Shop SoWa & Brunch at Gaslight

Many, many Sundays ago I found myself as a lonely only. The dudely was away and friends were vacationing or otherwise engaged. I was bored and in need of some entertainment.

I found lots to entertain me at SoWa, Boston’s handmade, antique, and farmer’s markets held outdoors every Sunday spring through fall. The handmade market was fun, especially in the creative way all those talented folks displayed their goodies.

The antiques market was a really nice surprise. Whenever I see the word antiques I start thinking pricey collectibles. What I found, though, was more like a great flea market. My favorite was the tables of vintage jewelry to sort through. I ended up bringing home a fantastic red bead necklace. The woman even gave me an unsolicited $1 off the marked price. Nice, huh?

And isn’t it convenient that just next door is Gaslight? Well, I had to have brunch. I ordered what has become my go-to dish, moules frites. I cannot get enough of this dish. I did shake it up a little though and ordered myself a cocktail to accompany it, the matin martini. It was a delicious end to a morning of shopping.

Geekfest 2009

We had a mini craft fair on Saturday at a ham radio club flea market (the president is a friend). "Ham radios?" you may be asking yourselves, "how do Tory and Elise expect Funky & Delightful to go over in this world? These girls are wack!" Well, dear readers, we have a confession to make. Not to reveal too much about our real life identities, but Tory and I are pretty comfortable in the world of precision instrumentation; one might say we speak near fluent geek ourselves. So, when offered an exclusive gig selling our handmade wares at an event where 200+ men would be in desperate need of last-minute gifts in attendance on Valentine's Day we couldn't resist.

Given our last experience with local craft fairs, we had pretty low expectations for this one so we decided not to go to town putting together an entirely new collection. We managed to cobble together quite a few odds and ends left over from past events: bibs, onsies, wallets etc. Of course, we did add a few new items: Tory whipped up a few charming handbags and some coffee cup cozies and I put together a handful of patchwork scarves and some fabric flower pins. There were a few late nights and weekends spent in our respective sewing rooms, but overall it was a pretty low-key effort.

Saturday morning found us in a middle school cafeteria surrounded by vendors and collectors offering a huge array of vacuum tubes, resistors, radios and computer parts. It was really fun, we had lots of people stopping by to chat with us and just about everyone was friendly and interesting. I'd like to think that our amazing table drew people over, but I'm sure it helped that we were the only two women under 50. Someone, assuming that we were students at the school, asked us where the bathrooms were; it was pretty funny. As for sales, we exceeded our goal and are pretty sure we saved a few husbands from the dog house by making sure they didn't go home empty-handed. We even sold the one remaining apron from our very first craft fair which was a bit of a relief. As an added bonus, I managed to score a few cool items for myself. On a table of mostly technical manuals, I found a 1969 Sears Roebuck catalogue in mint condition plus a handful of vintage travel brochures. All-in-all, Geekfest 2009 was a roaring success.

In closing, here are a few photos from the day:

Finished, and another craft fair update

*edited to add photos*
throw pillows

runner (center panel is red, two flanking flower panels interleaved with the yellow)

I finished a project last night: six covers for throw pillows and a coffee table runner for mom. I put zippers in the covers which was quite a challenge given that my antique sewing machine doesn't have a zipper foot. Suffice it to say that each of them turned out a little different, I only broke one needle, and that by the time the sixth one was done I had honed my technique. On the bright side, I finished all the raw edges with my new serger and it was like going from a horse and buggy to a sports car: a little disconcerting, I felt like I might careen out of control at any minute but I loved it. My computer was being weird so I wasn't able to upload any pictures. Rest assured, photographic evidence will be forthcoming.

Now I have to figure out how to do the lap quilt/throw. I was going to use the pattern from Bend the Rules Sewing, but the fabrics my mom chose for the pillows are thicker and don't iron very well as I discovered while making the pillows, so I'm concerned that it wouldn't work to sew them in strips. The current plan is to cut large squares (~10 inches) and do a simple patchwork. I think I'll tie it, partly because I don't have much time but also because I remember a tied throw quilt we used to have on our sofa when I was a kid that was really soft. I've never made a quilt before, so we'll see how this goes. I also started working on a wreath, a la Soulemama. I thought it was something I could just whip up, but I'm finding it harder than I thought it would be. So far I have wrapped a styrofoam form with strips of leftover wool from patchwork scarves, faux bois velvet ribbon and rick rack. I'm liking the way it's going, but not loving it yet.

Speaking of scarves, did Tory and I ever tell you about our second craft fair appearance? This one was at our workplace and it was our third year of participation. We can't show you any photos (cameras are not allowed onsite) but our display was very similar to the first one. It was so much fun. Our stuff was snapped up by the hip and cool folks we hoped would like it. So very gratifying to know that everything will go to good homes. We work with some very talented people and it's always fun to see what they have come up with each year. And I always walk away with something wonderful, like this hand-turned maple bowl:

More later. Tonight is tree decorating at our house, hopefully I'll get photos of that and be able to upload the pillow/runner ones.

