It was 3 years ago that I met Jane McMillen at the East Poultney Fair in Vermont. My business was new and I was trying to sell my quilts at Craft and Art Fairs. I was selling some of my quilts on-line, but I hadn’t sold any at the 2 Fairs I had been to so far.
That was when I came up with the idea of making potholders. I thought that If I saw my quilts, I probably wouldn’t buy one because they were too expensive for me. But if I liked them, I would like to take something home with me to remind me of them and maybe, in the future get one.
The potholder seemed perfect. It’s basically a small quilt, and not only functional, but something everyone who has a kitchen can use. Then I thought about how much I would be willing to spend, and $9 came immediately to mind (I have raised my price since then to $15 -$20 which allows me to make more than the minimum wage) That Autumn I made and sold over 300 potholders on-line, but it was at the East Poultney Fair that I first sold my potholders.
Jane bought one of them. She was selling her Pincushions and my mother, who was at the show with us, bought one for me. I was so taken with Janes work I kept her card in my desk draw for 2 years and when I had my second show at the Pig Barn Gallery last Fall, I emailed her. I wanted her pincushions in the show.
So tomorrow Jane and her pincushions are going to be back at the East Poultney Fair. And I’m going to get a new pincushion. I’ve used mine 5 days a week for 3 years and as attached to it as I am, it’s a bit worn out and I’m ready for a new one. So we’re doing a trade. A pillow for a couple of pin cushions. The hardest part about getting one of Jane’s pincushions is trying to pick one out, I want them all. But I have a couple in mind that I saw at the last show she was at. I’ll be sure to let you know which ones I get.
You can see some of Jane’s work on her website Little House Home Arts.
I loved Jane’s pincushions at your Pig Barn show and treated myself to a lovely little sunflower which sits on my nightstand next to my bed and makes me smile – along with smiling at 2 of your gorgeous potholders in my kitchen that I keep just for looking at, not for using! All give me pleasure every day and you brought these lovely creations into my life. Thank you, Maria!
I think that’s what it’s all about Sara, and it’s always so nice to hear.
Maria, I am soooo excited about my pillow! It is absolutely beautiful!! You captured it all!! I look forward to seeing you and Jon today and hopefully it won’t rain all day! I am anxious for you to come and pick whatever you would like at my booth. I have some fun new pincushions! And the best part of any show is that afterwards it will be time for new projects!! See you soon! jane
Oh, Maria, I understand about the difficulty in selecting one of Jane’s pincushions. They are all works of art. How lucky for both of you to swap your beautiful works!
It’s true Mary, but I finally got mine, can’t wait to start sewing.