Thirty-one Eighteen Blog

Custom Order-Bench Slipcover

2010-05-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

My SIL just sent me this picture of a custom order I did a while back. They were given a piano (!) but the bench was apparently in less-than-perfect condition. She picked out fabric, sent me the bench measurements, and this is what we came up with. It was a challenge because I didn't have access to the bench to make sure the cover would fit along the way, but I just went by the measurements and trusted that it'd work!! I think it looks super!

What we've been up to...

2010-05-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

Although I love filling orders, I love sewing for my family and home even more. The first few months of the year were busy-busy-busy for 31:18 and, for that, I'm thankful. But I was also thankful for things to slow down a bit business-wise, just in time for spring: baby showers, gardening, my little sister's wedding, lots of dresses and clothes for Ansley, and some home decor projects. I'm hoping to post on Ansley's clothes soon. I'd also like to finally post on all the custom orders I completed (now that every one has received and is enjoying their stuff).

For now, though, I'll write about our living room re-do. We were kinda getting tired of our living room and wanted something "fresher". We decided to slipcover the couch...I guess the "3rd time's a charm" is true. The 3rd cover we ordered finally worked. I decided to make a slipcover for this chair so it'd coordinate. I finished this cover just now and am hoping to get some throw pillows finished this afternoon as well (so, perhaps I should be sewing instead of blogging). I'm very pleased with the cover--it's a little looser on the back than I'd like, but the back is curved, so I think that's the best that's gonna happen. A pillow will help it immensely. We splurged on fabric for the pillows/accessories, so I'm excited for it to come together. Here's a sneak peak!

Poll

2010-04-05T14:46:00.001-07:00

I've added a poll to the sidebar. PLEASE (yes, I'm begging) take a second to answer the question...

What are you most interested in seeing on this blog?
-giveaways (continuing with the monthly giveaways)
-tutorials/tips (posting step-by-step instructions for projects or small, helpful tips)
-pics of projects (pictures/descriptions of projects that I'm working on either for the store or for my home/family)
-new products (getting new products made and posted to the store and telling about them on the blog)

Honestly, my priorities are my family and home and then filling custom orders. "In-stock" products and keeping up with the blog come when I have *extra* time. So, I want to make sure I'm wisely using the time that I do spend on this blog, posting things you actually care about.

Thanks!!

Giveaway Winner

2010-04-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

Giveaway Winner:
True Random Number Generator Result: 3 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations to

Henria O. said...
I'm a Facebook fan! (Henria O.)sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
April 3, 2010 1:09 PM

I'll be emailing you to get your address.

Eh hem..March Giveaway!

2010-04-01T07:39:00.001-07:00

-THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED-

Sometimes I find my personal motto being "better late than never". I HATE being late. But... late IS better than not at all. Don't you think?

Honestly, March totally got away from me. My 1st baby turned 2 years old! I turned *gasp* 29. March also holds my little sister's, my dad's, and my father-in-law's birthday. I had a handful of BIG custom orders. And I'm still trying to get my kids' Easter outfits made. I'm in charge of decorations for a baby shower in less than 2 weeks. My sister is getting married in a month. And I'm considering doing a craft show in May. Am I crazy?

Enough for all the excuses (although, they're good and valid, aren't they?)...onto the giveaway. This is a new product that I'm going to add to the 31:18 store. I figured I'd *introduce* you through a giveaway.

It's a pillow cover. It fits a standard 18" pillow and if your house is anything like mine, you already have a handful of these pillows laying around needing a makeover. Walmart and most craft stores carry them, too. The front has chalk cloth in the middle and a gorgeous black and white floral cotton fabric for the border. Chalk cloth! Yes, like a chalk board...but cloth. Cool, huh? The back is solid black with overlapping edges--just slide in your pillow. Use regular chalk to write your own personal welcome message. Perfect for any room of the house!

I hope to have a handful more of these puppies made and posted soon. Yes, I say "soon". It's so purposefully noncommital!

OK...onto the "rules" (only US addresses, please):

And a twist--please blog/facebook/email to tell others about the giveaway. BUT...you only get EXTRA entries if someone comes and enters because of you. So, if you're entering because you saw info about this giveaway on someone's blog/FB/email, be sure to give them credit on your comment/entry and I'll give them an extra entry.

1. Post a comment to enter--make sure to include your email address so I can contact you.
2. Become a follower (or tell me you already are) of 31:18 and post another comment.

