The Best News Ever, seriously.

I was waiting to post because I was hoping dearly that I'd have good news to share. And guess what? I do!!! I do. I do. I do. I am so thrilled. I don't know every detail, but I do know that the tumor appears to be gone. Can you believe it?? Apparently, the CT scan showed that there was just some scar tissue left that is about the size of a thumb. John will still received the next 2 rounds of chemo and then will have a PET scan at the end of January. If there's anything suspicious, they'll biopsy it, but hopefully there won't be any. Talk about the best Christmas present ever. I was so relieved I just started crying. It was like the stress just melted off. So thank you for all your good vibes. I think they worked.

Oh, and completely unrelated, but I'm eating the best yogurt ever. Fage Greek yogurt with honey. hmm. And I went thrift shopping today and found a perfectly good comforter for Isaiah's bed from Pottery Barn. Yeah, I'm having a good day.

And since I'm having such a wonderful day, there will be 5 winners today. Yes, FIVE. One will received a stuffed flat rate box, and the other 4 will receive envelopes. Drumroll please....



Winner of the Box goes to:
Mika

The runners up:
Alisa
FinnyKnits
Jess
Ashley Ann

Ladies, please send me your address to katiebhandbags@gmail.com


That concludes our 12 days of Christmas Giveaway (remember we're pretending, right). Thanks for playing along everyone! If I'm not back before Christmas you all have a wonderful, Merry Christmas!

Tired, Winner, Giveaway #7

Oh man am I tired. I think that all the sewing, trips to the post office, and chasing around a very demanding almost 2 yd old is catching up with me. Oh, and perhaps the going to bed way past my bedtime thing too. I just may fit in a nap this afternoon.



I was loving all the new visitors to my site yesterday thanks to Sew, Mama, Sew. I received several comments and e-mails about the dop kit. I did want to mention that I'm using the pattern for the patchwork bag from the Amy Butler's InStitches book. I just adjusted the size and omitted the handles. I really love this pattern and I think it makes for a very well finished bag. If you have this book, and would like to make it, I'd suggest installing the zipper like you would for a normal zippered pouch. I hope that makes sense.



Anyway, while I was packing things up to be mailed today, I realized I have way too much fabric. Plus, I just recently joined a fabric co-op and I'll be getting a lot more fabric soon. I know I already gave away fabric on Day 1, but I know that you guys won't be complaining if I giveaway some more. I have no pictures, as I don't know what I'll be adding, but I can tell you that it won't be crap. The winner will receive a flat rate box stuffed with various fabrics. And believe me, I'm good at stuffing. Leave a comment, tomorrow I'll announce the winner.



I loved reading your comments yesterday. I really wish all of you could have an IKEA by you, and I was happy to hear those that have them near by find it just as irresistible as I do! The winner of the IKEA goodies goes to:

Lynn of Craftsew please e-mail me your address to katiebhandbags@gmail.com





And if this post wasn't all over the place already, I did want to give a little update on John. Tomorrow he has his first CT scan since he started the chemo. I'm not sure exactly what they're looking for, or expecting to see, but of course, I'm hoping for more than positive results. He's been feeling well and I feel so blessed for that. Thank you so much for all your thoughts, and prayers and e-mails. I really do appreciate each and every one of them. Friday he'll start round #5 out of 6. I can't wait to breathe a big sigh of relief when this is all over!

IKEA and Giveaway #6

After we hit the post office this morning, Isaiah and I headed up the road to IKEA. I cannot tell you how great it is to have one so close. I love all their cute, affordable items. For weeks I've been searching for boxes to mail the little house ornaments in. I seriously underestimated how difficult it would be to find such a thing. I've checked so many stores out, it's starting to become exhausting. I thought maybe IKEA would have something, since they always have some interesting things. Imagine my surprise when I found out that all the IKEA holiday items were 75% off. Yippie! I did find some cute boxes, but now I'm thinking that they're going to be too big. Anyway, I picked up a bunch of things and probably could have gotten a lot more had I not had a restless child with me. I bought everything in this picture, plus two rolls of wrapping paper (.25 each!), 3 more sets of the boxes, and two hand puppets for less than $20. Unbelievable!




