Show Prep & the April Give Away

I can't say how much I have been enjoying sewing for model horses this week. It seems like forever since I made a haversack, a pony pad, or a show apron of some sort. Sewing 18th century clothing is very different (and enjoyable as well), but the robe a l'Anglaise has been very complicated and difficult. Haversacks? Much less taxing!

The show drape for Midwest Mini Mayhem has had its final pressing and tweaks and is ready to pop into the mail later this morning. I sent pics to Shannon and she was very happy with it. 

With two events that are back to back weekends quickly approaching, I pulled out the Mercantile tubs to do some inventorying. I was glad I did - I am in good shape for Classics, Curios/Ventis, and Stablemates, but I desperately need to make some Traditionals and Extra Long Traditionals.

Having said that, I had thirteen Stablemate haversacks already in process that I completed yesterday.

I save my scraps from the bigger pouches and turn them into Stablemate ones or event petite pony pads. (More on those tomorrow.)

And while that can mean the print is sideways (like on the green and black haversack above), I can't see wasting fabric and adding it to a landfill somewhere just because of that. 

I've actually taken some criticism about that or even been asked, "Didn't you know your fabric is sideways?" Yes, I do. And I'm okay with that because that is fabric that is begin used and not thrown away.

After finishing these haversacks, I felt confident that I had beefed up my Stablemate inventory enough for the Midwest Mini Mayhem show.

As I inventoried, I discovered I had sold out of all my petite pony pads. (I make three sizes; petite is the smallest.) And with Midwest Mini Mayhem coming up, that wouldn't do!

 

Out came the tub of small-scale scraps, my iron, and my rotary cutter. Soon seven petite pads were ready for the final step of hand sewing them closed. More on those tomorrow.

Finally, it's time to announce the April Give Away! I gave a hint that they were something that went along with the phrase, "April showers bring May flowers" in Tuesday's blog post.

How cute are these 18th century reproduction Williamsburg Pottery ink wells?

They are hand thrown, hand painted salt glaze reproductions and they make perfect little flower vases. They look nice just displayed as decor, too. (Although the winners are welcome to fill them with ink and grab a quill if they prefer!) 

I sell a small inventory of Williamsburg Pottery when I set up at Kalamazoo and The Feast of the Hunters' Moon and thought some of you might enjoy having a piece.

The usual directions apply: 

~ There are two inkwells so two names will be drawn. 

~ Enter by commenting on any blog posts that are shared here between and including today, Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 8. 

~ You must include your initials, a nickname, your name, etc. on your comments so that I can identify you and get your pottery to you!

~ Entries close Sunday night at 11:59 PM Eastern time.

~ Two winners will be drawn on Monday or Tuesday and announced here on the blog. 

Good luck!

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