by carmen | May 16, 2009 | Uncategorized
It happened! The bones of the studio are in place. The shelving is in place. I put a few token skeins of the hand spun in the wire baskets just so I could see some colour. It looks pretty sparse now, but I have my Turkish carpets, my drum carder, coffee corner and soon the shelves will be lined with rovings. I couldn’t be happier or more sore.
I have some painting to do. And rather than an inspiration board, I’ve decided to do an inspiration wall and cork the wall that the glass table is against…Does anyone know where I can find a roll of corkboard?
I may change my mind, but I’m thinking it will be sweet to pin up swatches and pattern sketches.
by carmen | May 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
This will be ANYTHING but…….I have just started cleaning out the old studio and I’m thinking I’m on my way to coal miner’s lung. How did I possibly layer so much shit in this room?
This archeological expedition of working at home for the last five years has yielded some interesting finds.
- Angelina – I have been looking for this for my carding forever.
- 3 empty cheetos bags – A monument to my stress level at times
- several sock singles – not hand knit- it is still a mystery how they got there and I can no longer blame the washing machine or dryer.
- a stack of empty Starbucks cups (apparently I was collecting them before I got my thermos)
This is my chance for a clean space in the new creative space. It’s just shelving today as my hands are still not fully recovered. The sun is shining and space is being cleared in my spare room and in my mind.
How to fill them?
by carmen | May 14, 2009 | Uncategorized
In order to celebrate a new season in Whistler and the new studio, John surprised me with a weekend getaway to Whistler before the season starts.
Edgewater Lodge is nestled into a little peninsula situated on Green Lake overlooking the mountains and a glacier. They have an amazing view and canoes and kayaking on the lake. The restaurant is spectacular and has an unbelievable menu. The picture above is the private balcony where I’ll be knitting and having a nice glass or two of wine.
There will also be canoe knitting (thanks Danielle) It’s nice to see I’m not the only one compelled to do this.
John has some nice hiking plans for Pemberton. I’m looking forward to getting away…After setting up the new studio next week, we will not have a free weekend until the third week of October.
There are worse ways to spend the summer 😉
by carmen | May 13, 2009 | Uncategorized
What makes a show successful? Whenever I get back from a show, I’m always asked “Was it a good show”? A lot of times my favourite venues to do end up being the ones I don’t make the most money at. Looking at all of the components, here’s how I decide if something is worthwhile or if it was indeed a “good” show.
Putting together the booth.
- Did the organizer allow enough time for set up? There is nothing worse than feeling “rushed”
- Was there a good mix of craft and distance between same/like style craft? I have often seen a full row of jewelery and then a show with only two potters and they are right beside each other.
- Was there a standard for professional presentations in the booth. Junky looking booths turn customers off and the best shows also jury for booth presentation as well as your artisan skill.
Sales
- If it is a first time show there is no previous one to compare with so my expectation would be that my booth fee would be 10% of my total sales(minimum)
- If I have done the show before, how does it compare to previous years?
- One thing I don’t do is compare my sales to any other vendor at the show. Food is recession proof and people always have money for jewelery.
Customers
- Were my customers at the show? Did they have an interest in textile(weaving, knitting, spinning) This is crucial as I love filling down time at the show with yarn conversations.
- What was their demographic? (young – old – women – single – families)
Vendors
- Are they professional in their presentation and demeanor? Show etiquette has certain expectations. If you are in the same/similar category you do not go into a booth of similar craft. (I have seen people removed from shows for this breach).
- Are you at your booth? If my neighbour is always away from their booth, I feel an obligation to keep an eye on their inventory which takes me away from my customers.
- If you are a vendor that smokes, please don’t leave your booth and smoke in front of my booth. My lungs and my finished goods do not appreciate your smoke.
- Most vendors are congenial, helpful and truly good neighbours and I return the favour.
- If you are a vendor visiting my booth and customers are looking/trying to purchase, please let me deal with my customers and then I will get back to you. I am not being rude, but I am here for them first and you should know that without me having to tell you.
The Venue
- Are the bathrooms close?
- Is there access to water/food?
- Is the music appropriate to the venue?
- Is it appropriate for a craft show?
- Signage, decor?
- Is there an entrance fee, is it reasonable?
My own Interactions
- Did I meet interesting people?
- Did I have fun?
Based on this criteria, I would have to say that indeed Calgary was a good show. I attribute much of this to Pearl who kept me fed, watered, sane and made me laugh more than I could have hoped for (and this)….
Yes, it was a good show.
by carmen | May 9, 2009 | Uncategorized
Okay, so I think I can just book plane tickets and breeze out of town without any drama….
Think again. I was running around packing last minute skeins and realized that I had left John with a table full of junk…So I picked up a sheet of glass I had cut from the table. Apparently I tried to pick it up in a way that slices your finger open almost to the bone. No matter. I had not finished my Bacon and Egger Skein, wrapped my hand and got back to the spinning wheel since Pearl was going to be over in a half hour.
I was trying to hold my finger up while I was plying (while bleeding down my hand and on to the carpet) but I was determined to get the skein finished as I had plans for it.
I jumped into the van with all my luggage, a paper towel wrapped around my hand holding the skein in the same hand. No time to stop with a flight to catch. Pearl brought alcohol, gauze and tape and I patched myself up in the vehicle. By the time we hit the airport I was bleeding through the gauze and on to my boarding pass…hell, I didn’t care, we had the skein and then I could do this….
The spun Bacon Egger meets the original Bacon Egger.
Apparently the yarn was a bit stressed out and needed a caesar and some yam fries before the flight. I was really excited. I have never been to Calgary. And I loved the airport.
Sorry for the ripped off Yarn Harlot (substitute sock for bacon and egg yarn) being photo’d everywhere. Calgary greeting the yarn with open arms and open mouths.
We were picked up at the airport, treated like royalty. I was rebandaged and then began a late night of finishing for the show. The bleeding is down to a trickle, and the hats are getting done. I can’t ask for more than that.
I’ll give you a teaser of the palatte arriving at the show, with Pearl beside it for scale and the initial set up.
And now the real work begins. This is our blank canvas. I’m starting to realize that the display is “the thing” and I want to get it right.
Have a great knit night.
by carmen | May 7, 2009 | Uncategorized
All I could formulate today. I did manage to find a small corner for knitting.
More updates from the road…..
I have some painting to do. And rather than an inspiration board, I’ve decided to do an inspiration wall and cork the wall that the glass table is against…Does anyone know where I can find a roll of corkboard?
