Edgefield Uncorked Event in East Nashville

I have a last minute opportunity to show my wares at the Edgefield Uncorked Event this Saturday!
It looks like it more of a chance to have fun and not really work at all. You can find out all about the event here...
http://www.edgefielduncorked.org/

I took this picture last week end before I was aware of the event, I think it was meant to be.

So come on out have a glass of wine, grab a plate, listen to some live music and shop!
A recipe for a perfect evening! Hope to see you there

A glimpse into my home

Here are some pictures taken in the dining room. This is the real deal here...no staging or cleaning just moments in life. You probably recognize this room, it's the room most pictures are taken in as it receives the most natural sunlight.

It was Saturday afternoon and as I was sitting in the window seat looking into the room listening to my husband play the guitar. I realized how comfortable this room is and we do spend a lot of time in here. We haven't done much to this area since we moved in except paint, make cushions for the window seat and make the window treatments. The window seat is a favorite napping place for both Sir Thomas and Boris. And I have been known to curl up with a book here as well. Overall I'm pleased with the room. I do however want/need a new/old dining room table. Notice I didn't take any pictures of the table. I would like an old empire style round one.
One day....

Erin McMorris Park Slope Patchwork Apron

As promised here is the new apron style....
She features a large pocket, a towel loop and is fun and flirty.
I wanted another apron style besides the ruffled one that people would be more comfortable wearing in the kitchen. But at the same time I wanted it to have my traditional style with a twist!
I think like the ruffled apron this too could/should be worn as a fashion accessory, but is totally at home baking cookies as well.

What do you think? The only suggestion for change was to do a shorter version???
This one measures about 24" long from the waist. Do I need to add another patchwork row?
I'm sure I'll mix it up a little, you never know.

As you know I name everything...cars, sewing machines, handbags
Any suggestions for this apron or ruffled apron is appreciated.
I think this one has a very casual French Country feel and the ruffled style is more uptown sophisticated. HELP!

I have to go now and whip up some more of these for the Berry Hill event this Saturday in Azalea Park.

Sweet Peeps have landed

Here is a sneak preview of one of the new items that may be found in our booth this weekend at the Berry Hill event in Azalea Park. Last show several fell in love with the Sweet Tweets but said they had no place to hang them. So here is a free standing version that I'm calling Sweet Peeps that may be placed next to your computer, sewing machine on any tabletop surface. It's funny how they all start the same but develop a unique personality as they are created. They are a lot of fun to have around, I think Thomas (our cat) is their biggest fan right now.

So if you can stop by Azalea Park in Berry Hill this Saturday and get your very own Sweet Peep.
I've got to find good homes for these guys! The Sweet Peeps will not be posted in the shop until after the show: but if you have fallen in love with a particular Peep let me know and I'm sure we can work something out.

I'm also working on a new apron style for this week end as well. Hope to have another blog update in the next couple of days. Meanwhile hope over to my crafty creative booth partners blog and check out all the new things she has been working on.

Owl bag done!

Here is the finished owl bag. A lot is going on with this bag...hand painted, applique, free motion stitching, vintage buttons, WOW! I love it! I hope the customer likes it, it's a gift for her sister.
I really really want to make one for myself now.
It is so funny how we creators never seem to create for ourselves, always for others.
People that know I sew assume I have made all these awesome handmade things in my home...not so.
Most of the handmade items in my home are from other creators and that is just fine with me:)
One day, yes one day I will have all the time in the world to create just for me. I just hope I can still see well enough to thread the sewing machine.

More goodies coming so check back, enjoy your week end!

Hand painted Owl Bag

Here is a WIP involving paints, an owl and some free motion stitching. So far so good....I still am a little uncomfortable painting and always think I've ruined it as soon as I start painting. Then the free motion stitching is a whole other story. I know with time and practice it'll get better. But it does have that wonky style, don't you think? Part of the charm? Actually I am having fun but wish the stitches were a little more consistent.....any tips?

I know once it all goes together no one will notice the stitching. It's funny I'm always telling a friend of mine don't worry about the stitches, it's your style. I guess this may be my style as well???

I'll post more when the bag is complete. You can see the back and interior fabrics that will be used for the lining in the overall picture. I want to do a beaded handle for this one, it's just telling me that right now.

Yet another new handbag style....

As promised here is the other new handbag style....what do you think? I haven't named her yet but am thinking of continuing with the Tennessee theme, maybe the "Memphis Bag"? It's sort of funky and hip, just like the Memphis scene. Especially the patchwork one.I used Michael Miller's Bohemian patchwork, Michael Miller's Groovey, and the patchwork is Erin Michael ZA ZA. Put it over your shoulder grab some lipsmacking barbecue and then settle in for some grooving blues. My kind of day!

I am feeling the pressure of upcoming events as I am extremely low in inventory. I guess that's what happens when production is shut down for a few months. But it's also satisfying in a whacked sort of way. When I first started selling my goods (less than a year ago) and looked at all the inventory it was scary. What if I did not sell anything? What would I do with all this stuff? Well that's the least of my worries now. The only thing fully stocked is handbags, I have been in a bag making mood lately. But need to move on.

I have considered tweaking my shop to fewer items and narrow my focus. However I like to try new ideas and offer a selection to my shoppers. So I'm sure I'll always have a mish mosh of this and that. Being a one woman show does take it's toll at times though. I work best under pressure and it will all come out in the end.

The last two pictures are of two more Vandie bags, I used a Japanese Alice in Wonderland and Tula Pink Flutterby prints.

Hope some of you will make it to the show this week end and check out the new stuff. If you do and decide to purchase a new bag "Vandie" or "Memphis"? tell me you saw them on my blog and get $5.00 off the bag! Hey that will pay for the gas to get there....

Ooops forgot to mention new bags are in the shop for those out of towners.
Memphis bag willpost tomorrow.