Allyson Hill

Babble's Top 50 Etsy Moms of 2011

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New Updated Auto Trash (car litter bag) Design!

I made some wonderful updates to my Auto Trash bags before Christmas that I never got around to sharing here on the blog. (by the way, I stopped calling them "car litter bags" because SO many people were reading it wrong and thought it said "cat litter bags" ha!  I would get funny emails saying things like-I really like your bags, but I don't understand why you would want to hang cat litter over your stick shift.  Isn't that hilarious?!)

Anyway, I never got around to sharing the new design!

 

I am really happy with the addition of the flexible plastic liner (made with post consumer recycled plastic) for many reasons.  First, it gives the bag more stability.  Second, it helps protect the outer fabric case from getting soiled.  Third, it has decreased my manual labor.  Fourth, it's made in the USA.  I'm sure I can think of many more reasons to love it...let me know what you think!      

Faux Patchwork and Lace

 

 

Patchwork and Lace fabric by Anna Griffin (from her Carolina Collection).  One thing I enjoy about collecting fabric is picking out patterns for people with different tastes than me.  This is something I can get confused about - do I only make products in patterns that I would choose or do I include fabrics that I wouldn't choose, but that are lovely and that I know somebody else would want.  I choose the latter. 

This weekend I made this custom tote (center photo) for my sister-in-law.  I don't make these very often because they are very time consuming - it took me 7 straight hours to complete it.  exhausting!  It's kinda sad to see the stores stocked with mass produced purses selling for so low.  I know that a lot of time went into those purses, though the price tag would suggest the opposite.  I know that often a lot of corners are cut in making those purses quickly and efficiently, and a lot of special machinery is available in the factories to enable the workers to pump out bags quicker.  Hey, I wouldn't mind owning some of those special machines myself. 

I am so thankful for my customers who are willing to pay a little extra to own my products.  I am taking steps to try selling on Amazon, a decision that is very nerve-racking to me.  I am not sure if the people on Amazon will understand the artisan-made nature of my products and I am afraid to get negative feedback.  But, can't let fear stop me - we'll see how it goes!

(tote bag is not available for sale, auto trash is available for sale here)       

Stop Worrying and Just Sew!

Sometimes I over-analyze new products to the point that I stop producing new things for my shop!  Maybe the summer heat is slowing my brain down because lately I have been feeling energized to just make it and enjoy myself during the process and not worry about whether it will sell or whether anybody will like it.  Who cares!  Just make it!  Hey, at least I got some pretty pictures out of it : )  

Summer = Linen

Earthy Girl meets Modern Chic!  I enjoyed making this new design, the Ring Tote.  I really wish I could keep this one for myself!

Eco Travel Lid

New Tutorial!  (in the left-hand column)

Forget plastic wrap and foil.  Here is an alternative that is much more attractive!  This Eco Travel Lid is perfect for short-term food storage, especially while traveling to a picnic or party.  This is not intended for long-term storage since it will not create an air-tight seal. 

In the tutorial I have explained how to make a bowl cover, but this could be easily adapted for other containers as well (9x13, platter, etc).  Very fun, fast and eco-friendly...give it a try!

Health Magazine - May 2010

I was contacted in March by Health Magazine, stating that they would like to mention my bag in their upcoming May issue.  Of course I said yes and asked them how they heard of me.  They said one of the editors found my products while researching for the article (and was instantly smitten :)

Thank you Health Magazine! 

Web Design

I have had noooo crafty projects to share lately because I have been glued to the computer screen - trying to figure out web design!  With expected behavior from a crafty person, I am determined to save money and do it myself.

I needed a vector graphic program, so I purchased the very affordable Xara Xtreme.  For the web design, I'm using Site Spinner V2 (free trial version) and will be trying out Site Spinner Pro next (allows you to create mobile-friendly pages).  I'm using Yahoo as my host.  I have no idea what I am doing, but hey-I'm doing it!.  Check it out, but keep in mind that it's a work in progress:

www.themodmobile.com (the same) www.allysonhill.com

Sketch Bag

I went to the Norman Rockwell Museum recently and was reminded of my pre-baby days when I used to carry a sketchbook with me at.all.times.  Now that I no longer need to carry wet wipes and diapers, a bag like this could be considered practical.

 

The bag pivots at the center allowing it to hug your hip...hey, exactly where a baby used to sit!  Maybe that's why I find this bag so comforting.

This pen slip is a quick and easy project - took less than 30 minutes to solve the perpetual case of the lost pen.  Maybe I should call it "Case Solved".  Ha!

It feels good to get all artsy-fartsy again.

Thrifted Fabric

 

So, yeah, I went thrifting the other day.  But, I made myself promise that if I bought more fabric I would at least put some of it to immediate use.  No planning or overthinking, just go with it and be spontaneous.  Here's what I came up with:

 

 

 

A wristlet made of vinyl and some sort of satiny striped fabric.  I used Peltex 70 to give the satiny fabric some stability.  I think this will help get me through these last days of winter...