my first quilt

I made my first quilt! Can you believe it took me this long to actually do it? I have been saying for years that I would make one.  For every winter since I learned to sew in fact.  The hardest part about it was starting. I am not one to follow a pattern when it comes to this sort of thing. I am too inspired by lots of colors and patterns mixed together to create a bright and cheery piece. 

I have used lots of patchwork and quilting techniques in my clothing. But there are so many steps to completing a quilt that the project was still a bit foreign. I hadn't ever made my own bias tape, had no idea how to begin with mitered corn haven't had any experience with quilt batting, or which kind to buy, and I wasn't certain whether my machine could handle topstiching such a big piece.

 I thank the countless videos on youtube for teaching me how to make bias tape, attach it, perfect mitered corners, and how to top stitch on a home machine. I practiced all of the techniques that I would eventually use for the quilt by making hot pads and pot holders. I love how they came out. I lined them with two layers of either felt or fleece. I used mine a few times and didn't burn my hands but I still want to test them out a bit more before I list them in the etsy shop! I also learned that there is an insulated liner that I can buy for if I make them in the future. Who knew? 

I quickly realized that if I wanted to make a regular sized quilt for my bed I would have to send it out to be top stitched. The little bit of arm space on a regular sewing machine isn't wide enough to fit the bulk of a regular sized quilt through. I decided to make a lap quilt or baby blanket (but I'm not a baby and it's for me so it's a lap quilt).  It was still kind of tough and annoying to top stitch especially when I got to the middle. If I make bigger quilts I will most likely have to hire someone else to top stitch or see if there is a place where I could rent a long arm machine. 

I used some of my favorite fabrics that I have been saving for ages for this project. Each fabric brings back a memory of where I got it, or if someone gave it to me. Some are from my old clothing or a shirt from my Mom.  I try to find fabric when I go on trips to remember them by. This quilt was heavily influenced by the Quilting Women of Gee's Bend. One of my biggest regrets was missing their exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

I am already daydreaming up new ideas for quilts. I think I will try a few more small ones before I move on to the big guys! 

back to my roots!

Over the holidays I didn't have enough time to make all of my clothing from scratch to fulfill the amount of shows/inventory I would need. (Again, reminder to self for next year: DON'T SIGN UP FOR SO MANY SHOWS!!)  I had a lot of fun doing applique to hoodies, shirts and tees but never thought it would be a main focus for me. I will be scaling down on my inventory of those items and most likely not reordering to make more.  I'll be listing them in the etsy shop over the next few weeks, so if you see something you like, snatch it up because chances are that I will not be making them anymore. 

 While weighting the pros and cons I really can't tell you how much I enjoy making my clothing from scratch but that being said, who doesn't enjoy a nice fitting cozy hoodie?  I have quite a few different sizes, styles, colors, etc. that will be listed over the next few weeks.  I *may* keep one style/color of hoodie but haven't decided if it's something I want to continue carrying. 

I'll also be working on my spring line! What are some colors you'd like to see for spring? 

Mistakes and Why I'm so bad at blogging

Consistently I set a goal for myself to blog once a week. And. Well. It just doesn't happen. I don't know why I can't find the time to keep things up to date on here. I find time to look at craig's list 10 times a day, check my e-mail 20 and stare at etsy for hours on end.

I HAVE set a goal for myself for the new year: Not to bite off more than I can chew! This past holiday season year was absolutely insane. I learned a lot! I try not to look at my mistakes as mistakes but to learn from them for next year. I signed myself up for too many craft shows this past year. It left me tired, weary, disorganized, tired, unprepared, and tired. I had too much inventory. I bought WAY too many supplies that I now have to figure out what to do with.

Things I need to remember for this year and especially next holiday season:

• Stick local during crazy times of the year! This year I traveled to Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago and San Francisco all within two weeks of each other.  I closed my etsy shops down during the busiest time of the year.  While I had a super duper awesome time, I was way too stressed out about traveling (hoping there were no cancellations), mailing my stuff to other states (and crossing my fingers that it would get there without any mishaps), finding my way around an unfamiliar city (luckily my awesome friends + Mike's family made this super easy).  Next year I need to focus on etsy, apply to local shows, and even consider renegade again if I can find someone local there to vend for me.

• Avoid facebook! I spend way too much time dilly dallying around social networking sites.  Sometimes it's pertinent to work, most of the time I am just farting around, looking at pictures, lalalalalala and there goes an hour here, half hour there. This is valuable time that I could be using in much more productive manners. 

• Stay neat and organized. I can't tell you how much time I've wasted looking for my scissors, tape, etc. It is so much easier to function in a clean and tidy space.  I have definitely been getting better at this since I moved this past year but I am just naturally a messy person. What can I say? 

• Make friends.  I don't mean for this to sound as pathetic as it does. I really am not pathetic but I live in rural Vermont, you have to actually make plans and stick to them to see other people. When you work from home like me several days can go by where the only people I interact with are Mike, Liane at the post office (Hi Liane!),  and my dogs. See, I just called my dogs people.  One thing I really miss about having a regular job (probably the only thing I miss) is awesome coworkers. During the summer and holiday season I do enough craft fairs where I feel like I have coworkers. Awesome coworkers that are all super talented. I miss them. Um, hey guys. Want to come over for dinner? 
• EatDrinkSleep Ahhhh. Winter weight and brain fog. It's definitely hard to convince myself to go outside for a walk on certain days. Especially when it happens to be -10 or so but that cold air (maybe not that cold) keeps things running!  I've noticed after several days without much exercise that not only does the the physical activity help me during these cold dark days of winter but the fresh air really helps my brain feel a little less like a pile of mush. I am signing up for yoga classes today and also physical therapy!...which brings me to my next point also about taking care of yourself. 
• Invest in things that lighten your load. Before I do one more show, I am buying a push cart that makes sense. I remember my friends Jess and Moe saying that if you have to make more than two trips to load in or out, you're doing something wrong.  Oh.. so.. you mean my at least 5 trips unless someone is helping me could be improved? Duh. I need a push cart that holds a lot!  I need to pack my things better, but I really need a big push cart. I need to lift things properly and adjust my posture when sitting at the computer or sewing machine for hours on end. Take care of yourself.  You won't say to yourself "Oh I shouldn't have signed up for that physical therapy or yoga class" 10 years down the road but you might catch yourself saying the opposite. 

