Extreme sewing!

And before you say it, no, I am not sitting naked at my sewing machine (!), it's not that sort of extreme. Nor am I sewing at high altitudes...it's more about the amount of sewing that's been going on round here.
This is evidenced by the following facts:

• I'm on my third 500m of white thread this week
• I haven't written a blog post for over a week
• There is a serious washing backlog
• My blog reader stands at 786 unread items (I'm so sorry everyone, I will try and catch up!)
• I've broken two needles
• I've done another two craft fairs and updated stock in both shops
• I've learnt some new skills including piping, and inserting zips into cushions
• Felix has spent time with her Dad, Granny and Grandad, and Nana and Gramps and our childminder (I know you've had fun little lady, but sorry to pass you around :(   )
• My Mum arrived on Saturday and ordered 5 items for Christmas presents, some of which are to be taken with her when she leaves today (I'm not moaning at this, since she is a big fan of my work, she pays well, AND she and Dad are brilliant with Felix!)

and finally, the most compelling evidence of extreme sewing...

I broke a bobbin!  This has never happened to me before and was a bit of a shock when I was hit by a flying piece of plastic and then thread cascaded all over the place...no harm done, except that I'm down to three bobbins, which is just not enough! (Christmas present hint, Mum!)

So sorry I've been AWOL and not reading everyone's blogs, I will remedy that this week...but in the meantime, here's some pictures of some of the latest makes:

Zippy overload:

Make-up bags:

Cushions made from single fabrics (trying a different tactic at the craft fairs), but snazzed up with piping and a covered zip on the back

Bucket bag with leather straps:

and finally, a little travel tissue holder for Mum's friend (and fabric benefactor) Mavis!

Whilst the craft fairs have been fun, I am looking forward to a little respite and some "me" sewing in the new year!

x

Craft fair fun and frolics

First of all, many thanks to you all of you for the best wishes for Felix.  She is fortunately now fully recovered and the only lasting symptom seems to be a complete aversion to eating anything other than fruit, yoghurt or  baby Wotsits.  Not the best diet in the world... hmmm... any tips for getting a 17 month old to eat casserole? or carrots?!

In other news, the products of my stitching have had two outings in the last week.  The weekend before last, everything I'd sewn went to a large Christmas fair near Lewes with my friend Clare who is a talented buyer (and, as it turns out, seller!), and then this Saturday, five of us shared a stall at a local hotel.

I didn't make it to Clare's fair, as that was the weekend that Felix was ill, but got feedback on the Saturday that she'd only sold badges. However, the clientele was completely different on the Sunday and the more pleasing grand total was:

• 17 badge sets
• 2 Makeup bags
• 1 purse
• 1 washbag
• 1 tote bag
• 1 cushion
• and......believe it or not....The Hungry Caterpillar!  (Apparently, he could have sold twice as someone came back and asked for him later!)

I quickly sewed up a few more make-up bags and here was our stall this Saturday!

And my little section:

(I can't claim credit for the handstitched (!) bunting which belongs to felt queen, Perdita)

The sales tally:

• Lots more badges
• A tote bag
• A wash bag
• 3 make-up bags
• 2 little purses
• And some fabric covered handbag mirrors (that we were making on the day!)
• ooo plus a friend has since asked to save her a doorstop and a cushion..

It was a lot of fun, having some grown-up time, talking to people and having a nosey round the other stalls so between us we've signed up for another three in December...well I've got the stock  (...except for make-up bags!)

The learnings?

• Some of my stuff is a little too bright for the more traditional customers that seem to attend smaller fairs round here.  People admired the cushions but couldn't see where they'd fit in their homes
• Pocket money purchases are essential to keep your morale up
• Order your business cards well in advance, so they are not still in the post when you want to be handing them out (doh!)
• REALLY REALLY don't be disheartened if things aren't selling. It's easier said than done, but from Claire's experience...the same products at the same fair sold much better on the second day.

The sum of all this efforts?  £170!  Doesn't sound loads but I'm really pleased with it...a couple more fairs and my Tesco's vouchers are going to fund Christmas (well almost!)

x