Friday 19 October 2007

Craft Night

Finally I can pause for a moment and STOP SEWING for 5 minutes!

Now you all know how much I love sewing but it has been manic here this week.

The dining room table (extended to its limits) disappeared under piles of scrumpled fabrics, folded fabrics, ironed (wow!) fabrics, patterns, books, threads, buttons, ribbons, interfacing, wadding and lace and the floor was completely covered with scraps and threads! Meanwhile I pretty much disappeared as far as J and the children were concerned while I sewed, and sewed and sewed (and did more ironing!)

The reason for this chaos was a last minute invitation to have a table at a Save The Children night in the local pub function room. I knew I had stalls coming up in November but this one really caught me on the hop and I didn't have enough stock. So I have been burning the candle at both ends trying to have enough to show - especially as this would be a chance to show my work to a different audience than at the school fairs (although many of my friends came last night too.)

Things went rather pear-shaped when J rang from Newcastle where he was totally stuck in traffic for ages - I wasn't even sure he would be back in time at all. So I abandoned all plans of a nice shower and change of clothes and Dot and my friend Alison, who had called in for half an hour to see if she could do anything, helped me finish getting everything ready and labelled. My neighbour Pam had also been helping me earlier in the day - I've got really kind friends.

Now, Dot really, really, really, really wanted to come with me but I had said no because I knew it would be really crowded, but she was so helpful before I went that I relented. But............

Unfortunately.........

Just as we were getting into the car (late), poor little Dot slammed her hand in the car door! She really hurt her index finger but was even more devastated because she thought she wouldn't be able to come. So we plastered her up and set off again - even later than ever with a last minute panic to try and set everything up.
But HURRAY! It was a success! I sold three wallets, some purses, 3 bags and an art bag plus orders for 4 more and orders for a little doll and ........................

A Princess and the Pea set!!!!










I had taken the children's dolls along as samples along with the new Christmas Angel that I adapted from Rosalie Quinlan's Bucket full of Angels pattern as an order from a friend.

A lot of people took a card and several were interested in my fleece blankets and cushions so it was a very successful evening.

It wasn't as successful for J though! Poor Fred spent the evening being rather poorly with an upset tummy. Not pleasant! Sorry I missed that really.

Today has been spent trying to find the dining room table and floor (done!) and layering and attaching the binding to the baby-clothes quilt. I just need to do a bit of quilting and then stitch the binding and it will be done! (I know you are meant to quilt before attaching the binding but I am only doing a little bit of quilting and it will not be properly flat because of the thickness of some of the squares) This has all been done with the dulcet tones of C-Beebies in the background while a perfectly healthy Fred kicks a football around the sitting room!

I will re-open my Etsy shop next week for a fortnight until my next show. It will have my new stock and also my Princess and the Pea set to order.

P.S. This bit is especially for my sister Ally
Guess what Fred had for lunch?
2 lovely runnnnnnnnny dippy-eggs with soldiers! and I had an egg mayo sandwich with lettuce from the greenhouse and sweet chilly dipping sauce! Are you still glad you asked me to update my blog?
You do LOVE eggs don't you Ally?

20 comments:

Monkee Maker said...

Hurrah! Glad you had a successful night - even though it started badly (hope Dot's finger is better soon).

I wondered why you'd been less abusive on my blog recently - it's because you've been so busy!!

With regard to Blogger playing up .... sometimes I have to unplug my router when I have problems uploading photos - have you tried that?

trash said...

Hey! Yours has six letters in the verification!

Now I can't be sure but think I may on the same page as your sister re: eggs. Bleaugh!!!

Glad all went well and looks to be getting even better with the whole selling of the beloved crafts thing.

Thimbleanna said...

OhMyGosh Lucy -- look at you with all those wonderful projects to sell! Everything looks beautiful -- so glad you had a successful night! I love all the little embroidered items and can't believe you're surprised at the Princes and the Pea order -- if I had a little girl, I just have to have one of those! Now, can you tell me what soldiers are with runny eggs??? ;-)

dutchcomfort said...

You have been sooo busy and how wonderful it was a successful night!
How do you manage to make so many things in so little time! A tutorial would be great!!

Mrs Moog said...

So glad your night went well after all your hard work. I love every single one of your projects. Those embroideries are gorgeous and I cannot get over the Princess and the Pea - fab fab fab!!
Yes of course you can come to scrapstore with me - although the travel costs might just negate the bargains!! I'll fill a bag for you next time - how's that?
Enjoy your non-sewing time xxx

weirdbunny said...

Congratulations on your sucess ! I haven't received my wallet of Hannah yet, but I can't wait to get it ~ love Julia x

Leanne said...

Glad to hear the craft night was a success. I hope poor Dot's finger is O.K. and I love the welcome stitchery.

Lissa Jane said...

Lucy
I'd been wondering where you been! glad you had a sucessful night with your stall, but then again, why wouldn't you? everything was lovely! especially the red things and the princess and the pea, I LOVE IT! gorgeous, dont worry about little girls loving it, this big (huge) girl does too!
I love it when things dont go to plan with the hubby and the kids are left home.. DH calls it babysitting, I call it being a parent! LOL hope all is well now on your patch of the planet.. I like dippy eggs with soldiers too... might have one for lunch!

Lissa

Anonymous said...

What beautiful projects! I really love to sew baby clothes for baby gifts. I just wish I had more time to do more projects!

Anonymous said...

Hi Lucy! It all looks great. You should see my dining table with 11 Dilberts in different stages for the creche market day and the kids spread over the rest of the house. I'm keeping an eye on your blog too! Best wishes Rachel in Australia

Annie said...

What a beautiful stall, congratulations on your success!

est said...

so great that you had a fantastic time in the craft!!!hope more are coming soon! :)

Yummers! said...

I just read about dippy eggs with soldiers, but I can't remember where. When I was little, my mom called those "Dippo eggs". I HATE eggs!!!

Your crafts look wonderful. Yes, I would like to order a Princess and the Pea set. I've wanted one of those since I first met you.

Happy for you that your sale was a good one!
Happy weekend,
Joni

Jodie said...

ah Lucy - our weeks sound like they were at the same pace. Glad it was worth it in the end though with a successful stall.

Anonymous said...

Well done darling! I am so impressed. Keep up the good work, it is fantastic. Love you loads. Mum and Dad xx

Colleen formerly of South Africa said...

The princess and pea set is too dear.Glad you made the deadline for your pub showing. Colleen in South AFrica

corry said...

What a sucess...congratulations! The table looks wonderful, such a lovely crafts! I love the red and white dots items, just gorgeous!

mc said...

Your works are lovely, enjoy visiting your blog space.
Best wishes*

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you had a successful time- craft fairs can be so hit and miss, but you've obviously got them sussed out!
Did I notice on your last post that I won some chocolate?! Maybe you could give it to Dot- my Dad shut my fingers in the car door (by accident of course) when I was younger (much!) and it really b****y hurt: So I have the utmost sympathy for her!

Kate North said...

Love that Princess and the Pea idea- very clever & very cute.