Happy 2016!

Where has the time gone?!  It's hard to believe January is almost over already.  We hope you have all had a wonderful New Year so far. 

We have some exciting news to bring you about our new projects we've been mentioning.  We now have both a blog and a YouTube channel for Sewing and Pattern Making Tutorials!  This site will be focused on a course in dressmaking, with lessons showing you how to create your own patterns, tips for sewing, and more.  We start at the very beginning, teaching you the quickest way to take the Basic Measurements in our first video.

Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced seamstress, our easy-to-follow tutorials will have something for everyone to learn! 

Our next video, coming soon, will show you how to create a basic pattern, which can be used for skirts, dresses, and more.  If you'd like to subscribe to our YouTube channel, you'll be the first to know each time we post a new video! 

Limited Stock!

Last call on these cute fleece and cotton pj's!  This set is the last one available in this butterfly fabric, in women's size large.  Once it's gone, it's gone, so hurry over to Pajamas N' More to scoop up this last minute gift!  Ready to ship and guaranteed delivery by the 24th if you order by the 19th!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from Vitko Designs!  We hope everyone has a wonderful time spent with those you love most, and time to reflect on all of the things to be grateful for this year.  

We are very thankful for all of the progress made this year on many different fronts: growing the local alterations business, opening a second Etsy shop, creating a couple new blogs for sewing, and expanding the current line of pajamas.  We're looking forward to more progress being made on a couple other projects as well, with a new YouTube channel in the works and a website just for Pajamas N' More!  Lots of big things in store for the new year and we are excited to see where it takes us.

Stay tuned for the monthly Handmade Artist Features to be returning in January!  If you would like to be considered for a feature, please email us at vitkodesigns (@) gmail.com.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

We hope everyone has been enjoying a beautiful autumn so far!  We have been very busy here, getting ready for the holiday season and launching some new ideas for other blogs and a YouTube channel.  So this afternoon we're taking a little time out for some sewing, photography, and sunshine!  After an extra hot, extra rainy summer here in Florida, we now have gorgeous weather and will be appreciating that to the fullest! 

Autumn Is Here!

First Day of Fall!

 

The first day of autumn has finally arrived...here in Florida, I'm so happy to have chilly weather ahead!  This season is my favorite for many reasons, not the least because we get to break out the boots, scarves, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course, Thanksgiving is right around the corner!  Plus, it's the only season cool enough to have two different names. 

Happy fall, everyone!

Handmade Artist Feature - September 2015

 Handmade Artist Feature

 September

Vitko: We would like to welcome The Bluebird Studio!  We absolutely love your rustic and shabby chic wedding items.  What gave you the inspiration to create those gorgeous bouquets and clutches?

Bluebird: Thank you so much for having us...it's a true pleasure being featured on your blog!  My mom and I run The Bluebird Studio together and have always had some sort of project in the works , so Etsy became a great avenue for offering our handmade items to an even wider market.  We're mostly inspired by simple rustic, raw materials that can easily be turned into chic styles. The peony flowers seen on most of our products happen to be my favorite flower in nature, and furthered my inspiration for bringing it to life on our products.  Once I learned how to make a lasting version from fabric,  it has since become  one of our signature style elements. 

Vitko: After you decided to open a shop on Etsy, how quickly did your first item sell, and what was it?

Bluebird: We opened  in October 2011, and sold our first item in January 2012.  It was a piece of jewelry made from vintage fabric, so in reality we didn't actually start as a wedding shop.  That focus came from many late nights of trial and error making patterns until the product ideas began forming.  The following winter we sold our first burlap sash & clutch and so the wedding business was born!

Vitko: Since then, your shop has done very well in the wedding category!  What has been your most consistently popular item?

Bluebird: It's been quite an exciting journey and we're so grateful for it. Our most popular item from the start is what, behind the scenes, we call the “classic” clutch with our signature peony flower and burlap leaves.  We haven't gotten an exact count, but we've shipped over 2,000 of them with destinations ranging from the foothills of Montana, to the shores of the Outer Banks, and the streets of Paris!

Vitko: How exciting!  As a maker, it is always fascinating to think of all the people scattered around the world who are using something that you personally handmade for them.  Do you have any other shops?

Bluebird: We do indeed!  Our other shop is  “1295 Maple Avenue”,  where we offer  rustic farmhouse style home décor and gifts.  We use the same materials as The Bluebird Studio, but it's home products versus wedding  items.  

Vitko: What is one of your favorite handmade shops on Etsy?

Bluebird: Oh, there are so many unique shops it's difficult to choose, but I am a big fan of “NelleDesign” for her stunning handcrafted pottery.  And “VitkoDesigns” is also a favorite. ;)

Vitko:  Haha, thank you.  Nelle Design is a favorite of mine as well, she has a gorgeous shop.  One last question, do you have any sneak peeks you could share with us? 

Bluebird: Yes, I'd love to! Here's a peek at a couple of new designs coming soon.  I'm also an “Instagrammer” and try to post behind the scene views and upcoming products often :) @TheBluebirdStudio 

Vitko: How beautiful...that kelly green flower is stunning on the clutch.  Thanks so much for sharing your talent and taking us on a tour of the progression of your shop through the years!  We're looking forward to seeing what comes next for you!

Bluebird: Thank you kindly for inviting us!  We've enjoyed sharing our Etsy experience with you.  :)

Just four more days until fall!!! But who's counting, right?  Ha. Well, here in Florida we are definitely looking forward to the cooler days. It's time to get ready for hot cocoa, scarves, pumpkin-flavored everything, and cozy fleece pajamas! These cute owl pj's from my first Etsy shop are perfect for autumn...cozy fleece pants, knit cotton shirt, and adorable owls everywhere. Plus, gray and yellow...need I say more?

 

 P.S. Keep an eye out for our September Handmade Artist Feature, coming this weekend!  We have a beautiful shop we can't wait to share with you.