One Down

Today I'm off to Santa Rosa for a fabric scouting trip. There's a big fabric store up there, about 35 miles from here. I need some pinks & beiges, some more fabric for my wedding and something blue for an adult bib. I'm looking forward to it. It's so pretty around here right now and most of the drive is just hills...gorgeous. It's kind of grey today, but it's still going to be nice.
I wanted to share the finished custom tote with you before I go. I think the tote works well with the zipper closure & pockets. Maybe I'll make some more for the market & see what happens. I've also got two custom monkeys moving out today. That leaves me with another custom purse and two Hawaiian shirts to make this week. I think I can manage that.

Also, yesterday I received two really great books from Amazon.com, I've been anxiously awaiting their arrival. I'll try to give you a complete review at some point, but at first glance, both are excellent!


Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts and Doodle-Stitching. I can just sit and leaf through both of these books all day. I'm a very visual person and am especially drawn to good, clean graphics. These books score an A+ in that area. I've just started reading, so I'll get back to you. Ohhh, they're just heaven!

Too Early for Halloween

I mentioned a while back that I'd like to add simple and affordable Trick or Treat bags to my shops. Well, I made a couple and put them out at my booth last week. I just had to say that a lady came by and made a somewhat rude comment about it being September, then I sold both of them a little later. All I can say is..."whatever"! I'm going to make some custom bags with kids' names too, so there! It's so funny what people feel the need to say when you're selling your handmade things. I didn't do Halloween in July, it's late September. hmpf

Etsy Love #8 - The Cherry Stem

Yeah, you'd be excited if this was in your mailbox. What a great little drawing! Thanks so much miss LeeAnn. Not only did she send me the cutest and most ginormous tote bags, but she drew this on the package. I can't do justice to the tote bags, you'll have to check out the Mint Basil blog to see why I went instantly to thecherrystem on Etsy to grab them before anyone else could. These totes are just great. I love reusable bags, but they're usually not very big. These bags are even big enough for Target,if you can imagine that.
On top of the great totes and packaging I got lovely hand written card, always appreciated, and some fantastic vintage buttons. LeeAnn suggested they'd make great monkey eyes, but there's no way I can part with them. (She's right though, they'd make great glasses) I wear glasses, maybe I can use them to make a monkey for myself. There's an idea. lol
So, please go check out thecherrystem. Her shop is filled with lovely things, I love her mason jar pincushions. Makes me want to start a collection.

My First Swap

I've been holding off on this post to make sure my partner had her goodies, and now she does! So, here's all the neat stuff I got from Tamy in the Summer Bucket of Fun Swap.

I love it all, what a great theme. I wouldn't normally be drawn to this color scheme, but it's great, isn't it? I love the little tablecloth, it's on my kitchen table right now. And Nick had a nice tall drink adorned with a big flower cozy this weekend. lol Thanks so much Tamy for making my first swap such a great time. I hope everyone else had a good experience too. You can see more swap piccies on the swap group page on Flickr.

And just for kicks, here's my swap container that I made to send to Tamy. I did an unbleached cotton tote with a big sunshine on it. I've been wanting to do a sort of messy applique for a while and this was the perfect opportunity. I found 2 great orange and yellow pillowcases at the charity shop and was able to use one for the lining.

Can't wait for the next swap. what fun!