Moving right along

Another craft fair under my belt. It wasn't a great one, but I had lots of fun! I am getting better at not being disappointed when I don't sell out or even sell what I consider to be a decent amount. I am meeting nice people and learning about what they like. These craft fairs are great learning experiences for me. The exposure from these craft fairs are great!

There is one more that I am doing before summer arrives. I am not sure what to expect, but I am still excited/nervous. I wonder how people do this consistently and more importantly how they do it successfully. My goal is to be one of those busy vendors that people look for. I want to be "in demand". Silly but completely honest on my part.

I feel the need to change what I am offering but not sure what to do. I ask myself if my prices are right or if it is just my taste in fabric that is missing the boat. I need to find my niche and run with it. I have high hopes for the rest of the year.

Sew Inspired

Despite the disappointment from my last two craft fairs I am going to do two more. The first one is at the intermediate school on the base and the other will be at a British school. This will be my first encounter with the British market. I am excited to see how they take to my things. I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

I am going to test a few new kids items and embroider some bibs with cute phrases I hope they will like. I don't know what appeals to them so I am unsure as what to take. The cost is fair so I am not going to loose too much if I bomb this one. As far as I can tell, this will be my last fair until after summer. Let's hope it goes off with a BANG! I need to pay for all my yummy fabric that is coming.

After all is said and done with the fairs I really want to get working on clothes for Brooke. The outfits I've gotten for her at the exchange have been awful. The tiered ruffle tank fell apart with the first wash. I was horrified, especially since it was $22 for this thing. Store bought clothes just aren't what they used to be. I should get it in gear and get sewing! That being said, I am off to make something for my little girl.

My First Summer Outfit for Brooke

With my craft fairs over and summer weather finally here, the urge to sew for my little girl has hit me hard. I made this outfit for her the other day. I was so proud of myself. Clothing has been the one thing that I have been struggling with. So for me to finish a complete outfit was a huge accomplishment for me.

Now the bug is hitting me hard. I want to make so many things for her. My fears of messing things up has been overcome by the joy I felt in seeing her wear the outfit I made her. She told everyone we saw that her mommy made her shirt. I was puffed up like a proud momma.

Lately I've been browsing the photo albums of fellow group members creations. They have inspired me to keep going. Their creations are beautiful! I hope to reach their skill level and make beautiful dresses and outfits for my little one. She is the apple of my eye and nothing makes me prouder than to see her wearing things I've made just for her.

I am off now to attempt another top and bottom set for her. My goal is to have a complete set of summer clothes for her. Dresses, twirl tops, shorts, skirts and a line jumpers all made by me. She will be wearing custom originals instead of cookie cutter outfits from the exchange. I can't wait!

What a month!

I joined the HSBS fabric group in March looking to save a bit on my fabric addiction. I found in this group great savings, beautiful fabric, and some creative, talented & funloving ladies. I belong to many groups but this one became one of favorites instantly! I was flattered when I was asked to become a moderator of this group.

I had my 3rd craft fair on Saturday. There were mostly lookers but it was all good. I had a blast hanging out with my friend Rochelle and seeing all the handmade items others had to offer. I made a little bit of money and received many compliments so all in all a success for me! These craft fairs are getting addicting for me. I have 2 more coming up in May. I hope to sell a little more at these and get more exposure. Whatever I don't sell I think I will put up in my new Etsy shop. I haven't listed anything there yet. Fear of not selling. Rochelle is right though, put it up to sell or let it sit in my house. If it doesn't sell on Etsy, it is still sitting in my house. If it does sell though that is money in my pocket and less clutter in my home. hmmmmm..........

Yesterday was my birthday. I think it was one of the best I've every had. My husband arranged for a baby sitter and took me to Leaping Hare Cafe in Bury St. Edmunds. It was a beautiful drive. We passed a few farms with baby sheep and horses in the fields. It was really sweet. The vineyard was pretty and the gift shop offered nice items. I had a nice scallop salad with a brownie for dessert. It was the first time in awhile that Ed and I got to spend the day together. On top of this wonderful day he got me the Longaberger Large Storage basket I have been wanting. I am so excited to get this basket. I plan to put my sewing projects in it.

April was just a great month!

Back in the Saddle Again

Well, I have found my groove and I am ready to sew again. The fabrics have been chosen, a new design is ready to be tested, and I am feeling good. I am also torn. I have the strongest desire to sew some clothes for Brooke and make a few gifts for the ladies who volunteer for me. I have the sewing bug, he is just pulling me in the wrong direction.

I am in any case ready to do something. That is a step in the right direction. Of course with the sewing bug came the flu bug. I am sick, again. Oh well, I am pushing forward and ready to accomplish something, anything. My sewing machine and all the beautiful fabric in my sewing room are calling me. I plan to visit them today and make a little something. I see no harm in making something for Brooke and then working on a bag. Why can't I do both so I feel accomplished and satisfied at the same time? That is what I love about being my own boss. I get to do whatever I want!

What to do?

I am in a slump. I don't know what is wrong, but I can't get myself to make a thing. I don't even want to look at all the beautiful fabric I have. Usually all it takes is for me to go through one of my fabric bins and a hint of excitement surges through me but not lately. I just can't get motivated to start. The next craft fair is creeping up on me. I don't want to end up in a rushed panic. Even the count down on my MySpace page is not enough to set a fire under me to go. I had decided to do a new style of baby shoe, tote bag, diaper bag, and paci clip for this show. I have everything I need to get started, everything that is but motivation.


What to do, what to do.........

Blind Leading the Blind part 2

Well, I did it. I did my guest speaking for the girl scouts. I think they all enjoyed my time with them. They had lots of questions that I could actually answer. Not one of them looked bored and just about everyone of them looked impressed. I felt so great!!! I was worried I wouldn't be able to fill the hour but we actually went over. Honestly I had a blast with them. It was the best I had felt about my sewing in awhile.

The girls have invited me back to visit again. I don't know when or what I will talk about, but I will gladly go and be a guest of the girls scouts!