Today's giveaway will be these three items. A set of white ornaments, felt ornaments (which have a black& white gingham on the back), and some very cute gift tags.



Yesterday's winner is:

Felicia please e-mail me your address to katiebhandbags@gmail.com


And did you see? My holiday meme is on the Sew, Mama, Sew blog today. How cool!

Little houses part deux and Giveaway #5

The ornaments are finally done. Each of these little guys started their lives as cardboard mailers that I picked up from the thrift store. I cut out each house using this template from Martha (who else?), glued them together, painted, glittered, the works. A couple of them I painted over a million times because the color wasn't just right. Sometimes I really hate that about myself. I start over analyzing, and then deciding if I like it or not. Pheeeww, it was quite the process. Now that they're done, I couldn't be happier. They really came out well. Each is a little different from the next, and I really hope my partners like them. And I hope no one is allergic to glitter, because there's a lot of it.

Today's giveaway will be one of these house ornaments. Not one of the exact ones shown, but one that is still needing a little love (or another coat of glitter) and waiting for it's metal hanger. Leave a comment on this post, and the winner will be named tomorrow.

And the winner of the pillow from yesterday's giveaway is :

Here are your random numbers:11
Timestamp: 2007-12-17 19:00:56 UTC

Katie please e-mail me your address to katiebhandbags@gmail.com

A meme, winner and Giveaway #4

Today I have an empty house, thanks to John. I was admittedly complaining the other day about how I feel that I have no time to myself. Thankfully, he offered to take Isaiah up to his parents for the day, leaving me free to sew, craft, clean, and veg out all by myself. I spent some time writing some Christmas cards and now I'm completely in the Christmas spirit. Now only if it would stop raining and start snowing!! Anyway, I saw this meme on the Sew, Mama, Sew Blog and I thought it would be fun. So here we go:

Gifts

Do you have a favorite gift that you love to give?
I love handmade gifts. Usually cookies for neighbors, ornaments for friends, and larger sewn items for those closest to me.

If you’re making gifts this year, what are you making? Most of the men are getting these dop kits.

My MIL is getting this bag.

Now I'm trying to figure out what to do for the rest. I guess I better decide soon!

Do you have any good stories about handcrafted gifts you’ve given or received? Last year my niece received her first American Girl doll for Christmas, so I decided to make her a dress for the doll. I spent a lot of time on it and it turned out beautifully. When she opened it, she just adored it. Then nana told her I had made it, and she lit up. She wanted to put it on her doll right away and didn't care about opening the rest of her presents. She walked around for awhile telling everyone I had made it for her. The warmth in my heart of overwhelming!

Do you have any great gift compilation ideas (a grouping of gifts just perfect for certain recipients?) I have to agree with Artsy Momma. I loved themed gifts and when things coordinate well. For instance, a diaper bag for a new mom filled with diapers, wipes, lotions for baby and mom.

Name one thing on your personal wish list. I would love a piece of her artwork (maybe if I had more money!!) or this book, which probably be helpful for all those last minute gifts.

Do you make and sell things that would make fantastic gifts? I have a quaint little shop over on etsy. I'm working on some more dop kits today, so hopefully I'll have them listed soon!

Traditions

What is your favorite family holiday tradition?After returning from church on Christmas eve, my family always makes sandwiches and watches A Christmas Story. We then each open one present, and usually fall asleep around the tree.

Have you started any new traditions with your family that you didn’t practice growing up?Not yet. This is our first Christmas in our own house together. This will also be the first Christmas Isaiah is actually excited about. He sort of has an understanding of Santa and is really loving all the holiday happenings.

