Accessory Shoppe

Nothing creative going on in the Accessory Shoppe Studio
today. Rather we are busy preparing for our family celebration…..planning the
menu, purchasing the food from the market and of course, the trip to the farmer’s
roadside market for fresh corn that was just picked earlier this morning and
brought to the stand. This is just one of the many things I enjoy about
residing in a small community in the Midwest.  The little roadside stands are such a treat
to visit and I can’t wait for them to open each year as I know summer has
arrived! I’m such a summertime girl!

 

As we celebrate our freedom and the wonderful country we
live in this weekend, let’s not forget the brave women and men that have made
our freedom possible.  Celebrate and
enjoy but most important, be safe.  Have
a wonderful Holiday.

 

		Lots of goodies!
	We turned into wimps and moved to an inside table!	Additional sale items.

We picked the two hottest days to hold the tent event.  The temperature was hovering at 100 degrees. Those of you familiar with St. Louis weather know that our humidity levels can be brutal....a real sauna!  Anyway, thanks to those brave enough to come out and support us.  We are continuing to offer sale prices thru this week so stop by and pick up a few home accents or stock up your gift cabinet. Great time to pick up neat gifts at great prices.

I just finished installing my first zipper pocket inside a Sassy Tote.  It has been years since I  attempted a zipper in any garment. Not my greatest talent.

Success! Our first zipper pocket.

Several weeks ago I purchased a 'store bought' pattern (I normally create my own patterns) as we are wanting to add some new interesting designs to our purse/tote line.  Wow! the pattern not only has a zipper closure but instructions for an inside zipper pocket.  I quickly cut out all the pieces and spread out the directions.  (always read directions last!)  I have to admit they were clear as mud! With my frustration level very high I took pattern, cut fabric and headed for my favorite store...Jackman's Fabrics in Fairview Heights, Il.  My sewing buddies agreed that the directions were written by someone that obviously had never inserted a zipper in a garment.  Thank goodness for Google! We found wonderful detailed instructions WITH pictures.  I love success stories!

Exterior view of Sassy Tote with zipper pocket! Wonderful straw like fabric.

The Accessory Shoppe ladies are busy digging thru drawers and storage boxes for items to offer in our upcoming Tent Sale at Miss Bailey's Poppy Patch June 26th and 27th.  We will be offering drastic reductions on some of our items.  Joanie from Miss Bailey's will be offering 50% off selected merchandise and 20% off one regular item in the store.  Be sure and stop by and say "Hi" and pick up some bargains!

Betty and I found time to take a break and head up I-55 to our favorite tea room (Taylor and Soapes) to celebrate Betty's birthday last Thursday.  The Apple Walnut Salad is wonderful - low in calories - offsets the fabulous desserts!  You need to grab your girlfriends and make it a fun day of shopping and sample some of the tasty sandwiches and salads.   Donna prepares all the desserts except one.  My favorite is the cherry cobbler with pecans, served warm and topped with ice cream!  So yummy...well worth the drive.

One of the seating areas in the tea room.	Have I mentioned that the building was originally a bank? Donna revamped the vault into her 'baby room'.	Colorful and inviting display in the gift shop.	Unusual gift items to choose from.

If you know me personally, you know that I have many hobbies including card making.  This past weekend I attended the Rubber Stamp Convention at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, Il.  Wow! So many neat things to purchase and have fun with....including the Cuddlebug machine.  I had thus far resisted purchasing but the temptation was just too great this time.  I have to give credit  for my weakness to the demonstrator and owner of Stamp on It located in Michigan.  She was fabulous in showing the new toys and making you think you could go home and start cranking out cards.  Today my two partners in crime, Lin and Linda spent the day experimenting,  giggling and having a great time.  A few mistakes, a lot of laughs and a good lunch break....we always make time for those.  We were not able to crank out a lot of cards yet but will be 'pros' in a few weeks.  Maybe when we improve our techniques a little more I will post for everyone to see our artwork.

After what seems like days of continuous rain we had a break last Tuesday with a sunny day!  I rounded up my two girlfriends, Linda and Lin, and took a road trip up I-55 to our favorite tea room and gift shop in Mt. Olive, Il.  Donna, owner of Taylor and Soapes makes desserts to die for!  The salads and sandwiches are wonderful but the cherry cobbler (served warm) with ice cream is worth every calorie consumed! Go to her website www.TaylorAndSoapes.com and have a look around at the neat items in the gift shop.

After eating desserts we decided we need to walk off some of the calories.  What better way to exercise than shopping!  On up I-55 is  a wonderful apparel shop nestled on the square in Carlinville, Il.  My Sisters Closet is a unique shopping experience.  Cindy and Jan have been in business for 35 years and have the purchasing of goodies down pat!  The clothes are stylish, affordable and not the typical found in local department stores.  Stop by and say 'Hi' to Cindy.....the small town charm and atmosphere is worth the drive....not to mention the treasures you will find.

Share your local neat places to haunt with us!

Normally I do not put things off...exception...maintaining our blog.  The past several months have taken us in several directions and we are currently trying to tie up all the loose ends and keep news about the business coming on a regular basis.

We attended the Atlanta Trade Show in January and purchased some really neat napkins, beaded napkin rings, coasters and tea light holders.  Fun items to make entertaining easy.  Yesterday we received another linen order with wonderful aprons and guest towels just waiting for Betty to work her embroidery magic.  New items will be on the site shortly.

I'm currently on a mission to find fresh new fabric for our handbags.  I'm contemplating adding another style bag to our line but just haven't found a pattern to match the design idea that is rolling around in my head.  I can design my own pattern but you have to make several bags before you get everything correct....much easer and quicker to purchase a pattern. Would appreciate comments on what kind of bags you would like to see in the future. 

 

Welcome to our premier edition of the “Girl Talk” Newsletter. As many of you know we launched our new website on October 1st. It was an exciting milestone for us. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit, please stop by at www.AccessoryShoppe.biz. During your visit, please shop all of our galleries and be sure to register with us. By doing so you’ll receive future newsletters and special promotions. {Rest assured that we will never share your information with anyone else.}