I'm Back

Wow it's been a long time since I posted. I was so busy with Christmas craft shows from October to mid-December, then Christmas. Then the doldrums of January set it and all of sudden it's the end of February already.

Hopefully spring is on it's way. Time to brighten up come up with new and fresh ideas for Spring.

My newest creation has been a sock monkey gadget keeper. It's so cute and can protect your cell phone, ipod, or small camera.

I've also been working on some new spring handbags. Here is my latest..

I will be working on more tote bags and some Easter items over the next 2 months. Check out my Etsy shop for my latest additions. http://radicalandretro.etsy.com

Things are looking up...Spring is on it's way!!

UPCOMING CRAFT SHOWS

I am madly preparing for my upcoming Christmas Craft shows. The house cleaning had gone by the wayside, I officially call October "Messy House" month. I am up to my eyeballs in thread and material, pins and needles are everywhere. I will be glad when the month is over and I can relax and sell, sell, sell.

If you are in the Edmonton/Red Deer area you can catch me at one of this craft shows.

Xmas in October - Festival Place, Sherwood Park - October 27, 28, 29
Leduc Christmas Craft Show - Christ the King School, Leduc - November 4 & 5
Millwoods United Church Craft Sale - Edmonton - Sat, November 25
Red Deer Westerner Craft Show - Red Deer - Saturday, December 2

Christmas season is almost upon us. Happy Shopping everyone!!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Today finally feels like summer is over. The mountains have had a dump of show and it is very chilly here today. So I am finally in the mood to start making my Christmas ornaments, snowmen, and santas.

So far I have 2 craft shows booked one Oct 27-29 in Sherwood Park, Alberta and one in Leduc, Alberta on Nov 4 & 5.

So I seriously need to get my butt in gear to get my Christmas crafts made in time. So besides monkeys and knit scarves, here are some of the characters I am working on.

EDMONTON ETSY GALS

On Tuesday, August 8th we had an Etsy meet up in Edmonton. We had a great time meeting one another and putting faces to store names.

L-R: Needlequeen, Radical and Retro, Gadetgirl, Torrid Craft Affair, My Sweet Loveable Goods

I hope we get a chance to meet up again, it would be nice to get together and have an Etsy craft fair.

MORE SOCK ANIMALS

I have been busy experimenting with other sock creatures.
Sock Bunnies - my own pattern creation


Sock Dog patterns care of these awesome "how to" websites http://naiveknitting.typepad.com and http://hgtv.com . Check under my links for the exact location.

And a Sock Teddy Bear from a pattern in Crafts Magazine

WHERE HAS MAY GONE!!

I can't believe it is the end of May already. Where has the month gone. Between planting flowers and getting new windows and doors in my house and the cleaning that goes with it, who has time to craft. Crafting has kind of come to a stand still. I am currently trying to fill a big order of purple sock monkeys and finish off a couple more purses. Soon I will have to start on my Christmas stuff so I have some inventory for the two craft shows I have been accepted to in the fall. I can't wait for summer holidays to have some time to catch up.

Awesome FREE Knitting Pattern Site

I just discovered this awesome site for free knitting patterns.
Its called Drops Design at http://garnstudio.com/lang/en/kategori_oversikt.php
Stop by and check it out. There are so many patterns I would love to do...I just need to be able to knit 24 hours a day to make them all.

A FUNNY FOR THE DAY

KNITTING>> A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the >freeway. Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde >behind the wheel was knitting! Realizing that she was oblivious to his >flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on >his bullhorn and yelled, "PULL OVER!" "NO!" the blonde yelled back, "IT'S >A SCARF!"

For all you fellow knitters. Don't Knit & Drive!

