Charles Takes New York

This little guy was sewn up by Alisa Baer at a Craft Night led by mummysam at the Etsy Labs recently. What an adventure he has been on!

P.S. You can learn how to make your own Charles plushie here.

Happy Halloween!

Photo by Zhi-Da Zhong

Photo by Justin Sheckler

From Business Insider

I like Halloween with all of its DIY, creative glory. I like how a good costume is a free pass for a conversation, which isn't always the easiest to extract from strangers in this busy, plugged-in New York City. Despite this,  I've never really jumped head first into costume preparation like I did this year, with several late, late nights alone with my glue gun, a pot of tea, and memories of art school.
I went at Mr. Grit, who is a cardboard being who guards the front door of Etsy's office, and is a beloved mascot of the space.

Daily Notes: I love you.

Daily Notes: Heat Wave

Wednesday, July 7, 2010.

New Listing: Flying Tomato Notebooks

To celebrate a summer full of homegrown tomatoes, here some juicy new books in my shop! Find them here.

Tools of the Trade: Gimbels Sewing Machine

Update: Ever since I wrote this post, I've gotten many emails from people with similar machines, but no manual. So, for all of you out there who have a similar machine, but are in need of a manual to show you the ropes, I have made copies of the original manual. I'm selling them right here just to cover the printing and shipping costs, as I'd like to share the sewing love.

A few months ago, I came upon this vintage gem in perfect working order, with a tag that aptly read "The hot rod of sewing machines," at a shop in my neighborhood called Kill Devil Hill. My friend actually spotted it first, but after a little debate, I emerged victorious, as she already had a good machine.

I haven't found much information about the background of Gimbels though. If anyone knows anything more about the company, I could be curious to know! Wikipedia has this entry about Gimbels, an iconic American department store, open from 1887-1987, so perhaps there is a connection there. My machine has the model number 3346 printed on it, and my guess is that it was made in the 1950s. The sewing machine is made from all metal components and is incredibly heavy. The manual is still intact, and details the special zig-zag features.

I have finally made a special spot for this machine in my new apartment, and I look forward to many sewing adventures!http://www.etsy.com/listing/82349036/gimbels-sewing-machine-manual

Another Little Stop Motion Gem

(via Extreme Craft)

Favorite Thing of the Day

Goodbye Sorrow from Katie Armstrong on Vimeo.

This video, Goodbye Sorrow, really made my day. I won't say more than that. Just watch it for yourself.

Have a lovely, sunny weekend!

Love,
Your Secret Admiral