Getting Busy...

Now that the pantry is nearly finished (Jeff will be here soon to install hardware), it's time for me to again turn my attention to the upcoming show. I've already started some new projects, but this year I'm going to have a larger selection of wallets and bags. 

I have some unique prints planned for wallets, featuring a nice range of Kaffe Fassett wallets. I'll list the available ones in my shop after the show. Of course, I'll show them to you first, in the event you'd like to purchase one early.

I'm also going to create more keychains, little zipper pouch keychains, and zippered pouches. Then, I'll have a few Nocturne Overnighter Bags, Ensemble Bags, Bella Totes, and large Kirby Crossbody Bags. 

On the needlework side, I'll be offering embroidered pendants, pinkeeps, and project bags. If I have time I'll add some new items created from vintage quilts, too. I'll wait to tell you more about those in case I don't get to them for this event.

My friend, Cindy has graciously agreed to help in my booth again this year, and I'm looking forward to working with her. We always have a great time together.

So, if you live anywhere in the West Bend, WI area, mark your calendar. I'd love to see you on February 10th at the Washington County Fairgrounds Pavillion.

I'm working at my other job from 10-4 today, but I'll show you another project bag I'm working on. It also features a Michelle Palmer drawing front and center. I think you'll like this one! (Think Valentine's Day!) I have to get going. I'll see you again tomorrow.

Are You Ready For A Creative January?...

Tom Clark's "Rebecca"

Although the pantry project is moving on schedule, my mind keeps wandering to my needlework endeavors. I have some ideas in mind for new, designed-by-me goldwork pieces. I'm also going to be breaking out the cork fabric in preparation for my first show next month in West Bend, Wisconsin. Sometime this weekend, I'm going to add a schedule of my show dates to my sidebar. If you're in the area, you'll be able to mark your calendar if you'd like to attend any of them.

I created a short reel for Instagram yesterday to ask what projects other needleworkers might have in mind for this month. Click HERE to see what I shared, and I also invite you to let me know what you're planning to work on in January.

Pantry Update: The electrician was here yesterday to do the roughing in. I'll have some painting to do now that the electrician has placed his wiring into position. He had to cut into the drywall in the ceiling, as well as a few places in the wall. 

Jeff decided to come back today to install the cabinets, so I'm hoping he'll also repair the drywall so I can do the painting early next week. Once the cabinets are in and my painting is complete, the electrician will come back to install the fixtures. Then, we'll wait for the countertop installation on the 15th, and the plumbing connections the following Monday. Is it the 16th yet? 

Weekend Awesomeness...

#2 Granddaughter, me, Cindy G-H

Saturday was fabulous! The show was a huge success, and we had the best sales to date for my booth. Cindy was truly my right hand gal. She listened to my pitch for about ten minutes, and was completely competent to deal with customers on her own. She was a real pro, and I am so grateful that she offered to help in my booth.

I'd like to say I took loads of photographs, but we were still setting up the last of my inventory on Saturday morning before opening, when one of the vendors came into the booth and purchased a Nocturne Traveler. We were off to the races from there.

Our daughter-in-law and #2 Granddaughter came to see our offerings and thankfully, DIL took a photo of us. I'm so glad she did, because I never even thought of taking pictures after the show started. We were wonderfully busy.

Mid-morning, we were pretty busy when two ladies came into my booth with flowers. They asked if I was Donna, and said that these flowers were from my husband. I got a little teary-eyed through my excitement. I told them how he bought flowers for me for my first show forty years ago, and this was a complete surprise from my guy all these years later. (Of course, he's bought flowers for me in the interim, but not for shows.)

The Nocturne that we sold left a void in the center of my back wall display, so it was a perfect place to show off my flowers. We put a matching Kirby Crossbody/Bryn Clutch set next to the flowers, and it looked awesome. Again...no photos.

 

My BFF, Lee came to visit mid-afternoon and also brought a flowering kalancho potted plant for me. Another pleasant surprise to see her.

We stayed busy in our booth until about a half hour before closing. We had a chance to see the other vendors, and then packed up. It was a fast-paced, profitable, and great day. I'll definitely do this venue again next year. 

 

I do have inventory left, so I'll be posting those things over the next week to make it available for purchase. 

 

Setup Day...

 

I will add just a couple things on Saturday morning, but this is my basic layout for my booth on Saturday. I'll take my dress form with me tomorrow for displaying my embroidered pendants, and of course, my Square station will be on my checkout stand on the left side of my booth. I also have an assortment of new patterns and books that will go on the black shelf display on the right side of the booth. 

I had a new banner created for the back wall of my booth, but couldn't mount it as planned Friday. I'm taking pant hangers to put it in front of the black pipe and drape in the morning. (I know that's kind of cheesy, but didn't have the actual hangers that I should use. I'll have those ordered for next time. For now, I'll do what a few other vendors are doing and use pant hangers.

It's nice to have everything set up. Friday night will be for resting. I'll share more photos on Monday. Have a great weekend! Wish me luck! (wink)