April has passed, and the constant rain has hopefully gone with it.  I had a couple of fairs and have been busy booking up more for the rest of the year, including the next Craft Hub 'Summer of Love" Craft Fair July 1st, the Ham Common Fair in Surrey 16th June and the Totnes Show 29th July.

I've been really putting some effort into promoting My Sister Mabel on Facebook, and it seems to be paying off, the Bella Bag is flying! I've got some great new oilcloths and have desperately been trying to build up stock.  Had a couple of good nights with friends which included a delicious Sushi night at Becka's with Saki, chopsticks and all the trimmings, and a great evening at Sam's called chocolate, cheese and wine!!! Meanwhile trying to run it off, but being a fair weather runner it hasn't been going very well.

Some of the many new designs of the Bella Bag

And so to May.. I have the Exminster Market, Victory Hall, Exminster on the 5th May and The Topsham Vintage Fair at Matthews Hall Topsham on the 7th, and also building up stock for the beginning of the busy Summer months. 

"Let there be sun!"

Mabel sums up the weather in April.

EASTER AND BEYOND

Easter just around the corner, I've been really busy getting the website updated, preparing for fairs neglecting the housework, and now half terms here, it's time to spend some time with the family. 

It's taking all my multi tasking skills to the max, but yes I can do it!!! 

First project was the decorate an egg contest at Bella's school.  We went for The Red Queen from Alice In Wonderland.  Were in with a chance?.... Weren't sure if the judge would have seen the film.  

We didn't win but we had great fun putting it together!

 

Have been busy cutting out and putting together some great new dresses for my pending fairs.
Here are a couple dresses made with some Cath Kidston fabric.

 And some more.  Really like getting the contrasting ones together.

Friday after school it was over to The Northcott Theatre in Exeter with the girls to see
"Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales"

Saturday it was off to The All Things Lovely & Vintage Fair at The Imperial Hotel Torquay.  I sold 12 of my bags to a shop in Plymouth, and some of my dresses went down the catwalk.

Sunday it was off to The Craft Hub event at Topsham, always a good event for selling and making new contacts. Really enjoyed the day

 Have had to replenish my oilcloth stocks and get cutting out in time for Saturdays second Exminster Market

Very difficult when your daughter thinks its a nice place to lie down....

This picture of Mabel really sums up how I feel right now!

MY SISTER MABEL

Today I was featured on www.pauletpaula.com an international blog about kids design and lifestyle based in Holland. It was good to get some recognition and I've been asked to feature in their new e-magazine out in February.

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In the long distant past when I was living in Brighton I started making bibs from oilcloth and selling them into shops in and around the area, which is where it all started. I  moved onto other things, but recently came across the pattern in a cupboard so I've made some more.

OILCLOTH MINI MABEL BAGS

I've been using up my hoard of oilcloth pieces and have put together the first two Mini Mabel Bags.  I've made them in two sizes and each one will be completely unique.  I'll be listing them on my website soon...