Over the Renegade

The Lucky Penny display seen from my vantage point at the Renegade Craft Fair. Two days with just enough second hand smoke wafting by to leave me with a nagging headache. Sunday night, home in an overheated house (79 degrees inside, and the Man said it was cold!), I think I was underhydrated and overtired. I couldn't fall asleep! Everything hurt from the packing and unpacking of my vehicle over two days. The Man was a really good sport about setting up my canopy, and taking it down with me when it started to rain yesterday afternoon. I was thankful to leave early and be driving home at 5 pm, when it really started to pour. The Man helped me unpack the display grids and tables from my car today. I'm only just now starting to feel normal. If I get custom orders from people who said they were interested, then I had a successful show. I think that my prices are too high to do this show in the future. A silk screened t-shirt or bottle cap pin is an impulse purchase. But with my prices starting at $80, and going up from there, the sweaters are an investment piece. They will last the life of a dog and beyond, because I use quality materials. So, I understand the custom concept and try to go to these shows with my expectations low. I'm trying to have the same attitude about the upcoming Country Living Fair. But it's hard to contain my excitement. I'm have to change my display for this event. My display grids are too industrial, so I'm going to borrow some antique drying racks.
I did have fun, aside from the smoking issue. My mom kept me company the first day, but decided to go back to Wisconsin early. There were logistics issues, like no room in my car, and getting a ride to the train on Sunday. She also had issues with tattoo abundance and odd body piercings observed at the show. One in particular, a pale young man, with pendulous ear lobes from the plugs that got removed, really got her upset. That in combination with what she described as an "elf hat" grossed her out. I myself, didn't notice the hat, because I couldn't stop looking at the ears. There were lots of odd wardrobe choices to be seen, too. I guess if you are 400+ pounds, there's no hiding it, so why not wear a polka dot dirndl skirt with a tulle petticoat, for the full hippo effect? I did have some fun visitors. On Saturday, Dana stopped by. On Sunday, Bonne Marie kept me company for a while, and Theresa and Angela chatted for a while, along with their respective handsome spouses. Some Guild members stopped in to say hello, Fern and her mom, Francine, Linda, Lauren, and Kay.
I am now a member, on a trial basis, of the Chicago Craft Mafia. The nicest people, truly. Some familia was set up at the fair, too, Brandy, and Michelle. I feel very honored to be in their company. I hope that I have enough expertise to contribute to the group. I sort of feel that I don't have that much in common with them. CCM=successful. Me=not so much.
I added to the stash this weekend, some beautiful handspun from Vera Videnovich. Some brown Corriedale for a hat for me, and lovely wool/alpaca blend that will be Lucky Penny sweaters, along with some dyed wool for trim.