So as a lot of you know I have 2 daughters. And the youngest of the two started grade 1 in September. And if you’ve ever experienced this bliss ( all kids in school 9-3:30 M-Th and half day Fridays,after staying home with them so you didn’t miss out on the time before formal education is required by law ) you’ll know that I have a smile spread across my face that makes me look as content as a sleeping cat. Not that I don’t love getting them home again, after school, I do, but that time when it’s just me and the dog home…eating bon bons, Googling random stuff just to kill time, making marshmallows blow up in the microwave… well that alone time, it is so lovely.  So, I did that for about 3 days, then, I began to get  bored.

“A job is what you need”, declared my husband. That’ll teach me for complaining about being bored.

So I spent the next week compiling an impressive looking resume and made 30 copies and decided to pound the pavement, in search of a job that would fit my schedule with the kids/no weekends (that’s family time)/fulfill my need to create. Tall order, yes….but anythings possible.

In the mean time I was helping out a friend, Solita, who was opening up the coolest little shop “Reworks Upcycle Shop” in Inglewood. Super GREEN (like in the “fifth element”) you should check it out!!! 1217B 9th Ave. S.E. Calgary www.shopreworks.ca
Anyhooo, Helping Solita, handing out resumes. Whilst handing out resumes I’m hearing a lot of ,”So, you can’t work full days?? OR weekends??”
“No”.
“Well we would need you for full days and weekends. “
“Oh, good enough, I guess this isn’t a good fit then.”
“No”.
“Okay, thanks anyways”.

Dead ends all over the place. But little did I know, I was not destined to become the next microwave marshmallow chef.
Dear sweet Solita (you remember, the friend I was helping to set up her shop) offered yours truly a job and you’ll never guess what I get to do! (*Insert me squealing and tapping my fingers together like Boss Hog.)

I get to bring my kids to school at 9, pick them up at 3:30, not work weekends (but I do the odd weekend day because Solita needs a freaking break) and, AND, are you listening!!! I get to SEW. I make stuff out of discontinued upholstery samples (that’s called upcycling).

Just in case you were wondering about the title of this post, here’s where I answer your question.
I am taking a little down time from Candy Apple Apparel Inc. That’s not to say I will be disolving the business, but I’m just going to be tucking it away for a while. I still have some stock and I will be updateing the website soon so that the most accurate numbers are up there. Hopefully that will get us through Christmas and then I can revisit it in the new year. In the mean time I have 3.5 years of scrap fabric that I will be making half aprons out of!! Here’s a picture (although they will all be different)

So, if you’d like an upcycled (made from scrap that would otherwise have gone in the landfill) Candy Apple half apron come visit Solita and I at Reworks. I will be selling them there. They retail for $28.00 and are great for adults and kids, kind of a one size fits most.

Signing off (what I’ll really be doing when I get off the computer is going to see if my husband is STILL playing video games),

Pam.

Oh and what of my last 5 months you ask? Yes, it’s been that long since i last blogged, well I must say an awful lot has gone on! The Festival of Crafts for one! And it went swimmingly (i don’t even know what that means) but it went very well. I came very close to selling out of all of my adult sized aprons and if you’ve been to the website lately you’ll see replenishment has not come rapidly. You’ll never believe it but, Cotton prices have gone up!!! I may wait it out and I may not…. in the end I didn’t. I’ve got 4 bolts (not my regular and I’m going to have these fabulous aprons put together for the Lilac festival May 29th. Cool hey!! And this particular festival happens rain or shine (or snow for that matter) and so pray for some nice weather or I’m going to be an unhappy camper. So with that weather bit settled I invite you to come out and pick up an apron or 8. I’ll leave ya with a photo of the fabric I picked as a temptation

But for now I must sign off as I must go pick up my little chickidees at school.
So untill the next time I remain faithfully and inconsistently yours.

bottom 2- magnolia branch and painters canvas (brown) are together and top 2- happy hills and pink gingham will be together

A sunny picture so you can try to remember the beautiful Fall we had and forget the -31 we're experiencing today!.

