Sunday, November 23, 2008

The big day

WOW what a day we had yesterday!!! I think we encountered all 4 seasons - from pouring rain and and howling wind to sunshine (although the sunshine was not around long). It was snowing in the hills around Canberra so it was very cold being out side all day. But I wouldn't have changed a thing as it was such a great experience an I learned many lessons!

I wanted to blog about my nervousness and excitment but I was so busy finalising all the small details that I just ran out of time. I did however create a etsy store - so check it out here.


My friend and I had so much fun yesterday and met some wonderful people. It was a great event and I think there were about 2500 people over the day. Although it seemed as if every one came from 10 - 2pm and then there were less people over the afternoon.

My friends paper goods sold like hot cakes - everyone loved them (its hard not to when they are just so devine and very reasonably priced)

Unfortunatly not many people purchased my cushion covers :(

Alot of people seemed interested but I'm unsure why the didn't sell. Perhaps I had the price to high (although I think it is reasonable) or perhaps I didn't have the colours they were after.


I'm a little bit disheartened but I had such a fun day that I'm very glad I did it.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Disaster

Disaster has struck….. my sewing machine has gone to heaven.

I was just finishing up a few final items for the markets this Saturday when my machine started making this horrible clunking noise. To my surprise I wasn’t upset at all, I just started working on other little bits and pieces that didn’t require my sewing machine. After discussing the pros and cons of getting this one fixed with my partner he suggested that I buy a new one. What a great idea!!!!
I’m kinda a bit bummed about having to spend some extra money but I love sewing so much that it really over rides any other feelings. So today in my lunch hour I’m off to buy a new machine. I’m very excited because I have no idea what I’m going to end up with.
I’ll post some pictures of the new little one when I get it home…….

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Busy little bee

I have been so busy preparing for Canberra’s handmade markets this weekend that I have not had a chance to blog! I’ve been coming up with some great designs on my cushions and I hope that other people like them as much as I do.

My stall partner has also been busy working away on her greeting cards. I am always utterly amazed at the beautiful work she does. I wonder where she gets all her inspiration… she is just so creative! Hopefully on the weekend some of that will rub of on me!!

I saw some of her Christmas card range at the end of last week and just about jumped up and down on the spot because I know that they are going to be a big hit. She has all the original Christmas colours as well as all kinds of variations – so if you like traditional or modern she will have cards that you will just fall in love with.

Yesterday I did a practice run setting up the marquee to make sure I knew how to do it and how long it would take. It was very easy and I hope that it all runs smoothly on the day.

I have so many ideas, emotions and thoughts running through my head all day and night that I can hardly concentrate or sleep. I’m super excited and I can hardly sit still long enough to write this. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Canberra's Upmarket - Handmade Market

So for the next week I’m busy creating new cushion cover designs for Canberra’s Upmarket!
You should see the mess I have made at home, there are all kinds of fabric every where.

I am really enjoying working on this project and I’ve been spending so much time on it that I’ve hardly even thought about anything else. I don’t even feel like cooking so my poor partner is missing out on yummy dinners.

And I’m very excited to be working with a good friend on this project – she designs greeting cards! (I’ll post some pictures of her work that she will be selling in my next post). I’m so glad to be working with her as she gave me the extra support needed to actually go ahead with this.

The cushion covers I will be selling come in sets of 2, a large one 14 x 21 inch and a smaller square one 13 x 13 inches. I’ve included a picture of a set which is one of my favourites. They remind me of summer and a beautiful beach house.
One of the reasons I decided to start making cushion covers was because I couldn’t find anything I like in the shops and every thing I did like was over $60 each. I couldn’t find any unique covers that were at a reasonable price, so I hope that people like my designs and also find that they are affordable.








Wow it has been a few weeks since I have blogged - and what a few weeks it has been!


I recently brought a secondhand sewing machine and I created some cushion covers as a little starting project. The feedback I received seemed to be really positive. I'm a huge fan of Etsy and so I started thinking of perhaps making up some more covers and selling them there. I thought I'd make a few and test to see if people were interested in what I make...I mean just because I like it doesn't mean to say anyone else will!!!

I've been tossing and turrning for a few weeks now when I found a flyer for the 'Canberra Upmarket'. I love handmade products are they are so special and different. I was very excited and thought it would be great to go along and see if any one there sells cushion covers like I was thinking of making when it occurred to me.....why couldn't I go along and be a seller?


Now for me this decision was a big one....I'm so scared of people not liking what I have created so putting my stuff out for sale face to face with people is scary!