Hello my lovelies! Although it kind of looks like there are tumbleweeds rolling around here, it's actually quite the opposite! If you saw my studio, you'd understand - I've been down there every night working steadily for the past couple of weeks making things like crazy. I haven't been feeling very well recently, so I've been working a lot slower than usual, but still, there is fabric flying for sure. The machine is constantly going, I'm forever hemming, and continually trying to keep my dog from eating the threads.

Now that Hallowe'en is over, you know what that means, right? Christmas! Yup, it's never too early to start thinking about it. Especially in the craft world - most of us have been thinking of Christmas since the summer, getting ideas and products ready for the bigger holiday shows. I used to work in retail in my early twenties, and here in Canada, November 11th is the biggest shopping day (government and bank holiday). I think in the States it's the day after Thanksgiving? Anyway, what I'm saying is November is all about shopping :). That way, you can be done by early December, and have weeks and weeks to relax with your mulled wine and lit candles, calmly welcoming in the yuletide.... ha, right!

Why not make a commitment this year to supporting local artists? There are a TON of craft shows in the next little while where you'll find amazing handmade goods that make beautiful and thoughtful gifts. Also fantastic if you shop the same way I do at Christmas - one for someone on my list, one for me. Seriously, it makes standing in lines much, much easier.

The craft show mania here in Ottawa starts this weekend with Handmade Harvest and Urban Craft. Handmade Harvest takes place in the beautiful Old Town Hall in Almonte, and Urban Craft is at the GCTC (every month). There is also Idle Hands, the Hintonburg Artisan Craft Fair, Glisten, Craftalicious, the Sandy Hill One and Only, as well as the Glebe Craft and Artisan Fair. You might need to rest up in between all those shows!

You can find me at Handmade Harvest, and Urban Craft (the Dec 3rd show). I'll have lots of new stuff, including my new yoga mat bags that I'm super excited to show you. They are made of linen and have a modern yoga pose applique on each bag - your choice of Downward Dog, Warrior II, and Extended Triangle. There are no issues with putting your mat in and taking it out a hundred times - the seams inside are French seams (which is a technique to enclose a seam to make it stronger and long-lasting, especially with a fabric that frays). Come check them out!