What do you love most about the holiday season? I just love the happiness and cheerfulness of people. The willingness of people to help others. I wish we could all be like this more often, but I do appreciate the spirit that Christmas brings to people. Oh, and I love baking cookies.

What do you like least about the holiday season? The stress. Too many people shopping, crowded malls. Long lines. Thankfully I took the handmade pledge so I'm trying to avoid all that.

Anyone close to your heart that you’ll be missing this year? I'll be missing my own family this Christmas. John and I have routinely spending Christmas with my parents and sisters in NY since we were dating. This year we have to be here because of John's treatment. I do feel sad that I won't be in NY for Christmas. I love doing all the Christmas-y things with my sister. In a way though, John's illness has allowed us to slow down, enjoy and appreciate what we have. We get to spend Christmas together in our own house, and that's pretty special.

What is your favorite holiday food? um, cookies? When else is it alright to bake dozens of cookies and sneak a few from each batch?

Do you have a great recipe to share? Right now I'm loving this cookie recipe I posted a few days back. Hmmm.

Oh, you wanted to know who was the winner of yesterday's giveaway?? That was a long post. Tricky me. So, the winner of the doll quilt is:

Katherine Please send me your address to katiebhandbags@gmail.com

And today's giveaway is this pillow I showed not too long ago. I embroidered the middle design on linen and framed it with the gorgeous AB print. You have to click on the link to see it, because apparently I've deleted the pic from my computer. Leave a comment and the winner will be picked tomorrow!

Winner and Giveaway #3

The lucky winner of the Martha Ornaments is according to the swami.....

Here are your random numbers:8
Timestamp: 2007-12-15 16:05:24 UTC

Meg, a new to me blogger, but loving her blog! Meg, please e-mail me your address at katiebhandbags@gmail.com

I had all but forgotten that when I made this doll quilt for my wall, I had made a second one as well. The top has been lost in my stack of WIPs for a long time, but I recently just rediscovered it. It's a miniature version from Denyse Schmidt's book. I'd love to do a larger size eventually, but let's not get ahead of ourselves, right? So, for today's giveaway we have this doll quilt. I can't promise I'll have the binding done before the 19th, but you never know, miracles do happen! You know the drill, leave a comment, and tomorrow the winner will be picked with giveaway #4.

Martha and Giveaway Day #2

Isaiah and I took a nice trip to K-mart this morning in search of a star for the top of our Christmas tree. I didn't have any luck (and didn't have any at target last night), but I did walk away with some of the cutest ornaments. I swear I could've bought them all, but I restrained myself and only bought with a few. Actually, I was going to get two more for myself, but for some reason they weren't ringing up at the register. I just love these folk inspired ornaments. The bird didn't want to cooperate for the photo shoot. I may have to hit up the day after Christmas sale.

And the moment you have all been waiting for, the winner of giveaway #1 is:

#16 Geek + Nerd (Please e-mail me your address katiebhandbags@gmail.com)

For today's giveaway, I thought I'd share my love of Martha and offer these two gorgeous ornaments I picked up today. I looove them, but I'm afraid of tiny grabby hands around the tree. I thought someone should have them! You'll have until tomorrow to leave a comment and I'll announce tomorrow with giveaway #3.

A Giveaway A-Day for 7 days(well, sort of)

I had really wanted to do a fantastic Christmas giveaway, but I'm slacking in all areas of my life right now. So much going on, and no motivation to do any of it! Anyway, that's besides the point. I had originally wanted to do a 12 days of Christmas giveaway, but obviously that's not going to work. So, just pretend it's 12 days, o.k.? From now until the 18th of December, I will have a giveaway each day. On the 19th, I will mail everything out so that it will arrive in time for Christmas.

So for today's giveaway, one lucky winner will be receiving a few of my favorite thrifted fabrics. And I have several of them! Yesterday, I actually made it to the thrift store and found this gem. Every time I find fabric there, it's usually in multiple yardage. It's amazing actually. (pictures are hard to get today, so gloomy, I promise this is cute in real life!)

