To etsy or not?

So I have been trying to work on more things for etsy. I don't have a dedicated sewing space/room. That means when I want to work on something, I unload my stuff from the closet and take over the kitchen table and island with my stuff.

I made these test bags, and Cassie and Maggie claimed them. I just don't know how they might do. There are a ton of bags on etsy. They stand about 6 inches tall. The pink is maybe 3 inches deep. The purple is about the same height, but closer to 4 inches deep. I think the pink one came out very cute though. The purple one is a bit bigger, more basket like than bag like.

I could have done the handle better. I used scrap fabric for this purple bag. If I do put any on etsy, they will be 'perfect'.

The pink bag outer fabric has embroidered butterflies on it ( I bought the fabric that way) The lining is fabric from my scrap bag. I did outfits for the girls with it and love it. The handle on this one has grosgrain ribbon on top, which I thought was cute. Though since my photog skills are lacking, you cant really see it in the picture...

So, more things to work on. Maybe I can get a better system. Cut a bunch of stuff first, and then have a big sewing day. Then work on pictures to list them.

Busy, busy, busy!

Maybe it was all those years that I worked in retail, when the pressure of the holiday season had everyone stressed out, but the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to just fly by.

Now, with Christmas just a couple of weeks away, I still have gifties to make. I hope I can get them all done.

Also keeping me busy, aside from the usual laundry and dishes, etc. is Etsy! I decided to go for it and start an Etsy shop. http://www.mamasewsfun.etsy.com/ Slowly but surely, I am working on getting an inventory. I have even had a sale, yay! (although, it was from someone on a computer forum that has seen other things I have done; I asked her if she would go through Etsy for the exposure) And, another custom order might be in the works. Very exciting.

I am spending time on the Etsy forums, to try and learn more about the process, and pick up hints and tricks. Shipping can seem kind of complicated when you list an item, but from reading on the forums, I understand it better, so I will reevaluate my items and adjust the shipping.

As for our Christmas card picture....not that we are running late with it (refer to my comment about time between Turkey Day and Christmas) but we have an appointment at The Picture People coming up this week. We tried to go Saturday, but they were completely booked. It kind of stinks, because that company closed a ton of locations, our favorite one at the mall closest to us included, so there are only 4 studios within drivng distance, and the closest of those is going to be about 1/2 hour away. The others are at least an hour or more. So it could be completely hit or miss to get a 'fresh' picture of the kids after they have been travelling.... we'll see. I have a coupon, so it won't cost us anything but time.

The sweatshirt is one that I wore when I was pregnant with the girls. I actually used it as my winter coat...It was a good fit at the time, I was huge! And, I was plenty warm, given that I was carrying two little heaters inside!

Anyhow, Cassie and Maggie got a kick out of trying it on.I still wear it, it is good on cold nights when I have to get up with Nate..he doesn't like blankets....on anyone!