New Camera Strap Covers

Hello lads and ladies...I've had some time to catch my breath. 

I'm not really sure how different our lives would be if my family didn't live in Missouri. I've been hanging out here temporarily until Brandon gets back to Memphis and then I'll rejoin him at that point. I'm unbelievably thankful for this.

While the last two weeks have kept me extremely busy they haven't allowed me any sewing time and hardly any blogging time. It was similar to working out after you take a break. I didn't want to but...I did and it made me realize how much I've missed creating fun things.

Especially new fun things which leads me to the new ruffled camera straps available in the shop. These actually came about because one of my friends pretty much forced me into making one for her. I can't really say 'no' when a camera strap shows up in my mailbox. I'm totally kidding and thankful for our friendship because she is probably one of my biggest customers. 

The way I'm selling these adorable camera strap slipcovers is via custom orders. If you want one I'll make it for you and with the colors and fabric patterns of your choosing based on selection available. We will work closely together to pick out what is best for YOU. I will try to have a large variety of colors available. 

In the midst of all our moving and the chaos it sometimes bring, I look forward to having your business. Please feel free to contact me with questions/requests via email - laurendarlings@gmail.com or start shopping here.

Vintage Darlings Are Born

Me: I think I'm going to pick up a new pair of some color skinny jeans, they are in right now.

Brandon: Who says?

Me: It's all over right now. It's just in.

Brandon: But why? Who decided that its 'in'?

Me: I don't know I can't explain to you how fashion works. It's just popular right now.

Brandon: Who says that though? Which person decided that and told the whole world?

We go round and round. I can't convince him if it's in or not, and if it is, he will never jump on the bandwagon. He will stick to his greens, blues, grays, browns, and of course Camo for the rest of his life because to him, camo is always in.

I'll admit my closet is not real up and up with what is in as far as fashion goes. I wear what is comfortable to me and what I think is cute, and of course things Brandon likes and sometimes things he doesn't. 

As a tiny shop owner of some clutches and wristlets I try to follow the current trends. Maybe that isn't a good idea and maybe I should make what I like instead. If I did that though, I would probably hoard all my new designs and not be able to share these with everyone else.

It has occurred to me that thrifting and vintage clothing are a hot item right now. Brandon if your reading, don't ask me why or who decided this, it is what it is. The last time I went shopping for fabric all the pieces I picked in some way reminded me of my grandma Norma. She liked to quilt, owned a farm that my siblings and I reminisced about all weekend, and could cook something fierce. 

Today as I was shopping for fabrics, I ooh and awwed over pretty much the entire store. I spent the first fifteen minutes documenting my new-found obsession for fabric. Years ago my mom couldn't drag me into a fabric shop. Anyways, I kept finding myself being drawn to some of the most classic old fashion and some pretty ugly pieces. Don't get me wrong I loved all the new bright color and geometric shapes and patterns but before I knew it I had several bolts of the old fashioned looking stuff in my arms.

And that's how my next little project was born. Tonight I worked on a prototype and brainstormed to see if this was going to work the way I planned in my head all afternoon driving home from shopping. I'm super giddy about it. So much that I knew if I didn't just write out how excited I was, I'd be up all night thinking about it. Now instead I'm up late writing about it. 

I completed my first clutch, that I have to keep for myself because it's to live for cute, (I'd never die for a clutch's cuteness, just saying) Then, we started going through my mom's fabric stash. Some good, some bad, and some just uggggaly. I ended up with this whole stack of fabric perfect for my new vintage line. Love love love.  

Until I can show you more, I'll leave you with a sneak peek. I'm so in love already. I have very high hopes for the new clutches and I hope you will love them. These mean more to me already than any of the other things I've sewn because they have so much meaning behind them. They remind me of my grandma and quite a bit of the fabrics are from my mom. I think know my grandma would be proud of her little quail. 

Research - I need YOUR help!

It dawned on me that I did pay attention in some of my college marketing classes. In order to market and sell products, you have know know what your consumers want. Not that hard of a concept. Anyway..

I am in the process on working on some new goodies for my little shop. Poor thing is empty as can be right now. I'm chomping at the bit to get stuff made but we are kinda moving this week which is a pretty big deal.  I'm actually planning a March re-opening in case you were wondering so sit tight. 

Spring and Summer are upon us and I have just enough time before it does to get busy.  It's easy in the summer to switch out bags depending on your activity. It may be a day at the beach, outdoor concert, or dinner on the patio. But you'll agree with me you need a cute bag. 

I need YOUR help. It's a small favor really. I'm doing some research. Research on what features YOU like in a purse, clutch, wristlet, tote, etc. 

{Measures 10"x6}

Tonight I made this beauty and I was really wanting some feedback. Someone to sit and brainstorm and design with me. I like it, but do you? Does it need to be skinnier? Sturdier? Should I add a strap? Is it to plain? Less is more right... see what I'm saying.  I need opinions other than my own and you all are the perfect friends to ask. 

Big or small. Square or rectangular. Multicolored. Solids. Patterns. Fancy. Casual. Straps. Strapless. Zipper. Trendy. Pockets. Just to name a few. I might be missing something that is really important to you. So let me hear it.  What do you love in a spring/summer bag?

Lined Zipper Pouch

Ok please refrain from throwing anything at me. You might hate me after this post. I tried to warn you with my brain wiring post that sewing is coming pretty easy to me. With that said, here is my lined zipper pouch. I din't have fusible interfacing but that's nothing an easy trip to the store can't fix. It's not perfect, trust me and I have photos to prove it if you must see. I'm trying to keep in positive over here and not be my worst critique for once.  

  

First Date

Today...I get my new sewing machine. I'm just going to warn you from here on out you will hopefully be seeing lots of sewing projects.

I always used to dread going into fabric stores with my mom. 

Not anymore. I guess deep down she did pass on her love of fabric.I know that she is SO excited and can't wait to see what I come up with.

I've been contemplating a sewing machine for quite some time. As our move to FL for a 
short 6 weeks approaches, I've decided I have to choose which craft stuff I will be toting along. Of course naturally you'd say ALL OF IT, but it won't fit and I won't stay organized. We have a small studio apartment and I don't feel right junking the thing up. Instead I'm gonna focus on learning something new that is more portable. 

I've been brainstorming projects and pinning things like crazy. I have high hopes and big ideas but these are semi long term goals.

I have been waiting for this all week and I'm ready for our first date. 

image via pinterest