pouch factory no more

This past weekend I took part in my first craft fair, at the Holiday Arts & Crafts Emporium. I won't lie-- I've been cutting and sewing like a crazy woman for the past month to prepare for it. The past week I've woken up with a start at 4 a.m. every morning, no alarm needed, and then I'd head down to my sewing room for a few hours before everyone else would wake up. It feels good to be done with that. Although it was also pretty nice to have that time to myself.

I shared a double booth with 6 other etsy sellers. We received a grant for part of the booth costs from etsy, hence the "etsy.com" booth name.

My table:

Lots and lots of pouches:

Key fobs:

And some iPad cozies (Made from a tutorial here at One Shabby Chick. Thank you Amber!):

I learned a lot from the experience. It wasn't a big money-maker by any means, and I don't think I had the right kind of audience for my goods. But I did have quite a few really great people come in and say that they loved what I make. I might give the whole holiday craft fair another go next year, but at a different venue.

I've got lots and lots of stock now for my etsy shop! I'll be listing items over the next few days and offering a coupon code for blog readers. I'll make sure to keep you posted.

flurries

It's been busy in these parts. With the first snow flurries came the overwhelming realization that there is a lot to do in the next few weeks! So a flurry of crafting activity soon followed.

The big thing is that I'll be taking part in a group booth at the Anchorage Christmas Arts & Crafts Emporium in two and a half weeks. I've been cutting lots and lots of fabric in preparation for doing a good deal of the sewing at a retreat (!) the weekend before. But I've also started assembling some smaller things.

Key fobs:

Bookmarks:

And craft aprons (one for me, and a few to sell):

I'm excited! In breaks I'm also sewing up some things for bees and a private swap. I'll have to share more on those later. Let's just say that some projects are easier to finish than others...
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Amidst this flurry of activity I also forgot to choose a winner of the Modern Blocks e-book. The winner is:

Which just happens to be Monica! Monica, you are a lucky lady (this is the second time she's won a giveaway here!). I'll arrange to have the e-book sent to you ASAP.