First off, thanks for the kind words, tweets, facebooks, etc about Emma's newly redone room, we really appreciate it! As I said before, it was a project I dreaded for years, yet when we started it, everything somehow came together in our minds and we got very motivated. I would say I wished we'd done it sooner, but I think the timing for the mother/daughter design collaboration couldn't have been better! I'll be talking a little more about some of the projects in a little more detail in the coming days. But in the meantime, a sincere thank you!
Today I have a fantastic giveaway for you! Several months ago I was sent a Crafter's Tool Butler, made by Jordana Paige to try out. Its one of their newer product offerings and they were interested in handcrafters road testing it. My conclusion? It's wonderful! As a maker who uses many many different mediums (yarn, fabric, paint, paper, thread...) it is always challenging to keep myself and my workspace organized. With this handy little tool butler, I can load it up with everything I need when I'm out shopping for new supplies and I'm never fumbling for anything. It's little things like this that make me happy because I feel organized (and that's a beautiful thing, folks).
Here's what I am currently keeping in mine:
- bits of my favorite yarn colors stapled to their labels in one of the zippered, see-thru pockets, so that when I'm out and stop by the yarn store, I know what color I need more of (this is coming from someone who has ended up in the back room of a local yarn store looking at color cards because I was trying to remember the color I needed).
- small yarn bits like stitch markers, a small ruler, and a small pair of scissors. I normally crochet in the evening in my favorite spot and as soon as I sit down I usually realize I have to run down to the studio at least once to grab something I don't have.
- all my crochet hooks. I have duplicates of some hooks simply because at the yarn store, I couldn't remember if I've bought that particular size before. Problem solved.
- Fabric swatches of current projects and quilts I'm working on. I just cut a small piece off and collect them in one of the zippered pockets so I can quickly match thread, or coordinating fabric for backing or binding, etc. I used to throw the little pieces into my purse and had to search for them at the fabric store.
- business cards and wise craft shipping labels.
- always a stack of post-it notes and a pen.
- and extra pair of reading glasses (sigh....)
Honestly there are countless ways to use the Crafter's Tool Butler, and I have a feeling you guys could suggest to me some ways I haven't even thought of.
Jordana Paige has generously offered up one of their Crafter's Tool Butlers in your choice of color to one commenter on this post. I'd love to hear how you could put this to use for your own handcrafting.
Good luck!
8/31/12- Winner has been chosen and giveaway has been closed. Thank you to all who entered!
