Well, that's behind me. Whew. Life will slow down and I can relax now. Below are photos of the set-up. I could have used two tables, so the drying rack worked well. Quilts need a lot of room for display! It bugged me how full it looked, so I finally took the lap quilts off the table and spread the pillowcases out more, and added some photos. I sold 5 bookmarks, 3 potholders, 2 pillowcases, 0 table runners--although they got a LOT of attention, 1 doll blanket, 1 table topper (fall log cabin one), 3 photos, and 3 books. That came to $175. So, it was a variety that sold. Prices weren't the issue--people just weren't buying. But, there were really fun folks on both side of me--soap on one side and jams on the other. :D And the other good news is if I do another show, I don't need to make a thing for it. It's too much to teach and prepare for such events. :?

So, I'm not feeling I should machine shop right now, although hubby said to go ahead. I'd rather wait until more sells. I did sell $595 worth before the show--to some from this forum, and local folks who already knew about the stuff.

a few more angles.

I'm sorry it didn't go as well as you had hoped but look on the bright side you didn't get skunked. AND you didn't have grumpy lady just a couple tables down like Terri did. :)

I think it's the economy. Folks have to cover the basics first.

Sorry you were dissapointed, your work is beautiful!

Sorry all your hard work didn't sell more. I too believe people are scared - I know I am!!! Your stuff is all beautiful Karla.

Your tables looked so pretty. Definately try again.

You had some beautiful Items!! I'm sorry you didn't sell more! At least you got something. Maybe in the Spring things will be better. Also maybe in the meantime your friends and co-workers will know that you have great hand-made items and want to buy some for Christmas Gifts. I found I sold a lot of stuff that way too!!!

Everything looks so nice. Your tables were so colorful! It's too bad it didn't go as well as you had hoped, but like you said, you have inventory for the next sale...pressures off.

The economy is realy bad and it shows. Karla your stuff is gorgeous and I hope you try again.

Sorry it didn't go as you'd hoped. Your table looked spectacular--I'll bet you had a lot of lookie-loos! I think everyone is right about the economy. I know I'm not buying ANYTHING I don't absolutely NEED right now (unless it's fabric)! Don't be afraid to try again!

sorry you didn't do as well as you hoped, but you did sell some things...!!

I was wondering though, those gorgeous runners you made, I remember the pattern was online somewhere, but I can't remember where. My Mum and I saw one at a quilt shop this afternoon, but she also said the pattern was online. Do you know where I could find that link?

Hopefully you will have better results in your next craft fair!!

Cheers

Here you go, Aggi http://www.quiltbus.com/tabletopper.htm

I had it memorized because I wrote it on the price tags. I had checked with the designer of the pattern about making 12 to sell locally, and she said she had no problem with it at all, but would love it if I gave the website out. So I promised I would.

They did get a lot of attention. If I thought price was an issue, I would have offered less, but that was never it.

Loretta--three photos sold. Let's see.... too hard to explain, I'll attach them. Two of the one with the straw bales, one daylily. One buyer of the straw bales is a photographer!! :D I was thrilled 3 books sold too.

Have been thinking about you since early this am and hoping you would have a good turnout. Love your pictures. Thanks for letting us know.

Wow, Karla, your table and surrounding area look fabulous!!! You did a great job merchandizing your wares. And since everything you were selling is top quality at a great price, you have to just know it is the economy. Do not be discouraged!! Congrats on what you did sell.

You gals are the sweetest. Just to know you were thinking about me is amazing. :-) I told several folks today that my forum friends gave me every idea they saw. Here's what you taught me:
add little stuff
try bookmarks-add grommets and tassels and beads
try potholders
try photos
cover the table
price tags are important
use cardstock for them
and trim them with fancy scissors
add dimension to your table by putting books under the cover
use baskets for small stuff
etc, etc, etc

Thank you. Thank you.

There was a woman walking around to generate folks who she wanted in a new craft sale she was starting. When she turned the corner she goes "Oh yes, I want THIS one there!" :wink: Her idea is for December--but it's about 40 min away... so I'll see.

Everything looked so nice! And your pictures were just gorgeous!! (What did you sell them for???)

