VictoriaLynn's Creation Space

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

As i put away the Christmas decorations today, the urge to make a new wreath for Valentines day hit me. I have browsed the Valentine ideas on the web and am now going to venture into my stash and find the makings for a new Valentine wreath.

There. I have made a resolution to blog more regularly about my creative surges and urges, and so far I'm good. I will be back in a few hours or maybe a few days with my results on my latest venture.

Happy New Year to everyone. May God be with you in all your days as we are now one year closer to His final return to earth.

Praises~

Victoria

Keeping Christ in Christmas

2011-11-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again! We are celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ to earth. Jesus gave up His heavenly throne to come to this earth to teach us about God, His father, and our Heavenly Father. Jesus lived on earth so that he could show us what real love is. Real sacrificial love, that we can only know through knowing him. Jesus came into the world, born of a virgin. He then suffered a torturous death, and rose again after 3 days to give us the hope of eternal life. If you know Jesus, then you can look forward to His second coming when He will gather all who believe in Him to join Him in eternity in the new Jerusalem.

Merry Christmas and many blessings to you in the new year!

Where Does the Time Go?

2011-09-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)

Such a simple message, and the only way to keep our joy is to know Jesus and to walk with Him daily!

I can hardly believe it has been over four months since I blogged. I have been in my second semester of school to earn a bachelor degree in business AND working full time. My old apartment flooded at the end of July in a torrential storm and I moved to a new apartment, but just across the street in the same complex. Because of the move, my sewing supplies are now a little more organized, and now I can put together some new creations. My sewing machine is in the shop, but I have the fabulous thrift store find I bought for my daughter-in-law, an old Signature, from M Wards. It sews like a charm, better than the newer Sears Kenmore that is now in the shop. I unintentionally abuse my machine by sewing through heavy fabrics and the tinker shop says the needle shaft is aluminum and it cracked. Well, I was working in the sewing machine department at Sears when I found that gem of a bargain on closeout for about $60.00. Now the tinker shop says that the repair on my $60.00 Kenmore will cost $170.00. Sheesh. Whatever! They just got themselves a trade-in, that is if I can work out a deal with them. I just haven't had a chance to get back to the shop to check it out. I would love to just find another gem just like this old Signature that I ( I mean my daughter-in-law) is now blessed with.

Speaking of blessings, the picture on the right is four of God's greatest blessings to me; four of my six grandchildren, gathered together last Christmas, 2010. I have two new blessings, a baby grand daughter and a baby grandson, who were born in May and June, respectively. Yes I will add another picture of them too. They are my newest inspiration, and have given me the motivation to carve out some time to create some more hats and bibs like this:

Visit my Etsy Shop to see more of my original creations.

May God Bless You and Keep You in His Loving Care!

Decorating on a Shoestring

2011-04-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

You can give any room a new look by just tossing around a few pillows here and there.

My latest creative surge has sent me sifting through my scrap bag to see what fabric will make some pillows that can possibly be just the lift a room might need or just a soft place to go to when life is getting just a bit rough. A pillow with a favorite character, flowers, birds, or any favorite animal is a great gift. How about that graduation gift that you'll soon need, or a bridal shower gift to encourage the bride and groom to soft pillow fights for fun. Here are some of my latest projects.

Click on the pictures to see where to buy.

Chintz Floral with Fringe

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Cats and Kittens Very Soft Fleece and Flannel

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Today I finished sewing a pillow together any small child will love. Blue Jean Teddy Bear, still waiting to be stuffed, edged with eyelet gathered to give a very finished and decorative touch.

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When my baby was still a baby (17 years ago) she loved fingering the eyelet edge on the little quilt I made her when she was falling asleep. That eyelet edge was her favorite part of the blanket.

(From Mommy's Brag Book - Sorry this is not for sale).

Next time you lay your head on your favorite pillow, let it remind you of the promise of God in His holy word, that you can "Give all your cares to Him, because He cares for you". 1 Peter 5:7

Family, Church, School

2011-04-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts". Psalm 145:3-4

I have a break from my school for a few weeks. Thank you, Lord. My thoughts are on my baby's high school graduation and what that means for her as well as myself. She is a beautiful young lady who excels in everything she does. She has been in band, volleyball, track, honor society. Am I bragging? I think I am just a bit. In just a little over a month she will have a new "hall pass" to independence. Me? I have a celebration to plan and so there are announcements, food menus, decorations, and entertainment to plan.
As we plan a celebration for graduation, my two older children are blessing me with two more grandchildren. Then I will have six grandchildren. God is growing my family by leaps and bounds! The blessings are incredible. I just wanted to take a minute to thank God for all of His many blessings and wish the same for each and every one of you!
Blessings~
Victoria

Etsy

2011-01-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

My Bags

at Etsy

Handmade Fun Foam Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-13T18:28:00.000-08:00

Tonight I finished my handmade fun foam ornaments for my father, who is 3 states away from me in assisted living, and I wanted to send him something special to decorate his little tree to let him know how special he is. These ornaments are cut from fun foam. In the cold depth of winter, I give myself a pick-me-up working with color. I had all the supplies on hand for these in my stash.