3. Become a FB fan (or tell me you already are) of 31:18 and...well, you get the idea.

4. For an additional 2 entries, leave comment about something you own that was made by me (either by purchase or gift).

The giveaway closes on Monday, April 4th at noon (Eastern time). The winner will be announced Monday afternoon. Good luck!!

Big Boy Quilt

2010-03-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my son's quilt. He'll be 2 years old this weekend and we thought the bright colors on these fabrics would be perfect for his big boy bed (which he's been in, quite successfully for over a week now). This is the first "real" quilt I've made. (I'm unsure if the Car Quilt counts as a real quilt. What is a "real" quilt, anyways?) On the front I used "Rail Fence" blocks in a completely random pattern.

For the back, I used navy blue (actually a flat sheet!) and just one row of the rail fence blocks. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about using white thread since you could see it on the back. Oh well, I'm over it and actually think it's kinda funky looking.

I did this project entirely on my new sewing machine (my Janome Professional Memory Craft 6600, which definitely deserves it's own post). But, the new machine has lots of features that made thing a little easier. It enabled me to free motion quilt, just meandering around, and I was also able to sew the "for Caedmon March 2010" on the back. (I did hand stitch the binding around the edge.)

Pretty cool, huh? Dan (my hubs) is at work now, but dropped off the quilt to be washed in their huge washers (without an agitator)...so, I'm excited to see how it looks after it puffs and squishes and softens.

I know at least 1 or 2 people have been eagerly awaiting the grand revealing of this quilt, so thanks for your patience. The quilt came together rather quickly when I actually was able to work on it.

I am SO pleased with how it turned out. It's far from perfect, but it's quite special to us. It is, after all, for our big boy!! Happy (almost) Birthday!!

What do you think??

Appliqued Shirts

2010-03-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

The first 3 pictures are onesies I appliqued for a custom order. They are for a baby with a fall due date. Aren't the apple and the tree ideal for a fall baby? I think they're precious!!

The last picture is a spring tree onesie I made for Ansley. Since her onesie was much bigger than a new baby's I could make the tree and its leaves bigger. I just love the polka dot fabric for the trunk and think this will be perfect for the spring. I may add ruffles to the bum or make a skirt to match.

I love appliqued onesies! I'm in the process of switching from using the Gerber brand onesies to using Carters or Just One Year (Target brand); I feel they are better quality and their sizing is much better!

Remember I can also applique toddler sized t-shirts. Caedmon's favorite shirt is a long sleeved shirt that I appliqued an airplane onto (for when we went to the airshow in the fall). He requests it almost every time he gets dressed. It's totally stained with ketchup, but I'm OK with that. He is a kid, after all.

Contact me with your order for an appliqued onesie or t-shirt!

February Giveaway Winner

2010-03-01T05:06:00.000-08:00

The winning entry is...

Result: 27 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

which is...

Carolyn said...: I posted it on Facebook. :); February 26, 2010 9:13 PM

Congratulations, Carolyn!! I'll be emailing you to get your address so I can send you your fabric bucket!

These buckets sold for $16 at the Fall Craft Show. I will offer the Route 66 bucket for $10 (with no charge for shipping/handling). I just have this one available, so the first person to email me- kimberly@thirtyoneeighteen.com- gets it and I'll send you an invoice through Pay Pal. As always, I'm available to do custom orders, so if you want a fabric bucket of your own, email me and we'll figure out the details. Depending on your fabric choice, buckets are approximately $16 for the 8" diameter (10" tall) and $18 for the 10" diameter (15" tall) .

Thanks to everyone who entered. I'm hoping to post this week about some other projects I've been working on, as well as some new products for the online store. We will also have a March giveaway, so don't miss that later in the month! Thanks again for playing!

Fabric Bucket Giveaway

2010-02-24T05:27:00.000-08:00

February's giveaway will be your choice of these fabric buckets. Measuring approximately 10" tall and 8" in diameter, these buckets are so useful for storing anything from toys to dishtowels to remotes. You can leave them tall or fold them down. I have them all over my house and they were a top-seller at the fall craft show; therefore, I wanted to offer them to you.

To enter:
1. Leave a comment on this post of which bucket you'd choose if you won. Be sure to leave your name and email.
2. For an additional entry, post about this giveaway on your blog. Leave a comment with the link.
3. For an additional entry, post about this giveaway on your FB page.
3. For an additional entry, become a follower of this blog or a fan on FB. Leave a comment letting me know.

