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Seamstress

by Linka's Boutique

I do custom made clothing, alterations, shabby chic designs, baby boutique items, costumes, custom made couture, prom, party or bridal wear. Anything that can be sewn with fabric, I can design and...

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Fall Line is Coming

Designing is fun. I love fabric and making clothes for children. I spend hours just looking for fabric, shopping for fabric, and patterns. I say patterns because I need a universal guide for sizes. Then, I take them and tweek them, add something new, alter it to fit, take this sleeve and add it to that dress. IT's like playing with paper dolls and puzzles all day. I have so much fun. I never know how it will look until the end, sometimes, I never finish that project because it just didn't arrive. It will sit in my design studio, waiting until next time. Then, it will become someone else's treasure. For now, this is one of my latest creations. I'm sure that I will make different variations, different color and print combinations. THen they will be retailed at CinderBella's in Tyler, Texas.

Beauty Pageants are not my thing.

We made a trip to Dallas this past weekend for a baby Beauty pageant. I don't think there is any redeeming value to these events. However, it did motivate me to make an absolutely adorable dress. I don't think there is anything out there on the market or in anyone else's imagination. This turned out so cute.

I had a bunch of fun spending the weekend with my daughter, her fiance, and my grandaughter, Nevaeh. (That's Heaven spelled backwards, you know.) She is such a gift from Heaven, always smiling, laughing, dancing, and just beginning to talk.

The weekend away was just what I needed, a break and some fun to help motivate me to get started on the new teen designs that will be featured in a new local magazine. East Texas Teen magazine is a new creation of Heather Nielson. She decided that young girls needed a new avenue for recognition. Her magazine is done in good taste and modestly represents todays young high achievers and local fashion designs. I was lucky enough to be chosen to be the next fashion designer to be highlighted in the next issue published. It will come out in June/July. I can't wait. This is the biggest, luckiest break I have received yet. It makes me sound and feel so important.

I keep asking the Lord, "How can I give you glory for all of this?" Thank you Lord. Bless all the young ladies in East Texas who are struggling to find out who you want them to be.

Wholesale

I realized for the first time how profitable Wholesaling my items could be. It is also profitable to the retailers. The shop that I am working with said that she loves the "pay as you go" terms. My products and workmanship are of high quality. The turn around time is very speedy right now. Orders are small and economical. Customers love the new styles. I am a designer coming up with something new and different all the time.

So, I'm putting it out there that I would love to wholesale to your shop or boutique. If you are interested, please contact me at linkasboutique@yahoo.com. I would love to hear from you.

God is Good!!! Happy EASTER!!!!

I have to remember to give God the praise for the good work he has done and what Easter is really all about. A year ago, I was fired from my job as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern. At the time, I was devastated, but now I see it as a blessing. I might have had experience and education in that area, but it was so stressful.

I am so blessed to be doing what I am now doing. Working with fabric and teaching people how to sew is so much more fun and personally rewarding. When I first started, I really didn't know that it would blossom into what it is today. I struggled for a year on unemployment looking for work half-heartedly and sewing something ever once in awhile. I played with Etsy and opened an account and posted a few things on there. It was great at first because they put my things out front because I was new. Then, it all stopped. Nothing, no more sales. I was discouraged, but not disheartened. I kept on trudging along. Then, someone offered to share a space with them in the French Quarter. I moved into the Vacuum and Sewing Center in the French Quarter, Tyler, Texas. It was just across from the mall. Traffic was great. Business increased. It was tremendous! Then, the bottom fell out. They couldn't afford the $3,000.00 a month rent any more. I certainly couldn't. So, I packed up my two sewing machines, my table, my fabrics, and went home to work, again.

About this time, I am beginning to wonder is this what I am supposed to do. I begin really praying to God and asking him what does he want me to do. I ask Him, how can sewing really glorify Him? He is just now beginning to reveal to me how. God often takes time to answer our questions. He often directs me to the Proverbs 31 woman. That scripture moves me. I feel like I am truly modeling my life after her in that I stay up late nights sewing, I love linen fabric, and I am still trying to figure out what kind of sashes I am supposed to be making. Does hair bows count? LOL

Some time later, I walked into another sewing machine shop to buy a serger and was propositioned again to move into his shop. Waits Sewing Machine Center is located in the Historical part of downtown Tyler on Glendwood and Erwin Street. I thought that having a store front would once again be beneficial, so I moved in. Meeting Rick and Brenda Roberts has been a blessing in many ways. They are such good hearted Christian people always trying to help someone out. We are able to help each other out from time to time. I even have given his daughter riding lessons. Brenda has really blessed me with all her beautiful quilting fabric that she has given me free reign with to design and sell as I please.