I could while away the hours, conferrin’ with the flowers consultin’ with the rain. And my head I’d be scratchin’ while my thoughts were busy hatchin’ If I only had a clone of myself so I could get all this work done on time

Ah, Christmas. I love Christmas. This year, however, seems to want to throw me a few bumps in the road that I wasn’t prepared for. For example, as you know,the Festival of Crafts is on Dec 2-5th this year and I have prepared for quite some time for the event. Preparation includes not only the aprons, booth, get a float type of nuts and bolts but also things like child care for my two girls. Well, I thought I had all my bases covered, but did I??? About a week ago my husband found out he has to go to Fort Mc Murray for work….. CRAP,for two weeks…. CRAP, over his birthday and the festival …. CRAP!  But who came  to my rescue??? My wonderful family! My sister Melissa is going to be hanging out for week one and my Mommy Dearest will be assisting for week two of what shall now be known as “the absence”. I may sound a smig bitter about Aaron’s departure, but, I know his job is very important and it made it a bit easier knowing he didn’t want to go either. So, C’est la Vie ! I’m gunna roll with it. Self pity averted (kind of, I am sharing it with all you after all)….

Anyway’s this is just a reminder kind of blog for all you out there that follow on twitter or the blog or whatever version of social smack you like The Festival is coming !!!! The Festival is coming!!!! Please come down and say Hi, as I may be lonely and in desperate need of someone to talk to Oh, ya, and bring food… that would be nice too. Here are the “deets” again…. (I know, I try)… Festival of Crafts 2010!!!! Drum Roll Please…..

Festive tradition meets environmental consciousness as the 24th Annual Festival of Crafts showcases the best Canadian handmade products.  Experience Calgary’s favourite destination for a unique, green and exciting Christmas shopping event. Location BMO Centre (Formerly Roundup Centre), Stampede Park, Calgary
Thursday, December 2         10:00 am – 9:30 pm Friday, December 3             10:00 am – 9:30 pm Saturday, December 4         10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday, December 5           10:00 am – 5:00 pm

So as you can see we have some of Micheal Millers best!!  ”Bite Me” (the apples)that goes with “Clemintine”(orange dot) . The brown floral fabrics are “Emmaline and Elvira” . And last but not least “Rat Race”. Finally the Moms of little boys will have an option!!

I hope to see you all at the Festival of Crafts this year. Here’s the details….

Festive tradition meets environmental consciousness as the 24th Annual Festival of Crafts showcases the best Canadian handmade products.  Experience Calgary’s favourite destination for a unique, green and exciting Christmas shopping event.  Location BMO Centre (Formerly Roundup Centre), Stampede Park, Calgary Thursday, December 2         10:00 am – 9:30 pm Friday, December 3             10:00 am – 9:30 pm Saturday, December 4         10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday, December 5           10:00 am – 5:00 pm

I’m assuming that if you’re still reading that we’re back together and you’ll understand if in the future I neglect you a little. Thanks. So now that we’re back “on”, I’d like to let you know what’s been going on with me.

The Portobello West show went fairly well. Friday and Saturday was kind of slow, but things picked up for me on Sunday. Again I had my best girls helping me out, a big THANK YOU to my sissy Melissa (left her new arrival “Cricket” /yorkie-cock-a-poo to help me) on Friday, my friend and neighbour Jenny (Betty Page incarnate. seriously) on Saturday, and my pusher and friend Candice (that girl can SELL) on Sunday. But there was also my girls that helped me ”prep” by packaging aprons and making POOFS! (you’ll see the poofs in the photo of the booth) These amazing girls that will work for wine are Holly and Julie ( Holly likes to complain about not being creative, but I had to kick her out because she wouldn’t quit making poofs. Julie helped make poofs like a pro AND took my children on Friday so I could set up for the show, a saint among women) 

That may have been a boring read for a lot of you but if I ever want people to help me again, I have to say Thank you… So, upward and onward.

At Portobello I had a chance to get to know the artisans around my booth and I have to say, “What a great group of artists!!!” I want to plug a few of them if I may.

There was Julie- with her Jalopy Collection – metal mounted photos of vintage, rusted out cars -  very cool stuff and with a very cool perspective! You will want to buy a whole set of her shots to finish off that wall you don’t know what to do with.. Check her out at www.saltedstudio.com 
Phaulet (pronounced like paulette, only rounder) is, well striking… if I could have a crush on a girl… anyways, she has a line of poetic (double sided) jewelry that every women should own a piece of.  You must go to www.phaulet.com and read about her inspiration from stories.
Giselle and Tim (cutest couple ever) at www.theraveniron.com is all one of a kind etched metal jewelery and functional cool stuff. I got Aaron a metal wallet with a jelly fish etched on it , big enough to hold his cash and some cards (that’s all her really needs anyways) and I will never have to look at another ratty leather wallet being pulled from his pocket.
There was one more artist/jeweller I can’t go without mentioning.. Olga who puts her beautiful paintings out there into the world and will shrink them into necklaces and earings. Her pieces are soft, elegant and sweetness…just like her. Visit  www.oladesign.net  to be inspired by beauty ( be sure to turn on the “music” when visiting, it adds a certain.. je ne sais quoi) .