Anywho! That's it for now. I will try to blog more! 

Queen City Holiday Craft Show

One down, 4 more to go.  Thanks to all the hard working folks at twist who put a great show together.  It was so awesome to see many long lost craft fair friends! I am getting ready for show number two, Queen City Craft that is happening this Saturday. I hope you'll come check it out! If you are a regular shopper at Queen City and are looking for me, I'm excited to say I'll be switching up my spot this year, so look for me upstairs!

Here are a few items from some great artists that will be vending this year!

Umm.. are these not the cutest most colorful toys you've ever seen? by Nifty Kidstuff

hoodie by New Duds

I love New Duds so much that I had to include a photo of their purse too. I got one of these for my birthday in July and use it everyday. It's awesome and so well made! 

Isn't this the sweetest most darling necklace? by Sweet Avenue Jewelry

If you have ever been to Frog Hollow, I'm sure you've seen John Brickels amazing clay works. 

Can you say cute?  Erinn Simon of Urban Farm Girl makes the cutest little crocheted creations. 

I hope you'll come see us and do most of your shopping buying handmade items this holiday season! :) 

Twist favs part 2!

It's crunch time for Twist which starts tomorrow!  I have just been tying up all of the loose ends.  I'm excited to say this is the first show where I'll have my appliqued patchwork hoodies!


I wanted to share some more of the artist that will be vending there.  There is so much awesomeness that I had to split it into two posts, see my Vermont artist post here.

First up, Beehive Kitchen Ware.  I remember seeing their wares while attending a wholesale show with my Mom a few years ago.  Their kitchen wears are so great, it was hard to pick which photo to share with you.  All of their products would make great holiday gifts for just about anyone.

These lovely cups are by Abby Berkson. I met Abby at Twist last year and her work is beautiful, go buy something of hers! 

This beauty is by Rachel Pfeffer Designs. I have been drooling behind my computer at her designs. Isn't this ring the most beautiful ring you have ever seen?  I am going to treat myself to one of her pieces this year! You should too! She was also etsy's featured seller a few months back, check out her interview here

This lovely pillow was made by Vonica Designs. I made friends with Erica last year and am excited to be vending next to her. Come see us at the back next to the DJ on Friday and next to the Crafty Kids on Saturday (booth 113 & 114!)

Twist!

I can't believe my first holiday show is only 5 days away. My, how time flies. I wanted to highlight some of my favorite vendors that will be at Twist. There are so many that i'll be splitting it into two posts: my fellow Vermont artist friends and then a second one of non VT peeps.  This show is amazing. It is my second time doing it. It's such a breeze to load in and out and I don't even have to bring a table or garment rack, it's rather luxurious. And as vendors, we even get fed! Hot DOG! No, not fed hot dogs but you catch my drift.

Here are some of my favorite Vermont vendors.. check them out.
 First up, Coob Originals. Calvin makes awesome jewelry and accessories out of recycled skateboards. I have a pair of his hoops that I love to wear!

by LoveErica I love this ring so much, it is so affordable and it reminds me of my mother's wedding band from when she was married in Hawaii! 

I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time fellow artist Moe of Recycle Moe at the BCA Markets. She's also helping to organize the Women's Festival of Crafts in a few weeks so if you aren't in 

Northampton, be sure to check us out there! 

this lovely skirt is by Sarah Green of Mountain Ash Design

beautiful porcelain bowls by Rob Cartelli

Deer Wall Art by Fiddleheads For Fiona

Okay, so maybe Lisa moved and actually lives in Northampton now but I will always think of her as a fellow Vermonter! :) Lisa is Elle Paisley Designs and makes awesome jewelry out of recycled watch parts. 

stay tuned for part two of awesome vendors that will be at Twist and don't forget to come see us Friday 6-9 and Saturday 10-6 at Northampton Center for the Arts/17 New South St. Northampton, MA! 

stocking up for the holidays & applique frenzy

I have been having too much fun doing applique on everything blank that I own.  No more plain hoodies, t-shirts or yoga pants for that matter will be left in my closet for very long.  I started this for fun, but meanwhile trying to figure out how I could come up with enough inventory for the holidays and the ridiculous amount of shows I signed myself up for.  I just don't have the time to stock all of the shops I sell in, keep things rolling on etsy and prepare for shows with all one-of-a-kind made-from-scratch pieces.  I took a little poll on facebook and it seemed that there would be interest in some of these designs on some more simple pieces.  I also think this is a more affordable approach for some people who were interested in my designs but couldn't necessarily afford the one-of-a-kinds.



After buying a few sample hoodies, yoga pants, and t-shirts I've come up with some really cute designs that I hope to have photographed over the next week or so but meanwhile, I want to know:What colors would you like to see in terms of hoodies & tees? I'm thinking mainly long sleeved tee's? I can be swayed.

Please help! What would YOU like to see? :) I'm not sure if I'll be putting these on etsy, or just taking them to some shows and putting in some shops. I'm also not sure if I'll continue them after the holidays. It all depends on how they go over. I'd love opinions!