Karen’s Training Log

Fishawack huge success !

Despite the 88 F temperature, the festival was very well attended. I had a spot in between a vendor who sold jewelry and a vendor who sold hand quilted pillow covers. Cathy came out and kept me company. She brought along a number of new wool hats to sell.

OK, back in February it seemed like a really good idea to knit hats to raise money for the walk. And some sold during the Millburn and Summit street fairs where the weather was chilly. With temps in the high 80’s and everyone doing their best to keep cool, wool hats were not a “hot item”.

Earrings and bracelets sold very well, as did the knit cell phone covers. I recently found a pattern in a book and made 3 to gauge popularity. 2 of the 3 sold !

One of the learnings from previous craft fairs was the need to accept credit cards. A friend suggested using the Avon donation coupons. The buyer simply fills out the coupon with the information and I send it in to Avon. Smart ! This lead to an additional $100 in sales today.

Hand made earrings now available for sale online

I just added my collection of hand made beaded earrings on Etsy.com. Please check back often, as I will be adding new earrings. All proceeds benefit my walk.

Hand made hats benefit my walk

I started knitting over Christmas 2007. My mom was recovering from heart surgery and was becoming bored with bed rest. I purchased knitting needles and wool and had her teach me how to knit.

It became an addiction.

I need to raise $1,800 to walk again this year and decided to sell the hats to help raise funds. I only subtract the cost of the wool, the rest of the money goes towards the walk.

You can purchase the hats through my store on Etsy.com.

Etsy Buy Handmade amberstang

Summit Street Fair

It was another cold, overcast day for the Summit Street Fair. Non-profits were given 1/2 spaces and I was to share a space with the Summit Playhouse. Fortunately, a number of vendors were no-shows, so I was able to move to an empty space. Despite the less than stellar weather, the crowd turnout was pretty good. Because of the chilly temperature, wool hats were in demand. I sold 2 of the hats my mom knit and one of mine.

I put 3 copies of Darryl’s book on the table with a sign. A woman purchased a copy. This makes it the first book sold ! During the afternoon, a woman walked by with 2 dogs, one of them a beautiful Keeshond who looked just like Scruffy.

The day was very successful, with the total raised $200. My total for the walk thus far is $761. Only $1,039 to go to make the $1,800 walk commitment.

A cold spring day at the fair

The best one could say about the weather today is “At least it didn’t rain”. The high temperature was 54F with a brisk breeze. Having learned from last year’s street fairs, I didn’t even think about bringing the tent. It would have blown over at least once. The day started slow… no sales for the first 2 hours, but things picked up in the early afternoon. I sold 3 hats ! Black was the most popular color.

Lesley, Carol and Darryl stopped by to say hello during the day. Jane came out and kept me company for the better part of the day. It certainly helps morale to have friends around.

By 4:00, I was a Popsicle so it was time to pack up and head home for a hot cup of tea.