 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.
There's a magical time in the life of a bag maker when the energy is high and the ordered chaos slides into just plain chaos: all the boxes are out at once, a thin coat of tiny threads coats the whole floor, inventory is accounted for and tagged, custom orders are being filled, and... the sewing machine breaks down.
So most of that is magical. This post was originally going to be about that plain chaos, the insane productivity my workshop has seen this spring. Today definitely added a "Part 2" to that story! This spring HAS been kind of magical. I've met a bunch of inventory goals I was aiming for, plus I have 2 really exciting new designs (the Grande and the Clutch) that will debut at their first show on Saturday. This morning I packed everything I could pack--I even condensed boxes, packing smaller bags inside larger bags. I finished price tags and inventory this morning, an easy but LONG task. This afternoon, during this sabbath from the rest of my household tasks, I planned to crank out a custom order or two. Part 2. Just then my sweet Singer--the very machine I spoke so highly of in my last post--refused to sew a seam. It was the weirdest thing: I made a strap, same kind of strap I've made hundreds of before, and then I did some zippers and top stitching which turned out fine. Then things went all wonky: all kinds of knots on the bottom side of the fabrics. The good news is that those stitches are coming out very easily, as they were never in that thoroughly in the first place. The bad news is that I have to spend these precious hours ripping seams and diagnosing my formerly easy to read machine's problem. Some online tutorials suggest the thread is threaded incorrectly or that the tension is off. I shall keep you posted. I think I'm going to wind some new thread and try a different needle. Perhaps that breaking needle problem is deeper than it seems... This is an exciting time, though. I am feeling really ready for the show on Saturday. I've never done a sketch of my booth set up before, but I did today. And I have a new stand for my Zippies, which should be cool. It's the brainchild of my husband Kyle and me, a brilliant PVC / turquoise duct tape / hose strap contraption. I'm off--wish me luck! |
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