Monday, May 17, 2010

the gals wanted skirts


I am so happy to say that Twist was super fun and successful for me. It seems like everyone wanted a new skirt for the warm weather and, well, WOW, how fun is it to see folks walk away with something I made? I've been thinking about which direction to go lately with the whole making clothes thing, and though I'm still not sure, I do know that selling to retail stores seems to make zero sense for someone like me. First, I can't see how I could charge enough to make any money at all, and second, you miss out on what I just described above. I like to talk to people and see them loving something I made. Is that vanity? Probably- and I admit it. But it's more than that too, though I can't quite name it. Now, I just need to decide how many shows I want to do and if I can spend the time needed to build up inventory when I have so many other projects going that require a lot. I'm open to anyone's thoughts. See, I just want more comments- because I'm vain!

Anyhoo, I had a new set-up at Twist which was a vast improvement to the last time, but still needs some tweaking. I decided to make a sign after hearing that it would cost $100 to have one printed! Yea, right. A roll of freezer paper, the font from my business cards (and blog banner), some canvas and some paint was all it required and it was done in an hour or so. A good reminder that i should assume I can make it first, then head further out in the world if I need help. This is what I did:

1) I printed full page letters in my font.
2) I traced said letters onto a long piece of freezer paper so they spelled out "one golden apple".
3) I cut letters out of freezer paper with a craft knife.
4) I ironed freezer paper to white canvas.
5) I applied paint where those cut letters were stuck, let it dry, and peeled off the freezer paper. Perfect!
6) I painted my logo with a paintbrush and freezer paper stenciled the apple on the tree.
7) I machine stitched around the periphery in a meandering sort of way, as I am wont to do.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

time to sew



Although I have been sort of insane with preparations for Twist, I have loved sewing late into the night and for so many hours at a time. I actually find it easier to find inspiration with both hours of making things behind me and with the promise of more hours to come. I never find it boring, though sometimes I make stupid mistakes when I get a bit sleepy- really stupid mistakes. I had a few nights of only a few hours of sleep in a row and was very impressed with myself for feeling pretty ok, and then last night my body flipped me the bird and I slept for no less than 12 hours! Any parents out there remember the last time they did that? Me neither. Then I went to band practice tonight and my voice was super rough, though not in that good Lucinda Williams way, and I thought that maybe I'm really not as young as I perceive myself to be (because I'm not) and that I better take care or things will easily head south (as some things may have done already, if you know what I mean).

In short, I love having time to sew or make anything. It has been so sunny and hot and there is a mockingbird who sings through the night, and the flowers on the autumn olive are so sweet smelling, as are the lilacs, and things are looking pretty dang bright. I have good news to share with you next week. I know I keep saying there is news a-coming, but I can almost announce it now, so just letting you know that I can almost tell you something helps me manage my unabashed excitement.

Come to Twist! Buy something pretty. Oh, and have a look at another reason why Spring is so completely fabulous. You saw them last year, these morels from under our old trees. They are so photogenic that here they are again this year. Again, we ate them on toasts with herbed goat cheese and I could have cried they were so good.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Spring Twist Fair

I have simply been too busy to blog about anything, but I do want everyone around to remember that next weekend, May 7-8 is the Twist Fair and I will be showing and selling there. I sure hope you will come on by and say hello. Skirts were the most popular item last time, so I have focused on them- besides, everyone wants a new skirt in the spring- but I will have some dresses, table runners, and other bits and bobs too. I'll try to post a few teasers. xo