♥ WINNIEL & THE LAUGHING HOUSE ♥

Souvenir in Ivory

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:28:00 +0000

Laptop Sleeve custom made for a Toshiba Satellite measuring 15.1 x 10.2 x 1.40 inches in Amy Butler's Souvenir (Ivory) fabric.

Usually, we dont make one with a front zippered pocket, but this was a request by the customer, who wanted it to store her power cords.

Once again, it was a satisfying piece of custom order. We were proud, & the customer was extremely pleased with her new Laptop Sleeve.

Need one custom made for yourself? Contact me at The Laughing House, or email me at pingsping@yahoo.com

Bringing in old designs back

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:09:00 +0000

Cosmetic Pouch made with Japanese fabric: My Folklore

The base (interior), was lined with another layer of contrasting interface for added support & "body".

With its wide end-to-end zipper, it provides a spacious & easy storage of my basic cosmetics of compact powder, blusher, lipstick & a fold-in hair brush.

This was actually one of The Laughing House's "oldest" purse design. And, after the first batch sold, we never reproduced it again, nor did I think of selling it as a custom order, as we started getting caught up with the popular 3in1 Purse, & Organizer Wristlets.

Until recently a customer "dug" out my older pieces, & requested a custom order.

She picked one of my Japanese fabric (My Folklore) for this pouch.

It turned out so beautifully, that I think many women would simply love to have a piece of this simple, fuss-free, no-nonsense pouch for their cosmetics in their handbags.

Thus, here's a "re-born" Cosmetic Pouch to be made in YOUR choice of fabric :D

Check it out at The Laughing House for a custom made pouch for yourself ^^

HOME SWEET HOME

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:41:00 +0000

It seems that I've been "missing in action" for the entire month of December, with all the "whirlwind" activities of school holidays, year end travels, getting "re-charged" all over again after the holidays.... catching up with all the orders that piled up.

Before I knew it, it's NEW YEAR!

Our church believes that 2012 will be a year of RESTORATION, FRUITFULNESS, & FAVOUR!

I say "AMEN!" to that ^^

Embrace it, be rooted in the house of God, & I believe this is what 2012 has in store for me & my family :D

And, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Sibel of Sesideco, for including my Bedroom/House Slippers in this pretty & colourful treasury, Home Sweet Home.

Indeed, there's no better place than HOME ^^

I'm glad to be home, to be busy working again... & am so excited with all the projects & plans in the pipeline for The Laughing House, & Laughing House Fabric this year.

Stay tuned, & have a BLESSED 2012 to everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:47:00 +0000

1 year ago, we wished that we'd decorated our home for the Christmas & holiday season.

However, the weeks towards Christmas saw us going back to Indonesia, followed by a busy preparation for a 2 week vacation to Taiwan.

Back in Singapore on 13 Dec, I'm swamped with all the orders I need to work on... plus the "resting" I need after the vacation (you understand right?) ^^

Before I knew it, 23rd Dec has silently came upon us, & my husband's bugging me to buy or work on the decoration. Seeing that I'm procrastinating (under the pile of work), & unable to quite shake off the vacation mood, he decided to take things into his hands.

And, he came home with the lightings & some tiny ornaments, & get right to work that night itself.

Hm.... *not quite my taste*... * I'd have done it differently*.... were thoughts swirling through my mind.

But, despite all that, when the decor lights were switched on & "dancing" merrily, it does have that magical Christmas holiday mood that transformed our living room (or windows, hehe...).

I'm so glad he "took things into his own hands" instead of waiting for me to work on it (which probably wouldnt happen again this year)... as I really take a long time to "warm up" to an idea ^^

On the 24th, I decided to shake my laziness, & get right out to get Christmas gifts for the whole family.

That night after dinner, my husband switched on the movie "Passion of Christ" (which was really too graphic/violent for the kids). But we watched it right till the end anyway...& it reminded us, of the reason He came into this earth, & what He went through for us, so that we can be saved.

The movie set us in the right "mood" & thoughtfulness indeed.

A log cake was prepared, & we laughed sheepishly as each other, as we contemplated what to sing... "happy birthday to Jesus" ??? ... hehe...

We ended up with "We wished you a Merry Christmas...." b4 cutting the log cake, & enjoying some Christmas carols sang by Andrea Bocelli on TV.

