Friday, December 16, 2011

A minor break from crochet!

Life has been wonderful, crazy and busy here at Nuala Clothing and Accessories this December.  Last week the newest shop I am so in love with The Crafty Underdog started carrying my hats!  They have a fantastic selection, so if you find yourself in Foster-Powell, make sure you stop by!  In fact, I think you should find yourself in the area just to stop by the shop!

The day before I gave all of my hair pin and necklace stock to my favorite shop Mag-Big  It's so amazing to have the kind of demand that someone wants to take on every piece you have.  It is also super fun to start all over again.  Really nerve wracking and intimidating but fun.  The hairpins have a set number of styles that I tend not to stray from, but necklaces are the endless reaches of my imagination.

I found myself trying to remember what necklaces I had left at the several shops around town and I wanted to recreate them.  Then I realized that all of those necklaces were already out in the world and I should feel free to create new things that make me happy!  If some of those things cross over into being some of the same things then so be it.  That just means that I know what makes me happy.  

I set out to continue the venture of creating all day today to add to my new selection of fun pieces, but I found myself making cake pops instead.  I know right???  But look how cute they are:

   They just really wanted to be made.  Also, people love my cake pops, so I will have a nice win for my Monday morning at work tomorrow.  Awesome.  

I did still manage to make one piece tonight,  Horrible picture but I will share just the same:
Next show is on the 22nd.  I was trying to get a trunk show together before then, but the location options are seeming limited.  I suppose I could always launch a vendor tent in my yard right?  I have extension cords to bring heat to the yard.  I have space for several tents, email me if you want to make this happen.  

In the meantime, I hope this shopping season is treating you all well.  That you are supporting local businesses and finding what you desire.  If you need shopping assistance, hit me up.  I know where are the local good finds are!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Updated show list!

Just added some updates to my show list.  Please take another peek at the post!

http://nualaclothingandaccessories.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-shows.html

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Holiday shows!

I have finalized my list of holiday shows that I will be vending at and I am quite happy with the results! I have some of my favorites coming up mixed with some brand new to me. There is certainly something for everyone as they exist in all corners of the metro area and a neat variety of venues.
Here is my schedule of events so you know where to find me! I will post the show flyers at the end!
  • Friday November 25th: Holiday Rock N Shop at The Jack London Bar 529 SW 4th Ave. Local arts and crafts vendors in a cool setting from 4pm-10 (21+)
  • Wednesday November 30th: Handmade NW OHSU Heart Research Center Holiday Bazaar OHSU Center For Health And Healing Atrium (at the base of the Tram)/OHSU's South WaterfrontDistrict, 3303 SW Bond Ave., Portland, OR The two-day event rotates artisans from each day, offering shoppers unique items throughout. The Heart Research Center is committed to providing heart health care that nurtures collaborative research and translates into patient treatments.
    10% of sales will be donated to the Heart Research Center. 10am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday December 3rd: Hip Happening! Held at the Sellwood Masonic Lodge 7126 se milwaukie Ave.  A whole lotta really talented local arts and crafters and  a super fun show!  11am-5pm, Santa will be there from 1pm-2pm (and you know you want to see Santa!)
  • Sunday December 4th:  McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse 3rd annual holiday market.  4045 N.W. Cornelius Pass Rd. Hillsboro, OR.  Live music, local artisans and a special mulled wine!  12pm-5pm all ages welcome.
  • Thursday December 22nd:  Winter Solstice Sundown Artisan Fair at the Eagles lodge 4904 SE Hawthorne.  Live music, full bar with food and cocktails and an appearance from the local Girl Scout troupe!  4pm-8pm.


                            

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Getting ready for holiday shows!

The holiday season is hurtling towards us at breakneck speeds that make my head hurt.  Holiday shows are coming and I have been so busy with custom orders lately that I have not replenished my stock.  Some of you who know me may laugh at such a statement since I am somewhat known for having PLENTY of stock.  The great thing is that a lot of that has found it's way into stores in the Portland area and into the homes and onto the heads, necks, wrists and whatnot of lucky customers.  

