Ni-Chern Designs Blog

Pillow Case Pattern

2017-10-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

This year, I am teaching at a home school co-op beginner machine sewing.

Our first project is the pillow case!

Beginner project!

You can download the PDF on craftsy.com

The girls that made these pillow cases age range from 6th grade up, if you are curious on maybe having your child sew and if they are old enough. And they had a great time!

Materials needed:

3/4 yard of main fabric

1/3 yard of secondary fabric

Scissors

Matching thread

Scissors

Matching thread

Sewing machine

Pins

And download the directions from craftsy.com!

Feel free to let me know what you think of the pattern!!

Gifts Ideas

2016-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

Look for some gift ideas?

Here are some from my shop:
for the one that always lose their keys (me):

Wristlet Hooks

These are actually my favorite key chains.

gifts for teachers:
Lanyards

For the traveller:

Luggage Tags

for a Personalized gift:

Embroidered key chains:

Gift Ideas from some of my favorite makers:

for the bearded man:

Seasons of Love Gifts

for the little ones:

Kiser Krafts Handmade

for the wine drinker:

FabTabulous

for the music lover:

Hang Up Jewelry Designs

for the harry potter / fantastic beasts fan:

Gipson Wands

for the robot lovers:

for the baby:

for your tree:

for that night out:

for a happy stomach:

Aunt Christy's Country Kitchen

for someone that is missing a loved one:

Strawberry Auburn

I hope you all have a great holiday, and find that perfect gift for everyone on your list!

nicole

website down for a little bit

2016-10-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

hey all.
the website is down. please be patient with me!

the shop is for now.

thank you!
nicole

Edit: It's back up!! yay!!!

Kitty Rose Purse Test Pattern

2016-07-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

I had the honor to test a pattern for Toriska! I have made a couple of her other patterns, and have really enjoyed them. This time, I tested the Kitty Rose Purse.

If you are interested in making a bag/purse, and new to the game, Kitty Rose is a pretty good one to start. I believe it's for intermediate sewers. When I say intermediate, I'm thinking, you know how to sew in a straight line, not afraid of zippers, and do okay on curve stitches.

Her pattern comes in three different sizes (small, medium, and large).

Toriska's Kitty Rose Purses. Pic credit; Toriska patterns

I tested out the small size, I took the picture of it on my shoulder so you have an idea of what it looks like on a person.

Toriska's Kitty Rose Purse in the Small size

Toriska's Kitty Rose Purse in the Small size - other side

Toriska's Kitty Rose Purse in the Small size - pocket

Toriska's Kitty Rose Purse in the Small size - inside / zipper

It took me almost 4 hours from cutting to completion (not including picture taking).
You have to take it slow on some parts because of the curves, and the pleats. But overall, it wasn't too bad. I think the the only tricky part for me was the top zipper. I wasn't sure if it was going to look okay when I was sewing it. But after sewing it, the finished result looked pretty awesome!

It's a super cute handbag for carrying some of your essentials and then some!

If you are interested in making this purse yourself, I totally recommend buying Toriska's pattern!

But if you want to purchase this purse that I have made, it's available for purchase here!

Life...

2016-06-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

I know it's been awhile since I last posted. Life has been a little busy with the little one. If you did not know, Baby L has joined our family in January. It has been a busy, and yet a wonderful time having a new baby in the house. Big brothers absolutely adore their baby brother. I don't share too much of my personal life, since this blog is for Ni-Chern Designs. But there are a few things that have been happening. The boys finished their recreation soccer season just couple weeks ago. They both had a great time, mostly for the snack that was given at the end of every game! But they still loved it! They will start recreation baseball soon. #1 is enjoying the Humphrey Hamster books. #2 is reading better everyday, and still loves to write that his favorite food is pizza. #3 is working on rolling over; and his fussy days can only be calmed by watching his brothers play. Both #1 and #2 will be starting recreation baseball soon.
So, my social media presence may be a little slower than usual. I hope that when I get into a routine with family, work, and Ni-Chern Designs.
Most importantly for Ni-Chern Designs; I really appreciate you!
As always, don't ever hesitate to contact me if you have any comments or questions!

