Friday, May 6, 2011

My creative Space ...on a Friday (with Wednesday's planned post thrown in)

...and an unfinished project idea still hanging 'round from Monday and another one from Tuesday. It's been that kind of week.

I finally remembered to get some shirring elastic in (some for the shop and some for Monday's project). Monday's project has now joined the long list of "future blog posts"....


Those of you who have my book may have read that I use shirring elastic to speed up the effect of gathering stitches (often in conjunction with my gathering foot). I'm impatient like that (and it works a treat). Anyway, I thought that you might like some too!



The other thing that I like so much that I've added it to the shop is the point cutter - absolutely fabulous for quickly snipping notches and cutting into corners that the rotary blade won't reach. This Olfa brand point cutter comes with three spare double-ended blades (cleverly hidden in the handle).
In other news, I was heartened to see that what goes around does indeed come around..... This week it was payback time for the sewing machine and it's battery-charger-fitting fitting. (Ahem.... anyone seen where I left my battery charger cord...?).

The man of the house was browsing second-hand bookshops on Wednesday and came home with these two for me. I think the sewing book is a really good resource for beginner's or sewing teachers. Highly recommend it. The knitting book looks really useful too... for people a little more advanced than I am. There's been a constant stream of book-signing.... thanks folks. Considering how many books have already sold, it seems a bit late to start thinking about a book-launch knees-up. (Apparently, I should have thought of it a bit earlier than this.... who'd a thunk it?). I'm at a bit of a loss as to a good location for a book launch and would appreciate feedback from local gals in the know. I don't go out. I don't know anything.


...And I couldn't organise the proverbial party in a brewery


Help.


One of the reasons things have not been done this week, is that I've been doing a lot of business research, development and brochure design. I'm working on the wholesale side of business and also looking into lowering delivery costs..... as of next week, we'll be using courier services wherever we can, instead of the postal service.
This is a huge step forward in our endeavours to flat-rate our postage charges and deliver larger parcels, with insurance, at a greatly reduced cost. Yippee.... (and just a bit more work for me to set it up before Monday...).


So... a pretty full week for me. And no sewing. Next week is another week, non?

13 comments:

CurlyPops said...

Wow what a busy week! Definitely adding a point cutter to my shopping list.

Samantha said...

I just thought I'd let you know, if your having problems with giant spaces (I have the same problems) if you click on "edit HTML" you can find the space and make it smaller :) You can also ad spaces there too if you need to! This used to annoy me until I managed to work it out!

Good luck with your book launch! Your book looks amazing, I can't wait until I get a copy!

Samantha xx

Bunny said...

Samantha, your tip is priceless. Thank you so much!

Pam O said...

"The Practical Encyclopedia of Sewing" was my first sewing book purchased only last year. I'm looking forward to my latest purchase.... a signed copy of "You Sew Girl".

I do hope that we will still have the option of using Australia Post with the future changes.

Tas said...

Adelaide would be the perfect place for the knees-up. Great food, great wine and great company over here ;) I have your book and handed it over to hubby (without even peeking. What self control!)to give to the kids for me on Sunday. Today I told him how clever he was to get a signed copy for me :P

Tanya said...

Ooh, I just looked in that 'edit html' bit and got a bit freaked out- and didn't delete anything.
Might be one for me to work up too. Gee, you've been busy.

A Peppermint Penguin said...

wow!

still a bit disappointed that your book seems to be an Australia only release. I'm sure it would sell well in other regions too - yell at the publishers ;-)

Proper busy you've been.

Cheers,
AJ

Sean said...

My GF thinks your blog is awesome and that you are so busy all the time.

Unknown said...

I like the idea of couriers delivering your parcels all over the country at a flat rate. Especially after seeing how my new postman bends and shoves things into the letterbox.

Anonymous said...

Book launch locally?
Artisan Books
CERES
maybe link in with the muticultural womens sewing group
a local library
don't know if any of these places or the sewing group are possible.

JoMc Townsville NQ said...

Nikki, I live in North Qld ( ex Melb girl "crying"), as classes are a bit far for me to drive to hmhmm, here's a ridiculous suggestion for the future......DVD classes or 'ON-LINE'! You are probably rolling around laughing just now "as if you don't have enough to do already".........but at least give it a thought?? pretty please?

Nikki said...

Samantha - I've tried the hTML thing... worked in a minor way but Blogger still prevailed with its spaces. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

JoMc... online would be fine - if I had the time to develop it - except that most of what I teach is in the detail... hard to see what you're doing and guide you in a hands-on way... as is my style!

Pam O - yes, we'll still be using Australia Post when it's more cost-effective or practical... and the same goes for the couriers.

Fer said...

Busy yes, but highly productive too! I like the look of that Olfa cutter, they always seem to come out with handy gizmos. ♥