Our Crafty Life LLC

08/31/2026

Sent out some patterns for testing and already got a top photo back!!
Michaela Makes did Parade and said it was a great quilt in a day! The quilt make a perfect size for a love quilt, QOV, or just a quilt for someone you love.
You can email me to get the pattern Parade now or it will be on my website and Etsy soon!

08/24/2026

What’s are you working on?
I decided I needed to get some quilting in this weekend after a week of accounting work. I quilted and added the binding to be able to finiahe this project that came from a magazine.
Check out my backing - I used a feed sack from a 100 # bag which was just enough to cover it!!

08/16/2026

I am happy to announce that Square and Shippo have joined and now it will be easier for me to ship out my patterns when customers purchase from my Square shop online!!
How did I find this out?!? I just had someone purchase a pattern from me online that had only recently been added due to a fabric shop wanting to purchase it. When I went to Shippo to create the label it was already there waiting for me to put in the size and weight!
And here is a note on my shipping - if you need a pattern shipped to you you will only be charged $5.50. Shipping has really went up but I would love for you to have my pattern no matter where you might live so I hope this makes it is easier on your wallet!
Here is the link to my website. You can find my patterns under the category OCL patterns.

08/09/2026

ATTENTION QUILTERS I got a pattern accepted that only uses strip piecing. It finishes at 60” x 84” and would be great for a love quilt or as a quilt to gift for use on a twin bed!

Fabric requirements are pretty basic:
• 2yd background (includes first border)
• 1/4 yd of Color 1 large print
• 1/2 yard of Color 1 four prints from light to dark • 1-1/4 yard Color 2 large print (includes border 2)
• 1/2 yard of Color 2 four prints from light to dark. • Binding is 5/8 yard.
Tools you might want: long ruler for cutting strips and an 8-1/2” square ruler.

If you are interested in testing this pattern please contact me through PM or email me at ourcraftylife365 gmail

07/22/2026

Why do you pay so much for shipping on your Etsy purchases?
Reason One: Well Etsy charges 6.5% on the shipping fee and they charge the processing fee on the full amount of the order that includes shipping fee so the seller never gets the full amount of the shipping charged.
Reason Two: USPS just changed their rates and sellers have to adjust that they no longer can get a lower price because it weighs less. Packages under 1 lb will all be rated the same and the destination might make it more. Packages between 1-3 lbs cost more than a package over 3 lbs.
Reason Three: Shipping fees don't usually include the cost of the packaging, bags, fillers, or the wages to pay someone to package it.

When you purchase from an Etsy seller consider buying that extra item that might make the weight go higher so they can be able to cover their shipping costs.

And Please Please Please share this so others may know.

Learn why Etsy shipping is so expensive, what shipping fees include, and practical tips for buyers and sellers to reduce costs.

07/17/2026

USPS has changed their rates yet again! Any package under 16oz will all cost the same no matter weight. This package is 7x6x1 and cost me $7.46 at the reduced shipping price through Etsy.
This is a 1/2 yard cut. Expect your shipping prices to go up!

07/12/2026

Update on my Summertime Pig sample! I have added some flowers and started a blanket stitch on the greenery!
I thought this would be a fun thing to do for 10-15 mins during my lunch this week at my new job that starts tomorrow.

07/09/2026

Placement Matters!!! Here is an example of a pattern I have that was published (in a different color set as it was in soft shades of pink, blue, and green) in Lumin Fabrics White Owl Textiles Summer 2026, named Big & Bold. I have only switched the light and medium greens in the two examples. See how different parts of the pattern come out more in each one?!?
It is amazing how choosing the right fabric colors and shades of the colors and placing them differently can completely change your quilt!! This makes it great to be able to use one of my patterns like this one over and over again for all of your loved ones!
Lumin Fabrics

07/08/2026

Announcement - I have decided I need to get some income since sales of my patterns are just not what I need to pay the bills for owning this business. Two weeks ago I applied for a job in my second field of work, accounting and have accepted a full-time position.
I will continue to have my patterns for sale on my website and Etsy as well as some other items. I will not be able to post as much but I am hoping that now that I am not so stressed about money that I will be able to do more posts and videos that I love and that you will enjoy better!!
I will only be submitting designs to Lumin Fabrics in the future. There will be a few more that will publish in future catalogs of Benartex and QT Fabrics as I am committed to fulfill my obligations to those companies.
I hope you will continue to support my small business adventure!

Here are some of the patterns that were just published in Lumin Fabrics catalogs for Summer 2026. I was busy and so was my editor!!
A large number of these are new and not on my website or Etsy.

Please contact me by email and I can sell any of these PDF or printed (printed is $7 shipping USPS has increased their prices again). Email is [email protected]

07/05/2026

What’s on your table this weekend? I am putting together a test sample of a second in a series I will be introducing this Fall. The first one in the series will be in the Benartex catalog and this one, Summertime Pig, I will be introducing myself! This one still needs borders added and I will be adding some applique flowers to her hat!

If you have ideas you would like me to add in my Pig Series let me know and I will decide if it is one that would be well loved.
This one is done completely in leftovers from making samples for Island Batiks over the last year and a half. This one will be great for your stash or you can use fat eighths/fat quarters.