I started with 4" x 6" foam. I just used the top of a large mug to make an indentation in the foam and then cut the circles with my scalloped scissors. Then I folded each cut circle in half and cut out a small hole in the center. You can cut as many as you like, making two pieces for each ornament. On each piece i used glitter fabric paint to make the names of my family, my kids and grandkids, with moms & dads on one side, and the kids on the other. When the paint was dry, I placed the two sides together with the design outwards. I used curling ribbon to make a small bow and stitched it on one side of the wreath ornament at the bottom. I had some small shiny beads that I stitched on, as not only a way to add some more bling, but to hide the stitching. I also stitched a loop on the top of the ornament to match the bow, also adding a bead to hide the stitching.

Hope you have fun making these ornaments too.

And remember to keep Christ in Christmas!

Have a blessed holiday!

The Word of God Amazes Me

2010-11-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder why people disregard Jesus without getting to know Him? Or why some deny the glory and omnipotence of God without even reading and studying the Bible? That is a dangerous and scary way to live. When Jesus does arrive at his second coming, those of us who know the Bible are going to know what it is that is happening at that time because we have read about it. And those of us who believe it will be spared the torture of a lake of fire. Ok, so some do not want to believe there is a God because they cannot believe God would let someone spend eternity in the lake of fire. Well the fact is that God wants everyone to be spared the consequences of eternal damnation. But the way it really works is this…if you do not choose Jesus, you are making the choice to suffer eternally. You are bringing the punishment on yourself. God does not do the punishing. He gave us the Son, His only begotten son, so that we can have joy and peace eternally. It is as simple as that! What choice have you made? I am so grateful for my Father’s abundant love! My choice is Jesus! What choice have you made?

Messenger Bag Made With Love

2010-10-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

Messenger-Hipster Style Shoulder Bag

Back to the Sewing Corner

2010-10-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

I finally have time to start my craft show items for 2010. To get back into the swing of things, i have created an up-cycled tote from a piece of beautiful faux fur that was like new that I saved from a favorite coat that was only two years old, but the lining was beyond repair. I washed the coat to see if the fur would hold up and it laundered beautifully. With the fur that I salvaged, I created this beautiful bucket bag that has decorative cording for straps, fastened with gold grommets. The bag closes with a button and loop closure. Inside, I added some pockets for small items. The bag measures 14 inches across the top, 9" high, and is boxed at the bottom with a measurement of 4" x 10". The drop measures 16" when hanging. This is truly a one-of-a-kind designer-styled bag. If you would like to see more one-of-a-kind bags, please visit my shop on etsy.Oh yes the button is a beautiful pearl finish on gold to give the bag an extra touch of elegance.

Help the Children of Haiti

2010-02-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

"I am going to sponsor a child someday"; I have been telling my friends that for about the past three years, maybe longer. About six months ago, I heard about New Missions from Christian Comedy Podcast, Mike Williams, via I-Tunes, that you can "make a difference in the life of a child", I checked out their website and made the decision that I was going to sponsor a child through New Missions. I immediately became passionate about learning more about Haiti.

I started doing research, learning about the country of Haiti, the government situation, and how poor the people are in Haiti. This coincided with a Composition assignment at school to do a research paper, so I wrote my paper on Haiti. That became the pivotal moment, the one where you realize that God is laying it on your heart to do something. Well, on January 12, 2010, I heard the message loud and clear. The news of the devastation that was wrought upon Haiti that day touched my heart in such a big way. I knew there was a child waiting there for me to sponsor, so without further hesitation, I signed up for my child.

So far, I just have a picture of her and information about her school. The school was damaged in the earthquake, but is still in use.New Missions is committed to staying in Haiti, and has a permanent mission there to give medical care, education, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I do not know what, if any other plans God has for me as far as serving, but I do hope to go go Haiti to meet my my sponsored child someday.

My Prayer For The New Year

2009-12-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

We have a creator; He is the maker. We have a guide on how things work: He wrote the instructions. We have language: He gave us interpretors. We have ears; He gave us our sense of hearing. We have eyes; He gave us our sense of sight. If we use all these gifts from the one who created us, and follow the directions He gave us for living, we can have hope for a future. If we make time to drink in the knowledge; He will give us eternity.