So I’m going to add some pictures… the Portobello show and some fabrics I’m thinking about getting for whatever show may be next… Speaking of shows, I also found out about Market Collective that goes on in the great city of Calgary!! In Kensington (the old Ant hill building) once every two months a group of local artisans and musicians get together to sell their “wares”. check out www.marketcollective.ca (*hint- open with firefox for video to play) or look for their facebook page. The next one is May 1st and 2nd, 2010. I may try to see if I can get in, but I may be too late.?.

So this has turned into a poppy crazy, thankful, plug the other guy type of post But I’m glad to do it and glad you read it and I will let you know when I have another show lined up. Until then, I’m going to sign off.

Trying to keep you “in the loop”,

Pam.

I am very blessed. Lately my life has consisted of a women’s weekend away to Invermere (sans enfants), heart shaped valentines pancakes (made by my husband) and a family day full of wonderful time spent with my nearest and dearest. Life is really good and I feel like I’ve been in vacation mode for quite some time, but that has to come to an end. I have to get back into pre-show work mode. But this is okay as I am feeling excited and energetic because, and maybe it’s just me but, I smell SPRING! It’s in the air-the ground hog did not see it’s shadow- and spring is just around the corner. YAHOO!

In my search for a fun spring show to do I asked another artisan if they knew of one in Calgary, the friendly ladies (and local Calgary gals) at “Buckles and Beads” helped me out and told me about the “Portobello West” show April 9-11, 2010.  My friend Candice had them make me a fantastic belt and an awesome buckle with my logo on it . Now Portobello West is a Fashion and Arts show.  I, of course, consider Candy Apple Aprons both “Fashion and Art” but wasn’t sure if the show organizers would agree, turns out THEY DO!! 

So Candy Apple Apparel Inc. will be strutting its stuff among the many other artisans and designers at Portobello West  . It looks like it will be a very interesting show, lots of one of a kind cloths and jewellery and hats , well accessories of all kinds,  including really cute belt buckles by “Buckles and Beads” as well!
So, I have my seamstress mice sewing aprons all day and night  while I scrub floors for my evil step mother so they should be ready to go in good time for the ball.

Another fun little something I received was a surprise from a family member my husband went to visit at the beginning of January. Aaron came home and handed me a big black binder. “What’s this?” I said.  “Just a little something from Charlotte” Aaron says…… I opened it up to find it was stocked full of well organized 1950′s APRON PATTERNS!!!  OMGosh I think I even squealed when I opened that wonderful black binder So, thank so much Charlotte! I LOVE them and plan to sew them ALL. Maybe I’ll post them once I sew them. We’ll see

Well I guess that’s it for now. I must go watch the Olympics. GO CANADA!

P to the A to the M.

I’ve been saying ” twenty ten”, two thousand and ten is too long. So, there you have it.

Only slightly more important is I have ordered my new fabric!! here are the photos of the final decisions. Sorry some of the photos are large and some small…you’ll get the idea

I’m not in the habit of choosing favorite fabrics because I really love all the ones I pick, BUT…that dressform fabric is the next apron  hanging in my kitchen

So, I have so much news to share! First, I plan on sitting down in my basement and FORGING  (maybe that’s too strong a word), CREATING (God complex), CONJURING ( too evil witch), SEWING (yes, that’s what I do, I sew)….(good.)..a  half apron to add to my collection (really, a collection of one design so far, but after this it will be two and I can call it a collection if I want to) and I’m well on my way to getting the hair flowers figured out so I can use up my scraps!! ECO FRIENDLY STYLE!! ..Along with all that ,I’m in the process of picking out some new fabric and a bunch I’m very excited about.  Michael Miller has been very good to me and to be honest they’re also the best price!  Even if it is coming from New York! Anyways, take a boo at a few of my favorites…

I guess it’s high time I get off the computer and clean my house now. Natalie is turning 7 tomorrow and I have to shake a tail feather if I’m going ot have everything done for her party

Take some time and enjoy the beginning of this new decade!!  Give your family a hug. Take your partner on a date! Plug into the things that matter because it’s 2010. (and if the Mayans have it right we don’t have much time left)

One last look at Pam in her right mind. 2010 she plans to let it all go!