-Nicole

P.S. One last thing, I will not be doing any shows this year. At least I haven't signed up for any. If you are looking for me at shows this year, I am sorry that I will not be there. I have decided to focus on the baby this year. Believe me when I say that I will miss you. I love seeing you, getting to talk to you, and know you at shows every year.

Craft Show Season has started

2015-09-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's fall, and craft show season has started. Since I am pregnant, I am going to take December to March off of shows.

I have been very blessed for great weather during the shows that I have vended at.

If you are able to come to one of the shows that I'll be doing before December, please stop by and say Hi!

Click here for all my upcoming events!

booth at Chick Events

Just an FYI, for those who do not know... the next Friday the 13th is in November! ... watch for a sale in your inbox if you signed up for my mailing list. If you're not on my mailing list, sign up! ;)

Backpack #1 ... DONE!

2015-08-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

oh yes, backpack #1 is finally done.

Angry Bird Star Wars Backpack

Pattern used by ChrisW Designs' Dawn to Dusk pattern.

There were a lot of steps to follow for this pattern, but it's not too bad when you follow them step by step.

Definitely a fun pattern, and the backpack was completed just in time for his first day of school, which was yesterday!

Working on Kid #2's backpack. He starts today actually. So, it was a late night, and will post pictures when it's daytime :)

Here is the work in progress:

Work in Progress Backpack

Edit:

Here are the completed backpacks as my boys walk to school together.

Current Work in Progress... Kids' Backpack

2015-08-06T10:30:00.000-05:00

School starts in mid-August here in Kansas City, I told my boys that I'd make them a backpack. Well. it's been a slow start.

If you have been following me on instagram, this is where I am currently at right now.

Slow start, hoping to get the rest cut out for this backpack...

I need to start speeding up because school starts NEXT week!!!

Sewing Tutorial: 3-Ring Binder Pen Pencil Pouch

2015-07-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Inside View

This pouch is not lined. I'm sure you're thinking, why does she have her color pencils in the box... in the pouch? Well, I want to be able to carry my color pencils with me, as this is what I use to fill out my calendar, but I don't want the pencils tips to break. I don't like broken pencils. "It's in a binder, the chances of it breaking is slim." ... well, that's a chance I don't want to take. :)

So, let's get started!

Materials & Tools:

1/4 yard (or 9" or 1 fat quarter) Heavy Weight Cotton Fabric

1" 72F Peltex Pellon Interfacing

(3) 1/4" or 1/2" Wide Grommet or Eyelets and Tools that you'll need for them*

9" Matching Zipper

Matching Thread

Sewing Needle

Sewing Machine (with standard sewing foot and zipper foot)

Iron & Ironing Board

*I used 1/4" wide Grommet since I'm using this pouch for my 1/2" wide binder. If you have a large binder with thicker rings, I recommend using 1/2" wide Grommet/Eyelet. I just don't like the sound of the Grommet/Eyelet clicking against the rings. It's the little details, I know. :)

Some Terms/Lingo:
RST = Right Sides Together
WST = Wrong Sides Together
Seam Allowance: 1/4"

--------------------------

Step 1:

Cutting your 2 main pieces.

Cut (2) 7" x 11.5"*

*Optional Preference: if you want the pouch to be a little wider, you can cut the pieces 8" x 11.5"

Step 2:

Cut the 72F Interfacing

Cut (1) .5" x 10.5"

Step 3:

Place the 72F Interfacing

.25" away from one edge. See photo below:

Step 4:
Iron the 72F Interfacing.
Iron from the cotton fabric side.
Since 72F is double sided fusible, you'll want something to protect your ironing board (parchment paper works).

Step 5:
Cut 1.75" off of the panel with the interfacing. The other panel should still be 7" x 11.5"
Save scrap for the zipper.

Step 6:
From the 1.75" scrap, cut (2) 4"

Step 7:

Fold them and pin them in half like shown below and stitch .25" from the fold.

These are the zipper tabs.

Step 8:

Using your sewing needle and thread, stitch together the zipper like shown below:

Step 9:
Stitch the zipper tabs to the zipper with the fold toward the inside zipper. I placed them about 1/8" away from the metal and stitched 1/4" from the zipper metals.
Here you'll see 2 different stitches on the zipper tabs.

