Happy New Year!

I'm back in the saddle again, after weeks of prepping for and celebrating the holidays.  I've been filling out applications, buying insurance and booking hotel rooms for our shows this year, which I've listed in the side bar on the right side of the blog.  I will post them to Facebook as well.  

My resolution this year is to get through the pile of UFOs in my studio.  They include the big bird rug I started in August and put aside, the sheep mat I started in September, the proddy I call the Rug in the Grey Flannel suit that I started several years ago, and the large basket weave hit-or-miss that is also several years old.  There are many smaller things that need finishing, too, but I won't bore you with that list.  I'm thinking if I commit to posting some sort of finish every Friday I'll feel obligated to get to them.  We'll see.

I've been tending to my poor little old Jack Russell Terrier Cairo, who tore a ligament in one of his hind legs last week.  He has to lose a pound, and stay quiet for several weeks.  No surgery -- he is 14 and the anesthesia would probably kill him -- just rest for the inflammation and to let scar tissue form and stabilize the leg.  It is like having a baby again.  My biceps are getting a work out because I carry him everywhere.

We have our first below freezing weather today -- even a few flurries -- but the temps are ring up again in a day or so.  Such a mild winter -- much needed after last year's cold and snowy one.  It's a good time to get hooking.

Phew!

I'm back from the whirlwind of the Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck.  I've spent the last couple of days cleaning out the car and cleaning up my studio, which looked like a hurricane hit it.  Of course, it was so busy, I didn't take any photographs!  Go to Instagram and use the hashtag #clfair and you will get a good idea of the abundance available this past weekend.  Architectural antiques and collectibles were plentiful.  

Our crowded booth on Saturday

My favorite shops were the ones that sold buttons -- Grandmother's Buttons and The Button Shop.  I also liked the mid-century modern silhouettes of Wendy Schultz Wubbels -- she's completely changed her subject matter from traditional silhouettes to Eames chairs and more.  They were really stunning.  I also loved all the topiaries people were selling -- myrtle and rosemary and something called honeysuckle boxwood -- light green and feathery -- that I had never seen before.  

The best part of the weekend was seeing old friends and customers -- lots of rug hookers came by -- and meeting Instagram and blogger friends. ( Hello to Marilu at 518Frenchgirl!  Marilu just recently started blogging about rug hooking, so you should go visit her.) 

The show is remarkably well-run by Stella Show Management.  They had bag checks in couple of places, lots of food available, and even had a moving and shipping company available for furniture and large items.  There were even vendor stalls in the restrooms so we didn't have to wait in line!  Stella has been doing fairs for a long time and it shows.

I'm already thinking about next year.  Although a very expensive show to do, I think it has a lot of potential.  We'll see how it goes  . . . .

We Did It!

We braved the morning fog and the anxiety that comes with a brand new show and got all set up by 3 o'clock!  This is our tiniest booth ever -- 5 feet by 10 feet -- with no wifi and no electricity.  Pete helped us build an arch across the from with PVC tubing.  We wrapped it in garland and battery operated Christmas lights, which were not turned on in this photo.  I'll try to get better photo with a real camera tomorrow.

We took a quick walk through our tent before heading home.  There's lots of white and glitter around this year.  There are two more tents that I hope to get a look in tomorrow.  I'll let you know if I find anything special.  Wish us luck!

And please send positive thoughts out to our friend Barbara who is dealing with some health issues.  We're thinking of you, kiddo.  Hope all went well today.

First Ever Country Living Magazine HOLIDAY BAZAAR!!!!

Barb and I just heard, on the eve of the all-consuming Sheep and Wool Festival, that we have been accepted to vend at the newest Country Living Magazine Fair.  Here's the scoop:

Join us at The Country Living Fair's Holiday Bazaar in Tarrytown, New York, indoors on the grounds of the historic Lyndhurst Mansion, December 6-8, 2013. We promise great holiday shopping, book signings, and a chance to meet the editors!  Friday, 12 -6, Saturday, 9-6, Sunday, 10-5.

I am so excited!  We will not be doing the Wilton Historical Society Show this year because of a scheduling conflict (we will be at the Fiber Festival of New England that weekend), so I am tickled pink to have another top notch venue to sell our stuff.  If you've never been to Lyndhurst, it is a castle that sits high on the bluffs overlooking the beautiful Hudson River, right next to the Tappan Zee Bridge.  Its the perfect setting for a Christmas show.  Mark your calendars!