Big News!

First let me state that I have my beloved Janome back in my arms again. And it only cost me $138.50! I could practically buy a new machine for the amount I have spent on old Jan. Oh well, it's worth it. But the biggest news is.....I sold a card! And it wasn't to Tina! It was actually to someone I don't know. Yes, truly amazing... I have pictured it here because it will not be on the website after today because it is mother's day related.

I am starting to get nervous about the Simi Valley Street Fair this weekend. It seems like there will be so many people and if even a tenth of them buy something, we won't have anything left for Red Rabbit on the 15th. But, selling out is a good thing and we could use the ego boost so I hope we do well! (That was probably the kiss of death...)

Death of Janome

I love my Janome sewing machine. We understand each other. There is friendship, shared tears and a bond that cannot be broken between us. We have gone through much together..... and now the damned thing CRAPPED OUT on me! Actually, I think I bent some inner mechanism so the needles keep hitting the metal and snapping. I have gone through 10 needles in the past few days. So I have finally given up and switched to a Singer that Tina graciously lent me as a back up singer (lol). There is a lack of trust with the new machine. I keep reaching for the wrong buttons and I have to look everything up. And as far as I can see there is no little button to sink the needle in and keep it there for when you need to turn the material. And it's computerized! EEEWWWW! But it was very sweet of Tina and I appreciate the fact that I am still able to create stuff even though my trusted sewing partner (not Tina, the Janome) is very, very sick. Perhaps even dying. May she rest in peace.

Sewing Machine Blues

So, after burning up the sewing machine preparing all that inventory for the show that bombed, Tina and I took our beloved Janomes to the old time sewing machine/vaccum cleaner fixer dude. Now, I have to say, I love patronizing people like sewing machine/vacuum dude because he is like a blast from the past. However, that said, HE STILL HAS MY MACHINE!! How rude! It has been a week. I mean, I am going nuts here! The only positive thing is that I was able (and motivated) to start painting again. I painted a picture that was inspired by a photo a friend of mine took for a card I bought from her. She takes really wonderful photographs of flowers, birds and bugs (my favorite!) using the name Karenb Photography. Hopefully you will be seeing her stuff on etsy soon. I am going to paint again today AFTER I pick up my machine. Tina and I plan on camping out in front of the dude's shop and picketing with signs that say "Give me my machine or give me death" or maybe "My name is Karen, you killed my machine, prepare to die!" (If you haven't seen the Princess Bride, you won't get that one - and btw it is a great movie). Anyway, we'll keep you posted.