Before the holidays, we visited a few local craft fairs and I stumbled upon the Shaker Heritage Society of Albany’s Holiday Market. Wow! The place was jam-packed with lovely handcrafts of all sorts. They have close to 100 vendors and the quality of products is outstanding. I immediately knew that this was the kind of fair for me. The best part is that the market is open from mid-October ’til mid-December, and the Shaker Society mans the shop and handles all sales. Vendors just need to keep their booths well stocked, and a percentage of sales goes to the Shaker Society – a win for all involved. The society also holds 2 weekend fairs in the summer and fall. Applications for this year opened a few weeks ago and I have submitted mine for the summer fair and holiday market. I have my fingers crossed that I get chosen to participate.

In the meantime (and being optimistic) I have been busy in my little factory, working on building up my inventory. I’ve acquired a few more quilts and have increased my product offerings. I now have quilted notebook covers and baby bibs. The notebook covers fit small spiral books (included), have pen slots, and close with coordinating elastic. The bibs are lined with soft flannel or whimsical cotton prints, and have a velcro closure for easy on and off.

Since I started writing this post, I have been notified that I have been accepted for the Shaker Society’s Summer Craft Fair. It will be held June 8th and 9th at the Shaker Center near – 25 Meeting House Rd., Albany, NY – more info here. Back to my sewing machine!