Shop Sale!

I have had a shop on Etsy since August 2010; however, I have not used many of the tools suggested for driving traffic or sales. A huge part of it has been about me learning more about the forum and understanding the economics of having to repost an item several times to get it noticed. The added cost of reposting an item several times along with other factors, made it seem a bit much. There has been changes made to the forum since I signed-up and I hope to utilize some of the many tools available this year.

Long story short and without all the boring details, I have finally decided how I will like to use my Etsy shop. This spring I will be adding some new designs to the shop and will make some other changes which I think will make a difference in the results. Some of the designs I have listed will no longer be part of my collection and I have therefore decided to have a SALE on my existing in-stock pieces. I'm still in the process of deciding which pieces I will continue to create and will love your feedback.

SALE code: VCSHOPSALE
You will receive 30% off your purchase. Sale ends on February 29th, 2012.

Thank you!

Stepping Forward

Last year, I did not use this blog as I had originally intended. However, I hope to post more this year and share the development of my designs. I have also decided to use this blog to share more about my life and the everyday things that inspire me. I hope that I can encourage others to explore their creativity.

I spent most of 2011 focused on Crafted Spaces and developing Crafted Spaces Radio, as well as some great sewing classes and workshops. Crafted Spaces started out as a project, and is now a developing business. I am very happy with where it is going and all the amazing support I have received from so many talented and creative people. This new venture has provided me with a great outlet for my teaching and craft projects, and has also allowed me to connect with others in the design and craft community.

However, for 2012 I will like to put some much needed focus back on Verona Collections and my designs. The time I have spent working on Crafted Spaces, have provided me with an opportunity to think about the direction I will like to take Verona Collections. I have been sitting on a number of ideas and I think that this year is a great time to step forward.

I'm in the process of designing a new website and developing my collection for spring 2012. I'm excited and driven, but most importantly focused on what comes next. Having a second baby after so many years is a lot more challenging than I originally thought. Miles is an adventurous child and can get into anything that is not bolted. Therefore, I have been working at finding new ways of reworking my studio to make room for two businesses and have him close while I work.

To start off the year, I have decided to start with getting super organized. Things can get very cluttered, and then that feeling of being overwhelmed creeps in and takes over. So I have started my year by reorganizing some critical parts of my home and studio. Also on my list was to reupholster a pair of chairs that needed love. I used the steps in the diy project on the Crafted Spaces blog to redo the seats.

I had some fabric that I purchased last year that I though was very beautiful, but really did not have a clear plan for when I got it. I was just happy when I received my package of Anna Maria Horner print from her "Innocent Crush" collection in the mail, from Moona Fabrics on Etsy. It was my first Etsy purchase and I was very happy. I love the colours and I think it brightens things up a bit.

Spring Colour Choices

I have been away from Verona Collections' blog for some time now; however I'm happy to return with a sneak peak into some of the colours that have been chosen for our spring designs. These colours are not new to those who follow the fashion trends, as they are some of the hottest colours in fashion for Spring 2011. Variations of these colours have been seen on fashion runways throughout the world and can already be seen at some retail stores.

There are many wonderful colours to choose from this fashion season; however, I felt that these colours best embodied Verona Collections' return to its traditional handcrafted roots. Hand crochet accessories and hand beaded details are just some of the features of our new collections. Designs will also feature more eco-friendly and upcycled elements. The colours that have been selected are great compliments to the nostalgic and romanic look of our spring designs, that will be presented at the beginning of May.

Holiday Cheer

It has been a wonderful year and an even better Christmas holiday. It was amazing spending the day with my family and seeing my eight year old son as he opened up his presents. Each look on his face was more precious than the other as his face lit-up with excitement and laughter. This was the first Christmas for my eight-month-old son, and it was so much fun to watch him rip through the gift-wrapping, and perhaps still uncertain about what all the activities was about. The smell of the fresh spruce tree still fills the air and I have had my fill of holiday goodies.

I look forward to the year ahead and I'm bursting with excitement over all the things that are lined-up. Verona Collections and Crafted Spaces are taking on new projects and growing in so many ways.

I hope that you also had a great Christmas with your friends and family and that you will continue to enjoy the holiday spirit into the New Year. Many best wishes to you and thanks for joining me this year on Verona Collections blog.

Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2011!

Tie Dye Knit Cord Scarf

This pass weekend I spent the time at two community craft shows. As usual getting ready for a show is full of lots of last minute details that you told yourself you had covered with the last show you did.

Even though these were smaller shows than the ones we usually do, they still require the usual attention. Set-up for one of the shows was scheduled for the previous evening, my husband and I arrived only to find that it was closed. We would find out the following morning that we were at the wrong location. The obvious lesson here is to always double check the information. It can save you a lot of stress.

Driving down the very foggy country road early the next morning, I was excited to see what the response was going to be to our new products. With all said, I had lots of fun, met lots of new people and had an opportunity to introduce our NEW scarves and other designs.

Tie Dye Knit Cord Scarves and Wrap

The response was amazing and I look forward to further developing this product. It is available in a range of colours, with the top three being; olive green, purple and turquoise. They measure 13 1/2" x 58" round, and are made from a light weight jersey knit.

Let us know what you think.

Choosing Your Sewing Machine

I am often asked; how do you select a sewing machine? So here are some thoughts on the topic.

I purchased my first sewing machine about eighteen years ago and I still use it today. My basic Singer machine was a Costco purchase for less than two hundred dollars, courtesy of my mother after I told her I wanted to develop my sewing skills and start my own business.

Since then, I have purchased several sewing machines and sergers for my business. I have found myself investing primarily in a selection of Singer and Janome machines. I also have a Brother sewing machine and a Kenmore serger. This pass year I purchased my first embroidery machine a Janome Memory Craft 350E. I have been very happy with the machines I've gotten over the years, and hope that I can help you with your selection.

Sewing machines can be found from under a hundred dollars to over ten thousand dollars. Identifying what type of projects you will like to produce is a great place to start. When it comes to different textiles and weight of materials, all sewing machines are not created equally. I also suggest that you consider taking a sewing class and gain the confidence you need to work independently on projects. This will also guarantee that you will use your machine.

If you are a beginner looking to develop your garment construction or home furnishing skills, you will work primarily with light to medium weight fabrics. A basic dressmaker machine with a selection of basic stitches would properly do the trick. A machine with a built-in button hole feature and some basic decorative embroidery stitches may also be an asset and will support more advance projects.

Doing your research is key in finding the right machine. Visit several dealers and prepare a list of questions you may have about machine features, maintenance and servicing. It is most important that you are comfortable with your sewing machine, so if possible try it out in the store to get a feel for the machine.

Singer 20U73 Professional Industrial Sewing Machine

If you are looking to invest in an industrial sewing machine. The Singer industrial sewing machine featured above is one of the machines that are used in my studio. This series has been in production for well over 20 years. It can be used to sew a wide range of materials including light weight leather. With 2500 straight stitch per minute, this machine is a staple in the studio.

Kenmore Serger and Singer Sewing Machine shown above

As you develop your sewing skills and you start sewing more projects, you may want to consider purchasing a serger or overlocking machine. The serger or overlocking machine is great for seams and adding a finishing touch to your projects. This machine is especially helpful for finishing sheer light weight fabrics, such as chiffon. At Verona Collections we have a Janome and Kenmore four thread serger and have been very happy with their performance.

Sources for sewing machines:

Baby Lockwww.babylock.com

Bernina
www.berninausa.com
Brother
www.brother.com
Elna
www.elnausa.com

Husqvarna Vikingwww.husqvarnaviking.com
Janome
www.janome.com
Juki

www.juki.co.jp

Kenmore
www.kenmore.com

Pfaff
www.pfaff.com

Singer
www.singerco.com

I also hope that once you have gotten your machine, you might find the following demonstration helpful.

Please share your thoughts. Your suggestions are also welcomed.

Summer Contest - WINNER!

We are HAPPY to announce that the WINNER of our Summer Contest is Lizz de Savoye, of Toronto. Congratulations Lizz!

Lizz shared with us her personal style on Facebook:

"I wear a look that suites my fashionista personality. Clean lines, classic cuts that flatter, a bit bawdy and a bit humorous. My look tells you that I never, ever apologize for being the strong, beautiful, radiant woman my Mother raised me to be....and that when push comes to shove, I have sharper elbows. :]"

Thanks to all those who supported and participated in our contest. Visit us again for upcoming events.