Tuesday, August 4, 2009

sewing sweat shop

We just got back from Portland, Oregon yesterday, where we spent our BC Day long weekend... the trip was fantastic and I am still sorting through all the photos... so you will have to wait until tomorrow to see some of the shots of our weekend adventure! 

The day before we left (Friday), I finished sewing all the 100 or so notebooks covers – my attempt to get ahead of making craft inventory for this fall and winter. After sewing (too long) in 30 degree heat (high 90s if you are in fahrenheit), it was literally a "sweat" shop in our apartment. I am still quite slow on the machine, so what would have taken a real sewer probably only a couple of hours, took me the entire day (and evening)... sigh. Now looking at the pile, I am debating on whether to make more... (is 100 books enough for a 4 day fair? hmm... maybe not?). I do know that I will plan my production around cooler weather, if I do make more.

22 comments:

Hey Harriet said...

You sewed 100 notebooks? That's impressive! Especially to someone like me who can't sew to save my life! You probably will sell out before the four days are up :)

M.M.E. said...

Your stamina has inspired me to get my rear in gear and start my next illustration. Thanks! And, I agree with you, sadly. Maybe 150 notebooks. :(

Unknown said...

I hate to say 100 isn't enough considering your sweat shop conditions... but your work is so darn adorable... that may not be enough. ;) That's a good problem to have!

Sherryl said...

Wow - 100 notebooks? That is impressive! Good luck on your 4 day fair - I'm sure you'll do great!

Rosy Revolver said...

Sympathies from NC. My studio doesn't have air conditioning and our temps are right up there with yours. It's tough!! I agree with the others, though . . .
Your work is so cute, maybe a few more notebooks? Hey, your Etsy shop will be slammed for the holidays if you don't sell out at the show. (Hoping of course that you do!) xoxo

Bonzai Beadwear said...

WOW 100 notebooks, that is outstanding!! good luck!

our little love nest said...

OH my goodness!! I don't think I have near that amount of drive. I would so be swearing my head off at the machine. Not a lovely sight. You amaze me. xo

Anonymous said...

You were in Portland!? Fantastic! Can't wait to see your photos...the city is a gem.

Anna said...

So jealous! I have a strange obesession with Portland.

I bet all that work will be worth it - You work is too adorable!

Felix and Jayne said...

whoa! i need some of your energy!

Kate8085 said...

What in the world are you trying to do to yourself?
Sadly, I think you will sell out of those..but I don't want you working in those conditions! You hear me, young lady?

(did i sound scary enough? haha)

Curtis Collectables :) said...

You are so talented. You are almost inspirational enough to get me off my butt. :)

LittleGemsbyKari said...

wowie

Holly said...

I don't know, that seems pretty fast to me. I know you've been working on them for a while now, but you're doing pretty well if you're up to 100 now. Great work, girl! It's probably not a bad idea to make more if they're for that really big show you mentioned in a previous blog. My philosophy is that it's always better to have too much than not enough. At least you can list the leftovers in your etsy shop. I'm sure they'll do well, they're so cute!

Jeanne said...

It is my hope to you that you sell all 100. Let us know!

farouche said...

That's like a notebook marathon. You should get a medal or ribbon declaring you went for the 100 notebook dash and survived!

miranda said...

100! that's awesome! like one for every Fahrenheit degree. ;-)

i agree with the other folks - probably more, for a 100 day fair... you never know. i know that i loved the one i bought from you (it was my first portobello purchase).

can't wait to see your portland photos.

miranda said...

^ ah, i mean a four-day fair. there's something about the number 100 that sticks in your head. ;-)

cabin + cub said...

Thanks for the tips everyone... ok.. I think I WILL make more! ;)

Alex Levine said...

the sea lions are so cute!

readingsully2 said...

Can't wait to see. :)

Kathryn Dyche said...

Wow, that's a whole load of sewing. Good luck at the fair. :0)