Step 10:
Place the zipper RST with the smaller panel, opposite side of where the interfacing is located.

Step 11:
Iron the fabric. Have the fabric fold over the zipper. And stitch.

Step 12:

Place RST of the zipper panel and the other panel. Stitch together.

Step 13:

Repeat Step 11 for the other side of the panel.

Step 14:

Pin the long edge of the panels RST.

Feel free to trim the tabs to edge of the panel before stitching.

Step 15:

Make sure your zipper is open more than half way so you can turn it right side out before stitching!

Stitch 1/4" along the edges.

Stitch the short sides first, then the long side.

Step 16:

Trim the corners.

You'll see that the stitching is right next to the interfacing.

Step 17:

Turn Right Side Out through the zipper.

Move the seam to the edge as close as possible. Pin so it doesn't move around. Iron the interfacing from the non-zipper side, as well as ironing all 4 edges for a clean crisp look.

Ironed:

Here you can see the interfacing outline.

Step 18:
First, stitch 1" from the edge, you should be stitching on the inside of the interfacing.
Second, stitch 1/4" around the perimeter of the pouch.

Step 19:

Place your pouch next to your binder rings. Mark where you want the hole to be.

Then mark 1/2" from the edge to your first mark. This will place where the center of the rivet should be place.

Here is where the 2nd mark happens to make sure it's centered.

Step 20:
Follow the directions to your grommet/eyelet setting tools.

All Done!!!

If you make one, I would love to see it! Tag me on facebook, twitter, or instagram!

Please use this for personal use. It may be a short project, but it takes hours to create this tutorial. Please honor my time by making this for your personal use.
If you plan on selling, please contact me and I will send you an invoice of $3.50 and a contract agreement that allows you to make and sell your handmade work of this tutorial.

It's also on Craftsy! You can save it to your patterns!

How it all got started...

2015-07-23T13:19:00.000-05:00

Here is a little back story on how Ni-Chern Designs started to now.

At shows, I get asked how long I have been sewing...

Well, I took a sewing class in junior high, back in 1995... so long ago.

I loved it, I made scrunchies for myself and friends... made stuffed pillow, boxer shorts... and then in high school, I helped sew the costumes for the musical. That was a lot fun!

Took a bit of a sewing break in college as I didn't have much time sewing and hanging out in studio.

In 2005, I started sewing little things. Pouches, wristlets, etc. ... I was thinking about how to pay for all the student loans that I'm accruing, then a friend of mine introduced me to Etsy. Etsy was pretty new at the time, but I joined in 2006 and I wasn't sure what I was going to do. But I started selling early 2007 on Etsy. Started out small with wristlets, and progressed to pouches, coin pouches, etc. Selling at that time was mostly to have something to do over the weekends. I'm a bit of a homebody, so I liked to keep busy.

Look at this... my first sold product on Etsy in 2007!

I'm internally criticizing my sewing skills.

As years went by, business was keeping me pretty busy over the weekends. Started to take it easy in 2011 as my family grew.

Now, in 2015, I am able to stay home with my children, and still sew at night, and selling at craft shows over the weekend. What do I enjoy the most? Everything. I love hanging out with the kids, and being able to go to their field trips with them, or school parties, etc. I love sewing at night and completing orders. I love meeting people at craft shows, and getting to know them! I truly love it all. It's been hard, and living frugally to make it all work, but it's all worth it.

That's the short version of how I started sewing to where I am now.

A Gift For A Friend

2015-06-18T11:48:00.000-05:00

I sent a gift last week.

It is a retired cello tuning peg necklace made by the talented Hang Ups in KC.

You can even get your own cello tuning peg necklace!

Hang Ups in KC does amazing work with the retired instruments, from necklaces, earrings, to cufflinks!

AND a portion of the proceeds from their Band of Angels jewelry line will be donated to Band of Angels KC. Band of Angels is a program designed to collect used music instruments and help make them available to kids in need so they can join band and orchestra programs.

Not only is this necklace a gift to someone; part of the proceeds are donated to help kids!

Pretty awesome right?

