It's Soccer Time!

It's that time again - Early mornings spent searching frantically for the matching sock or pair of shin guards, grabbing breakfast and a water bottle and heading for the field. Must stop for coffee - of course! In our town all the soccer games are played on one massive field that contains over ten soccer fields. It's crazy on Saturday mornings as kids ranging in age from 4 to 12 descend on the field with parents, chairs, snacks etc. in tow Yet somehow it always works!

DJ is in the older group now and the games can get quite competitive. He plays defense which is a good fit for his temperament. However, it is excruciating to watch him play goalie. It is the worst! There is so much pressure riding on the goalie and it is heartbreaking when he misses it. And let's face it that's my baby!

Jessie on the other hand sees soccer as one big social event. She could use a little more pressure as she sashays across the field waving and chatting with friends on the other team! I have to admit this year is better as she actually seems to understand the need to follow the ball and try to kick it once in awhile, rather then sit back and direct the rest of the team. I'm not sure there is a soccer scholarship in her future - but you never know!!!!

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I survived!

The fair has finally come and gone! The day went better then I had dared to hope! We got to the town green bright and early to check in. Set up went off without a hitch and the whole tent came together in about an hour! I was up to 3am the night before (need to work on better prep planning) but the adrenaline kept me going till I collapsed at home around 5pm.

Within the first five minutes we had our first sale and my beautiful lantern bloom skirt went to a new home! It was so exciting to finally get my work out there. People were so positive and I was thrilled! At this point though the money was definitely nice - the feedback and excitement were even better! I learned that I need more of the bigger sizes. Fours and fives were popular and I think I could have sold 6 and 7 as well.
I work so hard on the pattern and designs of these skirts. However - I do this all on my own in my head! To put it out there was a real challenge for me. But it paid off and I can't wait for the next one! I was so happy to be sharing a tent with my neighbor, part of (kikibonan@etsy.com) - She is so great with customers and makes it look so easy. Her appliqued shirts are adorable and were selling very well also. All in all it was a great day - but I am still exhausted and going to bed - Good Night!

Tomorrow is the big day! I am filled with so many different emotions:

Excitement - I love craft fairs and have always wanted to participate - so I can't wait to see what that is like.

Fear - What if the tent falls down? What if everyone walks by my tent and averts their eyes?

Frustration - I still have 1,000,000 ideas of skirts, ruffles and headbands that I could still create if I had an extra week/day/hour

Calm - the time is here - what's done is done and ready to go!

Pride - I have to admit - there are some darn cute items and I feel they really represent my sense of design

Exhausted - I have been sewing for about two days straight - God bless my DH and kids for their patience and independence!

So I sign off - will definitely post pictures and details tomorrow night!

Two days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am only staying for a quick note! I have two days until the craft fair and sooooo much to do! I can't decide if I work well under pressure or if I am a habitual procrastinator. I always seem to get most of the work done right under the deadline. We practiced putting up the tent and it went well...until my DH remarked that I should really make more skirts and ruffles. Easier said then done. So I have been sewing up a storm! In fact I need to get back the machines right now...however Project Runway is tonite and that in my never miss show! I love it! The show reminds me of my days in a NYC costume shop - the hours sewing, gossiping and rushing to get it all done and "make it work". Speaking of which - here are my latest! (The sisboom is from that fabulous sale last weekend)

so what do you think?

Here is a pair of the capris with boots - they still look a little springy! i love the freshcut line! Tomorrow we practice putting up the tent - I hope it goes well. I am starting to get butterflies and all my insecurities are popping u[. It is really difficult to put yourself out there! Remember to breathe!

The march of the ruffles....

I am working on my ruffles for the craft fair. I can't believe it's a week from tomorrow! I am trying a pattern out for denim and corduroy ruffles. I thought I was being very efficient by cutting up some beautiful cotton ruffles, only to discover I cut them out in capri length. Now the question... do I sew them up or wait till spring? I sewed a couple because I thought they would look cute with boots...we'll see.

Today was bittersweet. A local quilt store closed its doors today. They had some beautiful fabrics and a great selection of sisboom basics(which we know ...are my favorites). A week and a half ago everything was 50% off and I picked out my favorites. Then on Wed everything went to 75% off and I made sure to pick up the black and brown zebra. Today all fabric was 90% off. That is about 92 cents a yard. And if you finished the bolt another 10%. Needless to say, I pulled all the sisboom of the shelves, I felt like I was rescuing the fabric (lol).

While the deals were amazing and I spent about $70 on $700 worth of fabric, it felt bittersweet. The owner was there and it was sad to watch the store disassemble around her. We are living in such tough times economically and it is disheartening when a small local business closes. It is a deep hidden dream of mine to one day own a fabric store and I imagine it must be heartbreaking. However I did "rescue" quite a bit of fabric and I can't wait to play with it!