Then, suddenly remembering that I've prepared gifts for everyone, I took it out & (although they knew, they too like me, has forgotten about it)... & they were pleasantly "surprised" with this nice "ending" :D

It was nice, cozy, warm... as a family.

I'm really grateful. And, really determined to put in more effort at Christmas decor from 1st Dec onwards in year 2012.

I hope your Christmas is filled with warmth, & laughter with your loved ones... family especially :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS! ^^

POLKADOTs ...

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:44:00 +0000

It's been 10 days since we came back from our 2 week's year end vacation, but the tiredness has not quite worn off yet.

Perhaps, it's due to the "catching up" I'm trying to do, with all the orders made during my absence, & the incoming orders as well.

It's a blessing really :) & I'm trying to catch my breath... wished I can go out shopping... hehe... (I've yet gone out to shop for the Christmas gifts, & my husband's birthday present).

The kids has been really rowdy & out of control this morning, it's really stretching my limits.

I'm taking a short breather as I type this out now, & praying to God, "pls help me... patience... grace... strength... sanity... wisdom..." So that I wont "lose it" as well.

Thank you for reading :) It's as though, you're "listening" to me ^^

Here's a pretty treasury by beebeesworkshop. Thank you for including my Tiny Dots! :D

Bible Cover w Zipper & Spine Handle

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:20:00 +0000

Newly completed custom order: Bible Cover w Zipper & Spine Handle in Joel Dewberry's Napsack in Lake (exterior), & Dogwood Bloom in Lake (interior).

My customer was not able to find a fabric she likes from amongst my fabric selection, & thus decided to send her own.

She chose Joel Dewberry's Napsack in Lake for the exterior fabric, & Dogwood Bloom in Lake for the interior.

Initially, I was a bit unsure of this "arrangement", & wondered if there's a mistake somewhere? As, most people would prefer the prettier floral design to be on the outside, whilst saving the "tile-like" fabric for the interior.

However, that was her decision alright... as she meant it to be a gift for her mother (or mother in law), & thought that the older woman may prefer something that's more "sedate". :D

And, very thoughtful of her was, to choose these pretty flowers for the interior, which was meant as a nice little surprise when opening up this Bible Cover.

I'm impressed! Indeed, it's the thought that count!

And, when it was completed, once again... I found myself in love ^^

This little gesture from my customer has inspired me to treat my mom, & mother in law better. They deserve the best! :D

* Want a custom order Bible Cover for yourself or loved one? Check this out: Bible Cover w Zipper & Spine Handle

Triple JOY!

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:38:00 +0000

Funky Newborn Munchkin Hat

I came across this picture on ETSY, & finds it such a joy simply looking at the triplets. It makes me wish that I can have 3 at the same time too! lol...

Well, actually I'd be really happy with having twins, especially now that my 2 kids are 8 & 5yrs... :)

Definitely, the pregnancy, labour, & pain will be tripled... but so will the JOY! ^^

It's really such a blessing (which we may not feel, whilst going through those "suffering" simultaneously) to go through them (3) at one shot... & see them grow up together.

* This photo is courtesy of MadAboutColour that sells all baby-related handmade items. Check it! :D

Go Dotty with Tiny Dots!

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:42:00 +0000

I love polka dots, & simply couldn't resist a good dose of these Tiny Dots in assorted colours.

Personally, I feel they'll make a good co-ordinating fabric & will make the interior of a purse/bag & bible cover so much sweeter with these dots peeking out at you.

Feel free to contact me @ The Laughing House if you'd like your Organizer Purses or Bible Covers paired with these sweet dots :D

And for those of you itching to get your hands on these, they are available in my fabric shop, Laughing House Fabric, at Fat Quarter Bundle including all 7 of the assortment you see here :D

Peppermint & Candy Canes

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 07:25:00 +0000

I saw this lovely treasury on the ETSY front page minutes ago, & was attracted by its bright RED theme.

Now, what does looking at this treasury reminds you of?

For me, it (not very) subtly reminds me, that the Holiday Season & Christmas is coming up soon! :D

Yes! And, I'd like to take this opportunity to let all my customers know of my upcoming travel/vacation plans ^^

Pls note that I'll be away from 17-22 Nov, & 1-13 Dec.

