I've added a new type of item to my Etsy shop at SimplyHandmadeinNC - quilted mug rugs.  I haven't ever used them myself because I don't drink coffee.  But I hadn't thought of other possible uses for these fabric coasters - like candle mats, bar coasters, mini placemats, table protectors, etc. or as gifts to coffee or tea drinkers.  I've added a heat reflective batting to the ones in my shop which seems like a good idea.  They're fun to make.  I like them all but I especially love the blue patchwork star.  I had some Half Square Triangles left over from making a baby quilt and came up with a new use for the leftover HSTs.  Thanks.  Happy Fall!  BTW, I've added the link to the listing for each of the mug rugs shown below.

I've been keeping up with the inventory in my Etsy shop during this past year and a half. I also had the opportunity to take two fantastic art courses during this time. So I've been juggling time between the two artistic pursuits. Here are three items I've added to the shop recently. Not too long ago, I added a new item - zipper pouch bags - which have gone over well. And then a repeat customer requested a zip pouch bag with a curved top so that's the one at bottom right. While in-person shopping was cut back, I'm glad I had a fabric stash on hand.

I've been trying to complete more long/tall quilted wall hangings that can be hung either vertically as an accent piece or horizontally over a bed or sofa.  I've just added two wall hangings to my Etsy shop that can be placed either in the vertical or in the horizontal position. They're both on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyHandmadeinNC.

And a third one is in the works.  In April, when we were on a trip to Washington DC (way too crowded), I brought my sewing machine and worked on a spiderweb quilt … green batiks on black background.  It's waiting for me to get to the quilting part.  Sometimes (maybe a lot of the time) it takes awhile to figure out what the quilting should be.  It's another long quilt for vertical or horizontal positioning.  I'd never brought a sewing machine on a trip before but it was a good use of time in the evenings at the hotel, especially if you are somewhere for more than one night.

The styles are evolving here at SimplyHandmadeinNC.  Here's a cute slouchy tote in a beautiful aqua blue mini print with a contrasting mini stripe for the lining and straps.  Metal rings are antique brass. Now on Etsy. It's a roomy 11.75"Wx14"Hx3.75"D with one interior pocket.