To Etsy or Not to Etsy?

'Fresh Fun Home' by L1zW

A modern, homely living space full of light and space.

When I first signed up to Etsy I was so excited to find this wonderful site full of creative people. I was inspired to enough to start my own shop - Phyllis B - but was not too successful. There were a number of reasons for this but my overall summary is that Etsy is good for buying, not really for selling. There is even a blog now devoted to problems with Etsy called Etsy Bitch and while I don't always agree with their posts, I think it is important to highlight some issues with the site. That said, after a hiatus of over a year ( I was in Zambia and online shopping is a bit of a pipedream there) I have come back to discover that there have been vast improvements. The site is slick and finally they have made it easier to create treasuries, (though bizarrely there is no code generator to share them). What I sell there again? I doubt it as I still think they are not seller friendly. But I still think it is great for fabulous design inspiration and original items.

Now a big big thank you to Whaleshark Websites that has an awesome HTML generator for treasuries, making this possible.

MidwestFinds $15.00	ThistleTreeVin... $25.00	appetitehome $16.00	roddyandginger $35.00
IngeIVStudio $24.00	elementclaystu... $45.00	BurlapAndBlue $14.00	dbabcock $45.00
summersville $8.50	LoucheLab $20.00	marybethhale $20.00	BurlapAndBlue $27.00
StellaDeer $4.25	TippyTumble $12.00	lunarloungedes... $1100.00	dbabcock $45.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Zakka Inspired MP3 Player Sleeve

My sister was the one who suggested making ipod sleeves. I don't have an ipod, but I have an MP3 player that is beginning to get a bit banged around after so much commuting. I've recently become obsessed with the Zakka style and wanted to do a little project.

I made the sleeve over 2 evenings, in total, it really only took a couple of hours.

I cut the felt pieces and made sure they would fit over the sides, with extra for sewing the seam. I then added the cute little shapes with simple running stitch. I blanket stitched the two pieces together in contrasting embroidery thread - 2 strands. After sewing two of the sides, I cut a hole so I can see the display and use the select dial. I then stitched this to add to the style and also to prevent the felt from stretching. I sewed the other edges and left a little gap on one side so I could reach the button that locks it.

I really like the felt, the colours are so bright and zingy! Plus it looks good with the thread. Next time I will back it with cotton to further prevent it becoming mishapen, and to tidy up the stitching.