Instant Gratification Sewing

With final exams and projects looming over me I'm having difficulty finding time to work on my long list of Christmas projects. To give myself a little boost, and remind myself that all projects don't have to be a labor-intensive to be good, I thought I'd share this quick and simple project (original seen at angry chicken). Wash & dry a 100% cotton onsie, T-shirt or other garment. Apply a fabric patch using light weight double-sided interfacing. I ironed the interfacing onto the fabric for the appliqué first and then cut out the patch in the shape and size that I wanted. Doing it this way made it much easier to keep the edges neat and to get the adhesive all the way to the perimeter of the fabric. Iron the patch onto the garment and let cool. Amy finished the edges using a machine zig-zag stitch but I couldn't get the tension on my ancient machine to work with the knit fabric so instead I finished them by hand using embroidery floss and a blanket stitch. The first couple took a little longer, but now I can whip up a trio of these in less than an hour. I started with a set last summer for a new baby girl. Last month I made a batch of ten for our craft fair and they were a big hit. As an added bonus, I have received several compliments on my blanket stitch from people who sounded like they knew their way around an embroidery hoop. I'm so proud.

Another scarf

A slight departure from my previous patchwork scarves. This one was made from a plaid wool blend and a selection of pink prints from my stash*. I was totally random about the width of the fabric pieces and I'm pretty happy with how they came together. I added a ruffle, it just seemed to need it. And that vintage wreath pin? It inspired the project. I found it in a local antique shop and instantly thought about some of the fabrics I was making clutches from at the time. As soon as I got home I started cutting and a couple of hours later the scarf emerged. Love it when that happens.

*Talking about my fabric stash always feels so risque; like I'm some involved in some sort of illegal fiber trade. Psst, want to see my stash?

Taking Inventory

Tomorrow is our big day! We've been sewing machines for the last six weeks in preparation for our public debut. We're now down to the final touches, presentation and packaging. Luckily we love this part just as much as the actual crafting. There are some nerves simmering just below the surface though. Our fears run the spectrum. What if nobody likes anything we made??...TO....What if we didn't make enough?? Whatever the outcome we had so much fun in getting to this craft fair eve.

If there isn't any last minute crafting here is our inventory:

3 aprons, 12 bibs, 9 clutches, 7 sets of coasters, 16 sets of hair accessories, 3 journals, 10 key chains, 6 sets of magnets, 10 onesies, 6 scarves, 10 smocks, 12 totes, 14 wallets, and 2 very excited crafters!

See you tomorrow!

Final WIP

I can't believe it's almost here. In the final weekend before the craft fair I decided to add another project. Or as I like to think of it another product line. It just sounds like I know what I'm doing when really I'm just making stuff I know I'd love to buy or give as a gift. I present to you my "Modern Gal's Color Wheel". It's also titled "Wallets in Progress to Coordinate with Already Finished & Fabulous Totes".

My first wallet design was born of my partner's desire to have something crafted by me for him. (It would seem he had became slightly jealous of all the crafting going on around him for others.) His first two craft suggestions were shot down. I just couldn't see myself making a tie or a cumberbund, perhaps at another time. What we agreed on was a business card holder, the forefather of the above wallets. It is now his constant companion throughout the day. He assures me they will be a huge hit. I hope he's right otherwise he's going to be seeing a large assortment of them in his Christmas stocking. I'm sure he could pull off the pink floral.

You're Invited!

With all this talk of craft fair preparation it's about time we shared the details and formally invited you.

Indoor Craft Fair

Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School

215 Fitchburg Street, Marlborough, MA

Saturday, November 3 from 9 am to 3 pm

Admission $2

If you're in the Boston/Metrowest area please stop in and say "Hi!". We'd love to meet you. How will you know us you ask? Why, we'll be the Funky and Delightful ones, of course!

It's All in the Wrist

A self-healing mat, rotary cutter, ruler, and I make a formidable foursome. With the glue barely dry on the envelope for the Funky & Delightful craft fair registration I began cutting out projects with a decisiveness rarely seen in my project planning. I too often agonize over every fabric choice wondering if this is the project to use it in. However, with a November 3rd deadline looming decisive is what I was that late September weekend. I cut out 12 bibs, 7 sets of coasters, 6 adult sized totes, and 4 kid sized totes along with the necessary facings and linings.

And you know what? Even though I spent ten minutes, at most, on each fabric choice I love the resulting projects just as much as those I've spent weeks thinking about.

Weekend progress

• 5 buttons sewn onto clutches (9 done!)
• 3 smocks cut out and ready to sew
• new fabric was washed and ready for use
• patchwork scarf plans in progress
• vintage button supply replenished
  

Oh, and meet my new distraction.
We had a week of pea soup weather (cold & rainy) so I started a pea green project intended for a lovely little girl. I love casting on a new project. The promising sounds of the needles clicking as the rows of stitches build up and the shape of the garment emerges. There I sit with my pattern and a mound of skeins and all I have to think about is the next stitch. Peaceful.

Clutching-on for dear life

A clutch of clutches
Originally uploaded by Me, Elise

Three weeks and counting down to our public debut. Did we mention that we will have a Funky and Delightful table at a craft fair in Marlborough on Nov 3? And that we have been sewing like madwomen to build up our inventory? True and truer. Tory has been working on bibs, keychains and totes for both adults and kids using some of our favorite fabrics. I'm sure she'll share some pictures soon. Inspired by Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing book, I have been churning out children's play smocks and a collection of clutch-style evening bags. I'm so pleased to finally find homes for some of the vintage buttons that I have been collecting. I find I have to live with fabric and notions for awhile before I figure out who goes with who. Get to know them, find out their likes and dislikes before I make the perfect pairing. I've made more than a few May-December matches, usually a distinguished older button and a flirty new fabric, but a few have gone the other way. So far all remain blissfully attached to their partners and that's all we crafty matchmakers can really hope for, isn't it?