Hey, look! I finally have a photo of the new Miranda II diaper bag! It's not the best image, but you get the idea. I'll soon have the rest of the bags photographed, as I now have some inventory to spare!Well, here I am blogging from the very damp, but still fun Harvest Celebration at Bothell Country Village. The ground is too wet to risk an electrical connection, so I'm not sewing today. Bummed about that, but still loving the sights (kids in costume!), sounds (live music!), and smells (fresh kettle korn!)
So much has happened since my last posting! I always think I'll be able to update bi-weekly, but then life steps in with other plans...
First, the big news: Boodlebags has gone wholesale! I just sent my stuff to my first trade show, and the response was overwhelmingly positive! I got two good orders, plus lots of interested buyers want me to follow up with them after they return from the BIG west coast show this week. Also, just a couple of weeks prior to the trade show, I got a sweet order from a store in Florida! Look for my bags at Bootyland in Seattle, Mimi & Marc in Portland, and the St. Augustine Paper Company (just opened a storefront) in St. Augustine, FL. Also, Happy Delusions in Renton, and Lulu in Chelan, WA.
So, with all that new demand for my products has come the need to increase production. I've hired new helpers - welcome to Jen, Paula, and Lynne! They join veterans Tracy & Jennifer as part of "Team Boodlebags," and are doing a bang-up job! I also wish to acknowledge Mia, a delightful gal who was only with us for a short time, but whose great work and sparkling personality are missed. Good luck in Texas, kiddo!
Well, with all this new help, my studio is now a "hive of industry", and I am quickly being rendered obsolete! Jen & Tracy are my in-studio team, and do all my cutting and tracing. They also keep the place clean and organized! Jennifer, Paula, and Lynne are my sewers, and they work from home, bringing me bins full of beautiful bags every week. Yay!
I am looking forward to removing myself completely from the production cycle very soon. Doctor's orders - no more sewing for awhile! Hands are a mess from fingertips to elbows, and the pain is pretty much constant. Just started hand therapy, will probably be at it for about a year before I'm in decent shape again. Of course, I had always intended to pull back and let others do the sewing, but I didn't expect to need to do it so soon!
Hey! The sun just came out! Woohoo! Hopefully it'll dry us all out and bring out more people.
In other news, my winter show season is pretty much over. I may try to do a couple of last-minute shows, but I didn't get in to the Urban Craft Uprising this time around. Boo! I'm disappointed, I must say - it was my best show last year, and the most fun, too. I do understand that they like to rotate their artists so as not to get stagnant, but still...darn! Oh well, I'll definitely apply next year - still my fave show.
So that's it for craft shows, but I'm now looking to expand into home parties! That's right, you, too can host a Boodlebags purse party in your home, earn a hostess gift, and get discounted products! I've been working with a couple of gals who do home parties for other products, and we're hoping to be ready to go in November. I'm hoping to host my first party at Adore Salon & Spa - should be a fantastic time! I'll keep y'all posted, I promise.
