Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Learning curve - and a giveaway!

Guess what I've been working on???  Accessories!  I've been wanting to add bow ties, flowers and harnesses for a while, but have been having a hard time getting started.  Finding the right pattern, making it work for you, and then learning how to make the new product is a challenge that takes me out of my comfort zone. (Then, of course, you begin to start to master making the product, another fun challenge!)  I started working on a step in harness, but after spending the afternoon creating it - didn't like it at all! LOL   So back to the drawing board (or cutting board, rather) for that one.  Two more patterns have been ordered, so we'll see which one feels better!

Working in my first big craft show diverted my energy away from new products, but I have ventured out of the comfort zone again, this time with the bow ties.  Didn't exactly love the first one - but the more I stuck to it, the more comfortable it became.  I am determined to have bow ties and flowers at the next show, in addition to the collars!  Growth can feel a little stressful and uncomfortable, but I know it will be worth it!  Here's a sneak peek, my friends, of what will be available in the shop next week!  Only three patterns so far, but many more are coming. The more I make, the more I want to make - guess I should step out of the comfort zone more often, eh? 





What do you think, friends?  What kinds of patterns would you like to see for your pups?  More stripes? Solid colors? Dots? Fancy fabrics (like satins or silks) for weddings? Seersucker?  Comment with your suggestions, and you could win one for your pup!  Winner chosen May 10! 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Dog collars, chevron and Elvis

Friends!  Do you know how many blogs I have written in my mind over the last month?  A ton.  I think of you guys often - wanting to tell you how things are going, sharing the latest exploits of my crazy critters. 

Let me tell you where I've been - I've been hitting the craft fair circuit!!   Oh my goodness - it seriously is so much fun.  Granted, it is also a ton of work, and I have been rather stressed, but it's been a great time.   I am going to make sure to tell you all where I will be next, so you all can come and say hello!

This past weekend, I participated in a great venue called Sweet Tea and Shopping, held at Bottom View Farm in Portland, TN.  Sooooo amazing!  I truly felt like I stepped into the magazine "Where Women Create" (if you don't know about that magazine, RUN, don't walk to your local bookstore - it's truly inspiring).  I was surrounded by amazing, talented women, and got a ton of ideas about how to decorate my booth! I learn something new every time.....  Here are some pics from my booth:




 
Can you believe all this came from falling in love with my sewing machine again??
 
Loving life, my friends!  The next show will be May 11, at the Factory at Franklin - it's the Mother's and Daughters Cupcakes and Tea event.  Lots of shopping and fun to be had by all.  Can't wait to show you pics from that show!
 
(Oh, and by the way, YES, I have fallen in love with chevron - like everyone else - and the "Elvis" is the name of my new doggie pupcake!  Oat flour, bananas, carob chips and peanut butter!)