AggieRay

Anatomy of a PDF SEWING PATTERN

2010-10-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it look so easy. Create a pattern, make it a PDF and sell it. Well let me tell you, the process is very very lengthy. First I come up with a unique design. I test it myself by using the item and having friends use it. I get feedback from them. The next step is how popular will this pattern be. I rely on my online community to get feedback in this area. Between my ETSY http://www.aggieray.etsy.com/ shop and my FLICKR www.flickr.com/photos/aggieray and FACEBOOK postings what kind of feedback are you getting on this new creation. I usually get questions on FLICKR where did you get this pattern? Are you selling it? and when will it be available?

The next step is to make the item, take a picture of every step of the process and decribe what you are doing and how to do it in simple terms. This takes me about 2 months to make sure I have a perfect pattern from creating the actual pattern, making the pattern pieces, testing the pattern and remaking it again to make sure the pattern pieces are acturate. The final step is to convert it to PDF format and making a good presentation page to get you interested in the pattern. It's a relief when they start selling and you get some positive feedback. I am working on my 5th pattern now.... it's going to be 3 patterns in one PDF. .... here is a sneek peak

Mara Bag Pattern Now Available

2010-09-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

After selling this bag for quite awhile and having many requests for the pattern, I finally was able to create a beautiful pattern and now am selling it with the right for the purchaser to sell the completed handbag in their shop or craft show. The pattern comes with two different style handles to design for the bag. I have had many compliments on this bag and hope you will too!

View an Etsy Front Page Treasury List - The Vault on Craft Cult

2010-06-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

View an Etsy Front Page Treasury List - The Vault on Craft Cult

First Craft Fair preparation!

2010-06-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

About three weeks of work/part-time: Handbags, cut, pinned, sewn, ready to assemble... just need to finish lining, pockets and zipper and snap closures... it can be overwhelming if you think of it...

Completed Ziplets and a few handbags>>>>>>>>>

My husband's
display>>>>>
just needs

corner

molding

and a little

paint>>>>>>

Okay this is my first craft fair. I have no idea what to expect...

Location and time: Fort Adams State Park, Newport, Rhode Island: July 3rd, 2010... 11 to 5

http://www.indiebythesea.com/

My husband built me a lovely display in addition to the craft table that I will have... At first I thought I would just have a triangular peg board display that I would place on the table... So off to Home Depot to buy a piece of peg board. A 4 x 8' piece is $14.00. With scrap wood around the house and three wheels, this beautiful display was born.. My husband is adding molding to the corners and in addition, there is room to put items on the top too! He has not finished it yet... HE WANTS EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT lol..., he has to finish the molding and he will paint the top molding white match the pegboard. A few hooks here and there and I am ready to go. It's a great space saver too.. if you only have a small area to display your items... I have just about 4 weeks to go... I am pacing myself...

I made 60 Ziplets (pattern and fabrics available in both my shops http://www.aggieray.etsy.com/ and http://www.fabricplace.etsy.com/) already and about 20 handbags..... As sewers know... you have to do everything in stages... 1 day I spend a few hours cutting the fabric and interfacing. ....if I have time... I pin everything... then walk away..... you get too tired to do anything else at this point....The Ziplets took about a week and half to make.... (remember, I have a full time job too)... Weekend cutting and night sewing.... I had this week off for vacation and thought I would get a lot done... not the case... life gets in the way sometime...... I probably will be able to make about 10 handbags this week... in between friends and family asking for summer orders....and a few curtain jobs too! Where does the time go...

FINISHED HEADBOARD go to first post to follow directions titled HOW TO MAKE upolstered covered headboard

2010-05-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the reverse order of these instructions. SCROLL DOWN TO THE FIRST ENTRY... HOW TO MAKE A COVERED HEADBOARD AND GO BACKWARDS...

Here is the completed headboard. I did add a nice RIBBON on the inside edge between the polka dot and the turquoise fabric. I will post a picture when I have one from the completed bedroom design...

Enjoy

2010-05-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Another View. You can see how I folded the right edge and tucked it under. This gave the corner a nice mitered edge. Continue this technique around the entire headboard.

Depending where you place the headboard, you may want to cover the back with a matching piece of fabric. Since this one was placed against a wall, I did not have to worry about that...