So, as you can probably guess, I’ve almost lost it. I mean… I’ve not pulled out all my hair or anything. I just can’t stand having things so out of my control. Yes, I”m a control freak. But, in my defence, I’m a control freak that is forced out of my comfort zone- all the time . I do this by being married to a spontaneous, carefree, bordering on irresponsible man. ( I love you honey) Really I’m okay not decorating because we “might” go out-of-town to my sisters for Christmas. AHHHHHH, okay I’m lying. But this doesn’t even begin to explain the massive expanse of things out of my control this year. 
I have a major bone to pick with the fine people in charge of getting things over the border (US/CAN) …of course, their just doing their jobs…I’ve been waiting on a certain fabric (Cool Treats) to arrive for 2 weeks. That may be normal BUT I had a swatch of this fabric at the Festival of Crafts and took orders for aprons made out of this fabric thinking, “I’ll surely have it by the beginning of December” and I should have. I made no promises,  BUT the United States had to have Thanksgiving (which is fine, I love thanksgiving) and customs likely  believes I’m smuggling ice-cream fairies,  UPS is officially on “Island time”??? regardless, my point is…I have no control over this and it’s driving me batty. 
I am trying to enjoy the season no matter what comes tumbling off my plate of stuff that SHOULDA COULDA been done I know once I do everything humanly possible I’ll have to resign myself to Gods control over things. Really I don’t  know why I don’t give up sooner. Maybe that will be my new years resolution?? To give up!!! I heard it said once, “If your ship capsizes, pray for rescue but still swim for the shore”.  I think I need to rely more on my prayer than my ability to swim. 
I’ll catch you in 2010….I’m sure everything  will work out fine. And if not, be sure to bring sweets when you come visit me in my padded cell!! 
Pam.

1950's "Do"....a self portrait.

I feel a little like I just got off the roller coaster I’ve been riding for months. No, I probubly won’t throw up on my keyboard, but, I will enjoy the peace of being still…even just for a few moments.

The Festival of Crafts ran from November 26-29 (Thursday to Sunday). Thursday and Friday were MARATHON days that went from 10am untill 9:30pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. I bravely wore a smile the entire time, and a hairdo from the 50′s (one of which is pictured here) !! Don’t get me wrong I am not wonderwoman (although my husband would love my outfit)…I had help. And it (the help) came in the form of beautiful, savvy, charming, supportive friends and family…Name names you say?? I’d be happy to.

Aaron Coulombe (my love lovely who had to sleep next to me while I wore curlers to bed on his birthday), Mugsie Martyn (Grandma extraordinaire), Melissa Ross (sista from the same mista), Candice Davis (super focused/driving force/sales bulldog), Rachel Peach (the peachiest neighbour/sales woman), Ange Vriend (Friend/apron wearing preschool teacher/sales woman), Julie De boer (friend/would look good in a paper sac but instead modeled my aprons/sales woman). Oh and I mustn’t forget the two wonderful little girls who modeled Candy Apple Aprons all around the festival, Amelia and Natalie Coulombe (you make mommy so proud). Of course I’m also grateful to all the fine folks who came out to the Festival and picked up a Candy Apple Apron.

The whole “show” experience was fairly complex from, the detailed application to the contractual floor coverings and liability insurance, to the questions like, “how many aprons will I actually sell?” or “which shade of red lipstick should I wear?”. I am a detail oriented person so before the festival I set up a mock booth in my livingroom with tape on the floor measured out to a 6 x 10 rectangle. I made sure all the furniture would fit and that there was enough room to “shop” around the garment rack ect. but what I didn’t account for was spending so much time inside it, perched on my 1950′s kitchen stool and how difficult it would be to peel 2 sided carpet tape off the stinkin’ concrete floor. All these things added to an awesome learning experience and a real bonding experience with the fair ladies who spent hours upon hours with me in that little 6 x 10 time machine.

We decorated ” country 50′s”, berries and washboards, vintage irons, embroidered sugar sack tea towels  and 1947 cash register. We had a lot of ladies stop in the aisle and stare at the tea towels and you could see, there was a story coming… Then they’d begin to tell you about how they remembered their Grandma teaching them to embroider, or they themselves had that very set of holly hobby tea towels from the box of Sunlight detergent. I loved all the stories about Grandmas who never were seen without an apron, and you could tell every stary gaze taking a trip down memory lane was a pleasant one that we brought on, just bringing back something old, something vintage that hasn’t been revisited in 50-60 years. A good comfortable  functional apron.

One comment I heard more often than all the others was, ” aprons were sure made better back then”. And that’s why Candy Apple is happy to keep making aprons.

Now, to order more fabric for the spring show…. Coming soon