and made a ton of things.

First I knew I had to get Regina's long awaited tote bag done. I have slacked way too long and I wanted to get completed and all of her goodies together to send out this week.

Kinda of weird shadow came out when I looked at this.
Cow Cow and Chicken based on one of regina's illustrations. She calls her bf cowcow.

Regina sent me over some line art of the new sushi line of patterns she made for sale and I made a set of napkins and a onesie for Sam.

These are 8 x8 cotton napkins from CB2, a division of Crate and Barrel.

This little onesie was on sale for $3.00 and I loved the color and thought the new patterns would look super cute on it!
Up close of the sushi roll ( don't mind the extra floss)

Then the final thing I completed is from a prop used in Dazed and Confused. After my Bake Cake towel I made last week I wanted to make a more adult version with the F word involved. Dan and I loved the FAH-Q on Ben Affleck's paddle in Dazed and Confused so I copied it and made framed art.




I have a ton more things I need to do still. I need to finish up an order, and make a apron for 4th of July..

My friend Regina!

Ok so technically we have never met but I have been working with Regina for quite a while. She is a very talented graphic artist/designer. Regina also helped out with my day job by creating some promotional pamphlets we needed a HUGE redesign on. My friendship with Regina started out where I made a towel from an illustration she had done to represent her ( chicken) and her boyfriend (cow cow.) Then I asked Regina if she'd like to draw pdf's for patterns for my etsy shop ( which we were going to open a new one) and she has made some of the cutest patterns for the shop over the past couple months. The ones coming out next week are super duper cute! I wanted to write a little feature on her etsy shop Notebooks Etc.

Notebooks Etc. has a variety of items from memo pads, notebooks and stickers to her newest item coffee tumblers.

We are Explorers memo pad.

The Turtle Tumbler

Cow Cow and Chicken Long memo pad ( I use mine for grocery and to-do lists).

Funtastic Fruits Sticker

The quality and prices can't be beat. Regina and I are supposed to swap ( I am a slacker) and she sent me a ton of goodies from her shop and I have some at work and some at home. So why are you still here, go check out her shop!

Finished Bake Cake Towel

Finished Bake Cake Towel
Originally uploaded by sewitsforyou

Oh I finally finished this towel. I was inspired from a shirt my friend SewSew-A-GoGo created for her adorable daughter! I am thinking of other phrases to do this towel in. We have free HBO and Showtime this weeked so I am hoping to catch up on some much needed craftiness.

Blog Carnival Topic- B-day

Hmm my b-day is at the end of August and this year is a big b-day which I do not care to mention..lol I am thinking that we may go out to dinner earlier for my b-day because I will be about 36 weeks pregnant and if my trip to Tampa yesterday taught me anything, eating and getting in a car are still not such a good idea...

I have bought gifts before for myself and my mom has given me money ( like clothes) and for the hubby. I think I am a pretty easy person to buy for, plus I have a wist and an amazon list to help my baffled family. I like music and books so there is always something I don't have. I have tried to stop buying books cause they are so darn expensive.

I think the best gift I ever received ( and it may not have been a b-day gift) is I always bug my husband to tell me how he fell in love with me. One year he bought a message in a bottle, wrote the story of how he fell in love with me and had it assembled in the beautiful kit that he gave to me. It made me cry like a b-day then and still tear up now. It was in a gorgeous glass bottle and nestled in this little treasure chest.

For this b-day there are about 5 concerts I'd like to see but I will wait until these bands come back here again. I think all of the bands have been here before and I have seen them all. I did go 4 years ago to see the Killers with Dan for my b-day and it was a fabulous show.

For this b-day, I think I would like to sleep in, maybe a massage and a nap!

This weekend

Ok so first off the gazpacho was freakin' amazing! I ate way too much of it. I left it at the people's house I made it for and then made a whole new batch on Saturday...YUM!

I have been working on a tote for Regina for a while and I still have not finished it, well cause I am a slacker. I will finish it this week and post a pic of it so I can send it on it's way to her.

I did finish a set of pillowcases. I saw a similar set on a website for sale that were made in china and were machine embroidered for A LOT of money so I figured I would whip up a set and have them in my store. I figured these would be a great baby shower or new parent gift for a couple that has a sense of humor. Each pillowcase had On Duty on one side and when you flip the pillow over it says Off Duty.

I have been working on this towel for a while. It will eventually say "Bake Cake" in the knuckles but for the time being it is a very slow WIP. It is from my friend SewSew-A-Gogo on flickr. She makes some of the cutest stuff.

Please don't mind the scattered blue my water soluble pen is not coming out so easy on here.

Artist Friend: Wild Olive

I am sure many of you know Mollie of Wild Olive on flickr and on etsy. She makes some of the cutest patterns ever. I have been buying them for a bit now and she recently asked if she could use a couple pictures of her patterns that I embroidered for her etsy site and I was like sure!

Since I have started to use a light table I think my embroidery has gotten so much better because I am able to draw much thinner lines and then water makes them disappear. My sulky pens got way to fat and the lines get too thick and then I need more floss to cover them.

Free Pattern available here

From her Christmas tree topper ( I think) collection available again soon.


The patterns on this towel are from her Bar-B Cute Set. This is one of her newer sets to be released in her shop. I made them on a towel for a 4th of July Party we are going to. Since we have 2 places to be I may make an apron for the other party hostess.
The blue lines are all gone now this was before it was totally done.

Oh watermelon is yummy.

Mollie has a blog where she posts her new items and projects she does as well. If you sign up for her mailing list you can get free patterns and info about sales and promos. So check her out!