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!

Blog posts are currently moderated, so don't worry if your comment doesn't show up right away. 

Me as a Horse

 (I'm still down the drainboard rabbit hole doing research, and posts about what I find are a day or two away.)

Ever play those games that pop up in social media that offer to tell you things about yourself - character traits, what you will look like in twenty years, things people like about you, and more?

I don't play them often, but when "What would you look like as a horse?" popped up, I took the click-bait and played.

Aaannnndddd........ no. This is not me as a horse. (It's not even a horse!)

I played again, fully expecting to get the unicorn again.

I got this sassy pony instead!

Now I was really hooked and I began playing the game again and again.

Possibly - I love the happy feel this pony gives off.

No! No! No! No! NO!!

I am not able to jump any more let alone run and play on beaches.

I do like to laugh, and this pony is giving a good horse laugh so maybe...

Zealously guarding my food? When it comes to Vanilla Coke Zero and Skinny Pop, it's highly likely.

Grey hair? Yes. Made from felt and not real? Erm, no. I am very real.

Attentive, curious, and a little fluffy? Very possible.

None of those fit me very well, but if I had to choose one, I would choose... Can you guess? Put it in the comments or shoot me an email at horsiemama8@gmail.com. I'll reveal the answer tomorrow.

And don't forget to enter to win the BreyerFest pony pad! Email me to enter.

 

Blog Anniversary - Celebrate with Abby & Me!

And here it is - the pony pad I made for this year's BreyerFest virtual seminar on making pony pads.

You can watch it being made during BreyerFest this July. (Sorry, but I will not be able to post the video here.)

It's 12 x 18", double layered, and has a cotton cover.

Want to win it? Send an email to me at horsiemama8@gmail.com to enter! Entries will be taken until 11:59 PM Wednesday, April 13. (One entry per person.) The winner will be announced in Thursday or Friday's blog.

Good luck!