So leave a comment and I'll pick the winner tomorrow when I announce the next giveaway. Everyone is welcome to enter, just know that if you're out of the U.S. you may not get it until after Christmas.

Little houses

They're almost ready to be sent out. I went through several ideas before settling on this one for the ornament swap. They're turning out to be a little more tedious than I thought, with all the cutting of the thrifted cardboard mailers, the gluing, the painting, and the glittering. But I think it'll be worth it. And now I've developed an unhealthy obsession with Martha's glitter. That glitter is to die for. I wish I had it in every color. Sick I tell ya! The hardest part about making these is deciding what colors to use. At first I wanted to do them all colored, but now I kind of like the cream with the colored roofs. I may just end up with 30 of them. Hopefully I'll get them all done tonight. That's probably what I should be doing now!

Take that Starbucks!

If you're anything like me, Starbucks is a dangerous place this time of year. My mouth waters at the sound of Peppermint Mochas, and those cookies are to die for. I swear I crave them at least 4 times a week. And I wish I were kidding. Yesterday I really wanted a cookie, but there was no way I was going to drive with all those crazies out there, so I searched for a recipe online, and found this one. I didn't have all the ingredients, so I'm posting the modified on I made. These taste exactly like the Starbucks one. Hmm soooo good.

Molasses Cookies

2 1/4 cup flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp fresh ginger (you can substitute 1 tsp ground, but add with dry ingredients instead)

2 1/2 tbsp milk

5 1/2 tbsp butter softened

4 tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup unsulphured molasses

1/3 cup granulated sugar for coating dough

Preheat oven to 375°.Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon into a medium bowl and set aside. Mix together the butter and oil, and then cream together with the brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, no less than 3 minutes. Beat in the egg, ginger and molasses and continue to mix until well combined. Pour the milk over the flour mixture and stir gently until it has absorbed some of the flour. Gradually add the flour mixture into the shortening mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl several times.

Form the dough into as many balls as you want cookies. I used a small cookie scoop, and that worked out well. Roll the dough balls in the granulated sugar. Place on a lined cookie sheet (either with parchment paper or a silicone mat) and cook for 12-15 minutes. Let cool a few minutes and transfer to a wire rack.

And as an alternative to a $4 Peppermint Mocha, here's a recipe for that too. This makes one mug. You can double the recipe, but I wouldn't double the amt of salt.

Peppermint Mocha

1 Tbsp Sugar (I use Turbinado sugar, but you can use granulated, just adjust sugar to your liking)

1 Heaping Tbsp Cocoa powder

1/4 cup water

Dash of salt

3/4 cup of coffee (I use day old, but you can use freshly brewed)

1/2 cup Milk

1/4 tsp Peppermint Extract

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, water, and salt. Mix thoroughly and bring to a boil, stir frequently for about 2 minutes. Add coffee until warm, then stir in milk and peppermint extra. You may adjust the mint to your taste. Top with whipped cream and enjoy with a molasses cookie!

I'll probably be enjoying these all weekend, especially while getting our tree and decorating. Have a good one everyone!

Blah, Thrift, Blah, Sew

Sigh, I think a lot of people are having the same feelings I'm having. Excited about the holidays, but overwhelmed with all the bustle that goes with it. Today it finally felt like winter, snowing most of the day. Actually it might still be snowing out, but we only have about 2 inches or so. The thing that cracks me up about living in this area is how the tiniest bit of snow gets everyone in a tizzy. I grew up in a place where snowstorms were the norm, and you only missed school if you had at least 1/2 a ft of snow. Oh well, I'm glad to have it. I just laugh everytime they make a big news story about it. Isaiah and I went outside and played in it for a while and he looooved it. I just love little kids bundled up in snow gear making it impossible for them to move. Definitely brightened my day.