So, if you're planning to get a custom order, pls place your orders early, as our estimated turnaround time is easily at 2-3 weeks during "normal" days/months. And, year ends are notorious for retail peak-period :D

Enjoy your busy period, as you prepare to enter into the year end festivities ^^

JUST IN: NEW Fabrics from Amy Butler & Patricia Bravo

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:12:00 +0000

I'm excited to receive these NEW fabrics from Amy Butler's latest LARK collection together with Patricia Bravo's MODERNOLOGY collection. This time round, I'm trying to do things a little bit differently, & ordered some of their co-ordinating fabrics as well.

Below are some "pairings" that I've done with Pat Bravo's fabrics. This will help my customers decide which of the co-ordinating fabrics to choose from for their custom orders.

The possibilities are endless really... :)

Coming up in the next post will be Amy Butler's LARK collection's "pairings". Check back again in 2 days time! ^^

Sick Day

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:05:00 +0000

My Bedroom/Home Slippers are featured in this lovely treasury titled "Sick Day" by Karen from HollowGlen.

Keep the flu bugs away! hehe...

I'm not sure if it's age that's creeping slowly upon me, but I realized that each time I fell ill, each episode seems more painful & torturous compared to when I was much younger. So, having lots of love around (accompanied by pretty items) will definitely be more comforting to tide us over the "down" period.

Thank you Karen for the ♥ here's wishing you & everyone good health for the upcoming holiday season ^^

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Featuring 3 of our recently completed custom order Bible Covers.

Ornate Floral in Amethyst

Picnic Bouquet in Cream

Sandalwood in Turquoise paired with Laurel Dots in Periwinkle interior & trimming.

Need a custom order Bible/Journal Cover, made to fit, in YOUR choice of fabric? Pls visit me at The Laughing House for a quote. :)

PREMIUM Organizer Purses (Just Stay Little)

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:10:00 +0000

PREMIUM Organizer Wristlet

PREMIUM Cash Budgeting Purse

PREMIUM iPhone Case/Mini Purse

Introducing the newly made PREMIUM Organizer Purse range with co-ordinating printed fabrics (by the same designer) for the interior & trimming. It just looks so cool & much sweeter compared to interiors with plain solid fabric ^^

Those featured here are from Sarah Jane's Children at Play collection: Just Stay Little, paired with School Gingham in Red.

* For more Organizer Purses, please visit me @ The Laughing House :)

Mirror Image Prints Japanese Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:59:00 +0000

Doggie Stroll in Mustard

NEW in Laughing House Fabric are these cotton-linen canvas blend Japanese fabric. They're printed in a "story-telling" like pattern, with the above print of a poodle taking a morning stroll along the town lined with quaint small buildings, with pretty flowers & cheerful birds.

On the "down-side"mirror image, the doggie featured is a happy dachshund bounding off the same street for his afternoon stroll!

Can't help falling in love with them, can you? :)

Here's an Easygoing Kitty in pink, brown & blue.

They measures slightly more than half a yard, & is actually a good size for my coffee table :D So, it can be used for this purpose as well, by simply sewing on the edges to prevent fraying. Or, if you wish to extend it's length/width, simply sew on a matching/co-ordinating print or solid.

With its cheerful designs, I think it looks great as a piano cover too!

Doggie Stroll in Brown

Perfect for tote/bag/purse making & home decor purposes, this cotton-linen canvas blend is a joy to work with for these projects.

Now on sale in Laughing House Fabric. Check them out :)

Laughing House Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:42:00 +0000

I've accumulated tons of fabrics over the 4 years that I've been running The Laughing House. However, due to the nature of the business, I have to keep sourcing for new prints & designs in order to keep the variety & choices fresh for my customer's selection.

With that, some fabric prints proved much more popular than some others. Thus, I may end up re-stocking several times over for the fabrics that my customers kept asking for.

Now, I'm laden with a cupboard full of fabric, & still finding the necessity to yet purchase more.

Seeing these fabrics seen better days during their "hey-day", I felt a sense of "pity" towards them, & wish for them to be quickly used up again soon.

That's when I decide that I'll de-stash them on Etsy, & hope that they'll find themselves in the hands of enthusiastic crafters, & be made into something beautiful & precious.

