Quicky Project

I've been working on a "Car Quilt" for my son but I still have lots of detailing to do, not to mention assembling the whole thing. So, I'm not quite ready for the big reveal.

As a break and a quicky project, I made this reversible bag yesterday. I realized that I really need a purse for the rare times I'm not carrying the diaper bag. Confession time: I just followed the directions and pattern from Martha Stewart! 'Tis true, I don't design every.single.thing I sew. Now you know. Whew, I feel better. I did add the pocket because I like to have a specific place for my phone and/or keys so they don't get lost in the depths. The purse secures closed by looping the longer "handle" through the small "handle". Kinda cute. I needed less than 1/2 yd of each fabric, it was pretty easy, and it only took about an hour (if that). Martha (Ms. Stewart? I guess we aren't on a first name basis yet) says to use cotton fabric. I used some home decor fabric I had on hand; if you use just regular cotton, you may want to use interfacing. Here's the link to the directions and to the template (you have to enlarge it 200%). Or just go browse around her craft and sewing projects--she has lots of quick/easy/fun things on her site...

As you can see out my window, it's pretty dreary around here. The perfect day for some crafts or sewing. Or for curling up on the couch, in front of the fire, drinking some coffee. Hmm...

Caped T-Shirts

This custom order was a particular joy to work on. The mom was incredible to work with--an ideal custom orderer, yes, I said "orderer". She was specific with what she was looking for, but enabled me to be creative at the same time. In her original email she asked if I could make super-hero costumes for her boys. From that original email and idea, we worked together to come up with the Caped Ts pictured above. Aren't they great? I am SO pleased with how they turned out and can't wait to do more. Perhaps my son needs one...

Perhaps someone you know and love needs one! For toddler/children's size Caped T-Shirts, the price is $20 (you provide the shirt). The price includes cape, velcroed shoulders, and 1 applique (logo or belt). Additional appliques are $5 each. If I provide the shirt, it's an additional $10 because, like I said, they're sometimes hard to find. You may choose your logo, cape length, and colors. For the shirts above, the mom chose the t-shirts, logos, and cape length; I chose the colors.

Email me at kimberly@thirtyoneeighteen.com to discuss your order or go to our Contacts page.

Custom Diaper Bag

Here are some photos of a custom bag I did for a friend last month. It's pretty much just like mine here. I've done several other custom diaper bags in the past and am planning on making a simpler way to order a custom bag through the online store. Before I make a listing for a way to purchase bags, I do want to make a few more changes to the bag. I loosely followed a tutorial for my original bag and made my own pattern from there with my own sizing and detailing, I don't feel quite comfortable listing this exact version in the store.

So, I'll need to take some pictures of MY bag and you'll have to wait a little longer for the listing in the store. To tide you over, go take advantage of the winter sale and buy some bibs and scarves!!

Busy, busy, busy...

Wow...seriously, it's been since early November since I posted? That's dreadfully sad. My latest excuse is our computer issues that are making it near impossible to upload pictures. And what is a post without pictures? Boring! I do have plans to post here at least once a week. I have so many things to post about.

I hope this holds you over for a few days, though. I have been busy doing some custom orders and this is the latest one I sent out. It's for a dear friend that I went to JMU with (we've since reconnected via blog-world); she's expecting Baby Girl #2 and was sweet enough to blog about her order.

This is a picture that she took of part of her order. Visit her blog for more at Blessed Beyond Measure.

Craft Show

Whew...I have time to breathe again. The First United Methodist Craft Show in Newport News was on Saturday. Getting prepared for my first show was quite the undertaking. I had a blast, though, preparing myself and preparing my products to share with others. But it was a lot of work. Thankfully my children and my husband have been so understanding at my busyness lately. I'm looking forward for things to slow down a little-just in time for the holidays!

I had a SUPER time at the Show. Because 31:18 has been primarily an online business, I miss getting to talk face-to-face to customers. It was good to find out what they like about the products we offer and what other products they'd like to see. I met some truly wonderful ladies that I hope to keep in touch with.

I introduced some new products that aren't currently posted in the online store. Getting them online is top on my "to do" this week. I now have nursing covers, toddler/children's scarves and seasonal bibs available. I also have an increased selection of washies and onesies. I also have a few other "coming soon" products to the website, so stay tuned. They were all a big hit at the show.

(In the pictures: The first picture was right after I set up my display space. Notice I ended up moving things around later. I also thought it'd be a good idea to "pose" by the table for some pictures. Little did I realize how rough I looked after waking up at 4:30 am, driving over an hour to the show, and being on my feet all day. Oh well, you get the *real* me, I guess. PS-I made that shirt; the pictures don't do it-or me-justice. I promise it's more flattering in real life, or so says my husband.)

BOGO Bag Sale at 31:18

SALE: BOGO all in-stock bags. I'm still making room for my new items and have only a few "old" things left. Buy one (tote, purse, or zipper pouch set) at regular price, get the 2nd (equal or lesser value) free. Order now, before they're gone!!

The "how to": When making your order for the initial item, specify your "free" choice through "Add special instructions to Seller". Both items will be shipped together.

25-75% OFF at 31:18

ATTENTION: In an effort to make room for lots of NEW items (on our site and in my home), I am offering a one-of-a-kind discount on your purchases. If you buy 1 item, you get 25% off of that item, you will get 50% off a 2nd item, and 75% off your 3rd item.

Head over to the store's homepage for the fine print and directions on how to get your discount!