You may enter between today (Wednesday) and Sunday, February 28. The winner will be chosen using random.org and announced Monday morning.

"Car Quilt" and Update

2010-02-21T13:14:00.001-08:00

So, this is the "Car Quilt" I made for my son. It was a Valentine's Day present, but Valentine's Day was really just an excuse for me to do projects I'd been putting off. It would also be more accurately named a "Transportation Quilt", since I was sure to make the roadways big enough for his trucks and my husband lovingly insisted it not only needed train tracks, but also a waterfront complete with boat docks. I'm very pleased with how it--my first quilt--turned out and my son (23 months) absolutely loves it. It's got a good weight to it and I love that it's functional for play, but comfy enough to actually use as a blanket.

I linked this project to:

This week at 31:18...
1. Can I tell you how much I LOVE custom orders? I just finished two appliqued onesies for a client to give to her friend who just found out they were expecting Baby #1. What a great gift! I'm working on custom crib bumpers and valances for a dear friend who's revamping her son's nursery to get ready for a Baby Girl. And I'm up to my ears in burp cloths for another dear friend who is expecting Baby Girl #3 in just a couple weeks! Babies, babies, everywhere!

2. We will have a giveaway this week. Entries will be accepted Wednesday through Sunday, so check back on Wednesday for details.

3. Pictures of available appliqued onesies will be posted, finally, this week. I have some short sleeves and some long sleeves. Some have ties and some initials (and maybe some others?). My goal will be to post those by Friday.

Quicky Project

2010-02-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-01-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T04:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

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!

Craft Show

2009-09-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

This fall I will be participating in my first craft show. Plan to come check out my booth and take advantage of special craft show discounts. Mark your calendars for October 31st!

And the winner is...

2009-09-01T05:02:00.000-07:00

Angela!!

The random number generator at random.org picked #3. So, Angela, email me at kimberly@thirtyoneeighteen.com with your address so I can send you your washies.

To those of you who entered but didn't win, if you order a set of washies during the month of September, I will refund the shipping/handling costs to you. Just go to the washies at the store, click on order now, and be sure to give me your fabric choice and remind me that you entered the giveaway!

Announcing...

2009-08-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Washies are now available in the Thirty-one Eighteen Store!!

Where has the month gone? I said I'd be doing a giveaway in August, so here you go: a set of 4 washies. This beautiful, neutral paisley fabric is backed with soft, absorbent terry cloth. All washies are perfect for wiping little mouths, washing dishes or countertops, and practically any other task in which you'd normally use a paper towel. I make sure I have plenty of them and just throw them in the laundry after each use (although, of course, you could hang them up to dry using the attached ribbon!). Think of all the paper towels you'd save! Think of how much more fun wiping your little one's mouth will be--my 17 month old loves when I use his monkey washie.

After the tutorial on "washies" (found here), I have found myself making even more for our household and using them ALL the time. I've also made many sets for other people. It's about time I gave some away and offered them in the online store.

To enter the giveaway:
1. Comment on this post.
2. For an additional entry: blog about the giveaway, linking to this blog and the store. Leave a comment here linking to your blog.
3. For an additional entry: tell about the giveaway on your facebook page, providing a link to the blog. Leave a comment here letting me know.
4. For 2 additional entries: order something from Thirty-one Eighteen and comment here telling everyone what you ordered.

Entries will be accepted until Monday (the 31st) at midnight. The winner will be announced on Tuesday morning!

Congratulations!

2009-07-27T06:03:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all who entered the giveaway. I'm planning to do another giveaway in August, so be sure to check back!! As a TREAT to those who entered, I will give 10% off your order and FREE shipping if you order by this Sunday, August 2. Just order through the "order now " button, you'll need to pay the original total, and I will send you a refund (through PayPal) of 10% of your order plus your shipping costs. Take advantage of this offer!!

Congratulations to Jen!

The random number generator chose her...and she chose the blue blossom purse!

Jen, email me at kimberly@thirtyoneeighteen.com to give me your address so I can send you your purse!!

Again, thanks for entering and be sure to check back!

Giveaway!!

2009-07-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

It has been WAY too long since I've posted and even longer since we've had a giveaway!! I'll blame it on the new addition to our family. Having a toddler and newborn have been a blast, honestly. Now that I'm catching up on sleep and attempting to re-enter the land-of-the-living, I'm looking forward to getting back into sewing and filling orders. And what better way to celebrate the birth of our daughter and to remind you all about Thirty-one Eighteen than a giveaway!! And what's better than a giveaway in which you get to pick your own prize?