Pheeww.. I'm pretty sure that was a lot of rambling. I haven't posted in a while, but there has been a lot of sewing going on around here. I've been busy with orders, post office runs, and holiday decorating. On Saturday I enjoyed a child free trip to the thrift store and I made out like a bandit. I spent the most I think I've ever spent at that thrift store ($75), but I found so many great things. I found these pottery barn stockings with the tags still on them for $1.81 each. Granted, our names are not Kerry-ann, michael, and aidan, but I'll figure something out. Any ideas?? I'm sure that these were gifts that someone didn't want. I looove them.

I also got all these houses and various decorations you see here. Except for that portrait of Isaiah. That was my BIL's gift to us last Christmas.

The find of the day was this gorgeous hand sewn quilt I found for $14. Normally I would never spend that much, but it was just so unusual and pretty, I had to get it. I think it's a full/queen and it does have a few stains and some places that are tattered, but I just love it. It'll probably end up being re purposed, but I don't have an exact plan for it yet.

Not pictured, but found the same day were 2 vintage fabrics (each about 2 yards), 2 bags filled with embroidery floss, a nutcracker, Christmas ornaments, and a lecreuset saucepan. Ah, just writing about all of this makes me want to go thrifting right this very minute!!

Alright, back to more sewing. Can't wait for project runway tonight. It better be a good one.

Stitching away

Lately it seems that I have a lot to show, but no motivation to actually getting around to post. And it's not for lack of computer time either. I'm spending a lot more time on the computer now that the t.v. in our room died (sigh). I really think it's the shorter days. I just need that daylight! (ok, that will be my last daylight savings time rant). The other night I got the sudden urge to embroider, and I've been in an embroidery mood ever since. I don't normally do it, but it's nice to have a craft to do while sitting and watching all my shows.

From the moment I saw this AB print, I was in love. I just love the color and style. So, I drew one of the lotus flowers and embroidered it in red on some scrap linen. Sewed a few quick strips around the edges, and backed it with linen.

I stuffed it with a pillow form that I picked up at IKEA for $1.49. How cheap is that?? I have two more forms, so I'll probably be making a few more pillows. I'm really happy with how this came out. I just love the embroidery. I'm planning on doing some more embroidery for an ornament swap I'm participating. John starts his 4th round of chemo tomorrow, so it'll be a good little project to take with me. You gotta love portable crafting!

I also wanted to offer up a little deal to my blog pals. I have a lot of headbands leftover from the craft fair, and they're just taking up space. For some reason I really thought I'd sell like 100 of them, so I made close to that. Oh boy, that was silly. So, if you're interested, please send me an e-mail at katiebhandbags@gmail.com and I'll set up an etsy listing just for you. Regular price is $8.50, sale price is $7.50 each, or 2 for $14, or 3 for $20. Buyer must pay for shipping. You can see your choices here. It also comes in green, I just haven't relisted it yet.

Holiday Mode

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm in full holiday mode. I want to decorate, craft, bake, you get the idea. Although I have yet to do any of the above. Hopefully I'll get around to making the tree skirt before we actually get the tree. And I've already strained my vocal chords singing Mariah's "All I want for Christmas". I probably shouldn't have admitted that, although I know I'm probably not the only one!

I've been wanting to make travel bag, or a "dop kit" as John's family calls it, forever. Men are always so hard to make gifts for, so I thought this might be a good one. I'm really happy with the way it came out. I used some thrifted wool fabric, and some suede from a thrifted skirt. I'm toying around with the idea of putting an applique on the side, just so that it doesn't look so plain. I don't know, we'll see.

Anyway, this one is up for sale on etsy if your interested. Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know mine was great!

It's never too late for a Halloween post!