From Deuteronomy 11: "13 So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul- 14 then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. 15 I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.
16 Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. 17 Then the LORD's anger will burn against you, and he will shut the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the LORD is giving you. 18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth."

Happy New Year!

Making The New Year Pledges

2009-12-27T15:44:00.000-08:00

Since I went back to school in September, I haven't had much time to sew, and, I have sorely neglected my etsy shop. But tonight I made some time to tidy up and add a few more items I made before the craft show. I still enjoy making drawstring backpacks. Theyare my favorite bag to make. They were the inspiration, or I should say, my daughter was my inspiration, about four years ago. She wanted a drawstring backpack in seventh grade. But she did not want just any one off the rack at the store. She wanted Disney Tinker Bell, specially handmade by Mom, and I had so much fun making it and seeing her use it and love it. Her friends also loved it, so she started taking orders, for backpacks as unique as each and every friend, and that renewed my love for sewing. I eventually opened an Etsy Shop in March of 2007.

Wow how time flies. She is a junior in high school now, and she drives, which frees up more of my time, and though I would love to be spending the time sewing, I decided to use the spare time and go back to school. I love it though. I would have never guessed ten years ago that I was destined to become a 21st century middle-aged nurd. I am finding that I love to dig for information now, writing research papers and speeches, and creating power point presentations. It is indeed, very time consuming, and does not leave me much time to sew these days.

But my heart is still in it, and today I made time to spend in my shop, and regain some inpiration to add some new backpacks, and rearrange things to spruce it up a bit.

I work a full time job during the week, too, then go to school three nights a week, and now my new years pledge is to set the organizational skills up a notch and allow time to sew at least one new bag or accessory for my shop each week.

If you haven't visited my shop, please take a minute to browse, and let me know what you think. I am always open to feedback. I have categories for many types of purses and accessories.

Clear Vinyl Purses

Backpacks

Fabric Purses

Business Card and Credit Card Holders

Tote Bags

Home Accessories

I thank you for taking time to look. And thank you for fueling my passion for sewing!

If you are a handmade products officiando, as myself, here is a link to take the "Handmade Pledge" http://www.buyhandmade.org/

Because Handmade means made with love!

More Of God's Wonderful Creation

2009-06-29T19:23:00.001-07:00

My lilies.

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"
Luke 12:27-28

Random Thoughts (Part 1)

2009-06-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

This morning I see and feel His prsence in the warm morning sunlight and beauty of my flowers, even in the smelly athletic shoes I must clean because my beautiful daughter's feet fills these shoes, and she is my pride and joy, along with my other 3 beautiful children and they all add up to being the most precious gift I have ever received next to the gift of our Lord and Savior, my Redeemer, my Adonai, my Prince of Peace.

The dew on the grass is God's gift of diamonds to all who rise up early in the morning in the sonlight to receive them. He fills the earth with warmth and then they dissappear to return yet another day. Praises to our creator. His gifts are everlasting!

Genesis 27:28
May God give you of heaven's dew and of earth's richness— an abundance of grain and new wine.

Never alone

2009-04-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

BEE HAPPY!

"Are you terrified of being alone? Does an empty house or apartment cause you to switch on the television, radio or CD player just to create some sound? Here's a truth that will take time to appreciate: The more intimate your relationship with God, the more comfortable you'll be when you're alone. That's because a person in a deep, heartfelt relationship with God interprets aloneness as solitude. Solitude is time spent alone with God. When you invite God into your life, you'll begin to sense a real, palpable presence. In the quiet, in the solitude, God will speak to you. He will do it through his Word, the Bible, or impressions or leading. You won't hear an audible voice. If you want a personal, intimate relationship with God, you have to make time to be alone with him. As that relationship grows, your aloneness will turn into solitude. You'll begin to understand that you are never really alone."

From www.inspiration-for-singles.com
If you are a returning visitor to my blog, you will see that I have been taking a break from sewing these past couple of months. I have two jobs that I, thankfully, have been working many hours at, while the opportunity is here. They are such a blessing right now. So with the short amounts of time available, I have daily bible readings online, via my yahoo reader, and browse the web for inspiration, to help grow my relationships with God, family and friends. Tonight I stumbled upon a very good web site for singles looking for encouragement and inspiration in times of need. www.inspiration-for-singles.com

Benedict XVI Says Love Defines Man's Journey

2009-04-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 5, 2009 (Zenit.org).-

Benedict XVI is affirming that love, a true gift of self as exemplified in the Cross of Jesus, gives meaning to life, and that its absence brings emptiness and boredom.