I did a lot of work growing my product line since last holiday season and I have expanded into areas that I have been wanting to explore for quite some time.  This past year I have added necklaces, hair pins, clips, and hair combs, motif garlands and wall hangings!  

First show of the season is this Saturday November 12th. One of my favorite shows to do.   


I have a little under a week until the show, but since after tomorrow I will be on my birthday week vacation, I have set a goal for myself to finish at least 10 new pieces before Saturday.  I have a future snowflake wall hanging on my hook as I type.  

I am hoping to have some snowflake themed items by this next weekend including some snowflake necklaces and some hairpins.  Hopefully my search for a cute white cotton thread with metallic accents will be easy and quick.  

Tuesday morning  I am taking a trip out to Fabric Depot, which is my favorite fabric destination, but they also have a great yarn selection including some discontinued yarns that can be otherwise hard to find. Hopefully I will have time to also stop by the Knittin' Kitten.  Since it is my birthday vacation, I should also take the time to stop into one of my favorite antique malls Monticello Antiques.  You should take a peek at the links, these places are tops.  

Hope to see you all at Hip Happening.  If I do not post before this weekend, I am also doing a show on Sunday the 13th called Crafty Underdog.  It is my first time doing this show but I hear great things about it.  Hopefully my birthday vacation ends well with a couple of really successful shows.  That sounds like a pretty great birthday present to me!


Thursday, October 27, 2011

New books!

I have a great local library right down the street.  I pop in there weekly, and take full advantage of their website and hold system.  Any book in the Multnomah County library system can be placed on hold and delivered to your local branch.  It's brilliant and amazing.  I also take full advantage of the ability to renew a book as long as no one else is waiting for it.  

One of my most favorite and utilized books is due on Saturday.  I was so not ready to give it up, but at least one person has it on hold, and three other people have it out past the due date.  Apparently I am not the only person who loves this book.  

So I decided to give myself an early birthday present and went to Amazon.com and bought it!  And two other books!  HA!  I am really excited though.  I will be happy to own the book and be able to make the changes to the patterns with errors and not have to ever give it back.  The other two books I bought I have not seen before but they look fun.  This one in particular:
75 Butterflies, Bees, Birds & Little Beasts to Knit & Crochet

This is where I admit that I am sometimes a lazy crocheter.  Do I have a working knowledge of crochet design that allows me the ability to make nearly anything I want without a pattern?  Yes, yes I do.  But sometimes I need the inspiration of other pieces of work to spark my creative juices and do the kind of design I know I am capable of.  It's the same reason I buy Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine.  As a pescetarian, most of the recipes do not even apply to me, yet they inspire me to create my own dishes in a way that makes me purchase the magazine month after month.  It's the same reason I continue to buy crochet books.  They get my wheels turning.  I buy the crochet magazines too.  At one point I had subscriptions to 3 different magazines, and while I have never made anything from a pattern in a magazine, I HAVE made things because of a pattern in a magazine.  In my world, that rationalizes the magazines and the books and the whole lot of it.  

Oh, and The kitty is doing very very well.  Is up and about by himself, and is getting stronger everyday.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

When craft gets put on hold

Crochet has always been the ultimate happy place for me.  Sad, nervous, under the weather, bored...all can be made better with a crochet hook and some yarn in my hand.

One of the other things that make my life better is this guy:

Now 2 years old he is quirky and opinionated and sweet, and boy does he love his mama.  So when I left for work on Saturday and he looked just too sleepy, my heart sank.

