Member Spotlight: Nichern Designs

Name: Nicole
Etsy shop: nicherndesigns.etsy.com
Web site: www.ni-cherndesigns.com
Blog: ni-cherndesigns.blogspot.com
What three words describe your design style? Functional, trendy, quality
What's your favorite thing to sew/create? Pouches
How did you get started crafting? To help with my student loans, but it didn't help because I'm a fabric-oholic
What inspires you? Colors
What craft have you always wanted to try but haven't? Knitting
What's your favorite thing about being a part of Etsy? Being able to talk to other diy crafters
Check out Nicole's Apples & Pears Wristlet (shown above)!

Member Spotlight: Pink Lemonade Bags

Name: Caroline Ritzer
Etsy shop: pinklemonadebags.etsy.com
Web site: www.pinklemonadebags.com
Blog: pinklemonadeboutiquebags.blogspot.com

What three words describe your design style? Trendy, stylish, chic

What's your favorite thing to sew/create? I love making bags and my favorite are my rag totes. I could literally spend my entire day shopping for fabric on the internet, scheming, I mean dreaming of how the totes will look when finished.

How did you get started crafting? I have probably been crafting since I was a toddler. If I could glue it, cut it, color it, add a feather to it~I did it. I have always loved all manner of crafting and creating. I have take pottery classes, American Indian beadweaving classes, as well as the requisite Art classes in school.

I started sewing when my daughter was born almost six years ago and instantly got addicted! I had one sewing lesson from my mom to learn how to read a pattern and then to make my first bag. Everything else after that has been self taught! At some point, now that I have a couple of mornings free with both kids in their school/preschool, I do hope to take the free sewing classes I got when I purchased both of my sewing machines. I also am owed classes to learn all of the amazing things my embroidery machine can do.

What inspires you? Beautiful fabric and gorgeous photography.

What craft have you always wanted to try but haven't? Quilting. My mom got a quilt kit for a Halloween quilt for me. The next craft on the list ... knitting! Then stained glass.
What's your favorite thing about being a part of Etsy? The people and sense of community.

Check out Caroline's Damask Boutique Diaper Bag/Tote (pictured)!

Show off one of your current listings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14713496

Sugar Snap it up

Have you seen the fun Sugar Snap launch listings posted by the Trendy Textiles members at Etsy? Check 'em out:

Sugar Snap Wristlet Purse by PrettyinPink320


Sugar Snap Small Pleated Tote Bag by Priddy Creations

Sugar Snap Bubble Gathered Ruffle Tote Bag by Boutique Nutmeg Design

The Criss Cross Bag and Key Fob Set by IslandGirlBags

Japanese Peasant Dress by Flourishes

Featured Blogger................

Tell us a little about yourself, your blog, or your business. I've been sewing since I was a girl and my obsession with fabric and design have pushed me find new creative ways to learn and share the hobby. I love to make children's clothing and home dec items using all different crafts.







How long have you been blogging? I opened an account a couple years ago & never did much with updating and personalizing it. When I starting really trying to build an e-commerce presence about a year ago, I got in gear and starting bloging.

What do you love about blogging? I love to surf the blogs! Finding new people who have found me and following the trail to some of the most creative things I have ever seen! It's also a great outlet to share what is going on for friends and family who are far away.


Does blogging help with your business? Yes!!! I've had many people say they found me via my blog. The more I network, the more traffic and orders I see.

Get more of Georgia Grace & Co. here:
http://georgiagrace.typepad.com/
and shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5311187 or you can click on any of the pictures above.

P.S. Jordon has offered all of the Trendy Textiles readers 15% off!!

Sugar Snap & Melissa Averinos

Designer Melissa Averinos says she's a "sporadic sewer" -- although having a new line of fabric out for FreeSpirit Fabrics may change that.
"I really admire seamstresses and good sewers, and I want to become one," she says. "I don't see myself making quilts with precision but I would like to make clothes with precision."
In the meantime, she'll likely continue her organic method of quilting, which is not that dissimilar from her other artistic endeavors: she arranges strips and squares of fabric on her studio floor until they please her, then sews them together.
"I have a philosophy about artwork or design: mess with it until it looks good," she says. "I work very much on instinct."
She finds inspiration in the everyday items around her, from trees trimmed to accommodate power lines to rusty metal to the textures of asphalt. Her blog, Yummy Goods, (which shares its name with her recently opened gift shop) is a delightful visual trip, showcasing her thrifted finds, as well as her artwork and her honest and open journaling.
See how the Trendy Textiles designers have been inspired by Melissa's work in our Etsy shops. You also can read more about Melissa at Confessions of a Craft Addict.

