To market, to market...

The last month brought with it two big craft supply purchasing opportunities. The first was the Australian Quilter's Conference quilt show. I hadn't been going to go to this one, but Mum wanted to, so along we went one Saturday after Italian. The display was gorgeous, though Mum and I have very different tastes. There were many gorgeous fabrics for sale, but in the end, I couldn't cope with the crowds, and only bought a couple of 30cm strips of greens for my Emerald Isle quilt, plus Mum bought me some Beatrix Potter panels.
The other was the Stitches and Craft Show. It was in a new venue this year, and ultimately, I was disappointed with it - there was far fewer stalls than previously. That didn't, however, prevent me from spending over $100.

I simply couldn't resist this Halloween/Samhain fabric.

Or this fairy. Isn't she gorgeous?
And I've wanted this pattern for years. It was finally time to buy it. I already own two from the series, and there's two more to buy. I'll stitch them one day. Really.

Finally, Andrew had the bright idea that we should have a stall at Mt Dandenong Preschool's Chestnut Festival. His mum is knitting gnomes, Andrew is making sticks/staves, and I... am making kids clothes. I'm not at all confident about this. Can I make enough in time? Will people like them? How much should I charge? Will I have the right sizes? Nevertheless, when Spotlight had 20% off everything, I had to go and buy some supplies. Then I raided my stash.
I've also found some corduruoy at the op-shop of all places.
So I'm currently working on getting my kilt quilt out of the way, and pondering whether or not to order some woven labels for the clothes. It would give them a more professional touch, but do I really need $200?

Professional Framing

I did this cross stitch for Mum's birthday a couple of years ago, and we finally got around to getting it framed. It's the first time I've had a piece professionally framed - I have framed a few myself - but it certainly won't be the last. I was so pleased with the help we got choosing the matting and frame, with the finished product, and so happy to finally have it on the wall instead of hidden away.

Patterns

Most sewers are addicted to fabric, and while I will confess to being slightly affected by this affliction, my big craft addiction is patterns. Sewing, cross stitch and quilting, I have more than I will ever use. And today I bought two more. In my defence, they were at least partially paid for with birthday money (originally a Spotlight voucher but they gave me cash change after I bought fabric) and they were 50% off.

This one is described as a 'Walk-away dress' the idea being that you can start making it in the morning and walk away in it in the afternoon.

And I just couldn't resist the gorgeous 40s style of this one.

*sigh* I'm already dreaming about wearing them, but have no idea when I'll manage to make them!