HAPPY SATURDAY

I'm glad it is Saturday so I can craft craft craft... I have been busy making wrist clutches this week. I love this one I made out of some cool Elvis material I found in Walmart.
I also finished up the Miss Saigon Tee-Tote. I experimented with putting in a zipper pocket and it turned out ok. I am thinking I will keep this one to use to advertise in hopes someone will see it and ask where I got it. When I put my stuff in it I do find it a little small it is 12" wide by 9" long. So I will adjust the pattern and make it 14" long. I like a deeper bag.
I have also been looking for summer venues in which to sell my handbags and clutches. I would love to do a street market ... but here in Edmonton I just can't seem to find one that is a right fit for me. There are farmers markets but in the past I find they have a following so you need to go back more than once before you are really noticed. I would prefer and big one day event. Then we have a couple of festivals that would be great to get into such as the Folk Festival or Fringe Festival. They are a bit pricey about $300.00 for space. I think they would be a great venue for me, but I would need tons of stock and I am just one person so I don't think I can make enough. I will have to keep my eyes and ears open and get my butt in gear and make more bags ... find more t-shirts instead of surfing the internet. Have a great weekend!! Happy Mother's Day!

TEE-TOTES

Well after a while of being frustrated and being uninspired as to what new to make, I came across a couple of simple handbag patterns that have inspired me to make them out of old second hand tee-shirts. Here is a finished "tee-tote" .


interior






Another one I have started out of a Miss Saigon T-shirt



And a wristlet I made out of a California T-shirt

These Tee-Totes will be available for sale at my
Radical and Retro Shop at http://www.radicalandretro.etsy.com

CRAFTING DISASTERS OF THE CENTURY

Whats the worst crafting disaster that has ever happened to you?? Well here is mine. Yesterday I grabbed a tin containing TRILLIONS of seed beads, accidentally tipped it, the lid flew off and all those seed beads went every where...I mean everywhere!!! In my computer keyboard, in the printer, in files, in books, papers, floors, cabinets.. you name it there was seed beads in it. I rescued some but the rest.. gone in the vacuum. I have never had such a mess! I wanted to freeze time and do a rewind just to see them all go back into the tin. I am sure I will continue to find seed beads in just about everything in my office/work room for years to come.

Online Craft Fair

Join me an a group of crafters for an Online Craft Show on Tuesday March 28 & Wednesday March 29. There are many specials and bonuses with each order. The website address is: www.freecraftfair.com/onlinefair.html

New items I have been working on are Computer Keyboard Jewellery

I have been making necklaces but am hoping to add bracelets and rings as well.
If you are interested in a custom made piece just email me. Prices are around $8.00 US each. My email is trenwen@shaw.ca.

FIRST DAY OF SPRING (YEAH RIGHT!?!?)

Snow, Snow and more Snow. This is the dump of snow we got this weekend 25 cm or about 10 inches. This is the view from the side of my house. A good day to stay home can craft!

ETSY SHOP

Visit my web shop at http://www.radicalandretro.etsy.com.
I post 2 new items a week usually on Saturday morning. So grab a cup of java and stop by for a visit.

LINED POUCHES

Well due to popular opinion, I decided to line the inside of my knit pouches. Lining for me is a work in progress. I am not very good at it but practice will make perfect so they say. So here are a couple finished products and yes I did line them.




Here's another one I completed



This one was hand embroidered and is available for purchase at
http://www.radicalandretro.etsy.com

TO LINE OR NOT TO LINE THAT IS THE QUESTION

I have a quandry. Do I line or not line a little knitted pouch? I will put a zipper in and it will have a handle with some beads. But I just can't decide if the general public who may purchase this little bag would want it lined or not.
What to do, what to do.... Opinions are welcome.

Inside of bag view

MONKEY MADNESS

Recently I have been overtaken by monkeys. Sock monkeys that is.
It has been so much fun creating this bunch but sadly I have to part with
them. You can purchase them at my Etsy store at
http://www.radicalandretro.etsy.com



The small cute ones are just $5.00 each + shipping
The larger cuter ones are $15.00 each + shipping

Don't hesitate because they go fast!!