I was reluctant to set up another shop on Etsy, as it'll distract me (somewhat) from the main shop, The Laughing House. However, I've used up all 10 sections there, & cant compromise on removing any of them.

That's when I decide that I'll simply set up a 2nd shop, yet naming it with the same "theme". Thus Laughing House Fabric was born :)

Pls drop by there if you're looking for some fabric destash for your crafting/sewing needs.

I'm simply selling them at cost just to "turn it around" again, instead of letting them waste their "youth" in my cupboard ^^

Thank you once again for your kind support, & hope to see you there soon! :D

Pride & Prejudice

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:59:00 +0000

I'm enjoying putting together a list for the treasury now, that it's getting quite "addictive" hehe...

Through this, I can also get to see items/shops on Etsy that I would otherwise never notice before.

Presently, I'm reading Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. And, I'm enjoying it as much as I did the first book by the same author (Persuasion).

So, here's a tribute to Austen & her fans. :)

Autumn in Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:25:00 +0000

It's been a while since I last curate a treasury on Etsy.

In places with 4 seasons, it'll be time for the falling leaves & glorious display of colours as a welcome for the new season.

Not something we can witness here in Singapore where it's green & sunny the whole year through.

Dreaming of Autumn, is merely an expression of what I wish can be experienced in this part of the world.

Inspirations from Helen Keller

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:10:00 +0000

This was the first book I decided to pick up & start reading after ambitiously hoarding myself with books at the 2nd hand bookshop last month. (I'm into my 4th book now)

To me, this was a serious read, requiring me to re-read a paragraph again before I truly understand what she was trying to convey, as she tends to use very deep & descriptive words to go deeper into an experience or emotion.

First of all, I'm amazed & impressed by this courageous blind & deaf lady, Helen Keller.

She lost her sight & hearing at 18 months and struggled through her early childhood days. Until she met her teacher Anne Sullivan, who in my opinion is as much a hero as the author herself.

What struck me the most while reading this book was, how Helen Keller mentioned the stuff she enjoys doing; "watching" plays, visiting art museums, "listening" to music, swimming, climbing trees, canoeing, tandem-cycling.... & many more things that we the "non-handicapped" may never attempt doing in our entire lives!

She always uses the word "sees", "hears" a lot, & it confuses me as a reader at times, wondering if she's truly blind & deaf?

She's a voracious reader & learnt (and excelled in) English, Latin, French, German (perhaps more, I cant quite remember which other languages).

Another thing I've learnt from her is the strong resolution to refuse to wallow in self-pity, nor allow the seed of bitterness or resentment to take root in her heart. That when she felt rejected, or sympathized (which she loathes), a sharp retort is always on the tip of her tongue. But, she was enabled, to swallow them (just like "un-fallen" tears ) instead of relishing the letting go of what her mind thinks at that point in time, which may lead to further eroding of her spirit & hurting the people around her.

It's truly amazing how much she has accomplished in her "limitation". And, towards the end of the biography, she mentioned that she's not sure if the "seeing" truly can see better than the blind, nor "hear" better than the deaf.

Which is true, as I feel that often times, we're bound not by the physical handicaps, but by fear based on what we see. This is as real a handicap as any other.

It's only when we knew that we are so limited, that we can truly entrust fully on the One greater than ourselves, to accomplish what's been planted in our hearts by Him.

Only then, do we allow "His strength to be perfected in our weakness" (2 Cor 12:9).

Literary Pleasures

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:33:00 +0000

I've had a student stay with us for almost a month in July, & listening to her talk about her school work & book interests sparked in me my old "literary passion" from my days as a teenager.

To feed on this newly revived "book-hunger", I decided to visit my old favourite 2nd hand book joints in Bras Basash Complex, as well as Sunny Bookshop in Far East Plaza (this shop has moved to Plaza Singapura in Dhoby Ghaut).

Over 2 or 3 visits, I've "amassed" (if you can call this amount an 'amass-ing') these collection of some old time children classics that I've loved as a kid, mixed with some serious reads enjoyed by the young & old, plus some Christian books as well.

PS: I'm beginning to entertain ambitious thoughts of re-collecting my childhood favourites by Enid Blyton, especially the Malory Towers, St Claire's series & other fun filled adventures by kids to magical far far away land.. (all these for the sake of my kids enjoyment of course... *ahem*)

I'm just as excited as a teenager again with all these books proudly displayed in (my kid's) book shelf & couldnt quite decide which to start with.