When I came home later that night I realized that he was not eating or drinking and he kept looking at me with loopy eyes.  He was still jumping up on top of the water heater to sleep, and still using the bathroom, but something was wrong.  In the evening he came to curl up on my lap as he does every evening, but he felt heavier somehow.  Joshua had already gone to bed, and since he had to wake up at 4:15am for his first ever 5am work shift, I didn't want to wake him.  I stayed up almost the whole night talking to and nuzzling Tobie.  When Josh's alarm went off I told him something was wrong.  Now I know that I am one of those over nervous types, I always think something is wrong with one of the cats.  Ever since I had to put down my cat Angus due to a urinary blockage 4&1/2 years ago I have been on high alert.  NO ONE dies around here on my watch.  We have had some serious injuries, and my oldest cat even has eye cancer, but we have made it through it all.  I was certain that Tobie would make it too.  We started around the clock care, with him alone only during the 3 hours between when I leave for work and when Josh comes home. We feed him water with an eye dropper, and introduced eggs (he LOVES eggs).  It was not long after feeding him eggs with the dropper that he was lapping them up on his own.  He is back to getting up off the couch and walking around.  I brought home some Gerber chicken baby food and he ATTACKS it and devours it!  He still wants to spend his time on the couch, but he spends more time awake now.  His loopy eyes are gone and he even used his Tobie defiant voice when I told him to use the potty (he did anyway though!) He is far more alert and reacts to things around him much more now.  He even went up to stand on my shoulder when I picked him up.

The point of the matter is that I found a low point that crochet could not even help.   By the 5pm on Sunday I was a sobbing mess questioning the way that I was dealing with the situation.  I was too scared to take him to the Vet because I was afraid of what they would tell me, and I was even more afraid that they would be wrong.  That they would say "well it looks like his liver is failing, we could do some tests, but by the time we got the results back it is unlikely that he will still be here.  He is suffering and you could just end up with more medical bills if we wait."  And I respect that that is an educated opinion and will 9 times out of 10 be the right call.  I was also so scared that he was going to die right there in my arms, or that it could take days and he would still die.  I could not deal with the thought of life without him, I told him he had to get better because his mommy loved him too much, that he was the reason I woke in the morning, and not just because he knocks on the door incessantly until I come out (how cute that sounds now I thought).  Panic was tearing through me and my theanine was not the relief that it usually is.  I could do nothing but sob and sniffle and blabber uncomprehesively.   But then I thought of my cat Mitzie.

I was 9 when she disappeared.  I went searching and searching and found her in the forest part at the back end of our property.  She had gone there to die.  My best friend Rebecca and I tried to coax her into getting up but she was heavy and lethargic and would not get up.  I ran back to the house to call my mother and she told me to give the cat some water and some wet food, and that that was all we could do and she was either going to get better or she wouldn't.  I went back to Rebecca who was still sitting with Mitzie with the water and the food, told her what my mother had said, and we both cried.  I begged Mitzie to try to have some water, I brushed it on her face with my fingers, and eventually she sat up and drank it her self.  Happy that I had inspired some progress in her, I followed my mother's advise and went back to the house.  I told Mitzie that she needed to get better because I loved her, and I needed her at home, and we left.  A day and a half later, Mitzie came walking into the house.  Still pretty weak, but fairly hungry.  I was so happy I cried again, and Mitzie lived to be 19 years old.

I know that we are not out of the woods, but we have made huge strides in the last day.  He has cleaned him self, and continues to eat and use the potty.  He gets up to walk around, and although he is kinda weak, he is much stronger than he was before.  Right now he is lying beside me wrapped up in my blankie in his happy kitty sleeping pose, and I really do think he is going to be okay.

I feel like I can pick up my hook again. Well, maybe after I bring him his egg.



Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The finished piece

Last night I had an entire post written about the final step and the completion of the piece.  Somehow I lost the post and have no idea what I was waxing on about.  I think it had something to do with me being sad about the Ebay auction I had just lost or something.  Nothing you really want to hear about anyway.

So without further ado; the finished piece!


Yeah, so you kind of have to look hard to see the fact that it is on a hair comb.  Here, this will help:


I posted the image of it photographed on black first just because I think it looks better that way.

We decided to go with the hair comb because of the way that she was planning to wear it.   Her hair half up and the feathers coming down over it.  Like this:


I am so excited to see the pictures of her wearing it on her wedding day!