Position Fabric and Upholstery Strip

2010-05-01T12:10:00.001-07:00

Now place the outside contrast fabric face down and the edge of the fabric next to the noodle edge as shown in the previous picture. Place the upholstery cardboard strip on top of the contrast fabric. Staple through the cardboard. The next steps is almost like wrapping a package. Flip the contrast fabric towards the outside edge of your headboard. Neatly fold, tuck and staple the contrast fabric to the underside of the headboard...

Cut Edge Strips of Fabric

2010-05-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Cut the contrast edge strips of fabric so that they will cover the noodle edge with enough to wrap around the underside of the headboard. Piece lengths of fabric together if necessary..

Upolster Edging Tape Picture...

2010-05-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

You can find this at your local fabric store in the upholstery section. This will give and hold the edge fabric in place. It is the finishing touch needed for a clean, crisp edge.

Trim Fabric

2010-05-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

After stapling the entire decorator fabric in the edge of your headboard next to the noodles, trim, trim trim.

Prepare Outside Fabric for placement

2010-05-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

If your fabric is not large enough, cut and sew pieces of fabric together so that the fabric is larger than the entire headboard. Lay the entire piece of decorator fabric over your headboard and smooth for stapling. Staple in the edges next to your noodle piece...

Cover Batting and Noodles with Lining Fabric

2010-05-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

For a smooth transition to the completed headboard, cover the entire headboard with lining fabric.... Pull the fabric tight, staple in the edges to hold. Pull the fabric over the noodles allowing excess fabric to overhand your headboard as shown:

More view of the Headboard

2010-05-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

More Views...

View of prepared headborad... Ready to Cover

2010-05-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here is the ready to cover headboard....

Cut Pool Noodles in half and size for gluing on headboard

2010-05-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

Then next step is to border the headboard with the pool noodles. Take a serrated knife and cut them in half. Be careful not to cut yourself, they are very easy to cut. Position the noodles around the headboard, cut to the desired length and glue them on with a HOT GLUE GUN. If you want, you can place a few staples on the edges of the noodle.

HOW TO MAKE upolstered covered headboard

2010-05-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me to cover a headboard for her 18 year old daughter. They picked the fabric! Fun bright turquoise and black and white polka dot accent fabric.... Supplies need... 3/4 inch plywood cut to the headboard design.. fabric, staple gun (electric if possible), upholstery cardboard strips, batting.. Believe it or not. I used POOL NOODLES the kind you float with.. for the half round edging around the headboard.

Step 1: Cut the Headboard to the desired design.

Step 2: I then covered and stapled the inside area with batting. Use enough to satisfy a nice loft.

Love this new Bag...Fancy Fancy Fun to Create

2010-02-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

EASY LIGHT BOX

2010-02-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

2010-02-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

LIGHT BOX MATERIAL LIST:

1. Frame for the light box. I used a clothing frame used to store clothing. These can be purchased at Walmart, Target, etc. Put the frame together and do not use the cloth cover. Look around to see what other clever objects can be used.

2. 3 two" x six foot pine boards.

3. Three clamp lights purchased at local home improvement store.

4. Quick Cement!

5. 2 empty paint cans. New empty ones can be purchased at home improvement store.

6. Post Board for base and background.

7. Tracing paper, as large as you can find. Tape.

8. Two saw horses, box or small table for your base.Follow the steps below. First I made the sticks in the can with the cement, let dry overnight. I had my frame already put together. Place in your permanent location. Place the stick in the cans to the right and left of the frame.

Attach the 6 foot pine to the two sticks in a can.

Place the saw horses or box inside the frame. Place the foam core on top of saw horses or box.

Clamp work lights to the frame.

Tape tracing paper to the frame with the lights on. Avoid placing any tape in the light line to avoid lines and shadows.

Fun and Easy Light Box

Making Stick in a Can

2010-02-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

Using a paint can new or used cleaned out, take your quick cement and mix it with water according to the package directions. Place the stick in the can on the side, pour or shovel the cement into the can. Place in a location to dry overnight!

Clamp 2 x 6's together

2010-02-07T12:50:00.001-08:00

Clamp 2 x 6 to across the top to the two sticks in a can! This is to clamp lighting on top!

Base of Light BOX

2010-02-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

Place saw horses or box between frame. Place foam board or poster board on top of saw horses. Place one piece of foam board on background.

