Beanie Cap

Today, I finally did it. I made a successful Beanie Cap. It's pretty good I think. Nat says that it needs something in the bill to keep it stiff. I am not sure that it does. It seems to stay where it is supposed to all by itself.

Chicken Hat

I made a chicken hat for David for his Halloween costume.
It's a hit so far and it's not even Halloween yet. Can't wait to see it with the rest of the costume. I used pipe cleaner to get the doodle to stand up. I am going to add more as it is still a bit too floppy.

Vest Harness

I've been learning to sew since 2000. Slowly learning how to make new things and learning how to get along with my sewing machine. My mom doesn't sew and asked me to make her dogs each a vest harness. I looked at one that was too small for the smallest dog, Tiny, and made a pattern for both dogs. I learned that you cannot sew sticky Velcro, not unless you want a sticky catastrophe. I learned how to use bias tape and how to make it. It was fun and my mom has already purchased the material needed for some winter vest harnesses that are warmer. I will be making those as soon as I get chance, it's already very cold in Central Oregon. It's defiantly funny making 'dog clothes' and I will not be making a hobby out of it. Kewpi and Tiny are both so very enthused to be dressed up in matching outfits, they can hardly handle the excitement.

People's Farmer's Market

Success! Setting up at the People's Farmer's Market yesterday was an awesome experience! I got hooked up with some PDX Etsy girls who are keeping my posted on when these great events take place. I am very excited about that and I need to get on top of things! I sold 4 hats yesterday and 1 notebook. I need more inventory! Special orders are coming in, Christmas is coming up and I need to learn to manage my time better! I need to set daily goals of how many hats to make each day! I need to be ready at any moment to make a sale. This is all so exciting and new and fun. Suzie and Claire came to keep me company and Claire modeled a hat. (it's a bit small, but she sported it well, thanks Claire!)
Thanks for your support friends! :)

Fun on Foster

MY VERY FIRST REAL SALE! What I mean by this is, is that someone bought something and it wasn't someone who I already know. (not that friend sales are unreal, they're real :) Someone purchased a notebook, the MAX notebook, Nat called that. Surprised I didn't sell more of those really, but not really I guess, I don't know, I like them :)
THANKS FRIENDS for all of your support! All-in-all yesterday was a good day. Good practice. I did not make it the whole day though, I stopped at 4 pm and am sorry if you stopped by to see me and I was gone. I was super tired from the only 4 or so hours of nervous/anxious sleep the night before. That and the folks next to me where smoking up a storm which is really never good for business if you ask me. I did learn some things. 1. make bigger hats! 2. don't accidentally make friends with the crazy lady, because she will tell you exactly what you're doing wrong.
Honestly, I am glad it's over and I can go on making some more hats and figuring out how to do better next time.

Winter Beans

I made a new hat, it is called a 'Winter Bean' and will keep you warmer than the regular Beanie Hat.

Notebooks

A fun new idea that I read about is making notebooks out of recycled paper. I found used paper next to the printer, on Craigslist, paperbags and from friends. I used a paper cutter to cut the pages to 4.25 x 5.5 inches. Putting the pages blank-page up and adding envelopes (places to stash other notes, receipts, etc.) and a cover. I drilled holes through the paper using a drill press. I clamped wood on the outside after learning about the paper slipping and making crooked holes. It was also a useful guide for putting the hole in same place each time. Then I found a website teaching bookbinding. It was super helpful and has super clear instructions with pictures. I have sold a few of these notebooks and have decided to add them to my Etsy. I have ideas for bigger notebooks and ones not bound with hemp but with binder-type rings. oh the fun you can have with paper!