Monday, October 3, 2011

Wedding hair clip continued!

Part three is where the sparkle happens.  The bride's dress includes some rhinestone accents, and I wanted to carry that over to her hair piece as well.  

I had originally planned on finding something at a local bead store or one of the craft stores, but I had the idea to turn to my vintage button collection first.  My stash of vintage buttons that include rhinestones is pretty well stocked.  It was fun to bring them out and pair them with my new project.  

I selected the buttons that I felt fit the best and put together a "mock up" package that included a stand in motif, the feathers, and a selection of awesome vintage buttons.  I presented them to her and we worked out the vision of the perfect piece.  We narrowed the selection down and decided that the piece itself would dictate the final selection.  



I believe that step 3 turned out quite well.  

Next: wrapping it up tomorrow with step 4!
 

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Wedding hair clip

I started this post sitting in my work space, creating one of the most beautiful and important things I have ever made.

It is important for two reasons.  First because I have never pushed myself to do something so awesome before, and as it unfolds in front of me, I have been nearly overwhelmed by how amazing this piece has become.  Second, in just over a week, an exceptionally beautiful bride will be wearing this piece on one of the most important days of her life!  Which is even MORE overwhelming.

I was moving from step one to step two of this project when I decided that I really wanted to document it.  It has been a labor of love that I want to put down in this blog.  Maybe not as much to share, but to look back upon later to remember how I feel right now, being so proud of what I have made.  Plus, this thing photographs SO well!

When I started, I wasn't really thinking of what this could become, so I have no pictures before the stage 2 part.  Pictures of stage 2 satisfactorily represent what the first and second step involved anyhow.




Well, except the part where I had to make the crochet motif 3 times.  The first time involved an over-site I should have caught.  I was working with some vintage crochet thread that I did not take the time to verify as being the correct size.  It wasn't.  The second attempt was perfect.  It was without technical error, it was without blemish, it did not even have the slightest hint of dirt (which is reeeeeeally hard because it is white and everything else in your whole entire world is not).  When I sat down this morning to start stage 2, I removed the pristine white motif from it's protective box, settled in to attach the motif to the feathers, and spilled my coffee on it.

I had a deadline.  There will be a wedding with or without this hair accessory.  I would really like it to be with, and I am pretty sure the bride would prefer it that way as well.  So, I tried not to panic.  I  poured another cup of coffee, took a deep breath, and started again.

I did try to touch the piece up, and I do think that it could be saved in the end, but I had no time for crying over spilled coffee, or blot-blot-blotting with what ever it is that my Martha Stewart guide to housekeeping would so correctly advise me to use.  I had a deadline.

I crocheted as fast as my fingers could go and motif #3 was completed.  It was on to step 2.

I had been brainstorming this project for a while when I found this amazing beaded white half hackle of feathers.  I had no idea what a half hackle of feathers even was before this.  Never once had I used feathers in a project before.   I have to say the whole project came together when I saw that package of feathers.  I had the whole design in my head.

After buying the feathers, the design of the finished project would change slightly, but stay mainly the same, and the feathers were the perfect thing.



Step 3...Next time.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Working in tiny stitches

Today I will be spending my time on Hair pins and clips.  Including a very special one for a friends wedding!  Time to don my glasses, add some extra light and pull out my tiny hooks.

I wanted to debut the items a while back, but I ended up placing them all in a shop instead.  The opportunity was just too good to pass up.

You can find the pieces at Mag-Big on Hawthorne.  A wonderful shop if you have never been!

Hopefully I will at least get some pictures of the new ones before they find a new home.


Friday, September 9, 2011

New listings!

I am feeling rather accomplished today as I finally posted some new items on Etsy.  I am not super happy with one of the pictures, but since it is a step up from my past pictures and I really wanted to get something new up, I decided to go with it. 


First one went up yesterday and I like the title I chose for it.  


