ocam (orange collective artisan market) was a fun time this past saturday.  even during the slow spells! because i got to sit around with some cool folks and talk sewing. i especially loved meeting robin of ”worthwhile mercantile” and her lovely, talented two daughters.  i hope olive gets bitten by the crafty bug too! and andrea of “birds and arrows” is just super nice and funny. i’ll definitely be getting a babysitter next time they’re playing a show nearby. as always, thanks kara and rebecca for the invite & for all your encouragement and crafty wisdom!

the market gave me the push to get some new items made.  i’m in love with these poufs and appreciated the thorough steps in design sponge’s tutorial:

tufting these cushions was definitely a challenge and led to a few near injuries.  i love that each wedge is reinforced with muslin and as added icing i double stitched the seams and hand sewn bits.  this is one of those tutorials, although detailed & with great pictures, i wish i could’ve seen in person.  by the second one i was feeling much more confident! and olive loves them. she kept pulling them to the floor, saying “night! night!” and lounging on them.

i also had fun using amy karol’s simple tote design out of “bend the rules.”  i made them out of my vintage t-shirt collection (hard to let go, but the final product is such a great way to get some new life out of my favorite shirts!). i especially love the santa barbara tote! such fun pairing the fabrics with the shirts…especially the vintage hawaiian fabrics my sis-in-law gave me as a gift.

these markets are just such a neat way to meet people interested in the same things i am and i love talking with the “customers” about where my fabric or vintage pieces come from. totally corny, but i love that they’re moving on and becoming a part of another story!