Now that Halloween was like, oh say, almost a month ago, I thought I'd post a picture of Isaiah dressed to the nines. I tried to get him to wear a panda costume that my MIL had made for her kids, but he was not into it. So, a greaser he was. A perfect outfit for a little toddler who didn't want any costume. Jeans, white shirt, and a thrifted leather jacket.
He loooooooved having mousse in his hair. It was so crazy. I actually had to hide the bottle because he kept walking around with it trying to put it in his hair. Ugh, I hope I didn't start something there. He was a little apprehensive about the whole trick or treating thing, but once he realized he was getting something out of it, there was nothing stopping him. He got some good things too (and I should know, I ate most of it). He wouldn't say "trick or treat", so we had him knock and say "pleeeeeeeaaaaaaaasee." It was so cute. Anyway, just thought I'd share since I have nothing better, or crafty to blog about. I'll be making two pies tonight, and will be preparing for some heavy cooking tomorrow. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

I must like pink

This daylight savings time is still cramping my style. I hate it getting so dark before 5pm, and I always feel like it 3 hours later than it really is. I'm pretty sure my brain stops functioning after dark anyway. Plus it's impossible to take any quality photos.

I know I said that I was sick of sewing scarves, but Saturday found me sewing up a scarf for my giveaway winner and noticing that I had several partially finished scarves from my large order. So two more scarves it was. I finished them up this morning, and if my lazy butt ever gets around to it, they will be up on etsy.

I really spent most of the weekend working on this bag.

It's from the same fabric as this wallet and the brown leather suede accents are from a thrifted skirt. I really love the way it came out. I had originally intended to list it on etsy, but for the time that it took me to complete it, I'd have to charge a lot for it, and I'm not sure anyone would buy it. So, it'll probably end up as a Christmas gift for my MIL, although I'm not sure she really wants a pink purse. Who knows, maybe I'll just keep it for myself.

rain and a wallet

Today it is raining hard and I'm finding it difficult to have any motivation to do anything around the house. I did take a shower, only to put some pajamas back on. At least I'm clean, right? I shipped the scarves out on Tuesday and I'm glad to have that out of my hair. I find it really difficult to sew a lot of the same things at once. I'm a lot more product when I have a couple of projects going on at once. Something about controlled chaos I suppose.

I spent the better part of yesterday working on this wallet.

The outer fabric I got at Hancock's last week when the decorator fabrics were 50% off. I am in looove with it and I'm tempted to go buy more. Since it's so dreary out the pictures aren't the best, but I did need an opinion on the button. What do you think? With or without?

This may find itself in my etsy shop a little later on today. We'll see if I get my act together. Otherwise you can find me sleeping on the couch.

Seashell Angel Ornament Tutorial

What you need:

• 3 wide seashells, two preferablly a little bit smaller than one


• 1 small wooden bead, approximately .5" in diameter


• hot glue gun
  
• acrylic paints


• small paint brushes


• strand of small beads or pearls

Step 1:
Place the bead onto the end of a small paint brush. This is to hold it steady during the painting step. Place a small amount of hot glue into the hole on top. This way it will look more like a head than a bead. After the glue dries, paint on the hair. You can use your color choice

Step 2:

Paint on the facial features. I use the end of a paint brush to dot on the eyes. Then brush a small amount of pink for the cheeks and add a mouth. Let dry.

Step 3:

Using the hot glue gun, dab a small amount on the side of the larger shell, and attach one of the smaller shells like this. Repeat on the other side.

Step 4:

After the paint is dry, attach the head to the body using a small amount of glue to the body. You want to try to angle the head down slightly so that you cannot see the hole on the bottom.

Step 5:
Cut a piece of ribbon about 4" long. Glue onto the back in a loop for a hanger.

Step 6: (Optional)
Add a small strand of beads across the front.

Tada! And a finished ornament. I used these last year on the front of Christmas packages.

Is anyone interested in kits of these to make themselves? I'd probably be do a set of 3 for $5-$7.

Winners and a question

The first winner is Jessi and the second is Lindsey . Jessi, you get first pick, so e-mail me with your choice. Please e-mail me with your addresses! Katiebhandbags@gmail.com


And the question... Is anyone interested in a tutorial on how to make angel ornaments with shells? If so I'll write a quick one up and post it.