Gluten Free Cinnamon Bread

2015-06-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share my favorite recipe. Gluten Free Cinnamon Bread. It's very delicious. SO delicious that this whole loaf is gone by end of the night; and I only made it at 1:30pm.

I used the recipe from Gluten Free on a Shoestring.

The link above will take you directly to the recipe.

The only difference is that I didn't use the glazing on the above loaf, but still delicious!

You should make it; trust me, your stomach will thank you! ;)

Sugar & Spice Handbag by ChrisW Designs Review

2015-01-06T11:31:00.000-06:00

For Christmas, I made my mother-in-law a handbag. I selected the Sugar & Spice handbag pattern written by ChrisW Designs.

I selected this bag because of the pockets and the style.

Here is the bag that I made for my mother-in-law:

I have worked with piping before, but it has been awhile. For anyone that is a beginner or have not worked with piping, it definitely can be a headache! So if you're new at piping, save the time and buy the premade ones by Wrights. If you want to make your own, to make it easy on yourself, purchase the feet that can help make the piping.

When it comes to stitching the piping on, always remember to sew as close to the piping as you can. It helps give a cleaner look.

Back to the pattern!

The pattern is very easy to follow. Definitely no complaints!!

I was incredibly happy with the outcome.

Some mistakes that I made were my own fault, not the pattern.

Even though the mistakes are not noticeable and pretty minimal to someone looking at the bag, but are noticeable to me, I will know next time how to correct them.

Update to the pattern:

The only thing I added to the bag that was not part of the pattern was adding a zipper pocket to the inside.

What I did, before adding the pockets to the that side:

I added the zipper pocket.

I cut the height of the pocket (total of 2" folded; or 4" when the fabric is laid flat).

Then I stitched the pocket as directed onto the lining fabric.

To conclude my review:

love this pattern, and can't wait to make my own bag!

If you're new to making bags, this is a great pattern to use! If you're scared of the piping, it's ok, you don't even have to use piping! I think the bag would be just as beautiful without!

If you're interested in a bag of this style for purchase,
feel free to contact me and we can work something out! :)

last show of the year

2014-12-03T09:56:00.002-06:00

The Strawberry Swing's Holiday Swing is going to be my last craft show of the year!

So if you have anyone on your list you're not sure what to buy for Christmas, stop by! I'm sure there is something for everyone at the event!!

Here is the event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1479550762330042/

It's going to be pretty awesome!

Hope to see you there!

Cyber Monday Coupon Code!

2014-11-30T08:34:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow only! Cyber Monday deal!

Take 25% off of your purchase!

Use coupon code: CM2014 www.nicherndesigns.com

Shop Handmade this Black Friday!

2014-11-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

If you are in Lawrence, KS, stop by and see me at Bizarre Bazaar this weekend at Lawrence Arts Center (940 New Hampshire in Lawrence KS)!

Lots of amazing hand makers! 3 floors of amazing hand makers!!!

Here is their FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1553380468215385/

I'll be on the bottom floor, next to the bake sale... it's going to be really hard for me to resist of the sweets!!

Handmade in KC group coupon

2014-11-01T14:58:00.000-05:00

Hello dear friend,

I have been incredibly busy due to the craft show season! I hope my blog will pick back up in December!

But I just wanted to let you know that I am participating in the Handmade in KC's 20% coupon code! So if you have been eyeing a product of mine... take this chance to snag it before it sells at a craft show!
So many other sellers are participating in this too!

Just use the coupon code: HANDMADEKC to receive 20% off of your purchase in my shop, as well as the participating shops! See who else is participating here!
The coupon code starts Nov 1 and ends Nov 7 at 11:59pm Central Time

Recommendations

2014-10-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

I receive a lot of questions of what companies/website/etc. I use, and who I recommend on sites/vendors/etc.
I thought putting this together with links and all makes it easy for you to go to!
Let them know that I sent you!

INVENTORY

Craftybase

referral code: 419c7bc4

If you are searching for a quality inventory website for all your items, you can be overwhelmed with all the websites out there! I tried out a couple, and Craftybase is what I recommend! What I love the most about Craftybase is not only the reasonable price, but great customer service! Customer service is one of the most important thing to me. Nicole and Nathan are based in London. When I send them an email, post something in the forum, etc. They respond within 24 hours, I don’t think I’ve ever had to wait longer than 10 hours. But be understandable that they are across the pond so they can’t respond within the hour.
Check out my blog post here for my formal review.