The Pope said this in a homily this morning at the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square. He blessed palm and olive branches and presided over the liturgical celebration.

The Pontiff explained that Jesus, the King who entered Jerusalem in a triumphal procession, comes to introduce a new type of kingdom.

This kingdom, he said, "passes through the cross." He added, "Because Jesus gives himself totally, he can as the Risen One belong to everyone and make himself present to all."

The Holy Father noted that Christ's kingdom is also "universal" and "knows no more borders."

This is possible, he said, "because it is not a political kingdom, but is based solely on the free adhesion of love -- a love that, for its part, answers to the love of Jesus Christ that has given itself for all."

He continued: "Universality includes the mystery of the cross -- the overcoming of ourselves, obedience toward the universal word of Jesus Christ in the universal Church.
"Universality is always an overcoming of ourselves, a renunciation of something that is ours. Universality and the cross go together. Only in this way can peace be created."

Selflessness

Benedict XVI affirmed: "He who wants to have his life for himself, live only for himself, squeeze out everything for himself and exploit all the possibilities -- he is the one who loses his life.

"It becomes boring and empty. Only in abandoning ourselves, only in the disinterested gift of the 'I' in favor of the 'Thou,' only in the 'Yes' to the greater life, precisely the life of God, our life too becomes full and more spacious."

He added: "Love, in fact, means leaving yourself behind, giving yourself, not wanting to hold on to yourself, but becoming free from yourself: not getting preoccupied with yourself -- what will become of me -- but looking ahead, toward the other -- toward God and the people whom he sends to me.

"It is this principle of love that defines man's journey, it is once again identical with the mystery of the cross, with the mystery of death and resurrection that we encounter in Christ."
The Pope emphasized that this "Yes" to the Lord must be repeated every day, especially when "we just want to hang on to that 'I.'" He added, "There is no successful life without sacrifice."

Real prayer

Though it is difficult, he affirmed, we can pray like Jesus, who "felt driven to ask that he be spared the terror of the passion."

The Pontiff continued: "Before God we must not take refuge in pious phrases, in a world of make-believe. Praying also means struggling with God."

"In the end," he said, "God's glory, his lordship, his will is always more important and more true than my thoughts and my will."

The Holy Father added: "And this is what is essential in our prayer and in our life: understanding this right order of reality, accepting it interiorly; trusting in God and believing that he is doing the right thing; understanding that his will is the truth and is love; understanding that my life will be a good life if I can learn how to conform to this order.

"The life, death and resurrection of Jesus are the guarantee that we can truly entrust ourselves to God. It is in this way that his kingdom is realized."

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Found on Clerical Wispers and really worth passing on.

Praying For Our Country

2009-03-31T03:45:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 11
22 "For if you carefully keep all these commandments which I command you to do — to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him — 23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves. 24 Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory. 25 No man shall be able to stand against you; the LORD your God will put the dread of you and the fear of you upon all the land where you tread, just as He has said to you.
26 "Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; 28 and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known. 29 Now it shall be, when the LORD your God has brought you into the land which you go to possess, that you shall put the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal. 30 Are they not on the other side of the Jordan, toward the setting sun, in the land of the Canaanites who dwell in the plain opposite Gilgal, beside the terebinth trees of Moreh? 31 For you will cross over the Jordan and go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and you will possess it and dwell in it. 32 And you shall be careful to observe all the statutes and judgments which I set before you today.

Have a beautiful and blessed day!

Sew News

2009-02-17T17:22:00.000-08:00

A Slideshow Of My Favorite Projects.

I have tons of fabric that I want to transform from mounds of stash (fabric stash, that is) into more purses and bags because I need to free up space. But then the bags are taking up space, so I will be lowering my prices in my etsy shop. I love to keep on sewing, but space is becoming quite a problem. So you can get handmade fabric purses, totes, clear vinyl purses, and little envelope card holders for a great price! In addition to already-handmade drawstring backpacks, I have listings with which you can order a backpack in your choice of fabric (pictured on the listing) and in the size you prefer. If you would like to order, it is free to join etsy, and you can contact me through the link near the bottom of any listing with the "contact the seller" link or on the right hand side there is a link to "Request Custom Item".

Vintage Fabric Purse

2009-02-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

This is another new addition to my shop. Made from vintage Crantex Fabric. I absolutely love this fabric and this is the very last piece I had. I made and sold the handbag below a couple years ago.

