Not sure I should be saying anything but...

I just received an email from an online quilting store where I buy some of my fabric. The owner has a dilemma. Westminster/Free Spirit Fabrics, who produce quilting fabrics from wonderful designers such as Amy Butler and Joel Dewberry, has sent out a mandate to sellers of their fabrics - sell it for $9.50 per yard or you can't sell it at all. Their reasoning? They want to maintain the "integrity" of their brands.

Now, I don't know about you, but I will no longer be buying their fabrics if that is the going rate. I can buy Moda, Michael Miller, etc. at $7 - $8/yard and I feel their fabric is just as good quality as W/FS. Free market is free market to me. Now, I realize that it is their right to mandate this, but do they really think it is a good idea, in a bad economy, to start requiring that folks charge more for their products? I am still kind of stunned by this notice, so don't mind me.

BTW, I just found out from Tracy and Liz of http://tracyandlizsblog.blogspot.com that I am the lucky winner of one Amy Butler Anna Tunic pattern - YEAH! Go visit their blog for some great ideas and tutorials.



I have loved that pattern for quite some time and am so excited to win it. Thanks so much Tracy and Liz! I will try to post a picture of a creation made with the pattern.

I am going to work on my Christmas cards this week, I will be posting pics soon. I am trying for the first time to make my own - a combination of fabric, plain paper, buttons and patterned paper (and maybe some glitter!). Well, if it goes well I will post pics! ;-)

2 posts in one day...

Well, I have been inspired by the wonderfully generous giveaways I have been seeing across the craft blogs so...I will be joining in on the fun. If anyone, yes anyone, actually comments, I will give away goods. I have 5 pairs of earrings available (ready for gifting even) and one handbag. I will give it until the end of NEXT week and see if anyone shows up for the freebies.

Here's a really bad photo of a cute pair of earrings - just an example of what I make:


Good luck to any who post!

Wow!

Hard to believe it has been nearly a year since I've posted. No time better than the present to get back to it (or in my case, get it started). I have been busy with work, shows, Thanksgiving (sick over the holiday of course) and crafting for Christmas. Here's a little of what I've been doing this year:

Baa, baa, blue sheep anyone?


Or is that baa, baa, pink sheep?


I have been working at new bag designs, including adding a flap to my tote bags.


My goal for the new year is to sell a pattern on etsy for this bag. I have 2 weeks off at Christmas and will be challenging myself to nail it down and get it posted. I have been selling Portabello Pixie patterns this year and will soon be restocking the shop. I will be attending Quilt Market in the spring, as it is in my home state of PA. It gives me an excuse to head to western PA, see more of my state. I have only been out to Pittsburgh once and look forward to returning. I am so excited to get a chance to meet all the wonderful designers whose designs eat up my disposable income! ;-)

Well, I have to get back to work and filling orders - have a great "Giveaway Day"!