Where to buy hardware and some links to share!

I have a bunch of links to share with you today! If this paragraph starts sounding like gibberish, just skip it and move down the page! This post was supposed to go up sooner, but my hard drive ran out of space and we had to replace it, which is no easy task with an iMac (it involves two people, a suction cup, a specialized tool kit and a LOT of patience!) My computer is about four years old, and unfortunately the RAM is maxed out at 4GB (The new ones take 16!!) but Ken thought a fresh install of Lion (the newest Mac operating system) would help speed things up a bit. So far so good, but I had to wait for all of my photos and everything to transfer, and it’s going to take a few weeks to get it back to “just how I like it” with all of my settings and bookmarks set up and favorite programs installed. But hey, I now have a 1 Terabyte hard drive to attempt to fill up with photos! :)

I’m taking this opportunity for a little PSA – BACK UP your data. My hard drive didn’t die, but it could have! Use Dropbox (or something like it) for your day-to-day files and use Carbonite (or again, something like it) for all of your data in case of catastrophe. Replace your HD if you get any errors or it starts to make clicking noises. Hard drives are CHEAP compared to loosing your data. I also bought a little dock for my old HD, turning it into an external HD so I can still access all of my files. Don’t rely on USB sticks – I’ve seen too many of them die or break. Bare minimum you need an ON-SITE backup (external hard drive or Time Machine type device) AND an OFF-SITE backup like Carbonite. Why? What if someone breaks into your house and steals your computer AND your shiny external hard drive sitting on your desk? Or what if there is a fire? Power surge? OFF SITE BACKUP. In the cloud. Do it. It’s like $50/year, it’s basically insurance for your photos and files. WORTH IT. Dropbox is free and basically functions as your “documents” folder so you can put your most critical files in it, and it’s accessible from another computer or your smart phone. Please don’t lose years worth of photos of your kids, dogs, vacations, etc. Back them up! OK – END OF PSA!

And we’re back to the point of my post today! First of all, a few of you have sent me emails and Etsy Convo’s asking where to buy the zippers and hardware for the new Two Zip Hipster. When I launched the new site I added a “Where to buy” page and I will try to keep it updated with the best information possible. I listed a fantastic source for YKK Long-Pull zippers – Zip It on Etsy, and a shop that I’ve personally purchased hardware from on Etsy, Tantalizing Stitches. I know there are many sources for zippers and hardware, and if you simply go to the Etsy supplies section and start searching, you will probably find lots of options! (If you know of a fantastic source for these items, please let me know so I can try them out!)

Next, some of my pattern testers (THANK YOU GIRLS!) have been sharing photos over in the Flickr! group. Go check out their fantastic bags! Kelly and Becca also recently launched their new blog, Sew Like Sisters, and posted a pattern review over there. Kelly says she had never made a bag before. I think she did great! I really appreciate you taking the time to make the bags and write about them! Your new blog is fantastic!

I also got a message from Crystal over on the Facebook Page that she blogged about making Quick Zip Lunch Bags! They look so cool! Crystal is new to blogging, so head on over and wish her luck! (Update: Crystal made a Two Zip Hipster too! Cool!)

It is so amazing to see people sewing, making things from my patterns and tutorials. Please send me photos, post to the Flickr! group, tag me on Facebook… I LOVE seeing them!

And a final order of business – according to my WordPress dashboard, this is my 99th post. I’ve been blogging forever, so I’ve never celebrated “blogiversaries.” But, since my next post will be my 100th post on this blog, I will do a little pattern giveaway. Check back soon for details!