Some of the classic favourites such as Jane Austen's Persuasion & Pride and Prejudice were bought at a steal... $2 :D ... I intend to go back there & slowly built up the other titles written by her too... Emma, Sense & Sensibilities...

I've recently completed her 'Persuasion' & decided it's fairly entertaining after all. Contrary to my previous ideas of how old classics will bore me to tears with it's fancy old English. Granted, it took a while getting used to, hehe...

This is enough for today, though I had initially thought of writing a brief review of Helen Keller's biography, which I've decided to save for my next or future post :D

What are you reading today?

Pond in Twilight

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:35:00 +0000

Here's featuring 2 of our recently completed custom order, made in Patricia Bravo's Pond in Twilight fabric.

3in1 Organizer Purse, with sewn on side wrist strap as requested by the customer.

The 3 main compartments, with a zippered middle section.

A close-up of the zipper end with snap button, for easy "stowing" away, so that it will not get in the way when not in use.

iPhone Case that doubles up as a Mini Purse for your cards & small change.

Every few months, I'll be ordering new fabric when my present stock runs low.

The tell-tale signs are there... fewer enquiries, & customers asking when I'll be having new fabrics.

It just happens that this return customer orders when I was just about to select my new fabrics. So, I asked her to give me a few options, & I'll buy the ones that she has in mind for her custom order.

These 2 turned out soo beautifully, that I have no regrets in getting a fabric that my customer loves :)

Do you have any fabrics in mind which is not in my present selections? Fret not ^^ ... drop me a line, & I'll keep it "in-view" for my next purchase. Deal? ;)

NEW FABRICS (AUGUST 2011)

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 02:17:00 +0000

Finally, the long awaited new fabrics has arrived! Here are 14 new prints which I've never brought in before. They range from newcomer Sarah Jane's Children@Play collection, to perennial favourites Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Michael Miller & Pat Bravo's.

Pls contact me @ The Laughing House (or email: pingsping@yahoo.com) if you'd like a custom made Bible Cover or Cash Budgeting Purse with any of these new fabrics ^^

ENJOY!

Just Stay Little (Lilac)

School Gingham in Red

Summer Gardens in Lilac

Pond in Twilight

Ornate Floral in Amber

Sparrows in Bark

Damask in Bark

Blockprint Blossom in Dandelion

Ornate Floral in Amethyst

Dumb Dot in Blossom

Dandy Damask in Bloom

Laurel Dots in Periwinkle

Laurel Dots in Cilantro

Sandlewood in Turquoise

HOPE Ink

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 03:00:00 +0000

One of my favourite "past-time" while browsing through Etsy is always looking at art prints. And all of a sudden I decided to do a search on art prints with Bible verses on it.
That's when, I came across Emily's shop: Hope Ink. Indeed, the pieces here are all full of hope, as they have the word of God printed on them!

Featured here are 3 of my favourites, though I have MANY other favourites from her shop :)

The above print of a tree, with Galatians 5:22 verses of Fruits of the Spirit is such a wonderful guide, for families "looking" to write or set down some family rules.

What better way to guide the family to grow together than having 'love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control'?
And, another (TRUE LOVE) is from 1 Cor 13, the LOVE chapter.

Once, I was so exasperated with my son (can't remember over what, but usually seemingly small & unimportant stuff) I felt discouraged as I ended up losing control of myself.

Then, a daily devotional I read pointed this "LOVE" chapter out to me, speaking to me as a mother.

It was at that point in time, when I (often) realized how challenging it is to be a mother, that I was reminded of (God's) "LOVE" which is vital for me to take on this God-give role well. Because, "Love is patient... love is kind... it never gives up"

Mothers, I encourage you to love your kids with this verse in mind: " a Mother is patient, a Mother is kind... a Mother never gives up"

I'm a Mother, & I need this reminder EVERY day, probably EVERY hour & minute. :)

Check out Hope Ink for more biblically inspirational art prints.

Foldable/Reversible Eco Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 01:37:00 +0000

Foldable/Reversible Eco Bag

Made with Patricia Bravo's Garden in Aqua fabric, paired with Amy Butler's Sunspots in Turquoise for the interior & exterior pocket.
How to fold your Eco Bag

This was a recently completed custom order of the Foldable/Reversible Eco Bag, made with fabrics from 2 of my favourite fabric designers.