To get 10% off, make sure you use my referral code: 419c7bc4

LABELS

https://www.dutchlabelshop.com

I am currently using Dutch Label Shop. The ordering process is incredibly simple. You don't have to know crazy graphics to create a label! You use their template to create simple and clean look of text labels!

Please use the link when you purchase so they know that I sent you there! (and I get a small kickback when you make purchase - and I would greatly appreciate it too!) :)

ONLINE SELLING

Etsy

I started out on Etsy, and I am incredibly grateful for the exposure that I had received.

If you love to craft/sew/etc. and you have an interest in selling online, I really recommend Etsy when starting out. It's well known in both non and handmade community.

Even though the policies have really changed for sellers, it is still a good place to start out.

Join teams to get to know other sellers, ask questions, and everyone is super helpful! We all had to start somewhere!

I have been selling on since 2006, and Etsy has just been amazing for me, and would love for you to start out there too!

Use the referral link - http://etsy.me/17erces - and you get 40 free listings (and me too!).

Make sure you sign up using that link.

TIPS for CRAFT SHOWS

Square (aff link)

So many buyers are now paying with credit cards. I prefer Square because of the organization. At the end of a craft show, Square lets me know the total fee, tax, etc. collected. it's a lot more organized than other swipers. The fee is about the same as others. For swipe cards, the fee is 2.75%, and if you have to enter it in, it's 3.5% + $0.15. More fee info here.

Another great thing about Square is you can swipe cards offline. Sometimes not every craft show you sell at is going to have cell reception, having the offline Square makes it easier for buyers that want to pay with credit cards! This is definitely one of my favorite features. More info about the offline mode here.

If you click on the link and sign up for square, you and I will get $1,000 free credit card processing fee for 180 days after you sign up! What?! yeah, so awesome! So, you should sign up! ;)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are you curious about anything else? Feel free to contact me and ask!

#EatDrinkStitch hosted by Hey Paul Studios

2014-09-30T00:41:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday night, Kristen of Hey Paul Studios hosted a Crafty Happy Hour at Big Rip Brewing Company in North Kansas City. This is the second one that she has hosted.

Several girls from Handmade in KC were there, as well as an old co-worker, and a friend from college! We all had so much fun! We picked up a pattern and picked a place to sit and started to stitch!

You can also buy a pouch that has needles, thread, hook and pattern all ready for you to start! That is what I did (see the top right photo)

I just finished the hoop today! I had so much fun working on it!

If you are in the Kansas City Area, do keep an eye out for Kristen's Crafty Happy Hour! They are definitely wonderful for learning a new hobby, chatting with friends, and getting to know new ones!

It's here! It's here!

2014-09-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Guys! I am SOOOO excited to have my new release of the dog collars!

The collars are ready for purchase!

If you are interested in martingale collars, please let me know!

I'd be more than happy to make it for you!

If you are on my mailing list, you should have received a special email this morning!

Coming Soon!

2014-08-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's coming soon! By popular demand, I will be selling dog collars on my website!

extra small collars

It will not be available until September 1, 2014...

Part of the website (shop page) will be updated to include the collars.

Various fabric options will be available for purchase.

What sizes are going to be available?

Extra Small (Chihuahua, morkie, etc)

neck size: 8-12"

collar width: 5/8"

Small (Beagle, cocker spaniel, etc)

neck size: 10-14"

collar width: 3/4"

Medium (Pug, Dalmation, etc)

neck size: 12-18"

collar width: 3/4" or 1"

Large (Boxer, German Shepherd, etc)

neck size: 16-24"

collar width: 1"

If you follow me on any of my social media links, you can see glimpses of what collars I have been making!

Craft show season is here!

2014-07-15T10:52:00.002-05:00

It's still summer, but I have been busy preparing for the different craft shows that I am a part of this fall as well as making sure I'm stocking the shelves of the stores that I am selling at for the holidays.

Are you in the Kansas City Metro Area? You can find the full amount of products at my shows! It's always nice to see the products in person, and besides, I'd love to meet you :)

Click here to see the list of shows that I will be at this fall!