2010-02-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

Tape the tracing paper to the frame. Place your work lights in the desired position

Completed Light Box

2010-02-07T12:39:00.001-08:00

This is the completed light box. The lights can be clamped in any position or more lights can be added!

Easy Light Box

2010-02-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

Steps for an easy light box.

Materials

2 Paint Cans (new or old can be purchased at local hardware store)

3 2" x 6' pine (local hardage cheap a couple of dollors)

3 Clamp Work Lights (approxmate local hardware store)

1 package of quick cement

large tracing paper to fit your frame

2 saw horses or a stand or object to put your poster board on

2 to 3 sheets of foam board for your background or whatever you choose.

Plastic Cloths Frame (purchase at walmart to keep cloths in) remove cover and there is your frame

First Step: Make a stick in a can: Mix the cement in a separate container using the direction on package (just adding water). Place 2" x 6' piece of pine in the can and pour cement into the can. Place stick on the side of the inside of the can not in the middle. Let harden overnight. These are great to use for many projects that you need to clamp items to.. they don't fall over.

Second Step: Believe it or not. You may look around your home and find many things to use as a frame. I used a plastic frame that was used for hanging clothes. The frame had a zipper dust free cloth over it. I removed the cloth... and there is my frame. Be creative and look around to see what you can use.

Third Step: Place your stick in the can to the left and right of your frame. Take 1 2" x 6' piece of pine and clamp to the tops of both the stick in the cans. See photo.

Fourth Step: Place saw horses between the frame and place poster board on the frame. Clamp the work lights to the left, right and top of the frame on the 2" x 6' pine as shown.

Fifth Step: Attach tracing paper to the outside of the frame WITH THE LIGHTS ON so that you can see shadows, etc.

Sixth Step: Adjust the lighting to suit your needs. The clamps can be adjusted and moved to the desired spot.

New for 2010

2010-01-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

I have been busy. I go to sleep every night with all of these crazy designs in my head and it will not turn off! So this is what I came up with.

Not only that, I redesigned my light box, added more lighting, trying to come in with a new look for 2010. Here are the results!

We have a Winner TWITTER WINNER IS

2009-11-14T15:36:00.000-08:00

The Winner of my wonderful Twitter Give away! The Winner is LmsMeeMaw!

Thank you all for participating. All other followers, please feel free to shop in my Etsy Shop www.AggieRay.etsy.com and receive 15 Percent Off your Purchase. In the note to seller mention YOUR TWITTER NAME!

Please contact me through Twitter with your mailing address! Thank you again!

TWITTER GIVE AWAY....

2009-11-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

If you have not noticed or tweeted...I am giving this handbag away to the 400th tweet that posts this link to my handbag give away. Get on over to www.twitter.com/aggieray

2009-10-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

Moving away from pleats on this one. Starting to come in with a simple design for the Girl that wants to have fun!

NEW AND EXCITING....

2009-02-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

I'm featured in two places today.....on this wonderful Blog!

www.gemsbyjerri.blogspot.com

this wonderful treasury

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=42392

CRAZY PATWORK PILLOW

2009-02-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

This beautiful pillow using Amy Butler Home Decorator Nigella Fabrics.....

18 Inch Square

I HAVE SOME BEAUTIFUL NEW FABRIC

2009-02-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

I cannot wait to make some new handbags with this fabric....if you want to buy some....check out my fabric shop at http://www.fabricplace.etsy.com/ or check out my new designs at http://www.aggieray.etsy.com/. I love new fabric.....so fresh and crisp!

NEW PILLOWS

2009-02-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

I have all this extra fabric and decided to make some beautiful designer pillow covers and open a new shop....

http://www.pillowcloset.etsy.com/

Carried Away Treasury

2009-02-01T18:37:00.001-08:00

Just created this beautiful treasury with the Carried Away Bag makers team

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=37220

CORRECTION NEW TEAM I JOINED

2009-01-30T17:07:00.001-08:00

Check out this great team of Bag Makers......

http://www.carriedawayteam.blogspot.com/

WORKING ON NEW DESIGNS

2009-01-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

My mind is going crazy with all these new fabrics and designs. I have cut out 6 new designs today, Friday. Working on 3 Custom Orders and by goal is to get the ready to ship by Monday....Here is my first new design....