Posted two more items today:


Spinkle of Color Crochet Headband  and Recycled Cotton Fall Color Crochet Headband


I find that the headbands were harder to create a title for.  Hopefully the simplicity of them works.


I would love it if you stopped in to take a look!  The shop is pretty well stocked right now with lovely items that are perfect for this fall and the cooler weather coming!


Cheers!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Boutique Bound!

I was just realizing that I failed to mention the newest place you can find Nuala Clothing and Accessories: Modo Boutique.  I loved the layout of the store and was drawn to the array of the colors displayed. They have swoon worthy clothes that will keep me coming back again and again! The whole store is lovely and striking!

The newest addition to their selection? Necklaces by Nuala Clothing and Accessories! Several unseen pieces are now available exclusively at Modo Boutique!

Please stop by their wonderful store and take a peak at some of the newest pieces in my necklace collection!


Modo Boutique
729 E. Burnside St #103
Portland, OR 97214
Wednesday-Sunday 12-6
Monday & Tuesday Closed

Friday, July 15, 2011

Super Rad PDX!!

Super excited about this next upcoming show. Super Rad PDX at Portland Nursery 9000 SE Division St is THIS Sunday July 17th! There will be 60+ of some of the best local NW crafters and artisans, as well as live music and FREE beer from Hopworks Urban Brewery.

There will be a silent auction benefiting Snowcap.org, a non profit created to provide food, clothing, advocacy and other services to the poor.

I am busy trying to expand my inventory for Sunday. Summer products are coming out at a slow trickle, but I hope to at least have more than 2 hairpins to choose from this weekend! Summer Bracelets are also now available. Brighter colors and lighter yarns to bring the feeling of summer to your outfits! New crop of garlands are now available as well! With many of the originals now being sold at Mag-Big on Hawthorne, I had to make a whole new batch to take on the road with me!

Hope to see you all at this event as it is sure to be a RAD time! I mean free beer? RAD.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Coffee cup sleeves

I love my local coffee shop. They are exceptionally efficient without sacrificing customer service.  Always happy always nice, and the coffee is always good.  One thing that bothers me though is that they put a paper sleeve on every paper coffee cup.

Generally I feel guilty enough already that I did not bring my own mug.  Since coffee for me is generally an unscheduled stop, I am usually unprepared.  I felt extra bad that they were putting a paper sleeve on each disposable cup!  I used to try to ask them not to, but someone further down the line would end up slapping one on.  I would always take it off and leave it on the table, but I felt like it was a battle that I just didn't want to wage for a cup of coffee.

So I decided to make a coffee cup sleeve for myself.  One that I could reuse and take with me every time I went to get coffee.  My glove compartment could now have one reusable sleeve, rather than the floor of the passenger side of my car hosting 20 paper sleeves waiting to make it to the recycling.

It has really been that simple.  I get compliments on them every time I get coffee, and no more paper sleeves!  Coffee shops in my area are picking them up, and they are of course for sale in the Etsy store!

You can find them in the Coffee cup sleeves  section on Etsy, or you can custom order one in any size or color!

They not only look great, but the keep your coffee warm and your hands cool!  All for an awesome price!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Busy busy busy!

I have been crocheting like mad to have new product available for tomorrow's Hip Happening!  More garlands, more necklaces and some new surprises!  I love making new things and expanding Nuala's product line.

These are some of the mandalas for a garland that I will be putting together today.


Not the best picture as it is taken with my cellphone with the pieces on my lap, but they are fairly true to color.  Much cuter in person though.

Hope to see you all at Hip Happening tomorrow!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Mag-Big now offering more from Nuala!

Mag-Big has just been restocked with necklaces and are the very first to offer Nuala Clothiung and Accessories Crochet Mandala Garlands!

I am very excited to have them out in the world...I miss them already as I never took pictures!  But please do not fear there will still be some available at the Hip Happening on June 25th (be there), along with a great selection of new bracelets and some new headbands!

