Wednesday, April 30, 2008

I'm such an Idiot!!

Yes I am! I've been ranting and raving about this Etsy shop and I forgot to post the link. DUH!

Here it is:
www.boringsidney.etsy.com

Etsy Must-See #1 : Boring Sidney

Ok so this will be a new feature in my blog once in a while. Since I mentioned Etsy already, I thought it would be fitting that I introduce you to my favorite shops. God knows I have hundreds of shops hearted already!

One of the first etsy shops I "hearted" when I first signed up for an account, was "Boring Sidney".
The art of millinery was always something that I found fascinating. It takes great talent, to make such whimsical hats, and obviously she's got it!
Although I am at ease making handbags, and can now do them fairly fast. I'm not convinced that hat making is any similar. It just seems so much more meticulous to me. I guess I'll leave millinery to the experts, such as this particular artist.

I strongly recommend a peak through her shop. I just love looking through it and imagining the outfits that would go best with each hat, and where they could be worn. I imagine that anyone wearing one of them must feel like they've traveled through time and are now living in one of those old Hollywood films. Audrey Hepburn would've been a fan, i'm sure.

My personal favorite is the "FannyMae" pictured below. It just screams "Autumn in New York" to me. It is just so chic. I love it, and am sure you will quickly fall in love as well.

Monday, April 28, 2008

My own private zoo


As I was putting the finishing touches on the dog bed I was sewing, I looked around the room to find some extra batting and what did I see? One dog and three cats all sitting in a row, looking up at me. I smiled and told them how cute they looked standing there.

At that same moment, I heard the others. Yep, I heard four budgies and two Gouldian finches singing in unison. That's when I finally thought :"Oh my god we have our own zoo! To think we'll be getting two canaries this week!"

One year ago, all we had was our dog Leia. Now, we have a farm! I think it was a recent trip to an animal shelter that did it. A few months ago, a friend's dog had run away, and I was helping her out by going to various shelters in the region to see if we could find him. My heart broke when I saw the huge amount of abandoned animals there. All waiting. How could we, humans, be so irresponsible?

I immediately handed out donations to the non-kill shelters, and I convinced myself I was adopting.

So there I was, weeks later, taking in an abandoned pregnant cat called LuLu. She quickly gave us two new additions to the family (Ziggy and Xuxa). As if the cats and dog weren't enough, I also brought all these birds, whose owners couldn't take care of them anymore. We can afford it, I thought, so why not?

Now the house is full, but it's not any messier or any stinkier. It's simply happier. Plus I get the reward of having them keep me company while I'm busy sewing. All they really want in return, is that once in a while, I look down at them and tell them how cute they are.

The real reason for me posting this, is that it's extremely important that we all take care of our furry and feathered friends. Adopt from a shelter, or if you can't donate some time or money.
If you're an Etsy shopper, then I strongly suggest you take a peek at Etsy for animals. All proceeds of their sales goes to help shelters and other animal charities. Here is the link: www.etsyforanimals.etsy.com
It's worth a look!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

My machines, my babies....


All my life, I've been an avid collector. As a kid, I collected dolls, stickers even comic books once.

Since I've been sewing though, my collecting habit has focused itself on vintage sewing machines. It's a small collection, but it's one I cherish immensely.

I've been pretty lucky to get all these machines at great prices. Most of them came from yard sales. The most expensive one cost me $ 45, which is pretty good for a vintage sewing machine. At least where I'm from.

Now that spring has arrived, and that summer is fast on it's way, I can't wait to hit up the yard sales again. I wonder what I'll stumble upon this year! Who knows, this year might be the one where I can find an inexpensive Singer Featherweight. I know, I know, dream on Diane...

Friday, April 25, 2008

Free sewing patterns!!



My favorite discovery on the web in the past few months (asides from Etsy) has been Burda Style. The website, www.burdastyle.com , is an open-source sewing community. What that means basically, is that they feature FREE sewing patterns with no copyrights to them. So anybody is welcome to use their patterns, sew the items and then sale them if they want. Isn't that amazing? It's great if you don't have a big budget where you can spend money on patterns.

I, being the sewing fanatic that I am, do have many patterns already but yet I've managed to find some really cool unique ones on there. They are easy to follow and I'm pretty happy with the results. In fact, I think I'll take some pictures of those projects and post them on here.

Also, another thing I loved about the website is that they do have a forum where you ask any questions you might have regarding the patterns. If you love sewing or would like to learn, then Burda Style is definitely a website you should check out. Ready, set, thread your machine!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

So why should you buy handmade?


I figure that since this is a blog about all things crafty and handmade, I should probably promote the movement and why you should join this revolution.

A lot of people out there just don't get why buying handmade is great, and why ultimately it's better. I mean, why buy a hat that was handmade by an artisan for $ 30, when you can get one from a chain store for $ 10. Why, you say? I'll tell you why:

1- the obvious: it's not mass produced, therefore giving you a more unique edge in your personal style. You'll finally own something unique.

2- Your supporting an independent artist. Let's face it, with today's economy, they need all the help they can get.

3- Not only are you supporting an artist, your supporting yours/theirs local economy. Aren't you just sick of making foreign corporations richer? Does China really need another customer?

4- It helps the environment. It really does! Buying from the lady a few blocks away, rather than buying imported products, that must be transported by boat or plane, makes planet earth a happy lady!

5- It's fair trade. When you pay that $ 30 for the hat, your paying for the materials and the artist' work. As it should be, the artist is being paid for their hard work. When you get the mass produced imported item, often you're supporting slave labor, or at the very least, harsh working conditions.

Of course, we can't buy EVERYTHING handmade, but at least we can make more informed choices. Plus, it'll make you feel good...I promise!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Beginnings

Ok so I'm guessing that everyone's first post on their blogs is basically just an introduction of themselves. So here goes. My name is Diane and I'm a 26 year old sewer/crafter. I currently live in Gatineau, Quebec in lovely Canada.

Like many crafters out there, I do currently have an Etsy shop. In fact I have two! The first one, www.didileo.etsy.com , is where I sell purses and other items made by myself. The second one, www.missdeedee.etsy.com , is where I sell vintage items.

I started this blog to be able to share my knowledge on crafts, recycling and sustainable living. I believe I can possibly offer a fresh approach to all things DIY. So stay tuned, I've got lots more posting to come!!