Saturday, August 15, 2009

Oh My, What Did I Get Myself In To?

I have big problem with agreeing to do more than I have time for. I had planned to spend the month of August sewing blocks for my quilt block jewelry. I wanted to get all stocked up for the Fall and Christmas sales. Best laid plans....

In the mean time I was invited vend my hand dyed fabrics and jewelry at a quilt show in September. I couldn't resist the opportunity (partly because it is near my mom's home in Illinois). So now I'm spending all of my spare time sewing and dyeing fabrics. I even purchased some silk and velvet scarves to overdye and to add some more interest to the booth.
More complications. I am running out of many of the main fabrics I use in my best selling jewelry. I haven't added these fabric mixes to my Dye Candy shop yet so I had to break out the turquoise dye and get to work. Turquoise as a primary color makes beautiful greens and purples but it is an extremely aggressive dye. It also takes at least one additional wash cycle (sometime two) to rinse from dyed fabrics. I have 24 yards of blue-purples in the dryer this morning. I will be working on the blue-greens tonight or tomorrow.

I am also planning a fabric painting class that I will be teaching at the end of this month. We are working with Set-a-Color paints on white print cloth. This paint is very versatile. There are many different techniques to play with and the results are beautiful. I will have pictures for you in early September.

I may need to cut back on my blogging and reading for a while until I get my head above water again. I am just feeling too overwhelmed.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I'm off to volunteer at the art gallery today.....Oh My

12 comments:

Vicki W said...

You've got to take the opportunities when they come!

Anonymous said...

Just remember that you love doing this! By the way, the quilt show in September wouldn't be the Wisconsin Quilt Expo in Madison, would it?

bindu said...

Good luck with all your commitments! That does seem like a lot, but with your skills, I'm sure you will do well.

Judi said...

WOW you sure are busy. Sometimes it's hard to keep up but you can do it gotta do the shows when you get the oppertunity to.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

Take a deep breath and get busy! I hope you have good luck at the show as a vendor - it sounds like you have not done this so it will be a new experience. If I lived up there I would love to take your fabric paint class - but being 14 hours away - don't think so :)
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Jackie's Stitches said...

Take a breath! You're going to be fine...it just seems like a lot right now. You'll get through it!

ArtPropelled said...

Oh my...deep breath and plod forward. I think I'm beginning to feel christmas overwhelm myself.

Finn said...

You're doing what you "gotta" do Chris! You are right on in grabbing the ring as you go past!
I'm sure it seems overwhelming right now, but what a great opportunity for you. Your dyed fabrics rock, get the good out there girl!
It's ok if you take a break from posting and reading. We'll be here when you come back. Hugs, Finn

Greenmare said...

sure wish I could come help you! they look fabulous!

Millie said...

You are so busy...wish I could help you too. The tiny little blocks are wonderfull!

JennaLouiseCreates said...

How wonderful...so much success for you. I happily wore my beautiful pin you designed while giving my quilt demonstration last week, I cherish it:) Thanks for stopping at my blog I appreciate it and wish you good luck at the upcoming shows:) Blessings Jenna Louise

Susan Elliott said...

oh my dear, you may feel overwhelmed but those itsy-bitsy quilts are a marvel! I've always admired them...good luck in the water...good thing you're a good swimmer...