 I hesitated making the Tablet Sleeve. I did. I hesitated because I do not own a tablet, and it was daunting to consider the most exact measurements blindly!
Well. I hemmed and hawed about it for months--no fears, not constantly--and then, naturally about 4 days before the Summer Market, I decided to go for it. I did a little reading on the dimensions of the iPad, and I sliced up some fabric. My friend Michelle offered her iPad as a model, and it fit. My mom offered her iPad as a model, and it fit, too! Success! These little puppies are $20. They will fit the iPad with a cover or a keyboard attachment just beautifully.  The last weekend of July has meant only one thing to me for the last 6 years, and that thing takes place on Lake Erie's shore with dozens of talented vendors and thousands of visitors. It is the one and only Summer Market. And let me tell you, it was incredible as always. In the spring of 2008, Erin contacted me via Etsy and wanted to know if I'd like to set up shop at the Market that summer. It was my first big show for sure, and maybe my first show ever. (I was also 7 months pregnant at the time, but that is another story.) It is cool to reflect on how my designs have evolved over the years, and empowering to see that indeed, I have learned some things. For instance, my first display hardware was a laundry rack with shower curtain hooks. Yes, you read that right. I regret to inform you that I have no photos of that gem. It's a process. Even this spring--7 years into this venture!--I figured out a new way to construct my totes. The Summer Market is cool because of so many things--Erin and Kristen, the event's amazing hostesses, the never-dull venue at Veteran's Memorial Park, the Market Chicks and Market Dudes and their helpful ways, the awesome live bands, the food--my gosh, the food--the good will and the sheer talent that all comes together during this event make it an outstanding art show. The Summer Market keeps me on my toes, too, which is important: How can I improve my bags and my booth this year? I am so thankful for that. I am also thankful for the fact that the Summer Market is a two-day date for the Husb and me every year so far. This year, the newest member of our family came along. It was a great show. Thank you, Erin and Kristen, thank you Market Chicks and Dudes, thank you visitors and friends who continue to support this endeavor. 
We're so cute.
This dood is cuter. Meet Bune.
(My post from the Summer Market weekend... stay tuned for the pics that are trapped in my phone.)
Two words: Air conditioned. Not really--but it may as well have been. Though it was easily 85 degrees out today, our tent was cozily situated in the Queen Mother of All Spots at the market, with a consistent breeze coming up off of Lake Erie through the entire event. It was magnificent, and more than made up for my pregnant-out-to-here year at the Market in a very much non-air conditioned spot in the park. The SOMP Tiny was the hero of this show, as were the SOMP Mini Fobs. The Midway pouch (to be unveiled in my Etsy shop this week!) was well-received, but I did find myself wishing I'd ordered the stuff to make the webbing fobs just a little bit earlier. Oh, they're going to be awesome little things--they'll match everything, and add a whole new level of versatility to the whole collection of SOMP zippies... SO excited about that! By way of update about the machine: the Machine Guy was indeed--no surprises, just rejoicing--able to repair the Singer in 90 minutes flat. The problem was that the thing that at one time was a gear had been reduced to just a hunk of plastic grinding away at tiny bits of sewing debris. There had to be 17 pounds of fabric lint and tiny threads smushed in the teeth of the "gear." Such a gear-hunk does not a good gear make, so the MG replaced it and also tightened up the... bar... thing... that the needle attaches to. Holy cow, what is that called anyway?! Probably the needle bar. At any rate, here's to several consecutive months without an emergency tune-up, and here's also a huge heap of thank you to Kristen and Erin, who do a magnificent job of hosting the Summer Market. |
by the Seat Of My Pants...the stories behind the bags and beyond.  Archives
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