I've joined the Thirty One Gifts family as an Independent Consultant

Ashley's Thirty One Gifts Launch Party​

I recently decided to join the fabulous world of Thirty One Gifts as an Independent Consultant following a very fun, successful online party at the beginning of November. Prior to my party I had heard of Thirty One Gifts through a few Facebook group invitations, but didn't own a thing! In preparation for my party, I crafted a wish list of products that I really wanted and the list kept growing - it was out of control!

Since my party I have received so much love and support from my friends and family saying "are you selling this stuff? if not you really should be! You're already selling it by talking about how much you love it!" And that's the truth, Thirty One really does sell itself because it is so functional, stylish and provides great solutions within your every day life. Whether it's for you, for your home or for your family - there is something for everyone at Thirty One Gifts.

Who doesn't love a good tote that's functional and stylish at the same time? And does anyone else drool over home storage and organization solutions like I do?

If you answered yes to either one of those questions, let me be your Independent Consultant to share the wonderful world of Thirty One Gifts with you!

Here's four easy ways to be TOTE-ally involved:
1) Ask me to join my exclusive Facebook group for the inside scoop and up-to-date news and promotions

2) Browse the online catalog and make your wishlist and orders: https://www.mythirtyone.ca/2595850/shop/Home.
The website is divided into categories to help you shop -

• Accessories (zipper pouches, beauty bags, etc.)
• Gift (gift cards)
• Home (several storage solutions) 
• Jewelry
• Purses (many styles include fashionable and functional)
• Stationary (card sets) 
• Thermal (this line is amazing!!! Can't say enough about the leak-lock protection)
• Totes (day trips, overnight, weekends - they have it all!)
• Utility (most popular items for work and play - the Deluxe and Large Utility Totes fly off the shelf. Lots of amazing storage totes here too)
• Wallets (fashionable and practical. The All About the Benjamin style is very popular)

3) Consider hosting a party to benefit from awesome Hostess Exclusives (that's how I got hooked) - parties can be in-person, online (via Facebook and/or my Thirty One website), or via catalog orders. Ask me about hosting!

4) Connect with me for any questions you have! As your friend and bag lady I'll give you my honest feedback and recommendations!

Last but not least... I'm inviting you to help me celebrate my exciting news through my Launch Party. It is open for orders between now and Saturday January 23rd at 9:00pm. As part of the Launch Party I will be hosting an open house drop-in event at my house in Peterborough on Sunday January 10, 2016 between 12:00-4:00pm. Feel free to stop in and see some products in person and ask me any questions you have.
Please share with your friends and family - all are welcome!

Amazing patterns, brilliant solutions to our everyday lives, and affordable to boot! Let's shop together!

Visit my Website

#sewing: Pencil Case pouch

I've been sick the entire Holiday break which hasn't really made me ready to head back to work on Monday. So I spent this weekend doing a little self-love shopping and treated myself to some new work accessories - Journals from Chapters, a work bag from Winners and a little sewing project by ME!

Happy New Year 2015

Original tutorial borrowed from a Pinterest find on Haberdashery Fun blog

Materials Needed:
* Colourful fabric of your choice cut into two rectangles of 13"L x 6.5"W 
(the original blog post indicated that she found double-sided fabric with two patterns and a quilted backing. I did not have this so instead I sewed together two different fabric squares from Walmart and it did the trick. Just not as sturdy as the type she used)
* Thread
* Double Sided Bias Tape
* 12" Zipper
* Pins
* Rotary Cutter and cutting Mat
* Sewing Machine

#step 1: prepare fabric
Cut fabric into two rectangles of 13"L x 6.5"W of each pattern. Sew together with right sides facing outwards. These will be your your two rectangles for the rest of the project.

Cut your bias tape into two strips of 14"L. Pin along the raw edge length wise of your rectangle and sew.

#step 2: attach your zipper
Trim the edges of your 12" zipper so it is a total length of 11"
Cut two small strips of bias tape and attach to the each end of the zipper. This will be your zipper tabs. Sew into place.

Lay your zipper facing up on the cutting mat, and take one of your rectangles and line it up on the bottom edge of the zipper (with the bias tape edge). Pin into place and sew.

Repeat this step with the other rectangle piece. Turn your zipper/rectangle piece around and lay your other rectangle with bias tape edge on top of the other edge of the zipper. Sew into place.

#step 3: sew edges and bottom of bag
Fold over your bag along the zipper edge with your outside pattern facing each other. Pin the sides of your pouch and sew along each side with a 1/2" seam allowance.
Next open your zipper and then sew along the bottom edge of your pouch.

#step 4: inside edging
Cut two strips of bias tape into lengths of 6.5" - these will be to line the edges of your pouch. Keep the pouch turned wrong side out (with your outside pattern fabrics on the inside of the bag). Attach the bias tape on each side edge of the pouch and sew into place. Do the same with the bottom edge by cutting a 13" strip and sew into place.

#step 5: creating the corners of your pouch
In hindsight I see this step as optional depending on the style of pouch you are looking for. If you would like one that has a little poof dimension to it then follow these next steps. If you would prefer your pencil case to lay flat, skip these steps and turn your bag inside out to have your right-side patterns facing outwards again.

Cinch the corners of your pouch into a small triangle with a 45 degree angle. Lay flat and draw a line 1.5" from the tip of the triangle. Pin and then sew a straight line across the line you traced a moment ago. Repeat for the other corner. 

Cut the excess fabric off along the line you just sewed, and cut small strips of bias tape to attach along this edge to hide the stitching. Repeat on the other side.

Turn your bag inside out to have your outer fabric/pattern facing outright and et voila you have a pencil case!

Pretty Pencil Case

Lots of room for Office Supplies

Happy Sewing!

<3 awaLL