The Mafia says: SHOP

I’m talking about the DC Craft Mafia, kicking off the season with the 2011 Holiday Heist this Sunday!  The event is at the Soundry in Vienna, and will feature a variety of talented artists and their wonderful and unique  items.  Forget shopping those same-old-same-old mall and big box stores and put original handmade creations under your tree this year!    Browse the Craft Mafia vendors list for an idea of the selection.  You’ll find Wild Hare Fiber Studio there — and I’m excited!  I’ve been working on lots of ready-to-gift items to complement my handspun and hand dyed yarns and fibers (which I’ll also have, if you’re planning to DIY this year).  Here’s a sneak preview of what you’ll find in my booth:

Hope to see you there!

More Festival Frenzy

First there was the Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier. 

 Then I had a spot in the traditional handcrafts section at the ‘Festival of Leaves’ in downtown Front Royal – mostly I was there to demonstrate and only took a small part of my inventory, but I did sell some things, and got to meet a lot of local people, both other knitter/crafters, and some people who had never seen spinning before!

Next, it was to the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival in Berryville – I love this show!  Indoors, nice people, great attendance, but not too crazy.  Lots of people took the opportunity to test drive one of the Spinolution wheels. 

 The highlight for me was when Barbara D, a brand new spinner who tested a Mach II at Montpelier then ordered one  came to my booth to show off her first skeins of handspun -  and they’re gorgeous!

Barbara gives credit to the wheel, which she said is so easy to understand and spin on — but I know natural talent has something to do with it too!  Congrat, Barbara, on some lovely handpun (I’m sure there are baskets-ful sitting around your house by now!)

That’s it for 2009 as far as wool festivals are concerned, but I’m only mid-way through shows this season. 

Next up — the DC Craft Mafia ‘Holiday Heist’ at the Soundry in Arlington, VA on November 21st.  I’m really excited about this one – it’s a juried show, with an ‘urban vibe.”  I was really excited to be selected to participate –  I’ll be focusing more on handspun and finished items, though I’ll still have some spinning fiber along, for anyone who wants to stop by for a fiber fix. 

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, I’m considering hosting a Spin & Knit-In at my house.  Maybe with some warm cider, a few cookies, wheels to test and yarns/fibers to fondle as we sit around and work on Christmas knitting.  Does that sound fun?  If you’re nearby and would like an invite, please send me a note.

 Soon after than, look for me at the ‘Downtown Holiday Shop & Stroll’ in Silver Spring Maryland on December 5th, another juried show, this one outside, so I’ll need to be wearing as well as selling my woolies!

Last, but not least by any means, is the ‘Handmade Holiday Boutique’ in downtown Front Royal.  This is in my hometown, and I’m one of the organizers.  It is being held in the Blue Ridge Arts Council gallery on Main Street, and is also a juried show, for quality handcrafts of all kinds (made by the vendor – no imports, resells, etc).  Vendor applications are still being accepted through November 16th, so if you know of someone who may wish to participate, please let them know!  Contact me with an e-mail address and I’ll get an application to you right away.  Oh, and mark your calendars for these events, and come see me!  If you can’t make it, you can always shop online!  My etsy shop is stocked and ready!

Me too! Me too!

By now we’ve all gotten our mailboxes filled and our newspapers stuffed with sales circulars… everyone is doing it, so I though I’d get in on the action in my etsy shop as well.  From NOW through Monday December 1st, I’m cutting the price of all my handspun yarns (some of which I’ve blogged about there) and all the finished items (shawls, scarves, etc) in my shop by 20% (prices are adjusted in the listing).  Additionally, I’m offering free shipping on any order over $50 from now through December 10th.  If you’ve got your eye on something in my shop, nows the time to act before it gets gone!

Check out my sale here:

www.wildhare.etsy.com

Mention this blog in the comments with your order and I’ll include a free fiber-themes badge of your choice! Just let me know which one you want (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17582914)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!