Coming out of Hibernation

“It’s not too late.”

Those are the words written on the cover of my planner, my Book of All Things. It’s my version of the “never give up” cliché. As I’m sure is the case with most people trying to juggle multiple jobs, my primary work (also sewing) takes up a tremendous amount of my energy. I love it, but there isn’t much of me left over to pour into this wee business of mine. I also spent much of 2014 ill and so dedicated 2015 to regaining my health, opting out of the summer, fall, and winter holiday market seasons.

Letting the business go into hibernation has really paid off, so to speak. I’ve adjusted my business goals to accommodate the reality of my energy fluctuations and I feel so relieved and happy I just know I’m heading in the right direction.

I’m feeling energized and ready for the 2016 spring and summer market season! I’ve updated the schedule with the markets I’ve been accepted to thus far, and hope to be adding more. If you know of any farm or art markets that would be a good fit for my quirky picnic aesthetic, please let me know.

Happy Spring!

Save the dates: May 28th (Harbortown Arts Festival in Gloucester, MA); June 18th and July 30th (Craftorama in New Bedford, MA).

Shop Update!

If you follow me on Twitter and Facebook (and really, why wouldn’t you?), you may have seen me post about a shop update today.

I’ve added dice bags, several lunch bag sets, crochet mushrooms, and some jam & bread pals. I’m especially happy with the lunch set pictured here. It comes with the usual reversible drawstring bag and coordinating napkins, but it also includes a tote bag to carry everything in. It’s roomy enough to fit the drawstring bag, the napkins, and has extra room for a water bottle or more snacks. And I just love the fabric print. (You may be aware of my love for all things tea-related.)

As always, I love doing custom orders. If you see anything you like, but want one in a different color, let me know. I’ll do my best to make it happen.

Mushrooms!

I have quite a fondness for all things woodland and whimsical, especially mushrooms and gnomes. I just added several wee mushrooms to my Etsy shop. Please check them out and spread the word. I hope to get a couple of gnomes done soon as well. Thanks!

(And a big thank you to Rachel Freitas for the lovely photographs!)

Etsy update!

I’ve just listed five super cute, reversible lunch bags, with coordinating napkins. I’m really quite happy with how these turned out. I’ve got a few more of these bags ready for production, but I’m also adding in aprons to this week’s sewing line up. It seems there’s quite a demand for aprons, as I’ve had several requests for them since I opened my shop last week.

Pop over to my Etsy Shop and check out the Lunch Sets. Let me know what you think!

Woah. I have an Etsy shop.

Technically, I’ve had an Etsy shop for 5 years. I’ve only just now begun listing items to sell, though. Please check it out and let me know what you think. So far, I only have a couple of items listed (and they just sold while I was writing this!), but I’ve got loads more pictures and things to put up, so please check back often. (sparkle j designs on Etsy)
My plan is to create a range of kitchen/houseware type goods. I’m focusing on lunch type things right now so I have something to offer the back-to-school crowd. Expect more napkins and lunch bags to be added over the next couple of weeks. Coming this fall and winter, I will be adding aprons, tea towels, and pot holders to the collection.

My house is pretty much consumed by fabric and sewing implements at the moment. Now that I’ve got my sewing machine back from the shop, I’m in high production mode. I’m really quite excited about this, and hope to make something out of it. Thanks to: Jesse for putting up with the mess, Rachel for enduring dripping trees to take gorgeous photos of the goods, and to everyone else for being so encouraging and enthusiastic.