Handmade Crib Quilt and Matching Accessories

2009-02-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

This is the crib quilt I made for my new grand-baby. I originally bought these dinosaur panels about a year ago, just to add to my collection of favorite fabrics. Then when I found out grand-baby number four was on the way, and new mommy and daddy chose primary colors for the nursery, I was SEW happy! I went to my source and bought a couple more panels, just in case I had a further brain storm. I just had to make the pillow to match, which is for the rocking chair, to help mommy be comfy while feeding baby. But I could not stop there with all the extra panels I had left, and found a soft piece of flannel in my stash for backing the burp cloths and bib. Well, the picture below shows the result of my further brain-storming:

A multi-purpose drawstring bag (for small toys, a small diaper bag?), two burp cloths, and a bib.

"4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings the grass from the earth.'
2 Samuel 23:4

More Purses By VictoriaLynn

2009-02-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

A collection of photos of custom orders that never made it to My Etsy Shop. This custom oriental bamboo- handle-bag was custom designed for Dee. I featured black oriental fabric on one side and red on the other.

Getting Even More Scrap Happy

2009-02-04T20:09:00.001-08:00

Click the pictures to see more details.

If you have seen my etsy shop in the past, you will recognize these favorite fabrics of mine, now fashioned into small handmade gift card pouches that are also great for your business cards, or credit cards.

Getting Scrap Happy

2009-02-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

A time to Sew and a time to reap....
Today I have been working on my goal to use those beautiful pieces of favorite fabrics I have left from former projects.This is about the fourth bag I have made from this wonderful red vintage drapery/upholstery fabric. I even found the tag still attached to this piece that has the original price. Wow. Those were the good old days. This was originally from Boston Store, Erie, PA. I bought a lot of this fabric from ebay a few years ago. This tag has the original price of $1.27 per yard. This was very wide fabric too. Worth much more today, for sure. Does anybody collect old vintage price tags? Might make a great new collection item?

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This bag will be offered for sale on etsy. It is made from my own pattern. The large 8" lucite purse handles have glitter molded in. The floral pattern looks like large red roses, dahlias and football mums splashed with pink.

WANTED: 100% NATURAL FABRIC MADE IN USA!

2009-01-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

BRING BACK THE FACTORIES!

BECAUSE...

There are millions of empty stores that are empty because there are no customers to buy because there are no paychecks because there are no jobs because there are no more factories that millions of people used to work in and got paid honest wages. And the honest workers could pay the taxes that the government uses to fund the people who open the factories to provide the jobs to provide the paychecks to create customers to buy at un-empty stores. Hello! What is so complicated about that!

We start with the farmers who grow the bamboo, the cotton, the wool and many other living organisms that produce fabric. Now there's an opportunity for some new jobs.

Then the construction workers who build the factories and maintenance people that maintain the factories. Now there's an opportunity for some new jobs!

Then we can have factories that build the machines to weave the fabric. Now there's an opportunity for some new jobs!

Then there are the factory workers who run the machines to weave the fabric. Now there's an opportunity for some new jobs!

Just apply this method to any other consumer product that you can think of and then there will be jobs.
As long as we take pride in our work, and buy American Made, we can revive our economy.

It is time we look back and learn from history:

"The factory system, which eventually replaced the domestic system and became the characteristic method of production in modern economies, began to develop in the late 18th century, when a series of inventions transformed the British textile industry and marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Among the most important of these inventions were the flying shuttle patented (1733) by John Kay, the spinning jenny (1764) of James Hargreaves, the water frame for spinning (1769) of Sir Richard Arkwright, the spinning mule (1779) of Samuel Crompton, and the power loom (1785) of Edmund Cartwright. These inventions mechanized many of the hand processes involved in spinning and weaving, making it possible to produce textiles much more quickly and cheaply. Many of the new machines were too large and costly for them to be used at home, however, and it became necessary to move production into factories" SEE ARTICLE

THAT MEANT THERE WERE JOBS!

HELLO!

LET'S TAKE THAT TRILLION DOLLAR BAIL-OUT MONEY AND CREATE JOBS!

Thank you for visiting, and thank you, service men and women for your part in defending our country and our freedom. God Bless You! You are awesome!

DRAWSTRING STUFF BAG

2009-01-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get into a project and switch the style from one kind of bag to another when the fabric says it should be something other than what was originally intended. This started out to be a backpack. But the thickness of the corners with all the "patches" inside made of heavy interfacing, plus two layers of stretchy velvety knit, did not work well will grommets. So it was re-designed into a drawstring stuff bag, with handles. I reinforced the handles with interfacing. The lining is made of cotton to prevent the bag from stretching when lots of contents are added. There is a small pocket inside for keys, cellphone, or other small items. The glittery silver flowers add a touch of elegance.

