I will be stepping away from scheduled blog posting in 2026. This has been a hard decision for me, as I so value the friends I have made through Felting and Fiber Studio. I was happy to hear I am welcome to submit articles, to be used when regular contributors need respite. My mother’s Alzheimer’s is in the final stage. She is on hospice care doing fine at the moment: but we don’t know the future, do we? I’m also helping my aunt, transition into assisted living care. Brian and I, of course aren’t getting any younger, either. We are using the information we’ve learned, to start thinking of our own future. We are definitely looking at downsizing, our living quarters, so that means it’s time to do a purge: “death purge” is what many call it. I don’t like that particular terminology, but I agree with the gist of the concept. As baby boomers, we grew up saving everything, “in case we need it,” down the line. We held onto baggage, because our parents and grandparents, told stories of what happened during wars, or depressions. We raised our children, in times of plenty, and they don’t want any of it! As the dutiful family “storage unit,” I have some really nice fiber related items to find homes for. Example: I have a dainty antique wooden swift with finely turned spindles (UK early 1900’s) in perfect condition: made for ladies embroidering fine linens…what do I do with it? It’s easy to think about listing such items, on social media outlets, but there are so many things to research before hand. It all takes time, that seems at a premium these days. A never ending dilemma
Of course, Brian’s answer to everything these days: “burn it!”
His cynicism is predictable, given what he’s witnessed, as my Etsy shipping clerk for 8 years. He sees customer “requests” in messages. In an effort to deliver, and receive the coveted 5 stars, I spend a lot of time doing things, to “make the sale.” Often, after endless messaging back and forth; the person rarely makes the purchase…or worse, never responds back at all. I am getting better at setting limits, but as I’m sitting here typing my article, another request bit the dust…and proved his point again. Hide the matches!!
Last weekend, I agreed to participate in a holiday craft show. My friend of 60 years is very active with a Veteran’s organization. My participation allows us to see each other, and supports a good cause. Because, so many are struggling financially, I chose my offerings carefully. I decided each item needed to be; visually pleasing, useful, with a low price point. I geared them to be used as stocking stuffers, small gifts for teachers, friends or relatives…maybe a child’s gift to Mom. Brian watched me search Pinterest for small items that met my criteria, and used some supplies I already had. I chose to make the following:
Fabric Wristlet Key Fobs Little Hill Craft video,
Beadable Pens and Beadable Key Chains (Search on Amazon)
Microwave (Baked) Potato Bags YouTube Potato Bag Sewing Tutorial
If you are unfamiliar with these Microwave Baked Potato bags, you are missing out on the best way to bake potatoes. They yield soft fluffy baked potatoes in less than a quarter of the time. I purchased mine 15 years ago, while on vacation. It’s been well used, ever since. In addition to baked potatoes, you can steam corn on the cob, warm tortillas, and bread/rolls.
I also took Woolbuddy ™️ needle felted animal ornaments, I had in my shop. They retail for $15 and are worth every penny, but I reduced them to $12.50 each, or “buy 4 get 1 free” (33% off retail). To make certain my prices were fair, I took samples to Mom’s facility. I’ve made friends with other family members: I sold a few potato bags and wristlet’s right on the spot. They felt my prices were too reasonable, for the quality and craftsmanship. I reassessed my prices and realized my potato bags needed to be $14, despite Etsy prices of $11. The specialty fabric I used on the outside is brand new and fetches $15/yard or more. I chose to line the potato bags with a brown fabric, instead of the white muslin my bag has. You can imagine the staining from years of constant use. $12.50 was my initial price: only a bit above supply costs.
I wasn’t looking to make much, as we’ve participated in the show a few years ago. I agreed to share a table this time, and gear my offerings to those attending. I sold 4 potato bags ($14 each), 1 pen ($5), 1 key fob ($6) and some of the needle felted animal ornaments for a total of $137. Once the 1/2 table fee, a raffle donation, and food came out, we probably covered the cost of potato bag fabrics. The foot traffic was constant, and we had a steady stream of lookers at the table. People loved the items, pricing didn’t seem to be an issue: I sold as much as the crafters near me. I’m often asked why I don’t sell my things at craft shows! I’ve always felt the time involved in the making, is rarely valued by those purchasing. Maybe it’s the area we live in? Whatever the reason, I had a plan for any items remaining. We are gifting them Mom’s caregivers. I was very careful to keep the samples, away from caregivers view, and that was a very good thing!
Brian still has his thought’s, about those matches…when I whine “what am I going to do with all this yarn and fiber?” I know he would never think of doing such a thing, while I am alive…but if anything happens to me, you might want to make a quick call!!
Happy Holidays!