Friday

I am so happy that the week is coming to an end. I was able to finish up a few odds-and-ends for the show on Wednesday, and after having looked thru a few boxes of craft show things I had, am feeling a whole lot better about not having to buy anything else for my booth (I think). 

How about those cute new (and old ombre dots) fabrics I am using on some tissue cozies? My taste in fabrics now is at complete odds to what it was a few years ago, don't get me wrong, I love bright colors and patterns, but slightly more grown-up versions. It is really (really) hard to make things for a living, your instinct is to buy what you love, but it is more than likely not what someone else will love. Choosing fabrics (for non-personal use, obviously) is hit and miss, and even tho I have been running my shop for 7 years now, I am not an expert, and second-guessing my choices is just something I have learned to live with. The only change that I have made is not buying as much (yardage) as I used to, and going with my professional gut (even tho I personally would not pick the fabric to make myself anything) and taking a chance that the print I chose was a good one.

I have a small pile of new covers that I really want to list in the shop, but I think I will just save those until after the show. I also have a new project to work on over the next month or so, I am really excited and nervous about this, but I am finally listing things in my other shop on etsy, but they will all be made with guys in mind. Mele has helped me out with some fabric choices on this, and it is sad to say that 2 fabrics I bought have been majorly vetoed by him, but what the hell, we shall see what happens. 

Have a nice weekend :)

Lately ....

 

I have less than 1 month till Crafty Wonderland, and I have nothing but maybe 1/2 a tables worth of things done. It is not so much the sewing of the things that is stressful (as I have 20 years of sewing experience + the fact I do it for a living) I have stacks of stuff for the show 1/2 way done, but what has me worried is my booth set-up. I am not 100% set on what I am doing. I have ideas..thoughts...plans. But nothing is done. I spoke to Mele last night, and he agreed to help me today when he gets home from work, to start working on the packaging things I need to get done (think lots of cutting of kraft paper), and I found some paper tags on Etsy last night, that I may be able to use. I was just going to go ahead and buy a tag shaped paper punch, and make them myself, but I know that I will use it this once, and just have it in a drawer (along with way too many scrap-booking supplies I already hoard have) and not use it again, so why not buy from another etsy seller instead? I really love the "giftie" items I have ready. I also made a few crayon holders (caddies? rolls? what the hell do you call those things anyway, since the ones I made do not roll up?????) which felt really weird, since I do not make kids things, but also really made sense, since I sort of have a bunch of amazing Japanese kids fabrics to use.

Here are some pictures of what has been going on lately. I have also been posting on the shop FB page (link on the right) if you want to see some more. And since there is not enough going on, on Saturday, Mele was playing fetch with Dexie, and she somehow bent (ouchie!) one of her nails, so we took her to the vet yesterday (they where closed on the weekend---grrr!!!) and she has a bandaged paw....

Before you feel too sorry for my little chihuahua.. she is a big fat faker. She walks normally, and even runs a bit, when I am in the room with her, as soon as Mele shows up, all of the sudden she walks with a limp, or her paw in the air..... so shady!

Fabric de-stash

Mystery bundles have just been listed. The little scrapy-bundles are following soon, I made them a while ago, and I need to go thru them, and figure out the shipping.

I am so sorry that the studio de-stash is only for US buyers. There is a weight limit on International Flat Rate envelopes, and they all exceeded the maximum allowed.

Fabric Shop Update:

My little fabric shop is finally up and running. I caved in, and took a picture of the bundles that will be available as well. There is a "super bundle" that will be listed, and it has nothing but those super old and amazing Fairytale Print fabrics.

So excited!

Will have them listed by tomorrow evening, along with new small fabric scrap packs.

About fabric, craft show prep and lop-sided fingers

Fabric destash:  The bundles are READY!
I just need to work on the listings, and make sure that they fit into the Flat Rate Envelopes. I had so many of those fabrics folded (and stored) for so long, that I ran them all thru the dryer last weekend, so they are snugly soft. And if you are not a fan of that fabric softner..sorry.

Bundles are first come, first served. Being sold as "mystery & themed" FR-envelopes, and true fabric bundles. Biggest pieces are a little over 1 full yard, smallest are a bit under a fat quarter. That picture, is as close to knowing what you might get.

Oh come on! 

Remember when you where a kid, and you had no idea what your birthday gift would be?

Same thing.

Getting ready for Crafty Wonderland: I have sewn absolutely nothing!
I am down to 2 "free" days a week. Today (wed.) is always one (hi!) and Saturdays are my other free days (for my mele). And having a previous Crafty Wonderland under my belt, I know that mountains of the same thing are so not the right thing to do. I am taking a sampling of gadget covers, as well as some smaller items that have not been in the shop for ages (key fob's , passport holders, id wallets) anything left over is going in the SHOPS (plural....give me a minute, and I will explain) and in time for Summer Vacation prep. I currently have a 10' x 10' tent set up in the main (and empty) living-room upstairs, so I can start working on my booth mock-set up. I have a theme in mind, my colors chosen, my previous craft show things dug-out from the closets around the house, baskets and trunks that will be used for displays, and a few cans of spray paint and old (as in vintage, that I bought over 10 years ago) suitcases that are getting a make-over as well. I am so stoked, and nervous. I hope that Sister no.1 is able to fly up from San Diego to help us out again, if not, I am pretty sure Mele will step up, and do a good job.

If you live here in Oregon, or Washington, or Idaho or heck, even Canada, try to plan a weekend trip to Portland in May, so you can attend Crafty Wonderland! This year's event is going to have a "wedding" area, as well as CAT ADOPTIONS (which is fabulous, and weird at the same time). If you get a kitty, and stop on by my booth to introduce me ( I have 4 adopted cats-- so kitty cats are SO welcomed!) to your new child, I will give you a specially made "surprise".

Lop-sided fingers: And because I am able to spend my days painting my nails, baking cookies and playing with my 7 children, I was a bit too cocky with my huge, overly sharp scissors the day before yesterday, and I managed to snip of a CORNER of my thumb.

That's right.

Look at your thumb.

It's nice and round..right?

Well, the one on my left hand, is missing the whole left side of it.

No stitches.

Just alot of tears, and blood, and feeling thankful for having a registered nurse as a sister, who helped me patch up my own thumb via the telephone.

It doesn't hurt anymore, however I am now sewing with real difficulty. I never realized how much I use this thumb of mine. It is so hard to pin velcro, sew finishing seams, and even tape my shipping labels.

It could have been worse, so all I can do is carry on.

I'll be back in a few days with the final set date for the fabric bundles.