Readying Ourselves Once Again

Somehow the month between Indie Markets feels more like a week. On the eve of the December market we are drinking lots of coffee and frantically trying to finish up last minute projects and errands. This month's Indie Market will coincide with the Downtown Festival of Lights, and despite the predicted cold weather, we're hoping lots of people will come out and support Greensboro's downtown district - full of local shop owners who, like us, will have their doors open late. (You know, if our tent had doors).

We also wanted to introduce you to some of the new fare, making a debut tomorrow.  Both Tracy and I have been working on more sock creatures, since everyone was so enamored by them (and how could you not be). This month we have another batch full of characters, some with bow-ties, some with bandanas, and some with attitude. We'll leave it up to you to give them names (although we'll have suggestions). I caught these two trying to finish Adam Levin's 1000 page tome, The Instructions, by tomorrow (they're on page 30, but are getting some ideas - so be careful).

I've also been feeling rather nostalgic this holiday season, & to my surprise, I was craving those old felt ornaments that my mom and I made when I was six. This time, of course, I used way less glue and glitter (most are hand stitched), and gave some of the ornaments a more 'retro' feel. Missing are those glass bells with the glittery stripes, but maybe I'll make some of those for the Etsy store front. Also making a debut will be felt and ribbon Christmas-Tree-shaped ornaments. And, of course, we'll have the wool felted birds, felt doves, and felt apples & pears, bird and vintage card garlands (just like last month).

Tracy's been busy knitting scarves on the hand loom - so don't worry if you forget to bundle up tomorrow, we have you covered.

We'll also have plenty of stocking stuffers including Tracy's hand embroidered, felted wool coffee cup sleeves (made from old sweaters). So if you have a coffee lover out there, who can't start his or her day without their 'Cuppa' of 'Vitamin C', this might just be the perfect gift.

Also on hand will be our hand knit baby caps and receiving blankets. Grandma's been working hard on the blankets and has even sent along a few Christmas themed ones.

As always, we will have our fun, fabulous & functional attitudes - and anyone who brings back their Super Secret Fabulous Society cards (with the code name on the back) will receive 10% off their purchase.  If you didn't get a Super Secret Society card, dress up in 50s attire & visit our booth and we'll give you 10% off for being fabulous (& take your picture to post on the blog) - only one coupon per person per purchase. (no doubling down).

We hope to see you tomorrow night!

& Thanks for reading,

.n & .t

New Ornaments For the Holidays

A few weeks ago, whilst perusing books at the bookstore (where else?), I came across an idea for ornaments that threw me back into the fondest memories of my childhood - making felt ornaments for our Christmas tree.

Usually those ornaments were flat, glue laden, slightly lopsided snowmen, but occasionally we got super creative and made the ornaments somewhat dimensional with a little fiberfill stuffing.

While Tracy has been busy working on earrings for our friends at Lantana's Gallery in Southport, NC (pictures to come), I've been creating these charming, folk-style, felt ornaments.

We'll soon have pears, apples, and lovely little birds listed on Etsy. Each ornament is hand stitched & made of thick wool felt (because the texture is so much nicer than that acrylic craft stuff). The apples come in a subtly mottled red, wool felt. The pears and birds will be offered in a variety of colors (including burgundy, oatmeal, light blue, and sage green).

Also, on the less folksy - more vintage side, we've been trying to figure out what to do with our stash of vintage holiday cards (from the 1940s & 50s). We've been playing around with different ideas, but the one we like the best is this set of 12 nifty, tag-style ornaments, ready to hang.

Tell us what you think, and if you'd like to see more!

Etsy Preview

Some of you may have realized that there are a few items already up at the etsy store (thanks for lookin'). We are diligently working on getting more stuff up, but if you'd like to take a gander at some of our early offerings, head on over to the Defabricate store.

Just to give you an idea of things to come, we are working on Gees Bend inspired folk art crib quilts as well as our smaller 30" square quilts (great for receiving blankets or chair throws, or even wall hangings). Also on the baby front are our soft knit baby hats for newborns to 6 months old.

Nicki will be making more of her popular felted bird ornaments this year, and Tracy's working on her hand-sewn, hand embroidered star ornaments.


And Cat lovers - we have little felt mousies! (pictures coming soon). Our cats can't get enough of 'em.

Felted Fishing Lures are Here!

When my grandfather passed away (many years ago) he left his tackle box full of great old fishing lures to my dad. For a long time they sat in that tackle box in the garage, until my mom rediscovered them & fell in love with these oddly shaped little objects with amazing color and shiny bits. They have since been framed. Now every time I go home I get to see those beautiful utilitarian pieces of art hanging on the wall. So, naturally, when I was thinking about a new felting project, I chose fishing lures. Granted, these lures won't help you catch fish, but they're great for the tree, your favorite fisherman/person/woman, or lovers of all things odd and wonderful... and with names like 'Lola the Showgirl' and 'Polyphemus' how can you resist!?

And for those who missed out on the Birdly ornaments, we have a few more available (but they go fast). Find it all at the Defabricate store.

Holy Schnikies!

I can't believe it, in one day the felted birdly ornaments and the Red-eyed Tree frog sold out.  I'm working on getting more up, but you guys are insatiable! (Keep it up!)

For those of you asking about Birdly sets:  We're working on a set of 6 for $25 - what do you think?

In the mean time, check out Tracy's altered road sign patches (my favorite is the 'Breathe' patch).

Thanks all,

xo,
-Nicki