Member Spotlight: Georgia Grace Designs

Name: Jordon Manis
Stores: Georgia Grace Designs and Grain & Gusset (coming soon)
Web site: www.georgiagracedesigns.com (coming soon too)
Blog: georgiagrace.typepad.com
What three words describe your design style? Right now.... Sweet, Simple, and Colorful
What's your favorite thing to sew/create? Girls' clothing and home dec projects
How did you get started crafting? My mom is very crafty and I grew up watching her. She always involved me in her projects so crafting and sewing has always been a part of my life. Watching my mom all those years gave me the courage to jump in and learn from my mistakes.
What inspires you? My girls, colors, and simplifying designs.
What craft have you always wanted to try but haven't? Hand embroidery & Smocking.
What's your favorite thing about being a part of Etsy? Having an online network of crafters who are passionate about their unique crafts.
Check out Jordon's featured listing (shown above), Orchard Corduroy Ruffles .

Fabric Silhouettes Tutorial.......

One of the newest additions to the Trendy Textiles Blog is the fun DIY tutorials! Now you can create some of the lovely items from the tutorials and share them on Flickr with the members of Trendy Textiles!

Our first tutorial was created by the lovely Melissa, from WonderMommy.

Fabric Silhouettes

By Mellissa Abreu - Wondermommy

http://wondermommy.wordpress.com

http://wondermommy.etsy.com

Materials:
~2 Fat Quarters of different prints (I used Prelude by Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom)
~Fusible Webbing Paper Backed
~Spray On Adhesive for quilting (It can be found in your quilting section and only temporarily bonds.)
~Printer
~Picture Frame
~Marker or Pencil

Note: I made two silhouettes. The materials list is for making one.

Instructions:

First, you need to pick your frames so that you know what size you are working with. I chose an 8X10 frame.

Second, you need to select an image to be silhouetted. I used my camera and took pictures of my children’s profiles in front of a bright window. Then, I edited them in Photoshop taking out the background and leaving only the silhouette of their face. I, then, printed this image out to the desired size (one that would fit in the frame). This is not the only method for getting an image. You could trace your child’s shadow onto paper. You could print out any image from clip art that you would like to use. The options are endless.

There is one important thing to remember: your image will be mirrored when finished. That means that you need to have the image flipped from the way that you will want it in the end. You can select this as an option when printing.

This is the image that I started with:

This is the image that I actually printed after editing it:

Now, we are ready to add the image to the fusible webbing. I keep a roll of this at home and couldn’t even tell you the brand name. I’ve had it that long. They are all pretty much the same. It will have a paper backing on one side and on the other will be a round side. Place that side down and leave the paper side up. Slip your printed image under the paper. Then, take a pencil or marker and trace around the image onto the paper side of the fusible webbing. You should have something that resembles the image below.

Your next step is to cut widely around the image. Do not cut it along your lines yet. We are going to fuse this piece to the fabric first.

Once you have something that looks like the above image, take it and the fabric you wish to use to the iron. Follow the manufacturers instructions for fusing this to fabric. Let this cool down. Your image should now be adhered to your fabric.

Once the fabric is cool to the touch, you may cut your image out along your drawn lines.

Set this aside. You will now take your other fat quarter and the backing of your frame. Lay the fabric over the backing of your frame to get an idea of the size that you need to cut the fabric. I cut mine a little larger than the backing.

Once this is cut to the size that you would like, take this piece of fabric and your silhouette to the iron again. Peel off the paper back on the silhouette and place it on the piece of fabric where you would like it to fall. Then, according to the manufacturer’s of the webbing instructions, adhere it to the larger piece of fabric.





Take this new piece back to where you have your frame backing. Turn it over. Spray the adhesive to the back side of the fabric making sure you reach all sides. Turn this piece over and place it on the frame backing. Press down all around your fabric. Then, turn the frame back over and press the sides down or trim them to the size of the backing…this is your choice.

Place the backing back in the frame and you are done.

This would be a great project for all types of fabric and images. Have fun with it!

Be sure to join Trendy Textiles on Flickr.com and share your photos of items made using the Trendy Textiles tutorials!

Ho Ho Ho

Can you believe how quickly the fall has just zipped past? It's already November and fewer than 50 days until Christmas! I did a quick search of holiday-themed items offered by Trendy Textiles members and found these gems:

Girls' Euro Twirl Set by Sarah Bear Originals.

The Cindy Lou Who Reversible Pinafore Top by LIttle Daisy Designs.


Hand-crafted Christmas Angel or Guardian by I Wanted to Wonder.


Green Christmas Dog or Cat Collar with Red and White Dots by Camille's Studio.


Velvet Sparkle Hair Clippies by XOXOTova.


Holiday Angel Patchwork Quilted Bag by Hoganfe.


