FIND | Etsy for Makers

I spend a lot of time trolling Etsy and love discovering fun, new products to add to my wish list.  I thought it would be fun to share a few of my recent faves with you!

I've been admiring lots of beautiful hand embroidery on Instagram lately and kind of want to try my hand at it.  I think a fun kit like this would be perfect, but I'm worried it may be too ambitious for a beginner...  I do love the idea of having a portable craft.  The sewing machine doesn't travel so well.



I've had my eye on these adorable prints ever since they were released a few weeks ago.  I think I've finally settled on this one for the studio.  Because the color is perfect.  And because it's oh so true.



I think anyone who has an Etsy shop will agree with me on this one.  The best thing about the phone app is hearing that "cha-ching" every time you have a sale.  I've taught Gabe that "cha-ching" means money so every time he hears it he yells out "MONEY!!!"  So naturally, this mug caught my eye.  



And sticking with the coffee theme, I think this tee needs to make it's way into my closet soon.  This is pretty much exactly what my work days look like.


What have been some of your favorite Etsy finds lately???







WEAR | Sew to Grow

When I first started learning how to sew, I quickly found that the big box fabric stores didn't have the stylish and modern fabrics that I was envisioning for my projects.  So I did what any new, young seamstress does.  I started looking for Amy Butler fabrics.  A quick search told me that two local quilting shops carried Amy Butler and I couldn't wait to go shopping.  The first shop I stopped in had very little Amy Butler or any other modern fabrics and I as told they were going to stop carrying them because they didn't sell well.  Fortunately another employee quietly mentioned to me that "the shop down the street carried more modern fabrics".  It was next on my list anyway, so I headed to Fran's Sewing Circle and never looked back.  Not only did they have loads of Amy Butler, but they  were warm and welcoming and they quickly made me a loyal customer.  I loved stopping in to see what new fabrics they had and over the course of my visits, I made friends with one of their young employees, Lindsey.  We bonded over our love of Amy Butler and also found that we grew up less than 2 hours from each other in Texas.

Fast forward to today, Lindsey is living in Australia with her Aussie hubby and has come a long way from her days as a young salesgirl in a local quilting shop.  She has a thriving business teaching others how to sew and how to be successful in the quilting and fabric industry and she just released two new patterns.  I was more than happy to oblige when she asked me to do some testing for her.

First up, her new skirt pattern, The Emerson Wrap.


This is tulip skirt with a wide waistband in the front and an elastic waist in the back, which makes the fit easy and flattering. I made this in a voile by Leah Duncan and it sewed up quickly.  I would consider this an intermediate beginner pattern and would be great if you're ready to go beyond the basic elastic waist skirt.  I was able to sew it up in a little over an hour and the only change I made was taking a few inches out of the length.  



Lindsey has also designed an adorable dress pattern, The Flatter Me Frock.  


This fit and flare silhouette is my most favorite and I was so excited to try this one.  It was my first time sewing a fitted bodice and I definitely ran into a few fit issues (#petiteproblems), but thanks to a Skype date with Lindsey, I know what to do next time to get it perfect (and if you're a little more average than me, you won't have any trouble).  I made this with double gauze from Cotton + Steel and I am in love with it!  The fabric is dreamy and you know I love a dress with pockets.  


I think this pattern is best for intermediate sewers, or an ambitious advanced beginner like me!   Both patterns are well written and include photos which I always prefer.  Both patterns are available in Lindsey's shop.  While you're there, but sure to checkout her new video series!  She's sharing some great tips and suggestions for all skill levels and you're sure to learn something new!   

I'm so thankful that Lindsey and I have kept in touch over the years despite being on completely different sides of the globe (thanks, Skype)!  I'm so proud of her and impressed by all that she's accomplishing and I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve next!


Find Lindsey:: Web // Facebook // Instagram

SHOP | Let's stay in touch!


When I started DFD about 4 years ago, the success of the business was almost entirely based on reaching customers through Facebook.  It was like clockwork.  I would post an update and I'd have an order 30 minutes later.  My fan base has grown tremendously since then (1800+ followers), but I'm lucky if 100 people see a post.  Time and time again I've had customers reach out because they're frustrated that they missed out on a sale, ordering deadline, or didn't see a new product or important announcement.  I totally get that Facebook is a business and they have to make changes, but I hate that it means that people that WANT to see my update aren't seeing them.  (Yes, I know you  can ask customers to "get notifications" but posting that isn't going to reach that many people at this point and most people aren't aware of that option).


Enter my newsletter.  This has been on my to-do list for at least a year.  I don't want to send you spam.  I don't want to (and never will!) share or sell your email address.  I just want you to know when something awesome is going on!  New products!  Sales!  Holiday Deadlines!

So if you want to know what's going on, sign up HERE.  I'm planning to have our first newsletter out later this week and rumor has that there will be a pretty good coupon code for the first subscribers.  ;)

I'm looking forward to staying in touch!