to market, to market

So this spring I got myself a sewing room (more on that later!!).  But in the process of moving my stash, I realized how much I had hidden in the bowels of every closet of my home!  Time to streamline a bit.  So I took all my very favorite must-keep fabrics and put them on the shelves, which left me with multiple containers full of "second string" fabrics that I needed to do something with.  While I plan to destash some eventually, I decided the best way to get rid of it was to sew it up!  So, along with a local friend in a similar fabric hoarding predicament, it was decided to sew stuff to sell at the Farmer's Market held Saturday mornings near our cottage. I have always shied away from making things to sell- I am far from perfect and not patient enough to make things so.  I figure if it is given for free, they can't complain, but when buying, a more professional standard is expected.  Plus I have a job already, and don't feel the need to turn a hobby I love into a business.  So Megan and I went into this with a mutual understanding that we would only continue to do this if it was FUN.

We had our first go at market last weekend, and FUN was definitely had.  The market is like a big social occasion- locals and cottagers all come out and mingle, get their produce, local farmed beef, baking, and there are tons of handmade goodies to peruse.  I think I got way more hugs than sales but that was awesome!!  So great to see friends, new and old.  Despite crazy weather (3 apocalyptic style thundershowers in as many hours), there was a decent turn out and we sold a good portion of our supply- enough that I have had to be busy this week generating more! The other vendors were very welcoming and we were well received by the shoppers.  A great day! 

Megan and I each had things we made for sale.  My contributions were:

coin purses
wristlets
cameral strap covers
patchwork pouches
mesh laundry bags
fold up market totes

Of course if we were going to do this, we had to do so in style- we named ourselves "Dockside Handmade" and had a sign made, as well as some cute business cards that doubled as price tags.  And I had to find all sorts of fun containers for display-----go cute or go home!

And I had to make us each an apron from the pattern by Spotted Stones Krista from the Make It, Take It book by Poppyprint Krista! was perfect for keeping change, pen, phone, etc handy.

So if you find yourself in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba on a summer Saturday between 10 and 1, be sure to drop in to say hi!