Happy Holidays!

I can't believe I haven't posted since the 9th. I started the month out strong, but it's so busy this time of year. I think we'll try the daily posts again post holidays.
Here's a little preview of some holiday goodies coming soon. I'm going to try to do 2 shop updates this holiday season.

Are you all ready for Thanksgiving? We're leaving town so I'm frantically trying to get orders shipped and on their way. I do not like traveling during the holidays. In fact, I hate it. We're driving which means possibly treacherous road conditions. But it also means getting to see family and friends and eat turkey. Mmmm...turkey.

Have a safe and yummy Thanksgiving.

A New Toy

I now own one of these. I love it, it's amazing and so very thin.

I am a Sewing Nerd

Tonight, I waited in line with lots of other crafty Portlanders to have Amy sign my book! It was very nice to meet her, she is super sweet in person.

I've never gotten a book signed by the author before. Is that weird?

Good Things Indeed

Three more reasons to continue following our fearless leader...

a string of lights made from bouquet holders

mini. gingerbread. houses. yes, please.

And the best idea ever! I am making these. Cupcakes baked in sugar cones
then removed from cones and piped with frosting and sprinkled with sanding
sugar. Brilliant.

47

These are some pot holders for an order going to a cute little gourmet food and kitchen store called Plenty in Canada.

Wow November 6th. Just 47 days until Christmas. Are you ready? I'm not.

Go. Now.

And buy some of this.

This is absolutely the smoothest, creamiest, most delicious ice cream. ever.

Fleece

I've become quite the fabric snob. I find myself recoiling, often in disgust, at the feel of synthetic fabrics while out shopping. I know many of you can relate. I feel like I can spot an acrylic sweater from a mile away and am always drawn to natural fibers. Wool and linen are my favorites, but I make an exception for super soft fleece. It's great for hand sewing sweet little softies perfect for snuggling.

On that note, this is Miss Snowy Chloe. She's ready for a wintry day of snow and frost.

Michael's Blows

Here's a little story about why I hate Michael's and yet continue to shop there. I purchased one of the new Martha Stewart rotary cutting rulers about a week ago because I broke my old one and liked the colors of the MS one. The tag says it's easily visible on either light or dark fabric, a claim that I strongly dispute, I found it was barely visible on any fabric. So...with receipt in hand, I head to Michael's to return said ruler. To my utter dismay, the bastards refused to return it EVEN WITH A RECEIPT because I didn't have the label EVEN THOUGH I HAD A RECEIPT. So...after making a moderately large scene and asking for the manager and then ultimately his boss, I left sans refund but with a great deal of rage. Of all the places that I regularly shop, Michael's has some of the worst customer service. The employees are rude, argumentative and reluctant to help, which leads me to believe that Michael's isn't the greatest company to work for. I shouldn't be surprised really that my refund was refused. Lucky for me I came home and after some ransacking, found the label and now plan to march back in for my refund. Aholes. So, Jenn, why do you continue to shop at Michael's if the customer service is as awful as you claim, you ask. Well I'll tell you why, better yet, I'll show you...

Because the Leader has put out a line of craft supplies that beats all other craft supplies. Because there are scallops and wood grain and ribbons and glitter and red with aqua packaging and polka dots and cupcake papers and wrapping paper and picture frames and twill tape and so so much more. This is possibly my favorite of all...a kit to make divided treat boxes with scallops and polka dotted parchment!!!

Oh how I love Christmas. I love love love it. I love the sparkles and the colors the lights and the real feeling of magic and sweetness. Christmas makes even Michael's less horrible.

A Special Friend

Every now and then I make a softie that is very hard to part with.
This is one. I hope she goes to a special home...

There have been a few times when I have wanted to refuse adoption of certain stuffies to certain people. I was doing a craft fair some time ago and a very bratty, very spoiled little girl snottily pointed to one of my favorite softies and whined "I want that one". Luckily her mother said "ok, well let's look around some more and then come back" they never did. :)

Weather Friends

Happy November! Sheesh, can you believe it? I've got to get working on my Christmas gifts, merchandise and cards. I always start to feel the Holiday panic setting in around this time.

These little friends will join the shop very soon...
Happy sad weather friends, each one is reversible:


I'm going to try to post more regularly, both here and in the shop.