Silk Dupionette and Taffeta Holiday Dress by Hulabaloo Boutique.

Portabello Pixie Gracie and Double Ruffle Pants go on a holiday by Flourishes.

Featured blog member........Pink Lemonade Bags

We recently had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Caroline from Pink Lemonade Bags

How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging about a year and half, I started my blog April 28, 2007.

What do you love about blogging?

I love blogging because it is a great way to meet new people, especially those who have similar interests as me!
I love reading the blogs of fabric designers, quilters, moms, and other Etsy artisans. I enjoy being able to document the highlights of my business as well.
It is a chance to share fun projects and custom orders that I have worked on.

Does blogging help with your business?

I think that blogging has definitely helped my business by increasing my exposure on the internet. I have used Entrecard as way to reach a whole new audience that I didn't know before.
It has definitely helped me increase my traffic, especially when I run a contest! I feel that it has helped me build relationships with fellow bloggers.
It is such a compliment when someone you know from blogging emails to place an order from the website or ask to do a custom order.

Tell us a little about yourself, your blog, or your business.

You can read all about Caroline here.

Wondering where you can find more Pink Lemonade Bags?

Check her our here:

Website...http://www.pinklemonadebags.com/ Etsy...http://pinklemonadebags.etsy.com/
Blog...http://pinklemonadeboutiquebags.blogspot.com/
Flickr...http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinklemonadebags/

What does Winter, Mistletoe, and a Portabello Pixe have in common?

A whole month of shopping bliss, brought to you by the Trendy Textiles street team on Etsy!

Member Spotlight: Priddy Creations

Name: Amy Priddy
Store: http://www.priddycreations.etsy.com
Web site: http://www.priddycreations.com
Blog: http://www.priddycreations.blogspot.com
What three words describe your design style? Whimsical, bold, crisp
What's your favorite thing to sew/create? I am HUGELY addicted to boutique and custom bags. That is what I enjoy the most. My problem is that I want to keep everything I make. LOL!
How did you get started crafting? I actually started scrapbooking when my almost 9 year old was born. That led me to custom jewelry and the boutique clothing community. Seeing all the beautiful creations and fabrics really gave me the itch to create for myself and my kids.
What inspires you? I would have to say my kids most of all. However, lots of things inspire me. Bold colors in artwork, scenic landscapes, beautiful fabrics and textiles.....the list could go on and on.
What craft have you always wanted to try but haven't? Designing my own fabric line. I love the graphic aspect of it. And of course all the beautiful things you could create with your final project.
What's your favorite thing about being a part of Etsy? The simplicity. With my busy schedule, I love the simplicity of Etsy. I have also met some really talented and fantastic friends through Etsy.
Check out Amy's featured listing (shown above), Custom Removable Pink and Brown Damask SLR Digital Camera Strap.

Monday Madness

It's Monday again and that means another Monday Madness sale!

This week AbbyChase Designs is having a Buy Two Get One half off sale! Buy any two items at regular price and get the third half off!

Shop today until midnight Tuesday night and mention that you saw it on the Trendy Textiles blog and you will receive a revised invoice for your purchases.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16522367

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=16012581

Wacky Wednesday......

Today's Wacky Wednesday promotions come from

Chubby Cheek Boutique

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16194999

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16223611

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16223976

and WonderMommy

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15169932

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15169808

Monday Madness...........

It's Monday and what better way to start the week than with a SALE!!

creationsbyrachel is having her anual OBX sale, so stop by her store today and start your week off right!

Here is just a sampling of the wonderful things you will find in her store today.

Lollipop Designs........

Our first featured blogger is Eloisa from Lollipop Designs aka Natitys Designs.

How long have you been blogging? April 2007



What do you love about blogging?I love to share thoughts and anecdotes, all my products have a purpose, and a story, how I came up with the idea, why this product is meaningful, and I love to share that information with the readers, I don't just "make stuff" there's a reason for everything I do and this is what I try to explain in my blog.





Does blogging help with your business?Yes, because readers know I really put my heart on all my designs. And a lot of thinking comes with everything I do. It helps me connect with clients, colleagues and also parents.



Tell us a little about yourself, your blog, or your business. I'm a Navy wife, I have 2 little girls, and I design and create baby, children and mommy items like Nursing Covers, Car Seat Covers, and accessories. I love to blog about my ideas, my kids, my friends, my new products and everyday life.





Eloisa has been kind enough to offer all of our readers 10% off their purchase. Just use the coupon code TT10 when you check out.

Visit the Lollipop Designs Blog today!

Wacky Wednesday

Our new Trendy Textiles promotion, Wacky Wednesday, launches today! You won't want to miss these great deals -- especially because they end today. Check out all the listings here!