Shop Changes

 For quite some time I have been debating on making some changes in my stores. First off, I decided to make my etsy store to exclusively sell only baby and children related items. I also closed my supply store at etsy and moved all my craft patterns and supplies to my eCrater store--since it's free to sell there.

Another change I decided to make was to take my bags out of my etsy store  and place them in a separate store. At first I was thinking of opening another etsy store for this purpose, but the more I thought about it, the more I wasn't so sure. I already have two stores that I carry my bags in: Zibbet and Craft is Art so maybe opening at etsy store wouldn't be very productive. Not to mention there are SO many bag/purse sellers it's rather hard to compete on etsy. So, for now, I have decided to just keep my bags at Zibbet and Craft is Art.

 Since I did decide to keep stores exclusively for bags, I thought that I had better get some more inventory in, so this week I've been working on that. I have made four new X-Factor bags for girls: monkeys, butterflies, Dora, and Raggedy Ann.  I will be making a Pooh one this weekend and after that, more medium and large sized X-Factor bags.  I will also be working on various other styles of bags too. So for the next few weeks, I intend to be a very busy girl!

 

Last week, I worked on some Monster dolls for my Sassy  and eCrater shops. These are so adorable! I made them using a Bit of Whimsy pattern. She makes the most adorable dolls! Click on the link to check out her shop!

So, as you can see that although I have been slacking on blog posts, I haven't been slacking at the sewing machine lately!

Christmas Bags Finished!

                                                             Bags for three of my nieces
I know this seems like a very strange post for June, but you see, we have started a new "tradition" in my family.  Since I only see my family once a year, and rarely at Christmas, I decided last year that I would no longer send gifts down south. Instead, I would take them with me (or send them ahead) and give them out at my yearly visit. It was such fun and the younger kids really enjoyed opening gifts in May (which was when I went down last year).  Plus I get to see if everyone likes what I made them.  So, that's why this is a Christmas post in June.

                                                        Little Wonder Bags for teen nieces
Now, usually I ask everyone what they would like for me to make. Since most don't know, I just decide for myself.  This year, some of my family are getting new bags. This includes all my teen nieces (because let's face it, what teen girl doesn't like a thousand bags) along with my younger nieces.  My one brother did request geocache bags for him, his wife, son, and daughter-in-law, so that's the type of bags they're receiving.

                                                                   Geocache Bags
What DOES amaze me when I make everyone bags is how different and varied their tastes are from one another. For instance, three of my teen nieces who are sisters chose such varying fabrics: horses, bright hearts, and skulls.  While my brother and his family also chose a variety of fabrics: cats, wolves, Tinkerbell, and Philly Eagles. But, that also makes it interesting I suppose! And they probably won't grab another's bag by mistake.


As for the rest of my family, well, I'm not quite sure yet.  I was thinking snack bags for the rest of the men to use in their lunchboxes, and maybe place mats with matching napkins for the rest of the gals.  I did make two of my younger nephews tool aprons (which I also sell in my store) but I have three more nephews whom I haven't yet decided what to make. Sometimes it's difficult having a large family but I wouldn't change it for the world!

What's In a Name?

Have you ever wondered where some sellers come up with their names? I know I do. I'm sure there's a story behind practically every name. For instance, I named my shop Lil' Bit Sassy because so many people have called me Lilbit because I'm small. The "sassy" part came because, well, I tend to be a bit sassy too. Hence, Lil' Bit Sassy.  Most people I know say that it suits me well.  I believe that if you have a unique, maybe even humorous, shop name then buyers may be more likely to purchase from you.

The reason I'm blogging about names is because I have been thinking of opening another etsy shop just for my purses, accessories, and non-baby/children items.  All I have to do is think of a name.  Since I'd like to focus mainly on purses and bag, I'd like the name to be appropriate for those items. I'd also like something on the humorous side since I like to laugh. A lot. I have received a few good suggestions such as: Hag Bags, which I really liked, but alas, there is a website called that. Although I may be able to change it a bit. Maybe, say, Old Hag's Bags. Another name suggestion was Sassy Hag Bags. Or Sassy Bags--incorporating my Sassy name. 

So, do you have any suggestions? Would LOVE to hear them!

Vacation

I'm so excited---I have from today until after the 1st off work!!! My
boss closes the shop down for the holidays and inventory. Plus she's
getting the old carpet ripped out and putting in hardwood floors so
it'll be a "new" place when I go back!

I'm also excited because I have quite a few ideas of things I want to
make for my etsy shop and now I'll actually have some time to do it!!
I know you girls know how I feel about wanting to make this and that
and never having the time--gets frustrating!

I'm thinking of making purse sets--the purse with matching accessories
like checkbook cover, notepad holder, tissue pack---what do you think?
Do you think people would be more interested in those or if they were
just sold separately? I may try just a couple of purse sets to see.

Anyway, I just had to share my excitement over my vacation. Oh--and
I'm feeling a bit better too--I haven't been in near as much pain as I
was a week or so ago. Hopefully I'll stay that way during my vacation
so I can sew lol.