Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Art, Crafts and "Stuff"

I decided at the last minute last week to enter a local craft show.  I was the last entry of forty vendors to reserve a table last Wednesday afternoon and the show was held on Saturday.  I don't do craft shows normally, but this one was being held at our Lakeview Lodge, which is right around the corner from my home.  Literally.  I can walk there.  Which, of course, I didn't do on Saturday because I had all my stuff to lug.  I have little "stuff" though and I don't have an over abundance of "stuff", so getting it there was no problem.  My problem was gathering it all together and tagging everything on Friday night.  That's when you realize you have more "stuff" than you thought you did.
So here it is, my "stuff" all ready for hubby to carry to the car and drive me over and unload for me.  I could have managed myself but I think he must have had a moment of feeling obligated, since I was complaining loudly (on purpose for him to over hear) to my mother on the phone that parking might be a problem.
Mom also knits and she was sharing the table with me to sell her beautiful shawls.
Here we are setting up our table and there's Mom wearing one of her shawls.  It was actually a very fun day with a very good turnout, but we only sold a few things.  At shows like this people are looking more for crafty Christmas decorations and/or less expensive items.  Our "stuff" isn't cheap because we use expensive yarns and my little quilts are very time consuming.  We knew that going in, but that's OK.  The Lodge also served lunch and we visited with a lot of people and we made enough to cover our cost for the day.
I came home with a renewed interest in catching up and updating my on line Etsy shop.  I had been ignoring it lately since I just haven't had the time to pay attention to it or make or list anything new.  Now with my new phase of slowing down and trying to do more of what I want to do, I am having fun with Etsy again.( I have a link to this on my sidebar.) I just don't make things quickly.  Some people list new things every day and I just can't do that.  Here's a new mini "fairy" quilt I listed yesterday.  I was told by some of the wonderful Quiltsy ladies on Etsy that they have heard this term used for the very mini quilts and suggested I try using that tag on my listings.
This quilt is about 3-1/4" square and the whole thing is in a 5x7 frame.  I love making them, even if they aren't making me rich!
I also finished knitting the purple baby set that I was making for a friend's daughter's baby shower that was also on Saturday.  I got that delivered to her on Friday afternoon.
 I get quite a few requests for knitted items, but they also take a while.  I was asked at the show if I used a knitting machine.  NO!  Mom and I both knit by hand the old fashioned way.  I don't take too many orders at a time because I then get overwhelmed and feel pressured.  Not how I want to feel when doing what I love to do!
My wonderful hubby is working out of the house today, thank goodness!  Yes, he's wonderful, but I just have to say that he gets on my nerves when he's working at home.  He questions me all day about what I'm doing and I really feel guilty if I'm spending too much time working on my "stuff".  Only because I help him with paperwork and computer work and he constantly reminds me where the most money comes from.  I know, but------. So now I can relax for a while and do what I want!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

G'day Nina ~ I love the quilt framed pieces ... they are lovely. What pretty treasures you have on your table. I hope you had lots of jingles in your pockets.

Have a beautiful & blessed Thanksgiving ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Brenda Pruitt said...

I think if my husband worked from home I'd have to be the one going to the mental hospital, not he the doctor! I just need my solitude so I can get things done around here. I never learned to knit. But I think it's so beautiful. In quilting, I always wanted to do it the old-fashioned way, as it was meant to be.
Brenda

Theresa said...

Beautiful Quiltsy and Baby sweater set for the little one! I am happy that you are doing some things for YOU:) Enjoy! HUGS!

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

I love the fairy quilts, and the purple baby outfit is very striking. You have a wonderful sense of color for these things.

Valerie said...

Showing your 'stuff' at the show must have given you a lot of pleasure, even if you didn't sell much. I used to find it was the participating that gave me the most satisfaction. I often wonder why we wives persecute ourselves by feeling guilty when we have as much right as the men to do our own thing. It got easier as I grew older and found my voice!

Anonymous said...

You are so incredibly talented!! I love the mini quilt and that knit baby outfit is adorable.

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