My Etsy Shop Update

2009-01-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

I thought I would just take some time on this snowiest day of the year, to post some pictures of some of my favorite sewing projects. These handmade drawstring backpacks are my most popular item. And they are my favorites to make.
Click the pictures for more details.
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This is a picture of my latest work in progress
A drawstring backpack with a touch of elegance...
a soft blue velvety fabric with sparkly floral design

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This is my pink patchwork drawstring backpack
with mod pink circles on the reverse side.

This little gift card holder is free

with purchase of any backpack.
Also is great to store your business cards!

Winnie The Pooh, Piglet, And Tigger Too!

Soft Faux Suede Drawstring Backpack

Milestones From 2008 and Beyond

2008-12-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

Milestone-an often-used term to indicate an event that ends one phase or begins another:
"Within the framework of project management, a milestone is the end of a stage that marks the completion of a work package or phase, typically marked by a high level event such as completion, endorsement or signing of a deliverable, document or a high level review meeting."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milestone_(project_management)

To say it simply, I want to begin my new blog and end my "old year" with some thoughts and revelations to share, with some new perspectives on the journey into the new year.

I am most thankful to God, who's spirit has always been there to tap me on the shoulder and show His presence when I really wanted to just throw up my hands and throw in the towel. I have done a lot of soul-searching and heart-mending in 2008. Without Him I would not be able to sit here and share what I feel inclined to share. I have a strong sense of optimism now for 2009, in the midst of the chaos and turmoil that the radio, newspapers and TV hurl at us daily. When I feel the urge to sulk and go all negative, which I have done a time or two, I read the word or even better, I listen to the Bible via free downloading to my mp3 player.
If you have a hard time understanding what is going on in the world, all you have to do is read and/or listen. The truth is there. You can really have hope, joy, comfort, and peace. The evil forces of the world just want you to believe that it is impossible. But I pray that you will read, study and fellowship with other believers who will help on your journey. This pretty much covers my number one priority-God.
"Jesus is the answer for the world today"

My number two priority is family, and right now it is just my teen-age daughter and myself, a very small family, but BIG on challenges. She is definitely a teen-ager with attitude. She doesn't understand just how important she is to me. And when it is just two of us, we clash. When we are with other people, things are copacetic for the most part. Single parenting has given me many of those moments that for a time seem like they will never end, but are mingled occasionally with moments that I want to just snatch up and paste on the pages of my memory book with a vengeance. And I know that in just a couple of short years, these tears of frustration will turn into tears of joy mixed with sadness as she goes off to college, leaving the nest empty and me to my own devices. I have launched three other beautiful offspring out into the world and now am looking for and cherishing all the beautiful and memorable moments with my youngest.

#3 Priority is Work
I love the company I work for. Both of them. The first being a job that has allowed me to accomplish one somewhat insignificant goal that I have had on the back burner for quite a few years, and that is to learn ten-key. I always was amazed at people who could get their fingers to go that fast on numbers. I have a regular alpha typing speed that is average, of 45 wpm, and was so intimidated by the numeric part of key-boarding. But data entry has allowed me to get the practice and experience to now key up to 9,000 kph on a good day. This task is required to index and verify data that is acquired within projects being scanned for data capturing and storage.
I also have a part-time retail position that serves two purposes: I have fun helping customers, and I need to make up for a serious wage deficit.
I know I should have to work only one job, with having an Associate Degree in computer programming, but mostly for the sake of my highest priorities, time has not allowed me to persue that route on my career path. But that hopefully will change in the new year. I have been tossing around the idea of going back to school, and even have applied for financial aid, but have to go to school full-time for financial assistance to help and that is the glitch I am dealing with concerning that.

When I manage to squeeze out an extra few hours in the week, I love to sew. I started a hobby a few years ago making purses and bags and now have a much-neglected Etsy Shop , which I am now working on to add more merchandise. That is if those few extra hours might present themselves. My specialty and favorite bag to sew is fabric drawstring backpacks, which are ever-popular and available in many different fabrics. Most of them I make by special request, for friends and co-workers. Via my shop on etsy, I sell world-wide and accept payments through pay-pal for convenience.

I also have a crib quilt and accessories in the works, for the new grand baby that is on the way. I will be welcoming beautiful grandbaby #4 in April. I know that will be one of many blessings to look forward to in 2009. I am so excited this new years eve to see what all the new year has in store. I pray you have the same hope and excitement as your new year unfolds as well!

To you and yours!