I just joined this wonderful Etsy Team too, here is the Blog: http://www.carriedawayteam.blogspot.com/

SewArtsy

2009-01-29T04:25:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this beautiful shop. http://www.sewartsy.etsy.com/. The designer is Amy from Virginia. She has a passion for fashion, fabric and color and has created this beautiful shop with one of a kind designs. All of her designs are original and practical.

NEW PUPPY!

2009-01-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

We have a new addition to the family! Buddy. A golden Retriever. It's my son's dog and he is moving out on March 1st........yeah ......but I'm getting attached to this beautiful pupppy!

Holland Lops

2008-12-25T13:01:00.001-08:00

These are so adorable. Michelle and Zach are taking great care of them!

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

My daughter spent the entire summer working in her garden growing these beautiful pumkins. They were 28 and 25 pounds each. Last night she worked on a beautiful design so that she could display them tonight during Trick or Treat Time.

I love halloween!!!!

FORUMS ON ETSY

2008-10-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting the idea of promoting on ETSY.

You must read, read and read some more. Read as many forum posts as possible. Activitly participate in the Forums. That means posting new topics, answering questions and promoting your shop in the Promotion Section. Then there is the Saturday Night Specials. Those are fun. You must first decided what your special will be. It runs from 5 p.m to 6 a.m. Eastern Time. The you must be ready to post your Saturday Night Special on the Official Saturday Night Special Thread. There is a new Official Thread every Saturday Night at 5:00 p.m. Be ready, you want to try to be on the first few pages. I've only been able to get on page 5 and that is being ready right at 5:00 p.m. with my Post.

I have also discovered BNR's. I don't know what it stands for, but I need to search the Forums to find out. Read the BNR and find one that is right for you I have had 7 sales this week just from participating in them. They are a lot of fun and it is a great networking opportunity!

Good Luck Everyone.

LOVE DOGS!

2008-10-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

How ironic are these two things. My mother, Aggie, loved Bull Dogs. Growing up, we had pictures and figurines of bull dogs all over my house! Myself, I went to Bryant College in Rhode Island many years ago. Their mascott at the time I attended was an Indian. My daughter, now in her second year of college, attends Bryant University in Rhode Island. My mother passed away while I was in high school, so she had no influence on these changes of events. I never discussed with my daughter which college or university she should go to, she chose Bryant on her own to my surprise, as we never discussed Bryant together. Now their mascott, is a BULL DOG. Love it.

New Handbag Designs

2008-10-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have been busy creating new handbag styles. The bags have a pleated front and straight back. I have had several requests for the pattern, so for all of you looking to make this bag, I will be creating a pattern for you shortly. Keep a check at my etsy shop for the posting. http://www.fabricplace.etsy.com/ or if you would like to purchase any of my creatings, go to http://www.aggieray.etsy.com/!

Being Featured in a Blog: http://wearmycolors.livejournal.com/

2008-09-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

Okay. I know my BLOG is lacking in content. I have been doing a few interview and I thought I would post my latest interview on my own BLOG. Here is my latest interview:

Interview by http://wearmycolors.livejournal.com/: Tell us a bit about yourself:

