DO Quit Your Day Job!

With the end of summer comes the end of my first quarter being self employed.  I did a thing that many people dream of, and many more people tell you not to do.  I quit my day job!  With my husband's encouragement and support from my friends and family, I gave up the security of a steady paycheck and benefits.  I'm not going to lie, I'm still scared that I am making a mistake, but I am so grateful that I have taken the plunge.


A few things that I have learned so far:

• It is hard to work from home in the summer when you don't have AC.
• It is hard to work from home when your dog is so cute that you just want to play all day.
• It is hard to work from home when Netflix is available in the other room.
• It is hard to work from home when you have a propensity for snacking.
• It is hard to work from home when you like to talk, but the dog doesn't listen.
• It is hard to work from home when you love to sleep and could really nap all day.
• It is GREAT to work from home, because you can always take a break and pet your dog.
• It is GREAT to work from home, because you can wear whatever floats your boat.
• It is GREAT to work from home, because you can play hooky and go to the movies with your nieces and nephews.
• It is GREAT to work from home, because you can work any hours you want.  Somedays it's early mornings, and somedays you want to work through the night.
• It is GREAT to work from home, because you can listen to "My Favorite Murder" and not freak out your coworkers.
• It is GREAT to work from home, because any achievement you make is yours to celebrate.

In the last five months I have completed more projects then in the last six years. I have recovered my fair share of dining room chairs. I have sewn together countless pillows. I have taken on projects that I didn't know what I was doing, but I figured them out. I have said yes to all of the projects. I feel like my techniques are improving, and I am getting more organized and efficient. I am proud of the work that I have accomplished so far.

There are still things that I need to get adjusted to, but I think things are coming together nicely.  With time, I hope to grow the business, and have name recognition throughout the community.  I would love to incorporate more of my painting into fun new fabric designs, and create really unique products to sell in addition to my custom work.  

Here's to another five months of self employment, wish me luck!

Time Flies, when you use time lapse

I spent a day reupholstering a rocking chair that was given to me by my cousin for some practice.  I enjoyed the time in the sun, honing my skills.  I believe it is so important to practice as much as possible so that I can continue to learn and get better.  Even if I am not getting paid for a particular project, I am still gaining valuable experience.  Plus, it gave me a chance to make another video to share with all of you.  Please enjoy this quick time lapse video of me reupholstering the chair.  

I really fell in love with this fabric the moment I was it at the store.  I did not know what I was going to use it for, but I knew it would be spectacular.  I ended up buying seven yards, just so so that I would have enough for any project I came up with.  I love how the print looks like a watercolor painting.  The size of the print is also large enough that it really makes a bold statement.  Now I just need to find it a good home, where it will be enjoyed for years to come.

Well Hello...

Just a quick video to let you all know that we're still here!  It sure has been a while.  Let me tell you, blogging is not exactly my forte, so please forgive me for the infrequency of my posting. For more frequent updates, be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram.  

I've been keeping busy with some fun projects, including the stool reupholstery in the video above.  

I've also been hard at work grommeting curtains with the help of our sweatshop cat...

And creating custom bedding for a nursery...

Thanks for checking in.  I look forward to all of the projects that 2015 will bring my way.  If you want to keep up with what I'm doing, be sure to follow me on social media, and check back here for more tutorials and updates.  

Video Time!

I've had my computer back for less than 24 hours, and I've already finished a major project.  I am trying to think of ways to get Sew Nerdy out there, and I came up with a fun video idea.  Check it out!

Now on to some other grass roots marketing ideas...

Sew Nerdy is Rockin'

I received a message from a former client that he and his wife were having a baby, and he wanted me to reupholster a rocking chair as a surprise for his wife.  I am so happy that I was able to create this wonderful addition to the nursery.  The rocking chair looks amazing, and was finished just in time for the baby's birth.  Welcome to the world Noah!

This is what the chair looked like before I began the transformation.

The first step was to take the back off the chair.  Keep in mind that since it is the first to come off,
 it will be the last thing to be put back on. It is a good idea to number the fabric pieces as you remove them.

You will want to take note of any pleating, as you will probably want to
 recreate the look when you put on the new fabric.

Taking photos of tricky areas is a good way to help ensure that you put the piece back together properly.    

After putting together any  pieces that require sewing, it is important to double check to make sure that
they fit properly.  You do not want to wait until after you have started stapling to find
out that you need to make anything tighter or more loose.

Piping (or cording) really is a cheap and easy way to enhance the look of your furniture.  It helps add a professional touch,  and can be achieved in four easy steps. Stay tuned for a quick tutorial on piping.

The pieces start coming together.  You will want to pay extra attention the the pattern of your fabric.
 It is very important to line up patterns to make them even and symmetrical.  Fabrics with lines are
especially tricky, because you need to make sure that the lines are straight, and line up in all directions. 

Box cushions should be on the list of things to learn for every seamstress/upholsterer.  There are
 so many projects to be done, that require  knowledge of the techniques you use to create a box cushion.
 Stay tuned for a quick tutorial on box cushions.

The chair is ready for delivery!

And the finished product!  The rockers screwed right on, and the rocking chair
 is awaiting mama and baby's homecoming.