Upcyled, Recycled Old Shorts To New Handbag

2008-06-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

PINK, GREEN, YELLOW, PURPLE

The colors just jumped out at me when I found this pair of striped denim shorts, like new, at the local thrift store. And I had a small remant of pink rick-rack in my stash that has been begging me to use it on something. Lined with yellow cotton print with tiny pink flowers, and a hidden magnetic snap. I used brass d-rings at each end of the handle so a key clip can be attached if you like. It is available now in my etsy shop.

VictoriaLynn Creations Now Has Collectibles Too!

2008-06-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Dabbling in Deltiology

I dug out a box of postcards in the course of my spring cleaning. I found most of these at estate sales and garage sales. Some of these belong in someone's special collection somewhere and some of these beautiful vintage postcards would be great upcycled into something new, a wooden trinket box with decopauge, a beautiful collage, or just to start your own collection. So I will be listing them in the Vintage Postcard section in my Etsy Shop. I love just browsing these postcards, many of which are towns and landmarks, and scenery. They give me a treat of sorts, taking a little journey through all the towns and places I have yet to experience.

This one is really hard to part with and I really think I should start a new blog on the subject of relationships and this would make a great banner, don't you think? Hmmm. Okay. I will really be thinking about that.

A beautiful postcard that was part of a series. Postmarked 1908. Labeled Theochrom Series No. 1140

Thought For Today

2008-05-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

" A day hemmed with prayer will not quickly unravel"

Grandkids Favorite Characters on New Drawsting Backpack

2008-05-24T18:41:00.001-07:00

Today I created, among others, a little backpack for my grandson's favorite little cars. This fabric features Lightning McQueen and Tow-Mater. I can hardly wait to see his face when he gets this. I have to wait till Monday though. So stay tuned for a picture or two of the biggest smile ever.

Didn't forget my precious little grandaughter either. This is her new bag to keep her things all neat and tidy too.

I can make these for you too! Geat gift ideas! Use them as a gift bag. Just visit my web page at http://victorialynn.homestead.com/custombackpack.html and order with confidence and pay safely through Paypal or with a money order.

Elegant Drawsting Evening Bag

2008-05-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

This is a new evening-out version of my drawstring bag. This is made from black satin brocade. The strap is red coordinating satin. This turned out very elegant and very suitable for gift-giving, which is what this one is for.

Happy mother's day to all mom's everywhere!

Free Pattern For Drawstring Purse

2008-05-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

The tutorial for the gathered purse is finished, and has step-by-step instructions with photos. Click on a picture to go to the directions. Have fun!

My Newfound Treasure

2008-05-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

What a bargain! Found for a mere $5.99, I was making a quick run through the thrift store today and found this wonderful little piece of machinery. I just have to have a back-up for when my Jeans Machine goes into the shop for it's regular check-ups. Old sewing machines always bring back memories of my first days of sewing class in high school. (Nostalgic should be my middle name). Problem is I cannot find the model number on this and would like to find some accessories. I did a brief google search and just turned up images of lots of other machines I wish I had room for.

Anyway, if you have never learned how to sew, but would like to, your local thrift stores are wonderful places to go to get started. See my upcycled -shorts -turned-trendy-new-purse . In addition to finding a wonderful sewing machine for a wonderful price, you can pick up like-new clothing to turn into something wonderfully and unquely you!

Upcycled Lizsport Shorts Now A Beautiful Floral Purse

2008-04-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

Alsteromeria, Morning Glories, and Daisies on creamy lemon yellow background; these were my favorite Lizsport shorts. And I can't wear them anymore. But now an upscale, upcycled floral purse and the newest addition to my etsy shop.

To think someone, somewhere has a pair of beautiful rayon shorts to match. I can't keep this for myself. I want to make another one. So I am off to the thrift stores!

Thanks for looking!

Free Pattern For Drawstring Purse

2008-04-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

A perfect first little purse for your little darling. Easy to make.

No metal or plastic parts, and so adorable!

Materials needed:

1/4 yard each of fabric and lining.

1 1/2 yard of cord for drawstring.

Paper for reproducing the pattern pictured below.

Note: The dimensions given on this pattern illustration are for after the pattern is cut out. So paper should measure 9" x 6.5" if you place on fold . Cut fabric piece should be 13" wide when unfolded.

Cut two each of outer fabric pieces and two of lining.
Cut strap 4" x 10".
Cut pocket 6" x 10"

You should have all the pieces in the next photo

Strap cut size will vary depending on which option you choose.

If you would like a reversible strap, cut a top and bottom piece, one from outer fabric, and one from lining fabric, each 2" x 10". Stitch them, right sides together. Turn.

(Optional): choose which fabric you would like for your strap and cut piece 4" x 10". Fold the piece in half lengthwise, press, then fold raw edges to center, press, and stitch along both sides of strap, folded edges together.