Then, I started getting more business from my websites. Business really got good when I walked into CinderBella's. She loved my ideas and ordered several outfits. But business has gotten the best since I gave a Sewing Lesson at Hobby Lobby. My first student has been such a blessing. She spread the word like wildfire that she was blessed, learned alot, and had fun. I believe I'll have several new clients by the end of this month.

Which brings me full circle back to my entire goal on here.

I have to remember my real goal in life is not to make money, but to serve God and others.

"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and everything else will be added unto you.

May God Bless you all this Easter Season! Thank you for all your business!

http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.131383492.jpg

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LinkaBoutique?view_type=gallery

LinkaBoutique.etsy.com

Some of you may have noticed that there is a slightly different spelling in my company name when I am talking about my etsy account. I started my business on Etsy and I spelled it without the "s". It is merely called LinkaBoutique on there. www.linkaboutique.etsy.com. Right now this is the only place you can purchase my dresses online because my brother and I have not yet got the kinks out of my personal website. www.linkasboutique.com This site needs so much work. I am too busy to work with it. I am just posting my new dresses on Etsy.

I really appreciate all your patience as I learn how to figure out all the ins and outs of marketing my own business. If it weren't for Etsy and their user friendly software and interenet access, I would not be able to sell on-line. I am so greatful to Etsy and all they offer. Thank you ETSY!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LinkaBoutique?view_type=gallery

Bubbles and Butterflies

Bubbles and Butterflies! Just the name brings visions of blowing bubbles and watching them float amidst the butterflies that are flowing over the top of the flowers. These are visions to come in my new line of clothing that you will soon be able to purchase at CinderBella's children's boutique in Tyler, TX.

For a glimpse of the fabric and a clip about the designer, Beverlyann Stillwell, visit Northcott cottons that feel like silk. http://www.lyndhurststudio.com/?sid=5&layout=2col&content=designer_details&did=31

Newsletter for Linka's Boutique Sewing Club

March 7 , 2010
Hello,

Today was a beautiful sunny day, then the clouds brought some rain. Life always imitates nature. That’s what happened to our first Sewing Class, it got rained on by life. People got sick and had to cancel, I had a funeral to attend, distant family member, and thanks for your condolences. I also had a baby shower to attend that day, a little ray of sunshine. So, life goes on and I know everyone is busy. I intend to keep offering these classes until they are a success. The next sewing class will be on March 20, 2010. I am thinking of having it at my home in Chapel Hill. I have a large dining table and a big room. The view out my bay window is much more inviting than the break room. I also am offering individual classes for $25.00 per hour. Just let me know what would be most convenient for you.

Crochet

I know some of you were interested in Crochet lessons. Please contact me and let me know what date would be convenient for you. My schedule is fairly flexible right now. I know the previous schedule conflicted with some of your schedules. So, I think I will try to get together with those interested in learning to crochet on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, based upon interest. So, if you would like to attend the first lesson on March 13, let me know. I think I will hold these lessons at my home in Chapel Hill as well. The only thing you will need is a ball of yarn and crochet needle. I have plenty for you to start to learn with. We will be learning how to make a Granny Square.

Club Info

I would like to start a club just for new Sewers. There is a Quilters guild here in Tyler, but not a sewing Guild. Typically, Guild’s are non-profit organizations that work for a cause. We could talk about that in the future, but for now, I would just like to create a fun environment to help your new found hobby flourish. Join the club and get free information, tips, advice, and regular coupons for store merchandise.
Please sign up, make sure I have your contact info, email, phone, and mailing address if you don’t have email. Let’s talk Sewing!

March - Spring Time

   That's my Grandaughter Kyla, to the right.  She said, "Spring is here", well almost.  I'm designing a new line of clothing for Cinder Bella's children's clothing store here in the Old English Village on Broadway in Tyler, TX.  I'm so excited to have this opportunity.  I know it will do well. The shop is a lovely children's boutique full of all the necessities of girly girls.  Pettiskirts, tutus, bows, ribbons, satin, taffeta, cotton, Zebra, tulle, and more.  There is even some room left for a few boy items.  LOL  

   March 6th was designated as the date for my first session of Sewing Lessons at Hobby Lobby, but I had to cancel it due to illness and a funeral.  Better luck next time.  I pray everyone is feeling much better and can make it to the March 20th class.  

I would like to start a club just for new Sewers. There is a Quilters guild here in Tyler, but not a sewing Guild. Typically, Guild’s are non-profit organizations that work for a cause. We could talk about that in the future, but for now, I would just like to create a fun environment to help your new found hobby flourish. Join the club and get free information, tips, advice, and regular coupons for store merchandise.
Please sign up, make sure I have your contact info, email, phone, and mailing address if you don’t have email. Let’s talk Sewing!

All those interested in the sewing classes,  children's designer couture, alterations, or the sewing club can contact me at my email:  linkasboutique@yahoo.com