Better Edges and Clearing the Clutter

Just wanted to thank those who gave me such great ideas to improve my sewing! I have been sewing like crazy again, all week but now I zig zag along the raw edges and if it doesn't affect the look of the garment, I do a little French seam as well. (This is basically folding the edge and sewing it so there's no way it can fray!). Things have really improved and I can happily say I'm pleased with how everything is turning out. I decided not to try to sell the things I had made without zig-zagging/ French seaming the edges. Quality is so important as Kirsty kindly reminded me, and I really need to make sure everything lasts. Rhonda has kindly offered to lend me Bernadette's over locker so I'm looking forward to trying it out. Kirsty, I think you are right that some people will exaggerate about how hard they are to use. I'm pretty good at following instructions so as I long as I can find them on the internet I'll be fine.

Anyone interested in what my sewing machine is like?? Well, here is my little dinosaur beauty!

Heehee it's an oldie but a goodie :) My mum passed it down to me, I believe it is from the late 50's or early 60's. I have kept it oiled and looked after it and it usually treats me well in return. (We have had the odd argument over the years...)

Anyway, wanted to give you a sneak peak of what I've been working on! I'm really excited as I've had a fair bit of interest in these. I'm thinking of calling them 'Bibdana's' short for bandana bibs. While not exactly an original idea (just google bandana bibs and you'll see), I haven't seen anything EXACTLY like what I do so I guess that's a good thing.

Boy's range so far

I've used snap buttons instead of velcro, I think it looks alot nicer and there won't be any scratched necks. It's so much quieter too when I need to remove Alex's bib when he goes to sleep.

Just started on some for the girls. Cute lacey edge and as with the boys', the back is super soft flannel.

Do you spread out all over the place when you're being crafty?? This kind of drives me nuts but I am the messiest crafter. I don't have the luxury of a spare room for crafts in this unit, so I am using the kitchen bench for cutting etc, (thank goodness for the big bench here). The clutter is frustrating, but I need everything within arms's reach. I found a good way to clear the clutter when visitors are coming over, by using containers. Once again, I really, really love containers!!

I had these boxes from Ikea in the cupboard knowing I would find a great use for them. And I have, when I need to tidy I throw eveything into a couple of the boxes, quickly sorted of course into 'like' objects. One for ribbons lace etc, one for tools, buttons etc.

Here's a cute outfit I made our nephew Jamie for his 1st birthday. I can't believe he is turning 1 already!! The bibdana looks so cute with this outfit :)

Another couple of orders I have completed this week

I have so many more ideas and just not enough hours in the day for all the sewing I want to do, but that's how it goes isn't it :) I just get done what I can, in the evenings.

How do you deal with your clutter when you're being crafty?