Craft Fair

Yesterday I participated in my first craft fair. I'm not sure what I expected, but I can tell you I was a little disappointed. I found out later that the fair was not promoted at all AND it was on the same day that a huge craft fair happens every year just a couple towns over. I sold two latte cozies, and 3 of my crocheted washcloths for a grand total of $19... I paid $20 for my table. I suppose craft fairs are pretty hit and miss. You never know if you'll sell or not. It seemed that most of the folks who did come were only there to browse. It probably didn't help that I was selling quilts, bags, and other more expensive items while being sandwiched between a lady selling $2 hair bows and another lady selling $6 fleece scarves.

I have also been rather discouraged by Etsy lately. Lizze and I have not had a sale in the shop for months. Yes, months. Since I'm still having to pay fees even though nothing is being sold, I decided to try opening a shop on Zibbet.com. They don't charge any fees if you stick with their basic seller program. I listed all the things I took to the craft fair including my newest creation, iPad sleeves. I have made a couple of these as custom orders already for devices other than iPads. They can be made for any tablet, laptop, or eReader out there. All I need to know are the measurements and your fabric choices.

Click the button below for a link to the new shop. I'd appreciate your feedback!

A Break From Sewing and Back Again

I have been in a serious sewing slump lately. Until yesterday, it had been over a week since I had even sat at my machine. I had been absolutely uninspired.

During that time I did teach myself to knit. My daughter, Alice, wanted to learn so we watched a few videos on YouTube and within the hour we were knitting.

I still can't actually make anything in a shape other than a square or rectangle, but I'm working on it.

Over the weekend Ben was in a play at school called 'The Wiz of the West'. It was put on by the Missoula Childrens Theatre. The kids all have an audition on Monday, and if they get a part they practice all week long and have their performance on Saturday. They don't allow you to take any photos during the performance but I got some cute ones afterward and I bought a DVD copy of the play. Here's Ben in his tarantula costume hanging with his sisters after the show:

I have my first craft fair coming up in a couple weeks, so this break from sewing was really poor timing. Yesterday I still didn't feel like it, but I decided I needed to force myself to just make something. ANYTHING. Pinterest is a really great place for finding inspiration (and wasting several hours on the computer) when you have lost your mojo. I got on, determined to find something simple to make, but wasn't feeling the urge to make any of the things I found. I ended up making my own pattern and these are what I came up with:

They are cases for iPads. I thought they might sell well at the craft fair, especially as Christmas gifts. The first 3 I made were from beautiful fabrics I received from my lovely friend Rebecca. They reminded me of fall. Originally I was going to make placemats with them for my thanksgiving table, but I couldn't find a coordinating background fabric I liked to go with them.

The fabric line is called 'Swoon' designed by Melissa Averinos. I just LOVE it.

After I made these I made a few more. I was kind of addicted after I made the first one. I guess you could say that my mojo has been found.

Also, my Misfits hoop is Finished and has been sent to it's new home. I want to show it SO BAD, but I don't want to give away any surprises. I hope my partner loves it (and the special extra goody I made to go with it). As soon as she gets it, I will definitely be posting pictures for all to see!