If you like my facebook page, I usually post the upcoming events that I am at the week before!

Maker Faire KC Recap

2014-07-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, I participated in the Maker Faire KC at Union Station.

It was one of the most amazing weekend! I decided to try out my new display racks for the key chains.

It was a success! Received great feedback because it was easy to see and look through!

I loved meeting everyone that came by! I enjoyed chatting to those who have their own home handmade businesses and shared Handmade in KC with them!

The experience for me as a maker/vendor was awesome. I was in the Made in KC group, which was a room off of the main area. No complaints! The flow of people were consistant!

I also received TWO merit ribbons! Here is me with one that I received from Margret and I received another from Julie later in the day.

So honored to receive the ribbons!

Thank you Maker Faire on making this such a success for Ni-Chern Designs!

Prepping for Maker Faire and sewing like crazy!

2014-06-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

I don't really have anything awesome to share other than I'm sewing like crazy when I can. I have changed my priorities before Maker Faire KC so I can fill an actual 10x10 booth by myself.

I've been working on laying out the booth on SketchUp.

The back panels are the grid panels. I plan on having the key chains hooked up there.

Here is the first option.

Here is the second option.

I haven't decided what I want to do yet.

I might set up the whole deal in the garage the day before to see exactly what I want to do.

Anyway, since I've been sewing away, and neglecting all sorts of other business things.

Here are a couple phone pouches that I've made:

Music sheet large phone pouch

Spring floral large phone pouch with wristlet

I will have them at the Maker Faire KC, so, come by and see me :)

Key Hook Wristlet Tutorial

2014-06-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today... let's do something. yeah. let's make a key chain tutorial. Oooohhh yeeah.

Alright, let's get this started!

First. Let's get your materials together.

You will need:

13" x 2" fabric

12.75" x 1.75" interfacing (here I am using Pellon 44F, other option is Pellon 906F)

Swivel key hook (the eye needs to be at least 1/2" wide)

Let's iron that interfacing on! Follow the directions! Interfacing can be tricky!

We need to fold this interfaced fabric.

You have two different options.

You can pick which one is easier.

Let's start with door #1.

You can measure 1/2", 1", 1/2" -- just make sure you have the 1" centered. Mark it, fold it, then iron.

Oh, door #1 sounds lovely, but seems like it would take awhile.

Now, let's open door #2.

Use a 1" bias tape maker, like this tape maker from Clover!

Ooo, much easier!

After you have it ironed...

Let's fold it in half!

I call this "hot dog style" not the "hamburger style" ... I love relating things with food!

Let's get that pinned!

We're going to sew it at 1/8" seam.

After you have one side stitched,

you want to make sure you stitch the opposite direction.

This is to make sure your fabric doesn't curl.

Let's loop that swivel key hook on!

Put the ends together, matching.

You want to set the presser foot on the middle of the fabric. So, you want to start sewing in the middle.

Stitch a couple stitches, then back stitch to the back, then forward to the front then back stitch.

It should finish like this.

Now move the swivel hook

I have the hook about 1/2" away from the seam that we just stitched.

Let's put it together.

We're going to do the same thing when we stitched the raw edge and start in the middle of the strap.

Stitch a couple stitches forward, then back stitch to the back, then forward to the front then back stitch.

WAIT!!! Don't cut your thread!

We're going to move it over 1/8" toward the swivel hook!

Start in the middle again and repeat

(Stitch a couple stitches, then back stitch to the back, then forward to the front then back stitch.)

TA-DA!!!!

You know how we start in the middle when we stitch? We don't want to start at the end because of the feed dogs kind of take over your bottom strap, and then it goes all crazy.

Here is an example:

That doesn't look as pretty. It still works, but not as pretty.

I took this apart later, but this is to show you that you need to start stitching in the middle!

It's so easy! just a little tip and trick from your pal, Nicole! *wink*

If you make it, can you let me know? I would really appreciate it!

Maybe hashtag it?

like #nicherndesigns

So I can find it and tell you how awesome you are, but you already know that.

If you don't want to make your own, that's A-OK!

You can also purchase a swivel key hook key chain right here!