The Fiber Artists of San Antonio recently invited me to be their monthly speaker. So there I was, addressing a group of around 50 seasoned stitchers in a church basement (ah, memories of VBS from my childhood) with home-baked goods laid out on the kitchen bar for grazing. It's always a bit intimidating for me to address a room full of senior, seasoned stitchers like this. I fear they'll wag their fingers at me and call me some rabble-rousing upstart who doesn't really know how to keep her stitches neat. But, it was just the opposite. They were genuinely curious about the new trends in needleworking and made me feel like I'd won the approval of 50 grandmotherly stitchers. I did my best to tell them my story and let them know that a keen interest in handcrafts was indeed alive and well! - Jenny
After five craftacular years, Jenny Ryan of Sew Darn Cute is closing her personal site's virtual doors. But for a great reason! She's so busy with with other projects - like blogging for CRAFT: magazine and coordinating the incredible bi-annual Felt Club. Plus, in early 2008, Felt Club will be opening a physical storefront, with crafting supplies, books, how-to craft classes and hourly studio rentals! Nice huh???
Her shop officially closes on September 14 and any order placed before then will receive free shipping (US + Canada) and surprise bonus goodies. There are still adorable items left (although they're moving fast), like cupcake totes and penny candy bracelets! Visit the Sew Darn Cute blog for more info. -Jessica