Karla - your booth looked great - so sorry things did not sell as well as you had hoped. BUT, as you said - you have things ready for another sale. Right now, I know how carefully I watch pennies - let alone dollars. Gift giving for us retired folk will be much smaller this year. We did not go to Montana to see the kids and worry about the bills for the winter - going to shows and sales is most often free - so if held in town, it is reasonably priced entertainment. So, I know that your items were most likely greatly appreciated and "drooled" over as well as fondled gently - but just not as necessary as heat, water, gas and food. I know that I loved the pictures you posted. Your things are truly lovely. Don't be discouraged. 'Tis the times I am afraid.

I to think it's the times we are in all those things you make are just beatuiful i just love the picture of the straw bales

Loretta...I will agree with you!
I don't really think people are spending much this year for the holidays.
To all of you that are doing craft shows/sales...my hats off to you. I know the work involved.
Keep up the great work.
Kirsten

Oh Karla, your table looked absolutely beautiful! Your quilting is so absolutely gorgeous, and you had everything displayed so nice, and first thing i noticed in your photos was nice big price tags, i always hate it when i look at something and i have to ask the price. Awe, i'm just surprised that you didnt sell more of your gorgeous little bookmarkers, they are so cute. I think it is the times though, you did an excellent job

Looks like you did everything right, it's just the times. Your work is beautiful, if possible try to do that sale that is about 40 min. away. Plan a little get away time for it. :D Thankfully gas prices are starting to go down. Love your pictures, especially the straw bales. You do such nice stuff.

Karla, your table looked great! And look at Mark there helping out too! :)
You did a great job with everything you made, and like I said before..you never know what will or will not sell.
And, just think....you have Christmas presents already made! lol
Everyone I know is getting a TOTE! lol

So sorry that it didn't go quite as well as you hoped Karla. Your things looked great on the table. I think that you just never know. You could do the same exact things the next day and you might have sold tons of stuff. I do think the economy has a lot to do with it right now. It is pretty scary... Glad you did sell some though!!

I'm sorry to hear you didn't sell as much as you would have liked. Your display looks beautiful!!!! I know I'm not buying much anymore....it is hard right now for some and the rest are scared it might be hard for them too soon. We aren't buying a single thing for Christmas this year....we are making all the gifts out of things we already have here.

Hugs

Karla, so sorry things were so slow for you ...I agree with what everyone is saying...you do such great work and I know the prices were great....I too am down to if I can't eat it or wear it I don't buy it. /Lets pray the times will get better and you will have another sale and have to take orders cause it all sale out....Good luck in the future...

Everything looked so beautiful. But it is the times. I too am haveing a hard time selling things . Some nibbles but no sales.

I knew I should have ridden my bike out to see you ;) Your display was amazing!!! I bet a lot of folks are still taking about your stuff.

Can you make a poster of your stuff/ or booth and put it at faculty rooms at work? Might drum up some Christmas sales?

You rock girl!

Angie

Love that idea to take photos of the quilts in or on the barn and add some of the horses.....either in their jammies or come summer whent they are sleek. Can picture your barn quilt that way, ooh Karla do it :D

Don't be disappointed. I can't believe no one bought the table runners, they are beautiful. Like you said you are all set for the next time, so you can just relax and sell.

Karla, your display was absolutely beautiful!! I knew it would be!! I'm so very proud of you. I think very soon, things will get better and folks will be able to drool and purchase a lot more easily than they can right now. But, sometimes, aren't those oh my gosh this is beautiful comments almost as good as cash? Not to mention all the fond memories you'll have of your craft sale buddies. I'm betting you'll be getting looked up the closer it gets to Christmas. I'm sure there were folks making notes of who you are so they can call and say Hey...do you still have that... :D You do such beautiful work. I just LOVE your photos!! What a great addition they were!

:D It IS great!! I've been pondering your suggestion about taking photos of the quilts in the barn... as soon as I do, you'll be the first to know. It'd be cool to make a calendar--Quilts, barns, and minis. :wink: :!: :!: :!:

I'd buy it! :lol:

I'm surprised the table runners didn't sell. Maybe you'll do better as it gets closer to Christmas.

Sorry the sale didn't do so well, but maybe next time.

Great display, great stuff. I am thinking that it must be the economy. I personally always like to give handmade gifts as opposed to store bought ones any day. Have you thought about selling on line? Just a thought. I think Henry has or used to have a store on line. Might give you more exposure that way.

You make one and I'll buy it!