Hello, my name is Linda and I live in Rhode Island. I have been sewing since I was a teenager and I have always loved the creative process of creating beautiful items from fabric. After I purchased my first home, got married and had two children, I began sewing for my home to save money. Friends and family began to ask me to create custom work for their homes and I have created many curtains, draperies and roman shades. With the left over fabric, I began to have more fun creating handbags. I love fabric and creating new items with all the beautiful fabrics available through the world of the Internet.
How did you select your shop's name?
My shop name is a tribute to my parents. I lost my parents when I was 17 and 21. They were truly beautiful and caring people and their lives were cut short too soon. So, Aggie is my mother’s name and Ray is my father’s name, hence the name AggieRay.
What color would you wear all the time? You would not know it from looking at my colorful shop, but I like to where basic colors of brown and black. I then accent with a colorful shirt or purse!
Please describe your creative process.
My creative process starts with the fabric. Before I decide to make a handbag, I need to love the fabric. So before I buy fabric, I need to love it. I try to create 2 to 3 handbags a week. I have a process of laying the fabric out and just looking at it over the course of a few days. Then I decide what style best fits the fabric design and I create!
What makes your shop unique?
My shop is unique because I offer many different fabrics and styles of handbags. Most of my handbags are one-of-a kind!
What inspires you?
Good-quality colorful fabrics inspire me. Beautiful fabrics and textures allow me to create gorgeous items for my shop.
How do you promote your work?
I pass out business cards, carry my handbags, post in forums, my blog, FLICKR. I create quality handbags and take care in each and everyone, so repeat business is always good! Also being featured on great BLOGS like yours!
Any advice for fellow artists and/or our shop/blog?
Don’t give up creating. Do not get obsessed with what other people are doing. Be true to yourself and your art. Be positive, caring and giving and things will come your way.
Would you please tell us about 3 ETSY stores that you most like and why?
These are just a few of my favorites. They’re great shops with excellent quality fabrics and creations!. The ETSY community supports each other and even though they may be a competitor, they have been very supportive during my first 6 months on ETSY.
http://beanpicklesprout.etsy.com/
http://poppyfabrics.etsy.com/
http://mindysembroidery.etsy.com/Your Shops: http://aggieray.etsy.com/
http://fabricplace.etsy.com/

Block Island Trip

2008-08-08T04:37:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day. My cousin, Jean and I decided to go to Block Island for a hiking trip. We left Gallilee, RI around 11 am and arrived on the Island about noon. We walked about a half mile to a beautiful restaurant on the water called the "Oar". After lunch, with map in hand we proceeded to find the nearest hiking trail. Needless to say, we missed the trail and after walking for about an hour, decided that we were lost. However, we discovered many hidden gems in the woods, beautiful homes and when we finally found the trail and hiked it, we ended the hike at this beautiful farm. I believe the name was "Beacon Farm".

New Design Let me know what you think

2008-08-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

The new larger Hobo. Very popular with teenager and on the Hollywood Runways...

LAUNCHING NEW EBOOK

2008-06-06T05:59:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone. I know that I have not been great at posting, but I've been busy creating.

I have had so many requests for this Sassy Patchwork Tote that I created, that I decided to make an Ebook, now available at aggieray.etsy.com and fabricplace.etsy.com.

There are 24 pages of instruction with 62 color photographs. This ebook will be delievered to you by email, and shipping is FREE.

Moda Owl, Good Luck Charm

2008-03-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

Say goodbye to another design, love this one too

2008-03-09T11:34:00.001-07:00

Accessorize

2008-03-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

Matching coin purse

Back view

2008-03-08T12:17:00.001-08:00

Finished Handbag

2008-03-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

Nice Job:

Inside look at the lining and pockets

2008-03-08T12:14:00.001-08:00

Sewing the Pieces Together

2008-03-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

Sewed Lining, Face Fabrice and attached handles

Started another project

2008-03-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Spent an hour cutting and adding fusible fleece to handbag pieces.

Sewed pocket together, then sewed button on.

Pieced together two fabrics for the handles.

Getting ready to sew the pieces together.

New Fabric New Project

2008-03-04T04:36:00.000-08:00

Time to create a new bag. A customer contacted me and wanted me to make a custom bag. After several emails back and forth with Stacy, I will create from this fabric. I will show the progress..........

OK I think I have this blogger thing figured out

2008-03-02T06:37:00.000-08:00

It took me awhile, I have finally linked by Flickr account to my Blog. Now I am in business.

I just sold another bag that I love. I fall in love with these bags and hate to see them go

oh well say good bye to this one

DESIGNS

2008-03-01T21:40:00.001-08:00

My First Blog

2008-03-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, welcome to my Blog Page. I am new to this and have recently discovered all new possibilities with my discovery of the ESTY website for selling my handmade handbags and designs. I have been sewing for over 30 years, beginning with the desire to create inexpensive draperies for my home. That spun off to my friends and family asking if I could do the same in their homes. From there I have branched out to making custom draperies over the past 7 years with my friend Liz. We met through our daughters who are the same age (now both in college) and they both encouraged their "moms" to get together and sew. That has been wonderful.

I have discovered that I love to make handbags of all kinds with my fabric scraps and am addicted to fabric designers such as Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Free Spirit Fabrics and many more. I cannot believe what the Internet has done for all of us fabric addicts, the possibilities are endless
.