I am putting together a yarn review of Louisa Hays Nautical Cotton, let me know if you would like to be alerted when it comes out!  Also, if you would like to share your feedback on the product, or your projects made with it, please let me know!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Hip Happening is coming back to Naomi's!

A very exciting turn of events!  Naomi's lease has been extended and they have invited us back for another fun filled show!

Please stop by and show your continued support for Naomi's and your local crafters!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

A collaboration with Hip Happening and Naomi's!!

This will certainly be a fun show and a good time for everyone.  Come by and say hi, get some plants, and peruse items from a number of artist and crafters!!  Show your support!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Hip Happening!

So excited that  there is another wonderful Hip Happening coming up on April 30th!  Please stop by and take a peek around at all the awesome arts and crafts!  It's such a fun show, come see for yourself!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Necklaces now at Mag-Big!

I am so very happy with the response to my necklaces!  They are selling so well and are now being featured at Mag-Big.  Mag-Big has such a great selection of artists and designers.  I am honored to be among them.  Stop by and visit this wonderful shop, I guarantee you will find many things to fall in love with.  The shop is also a source of inspiration, as the selection is so varied and there is always something new.  


I hope to hear wonderful stories of how much you too, love Mag-Big!

Mag-Big
3279 SE Hawthorne Blvd (north corner of Hawthorne and 33rd)
Open 11am-6pm - Closed Mondays - (503) 236-6120 

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

What's new!

For quite a long time I have dreamed of making delicate crochet necklaces.  Teensy thread crochet motifs that seem antique and at the same time and fashion forward.

I finally did it, and I could not be more proud of the outcome.  
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68450758/delicate-thread-crochet-necklace
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68501669/lovely-thread-and-silver-crochet


Both of these necklaces are made using crochet thread that is at least 59 years old.  SO happy with them.
I have also been making some pieces using brand new thread that still carries the charm of the vintage thread.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68934959/teal-and-silver-crochet-necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68508228/orange-and-silver-crochet-necklace
 
Custom orders have been rolling in for these gems, and a fantastic store in Portland is interested in carrying them.

I am working on a new package design that I hope to have perfected in the next few days all while I am working on the crazy numbers of orders I have to complete over the next couple days.

I am so happy that I finally have the pretty little things that I have wanted to make for so long, and that they are as popular as I dreamed they could be.  

I hope you enjoy them!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

New Bracelets available!!!

At my last sale I noticed that I was nearly sold out of bracelets!  I somehow had failed to see that they were selling so well.  While I was happy that they were such a popular item, I was already struggling with ideas for more.

Since my bracelets are made from scrap yarns and vintage, I am not always sitting on materials to make more.  In the winter I tend to make thick hats and scarves, and those yarns just do not work great for bracelets.  Buying yarn specifically for bracelets was not appealing to me since they take such small amounts of yarn I would be left with more than I could use in a year, and I am already up to my eyeballs in extra yarn.

I was rambling around Etsy one day, trying to justify spending $22-24 on a skein of sock yarn to make a couple bracelets with when I found this: http://www.etsy.com/transaction/41998271.  It was like a dream come true!  I could not believe my luck!  I ordered it straight away and it was in my mailbox before I knew it!

The colors were vivid and beautiful.  The skeins were JUST the right size!  I was creating new and beautiful bracelets in no time.  Gales Art is definitely one of my new favorite shops and I will be back for sure.  Check her shop out, so many good things to find!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/galesart

This yarn even broke my creative slump.  Not only did I bump up production of my basic bracelets, I made new designs that I am so happy for.  I also designed a whole new product line for Nuala Clothing and Accessories that will be debuting at the Hip Happening show on Feb 5th.  Be there if you would like to see the unveiling,.  If you cannot be there, tune in here or on Facebook on Sunday the 6th to hear how it went and see some pictures.

In the meantime, here's some of the new bracelets:
Some basic bracelets.


New design!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Hip Happening!

So excited for the upcoming Hip Happening.  Hope to see some familiar faces!  Be there February 5th from 11am-5pm!