Subdued.

I always choose colors that are more muted. But since they are hidden inside these purses ... I thought a little brightness would be fun. I will be updating the shop this week ... and these will be in it.

Pleated Purse.

After a few trials ... here is the pleated purse. I have seen a few designs like this one (somewhere on the internet). Only they had more pleats. I had to have my own and this is what I came up with. I forgot to sew a label in this one ... so that makes it mine. But I have a few cut out for the shop ... more pictures soon.

Cupcakes Take The Cake.

I love all the cupcake shops popping up everywhere ... I wish I would have thought of such a great idea. My friend brought me these from Sprinkles just the other day and they were delish. However my favorite is still our local Long Beach spot Frosted Cupcakery. They also have a yummy blog that is fun to read.
I Heart Cupcakes.

In The Werx.

New and exciting things are happening with (nyk-lectic) ... but I can't reveal just what ... yet. But here are some of the new things that I have been busy with.


And heres a close up.

Have a great Holiday weekend. Cheers.

Camera. iPod. Gadget Case.

I have been working on some new things for (nyk-lectic). Here is my new camera case. This is still the prototype that needs a few more adjustments ... but it holds my camera just fine. There is a small pocket inside to hold an extra memory card or an extra game. I couldn't photograph a camera inside because I only have one.

Sew U Home Stretch.

Everyone (amy, amanda and melissa to name a few) is talking about Sew U Home Stretch. I picked up my own copy a week ago ... and I've read through it twice already. I have made many clothes from woven cottons and linens ... but I haven't made much from knit. Like many ... I have always had a fear of knits. But this book makes the fabric sound simple and forgiving.

I am going to start with some of the dresses in the book ... but I needed a french curve to draft the pattern alterations. I tried all the local craft and sewing shops near my house and then I searched the internet. With no luck except ebay (which scares me) I remembered this art supply shop ... only to get there and find out they closed down ... but the sell online. So for anyone with this book and the same predicament you can get a french curve here. And when mine comes in the mail ... I have my pattern ready. Along with this orange jersey knit for one of the dresses ... and this eco-friendly blue bamboo jersey knit for another.

I haven't tried out the patterns in the book yet ... but I still highly recommend it for all the other great info Wendy filled it with.

La Loteria

There are cards for most stores now days. So I created a little pocket to keep them all in one spot. It is also handy to hold your license and some cash for a night on the town.

They are made of cotton and are machine washable.

This batch was made with Loteria cards (mexican bingo) printed on the fabric.




I should have them photographed and in my etsy shop this weekend.

Built By Me.

Here is a new top I made from one of the patterns I bought at JoAnns. It was one of the hardest patterns I have ever followed. I cursed and threw the top a few times during construction ... then I ripped out seams to re-sew and put it together my own way. Now that I have it finished ... I am going to try it again. Only next time I think I may try a knit. I don't know if I like how the shoulder piece sticks out straight on me?

Painted Skirts.

I made a few more skirts for myself. This first one I came up with on my own ... I just traced a can of coffee and the lid to my water bottle and painted the space between. The second one is another stencil from that book.

I've tried using fabric paint ... but the texture still feels like paint. So I just use these paints and I mix in a little textile medium. It is a lot cheaper and it works the same. That idea came from my mom (my muse).

Homemade Clothes.

I painted the bottom of this skirt ... I used a stencil from the Lotta Prints book. I am going to try out a few more stencils before I try to create my own image. The fabric of this skirt is linen with a elastic waist ... my intention was to attempt a zipper but that is still too intimidating.


Homemade clothes have captured my attention. I picked up these patterns this morning at JoAnns ... they are marked down to $1.99 for a few more days.



I also want to try clothes for kids and babies. I ordered this sewing book from Japan ... For Kids Who Have Started to Walk. I can't read Japanese ... but I think I can follow the photos. I check the mail for it everyday.

On Our Plate.

I make meals for us all the time ... I don't know why I never thought of sharing. This is one of our favorites. Veggie Pitas and Garlic Fries.

The Veggie Pitas.
a wheat pita (cut in half)
stuffed with:
lettuce
tomatoes
red onions
feta cheese
kalamata olives
pour dressing inside

Garlic Fries from Trader Joes with feta cheese.

Two-Faced Wallet.

This new wallet design is coming to the shop next week. It's a hard shell wallet. One side holds a minimum of six cards in separate pockets ... the other side holds cash and another card pocket to have your license convenient. Check back next week for other fabric choices.

Ready to Ship.

Patternless Skirt.

I came across instructions to make this skirt on the internet here ... I don't know how I found it ... but I bookmarked it along the way. I used elastic for the waist on this one instead of a zipper ... and the whole thing took me less than a hour.

The next one I make I am going to try out of linen and attempt sewing in a zipper. With the linen ... I am going to try to print my own designs ... using some of the techniques from the new book Lotta Prints by Lotta Anderson. I just got my copy in the mail the other day and I can't wait to get started.

Another Etsy Find.

I love one inch buttons. I found ButtonKitty on etsy. I sent her an email with a picture on my business card and a note of what I wanted. And a few days later ... ta-da ... these were in my mailbox. I am not yet sure what I will do with one hundred buttons ... but they are adorable.




There was also a surprise magnet in my package ... I stuck it here in my sewing nook.

And of course a button for the collection on my bag.

I Heart Etsy.

When I first started (nyk-lectic) last fall I wasn't sure where I was going with it ... and well ... I still don't. I just know that I like to make things with my sewing machine and that my friends have always told me ... "You could sell this stuff."
Each week I am coming up with new ideas. Lately I have put a little more focus on the packaging. One of the things I ordered for packaging came from CraftPudding another shop on etsy. She makes hand carved stamps and even does custom orders. Here are the stamps that I ordered.



Here they are stamped on my packaging tissue and thank you cards.

Another Batch of Wallets.

The wallets are almost sold out at the (nyk-lectic) shop ... thank you all so much for your support. I made another batch of wallets and I should have them in the shop this weekend.

My Favorite New Items.

Please come by the shop and check out the new wallets. These are my favorites.

Now I am working on a lunch tote and sandwich wrap ... I will post a picture soon.

New To (nyk-lectic).

Here is a peek at the new wallets for my shop. I need to photograph them this weekend and I hope to have them in the shop on Sunday. I have another wallet and some other accessories in the making.

Here is an inside view of the larger wallet. There is three pockets for cards. A spot for cash and a spot for receipts.

Spaceboy.

I am addicted to my new sewing machine ... and just in time to make plushies for Easter gifts. This is another Wee Wonderfuls pattern. Tomorrow I am going to turn some of my sketches into patterns and make some new items for my etsy shop. Have a great weekend and Happy Easter.