One Year

Well it seems that many people in the blog world are celebrating some type of milestone. It didn't occur to me until after seeing some, that I had passed my one year anniversary. So much has changed for me in one year : We lived with John's parents, bought our own home, had a baby turn 1, took a nice family vacation, and found out John has cancer. Phewww.. who would have ever thought. I am so thankful that I have found blogging. (and I don't even want to mention my first entry, yikes). I've made some great friends, who have made me feel that I am not crazy for sewing instead of doing the laundry. You have all given me encouragement for my crafting, and support through this whole John ordeal. So as a huge Thank You for all the comments, cards, gifts, etc, I thought what better way than a good old fashioned giveaway!

I'll choose two winners at random on Monday morning. The first chosen will get the option to choose either a scarf or two headbands. Each winner will get to decide which color they would like their prize in. So if you want to be entered, leave me so love! Everyone is welcome to enter!!

On another note, today John starts his third treatment. After this is finished he'll be halfway done. Whooohoooo!

A business opportunity

I really thought that after the craft fair was over, I'd be able to get it together. But I'm starting to realize that I may, in fact, never get it together. And I think I'm o.k with that. Right now, I'm busy sewing up 15 scarves. These scarves are an order that resulted from my craft fair. Actually, I'll tell you the story. We had barely finished setting up, when two nice ladies came over to my table, and immediately started gushing about the scarves. She loved them, told me how wonderful my table was, and then, she had a business proposition for me. Can you believe it?? I nearly peed my pants (and I'm not kidding). Anyway, she owns her own business in which she has over 100 vendors of handmade goods, and each month she has a showcase of 40 and sells their products. And she wanted 15 of my scarves. She actually thought at first she could buy them all, but then realized I'd be left with nothing to show. I only had 9 scarves there. So, that was some major excitement. After she left, my cousin and I both needed to sit to compose ourselves. The only catch is that I have to mail these scarves out by Monday, leaving me little time to sew anything else.

I also wanted to show this cute little package from Jenn Maruska. Let me tell you, if you ever have an opportunity to swap with this lovely girl, do it! It was a small swap, in which she requested this Pumpkin Spice coffee drink, and offered up some of her gorgeous wool. (Grr for the blurry picture) How could I resist that? This is our second swap with a month or two. And I'd happily do it again! Thanks Jenn!!

All about the Craft Fair...

I am pleased to say that the craft fair was a huge success! I sold a good amount of things, met some really nice people, and made a great business contact. I even got to meet a bloggy friend, Stephanie, of Creative Reveries, who was just as nice in person as she seems on her blog! Plus, she wore this skirt that she made which is soo cute! Here we are in front of my table. I didn't realize it until I looked at this picture, but I must have looked like a hot mess! Oops. Stephanie is wearing the scarf that she bought from me. She was happy that I still had it because she had seen it on my blog. I thought that was funny.

Anyway, it was interesting to see what sold. The scarves were by far the most popular thing. I definitely should have made more, and I probably would have sold more if I had. I only brought one of each color, so lesson learned there. I only sold a few of my headbands, which actually surprised me. I guess people aren't into headbands as much as I thought. I'll be listing them on etsy when I get a chance. I probably won't make any more for a while, so if you wanted one for a stocking stuffer, better get them while you can!



I didn't remember to take a picture of my table until closer to the end of the day. It looked more full at the beginning. My MIL and I found the quilt rack at the thrift store and she painting it white. I used cake stands to prop up the smaller bags, and a few bowls to hold other items on the table.




Overall it was a great experience, but I was glad it was over. I spent yesterday just relaxing and it was wonderful. Now I have a custom order to do 15 scarves this week, so that is a new challenge. But the craft room has to be cleaned up before anything gets done! Thank you D.C. Craft Mafia for putting on a wonderful show!