Turn under the top 2 inches of seam allowance about 1/2" and stitch. This is to finish the opening for the drawstring casing.

Pin front to back, and stitch together, leaving the opening for the casing. Turn purse right side out.

From the right side of the fabric, topstitch the opening about 3/8" away from seam.

Fold pocket in half, right sides together, and stitch, leaving an opening to turn. Then clip corners, and turn right side out and press. Stitch close to the open edge to close and form topstithcing. Center pocket on right side of one lining piece and stitch sides and bottom to lining.

Pin strap to center of outside piece and stitch in place.

Stitch lining sections together and leave an opening at the bottom to turn purse right side out.

Insert outer purse into lining and pin top edges together. Stitch top edeges together.

Turn purse right side out through opening. Tuck lining into purse, press, then topstitch very close to edge and again one inch from first stitching. This forms a casing for your drawstring.

Cut two pieces of cord, about 24" each. Using a very large safety pin, thread each cord through the casing, starting each one at opposite ends. Knot the ends to prevent fraying. There you have it!

This is my first tutorial. I would appreciate any comments and suggestions or questions. Check back for more great sewing ideas!

Cell Phone Pouch

2008-04-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

This is a fun little project and I want to thank Susan Brubaker Knapp and her free pattern at http://www.cottonspice.com/CSblog/?p=363. This is a wonderful pattern!
I didn't piece together a patchwork, but used the same general directions with a piece of hot pink cotton fabric left from my latest clear vinyl purse (pictured below).
I tried a couple of cell phone pouch patterns I found on the internet and this one is my favorite so far. I love the quilting method. And what a great way to use the small pieces of fabric that I have so many of.

I finished another clear vinyl purse, made with heavy gauge vinyl and trimmed with this same hot pink fabric. Now available in my shop on etsy.

Winnie The Pooh Bag

2008-04-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when my creative juices need a nudge, I just sort through my stash of fabric, and remnants just jump out at me and then magically turn into something. These pieces of Disney Winnie The Pooh fabric were transformed into this little girl's drawstring bag with "wristlet" handle.

It measures 12" wide when open and 7" tall. Drawstrings are drawn through a casing between the outside and lining fabrics. A pocket is added inside.

I am going to create a tutorial soon with a pattern and directions on how you can make one too. It took about an hour and a half. This project resurrected my passion for working with kid's colorful fabrics.

Just as a head's up, this only requires 1/4 yard (or fat quarter) each of outer fabric and lining, and 1.5 yard (48") of decorative cord. I use a polyolefin with a glitter through it. The handle is hot pink corduroy (which matches Pooh's t-shirt) on one side and matching fabric on the other.

CLEAR VINYL PURSES A MUST FOR SOME

2008-04-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

I have been a retail worker which is how I came about designing this clear purse. It was a requirement for cashiers to use only a clear purse while working the sales floor. A small clear zipper pouch was provided by the employer, but I decided to create one that had some purse-onality and with a shoulder strap. My co-workers were so excited about these and that is where I got my first orders. I have also sold many of these on ebay and you can view my feedback there or on etsy. I have had many requests from casino workers and frequent travelers. You can find these at http://www.victorialynn.etsy.com./

Sew For Today's News...

2008-03-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Within the short space of 4 days, I have succeeded at starting and finishing a new dress, and a pair of curtains for my bedroom. I had this wonderful fabric in my stash, and decided to make it the focal point for a decorating make-over. Now I will find some fabric for the bedspread and make some decorator pillow from the curtain left-overs.

When I was in high school, my entire wardrobe was handmade by me. Over the years the time and motivation escaped me somehow, but today, with a renewed passion and enthusiasm, I am making it a new goal to make my daughter and myself our clothes from now on. Such a feeling of accomplishment is to be had from finishing something you create yourself. I believe what the bible says "in His image he created them" Genesis 1:27 He is our creator and the creator of all the beauty in nature that is given to us as a gift. We also are given the talents to create things and in turn give a gift to our family, our home, or our friends. To plant the seed and get the motivation growing, You can do a google search for "free_____________patterns" (you fill in the blank) for whatever you want to make, and you are most likely to find a free pattern out there to try. I did this with this cute little clutch purse: made from a remnant left over from some curtains, and a swatch of denim.

When I googled "free clutch purse pattern" I found this one at about.com.

John 1:3

2008-03-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

"Through Him all things are made" John 1:3
Without Him I would not have the motivation to be creative, and to grow the talents he has given me.
He is above all, and is the reason we are here. We are here to honor Him, and further His kingdom! Praise his holy name, Jesus!

Proverbs 31:
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.