I simply loved how it turned out, & truly enjoyed working on this, as it's really easy & straight forward to work on. The only thing I dont quite enjoy was the initial process of cutting the fabric.

I know a lot of people who sew really enjoys cutting the fabric, but I simply cant quite enjoy that aspect of the project. Even I myself finds it strange, as it's "supposedly" the easiest part, hehe...

Need a Foldable/Reversible Eco Bag for your visits to the library or grocery shopping? CLICK HERE for a custom order, in YOUR choice of Fabric :)

WIN an ORGANIZER WRISTLET

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:32:00 +0000

Organizer Wristlet (Sweet Jasmine in Brown)
I've been contemplating to do a GIVEAWAY here, once things are not so hectic around The Laughing House & the home-front, when I received a message from Christy the author of SKINNED KNEES, a blog geared towards Moms, Christians & Photographers.

She asked if I'd be interested to do a GIVEAWAY on her blog to share The Laughing House with her readers.

Normally, I'd politely declined. However, this offer came at such perfect timing, & needless to say, I was really honored (as always, when such offers came) I said "Yes" without any hesitation, & immediately selected this Organizer Wristlet in Amy Butler's Sweet Jasmine (Brown) fabric for the lucky winner.

Things moved pretty fast from then on, & b4 I knew it, the post is up by today! ^^

For those of you interested in this GIVEAWAY, do check out SKINNED KNEES to find out the various ways to stand a chance to win this Organizer Wristlet, made especially for the MODERN Women on the GO!

For now, I cant wait to know who the LUCKY winner is, & have Sweet Jasmine in Brown sent to her. I hope the winner will find her a practical & functional companion & cherish her as much as it was a joy to work on her.

Bible/Journal Covers with ZIPPER

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:38:00 +0000

Newly completed custom order: Bible/Journal Cover with Zipper, in Amy Butler's Clematis (Natural) fabric.
I've been taking on all the Bible/Journal Cover orders for the past 1-2 years, together with a few other designs that I've learnt along the way, such as the Cash Budgeting Purses & Paw Me Pouches.

Recently, more & more customers have been asking for the zippered version for their Bible Covers. In the past, I'd turn down such requests, as I've never made one before, & wasnt sure that I had the time to "explore" & "experiment" with a new design in the midst of my tight schedule.
However, I've finally decided to give this a try, with the help of my mom :) (Yes, the trusted skilled craftswoman that she is). And, she did it successfully (almost), albeit... the size fall short of my customer's request.

For "damage-control", I explained the situation to my customer, & offered a full refund whilst we make her a new piece. But, another long turnaround time is a problem.

She finally decides that she can do away with the zipper, & so I took over her order. She's happy with the final piece, & so am I :)
Last month, I had my 2nd request for a zippered cover. And I boldly took up the challenge (for myself). Call me adventurous, or over-confident...

When the time came for me to start working on her order, a series of (unforeseen circumstances) events, simply took the wind out of my sail, & I was laid flat & stretched.

With my deadline for the custom order approaching, (& eventually passed), the anxiety grew in my heart as I tried (unsuccessfully) to do this new project, which had seem to "do-able" at the beginning.

Finally, I concede defeat, & decided that it's best for me to let go of this order altogether, as it's beyond my present skill level, & lacked the luxury to "trial-an error" a few more times at this point. I felt really lousy & apologetic towards my customer, who had been really gracious to me during our past conversations.

I communicated with her & fully refunded the amount, letting her know that I'll give this a try again once I'm up to it. If it's successfully done, I'll send her the completed piece. Otherwise, I'll ask my mom's help to make a piece for her, & I'll send it over as a form of compensation & goodwill gesture towards her, for I value her as my customer.

For the record, the pictures above showed the 3rd Bible Cover custom order with zipper. And, this piece was taken care of by my mom :)

I reminded her, to give more extra allowance, as we learnt from our 1st lesson. She did, & this piece turned out beautifully, & perfectly according to the measurements given to me.

Now, it's definitely my goal to really learn this from my mom, the next time she comes to Singapore. And, presently, I'll just have to rely on her help again for these zippered Bible Cover custom orders.