How to enter: All you have to do is go to the Thirty-one Eighteen store, pick your favorite item, and leave a comment on this post to what your favorite item is and why. For an additional entry, blog about the giveaway and leave me a comment with the link to your blog.

Hurry, the giveaway closes on Sunday night at midnight and the winner will be announced Monday morning!!

Another Project...

2009-06-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, 2 posts in 2 days!! I guess I'm catching up from going so long without any posts. My husband, sister, and I went to Target yesterday and I was searching for the "perfect" water bottle. I finally found one that I was happy with (BPA free, dishwasher safe, easily able to put ice into, perfect size "spout"...) and then realized that there was no insulation and that it would be "sweating" all over me and my belongings. Instead of starting the search over again, I decided to sew a "sleeve" for it. Perhaps I'll make another one (using insul-brite instead of batting?). If so, I'll take pictures along the way and post a tutorial.

What I've Been Up To...

2009-06-24T18:44:00.001-07:00

In the midst of settling back at home from being out-of-town pretty much since January, I've been busy with several sewing projects. I've been working on lots of special orders lately. I've also been working on some last minute things to prepare for our Baby Girl's (any day) arrival. If Baby Girl holds off, I hope to post about the special orders soon. Below are the 2 bags I made. I wanted to make a large diaper bag (to be able to hold ALL of our belongings, seeing that I'll have a newborn and a 15 month old).

The first one was TOO big and I'll use it for longer trips. It's a messenger-style bag, has a zipper in the front, and side pockets. There are also lots of interior pockets.

The second bag is more of a tote-style bag. It is quite roomy, has a magnetic flap snap closure and there are lots of interior pockets. I got some ideas from a tutorial found here. I think one of my favorite "touches" is the key clip so my keys don't get lost in the depths.

First Tutorial...a washie

2009-05-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

As I was about to share with you what I've been working on, I decided that, although this project is super-easy, it'd be a good one for the first tutorial post.

First, a little background: as you may know, I have a 14 month old boy and am expecting the arrival of Baby Girl in early July. As we were thinking of what we need for Baby Girl, we decided that we could definitely use more washcloths for bathtime. I was severely disappointed, to say the least, in the selection of washcloths out there!! I thought to myself, I make bibs and burp cloths, would a washcloth be that different? Then, I was also reminded of my 14 month old. He's an eater; but I can't tell you how many paper towels we go through at the end of a meal trying to keep him presentable! And when we're on-the-go, sometimes he needs a little wipe off (but I feel he's a little beyond the burp cloth phase).

So...the other day I began making some "washies". That sounds so much cuter than "washcloths", doesn't it? The first batch I made has monkey fabric on one side because my son is loving monkeys (or "ah ah"s) lately. I'm also working on some that match our kitchen that I'll keep in there for after meals. If you can measure and if you can sew in a semi-straight line, this is the project for you!! These are REALLY basic directions. Make the washie to suit your own needs--make it bigger or smaller, leave the ribbon off, or loop the ribbon instead of having it go across a corner.

Materials:
In addition to your sewing machine, needle, and thread, you will need a 7x8" rectangle of cotton fabric and one of terrycloth (you could even cut up an old towel for this!) You will also need a 5" piece of coordinating ribbon. This makes one washie. Hint: 1 fat quarter can make 4 washies!

Directions:
1. First, I pin and tack down the ribbon across a corner of my fabric (you could do it on the terrycloth side if you prefer)--the ribbon is to hang the washie, if you want.

2. Next, I face the cotton and terrycloth right sides together and sew around the edge (using about a 1/4" seam allowance). Make sure to leave a couple inch opening to be able to turn it right-side out! (you could pin the edges before you sew, but it's small enough that it's easy to hold together as you go)

3. Clip the corners, making sure to not cut the seams.

4. Turn the washie right-side-out, making sure the ribbon is where it belongs, pushing out the corners. Press if desired.
5. Pin the opening closed (folding in the fabric to make the edge even).

6. Topstitch around the edge, making sure to close the opening.
7. Enjoy!!

I'd love to see your creations!! Post a picture on your blog and be sure to comment on this post and leave a link so we can see what you've made.

I don't plan on having these in-stock in the store right now. But, if you don't have the time, ability, or resources to make them yourself, email me and I will take some custom orders before Baby Girl arrives!! A set of 4 for $10 (shipping included). Email me at store@thirtyoneeighteen.com to place your order.

HAPPY SEWING!