Wednesday, January 21, 2009

faffing and flailing

Remember when I mentioned the hypothetical market?
Well it's not so hypothetical anymore.
I'll be hanging out at the Stitches and Craft show in Melbourne in about 47 days time.....

The Pandora's box of insecurities currently residing in my brain would scare anyone - You guys all know what they are, the usual thing we feel as crafters, wondering if people in the "real world' will like our stuff? Is it good enough - all the usual self-doubt stuff.

But you know what ? I have organised time off the real job, I have signed up, I am busy busy busy writing patterns , gocco-ing , and sewing .

I am holding-hands (mentally) with someone who has done this before and I am going to spend five whole days hanging out in a crazy kind of craftopia.

The show is going to be HUGE with the Australian Premier of Handmade Nation , exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and heaps of retailers.

I'll be hanging out in the incubator with a whole bunch of crafty bloggers and I am alternating between that kind of tight - chested squealy excitement and abject terror.

(Just for the moment I think the latter is winning)

63 comments:

  1. Ohh Jodie, how exciting!! I wish I could be in Melbourne to come and see you there. Are you taking 'the dress'? I would love to see that too! mmmmm, may have to consider trip to Melbourne......

    Selina.

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  2. Jodie, remember that terror breeds creativity, increased caffeine intake and late night inspiration.

    From what I know of you, you will be a smash hit there. But I empathise with you on the self doubt. But really, just kick it in the butt and keep on stitching!

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  3. I am so sure that you are going to great, I will definatly have to stop by and pat things.
    I am off to the post office today too so the selvedge express is on.

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  4. Can't wait to see you there in all your glory Jodie - you'll be fine!!!
    Am I going to be the first really stupid person to ask what EGADS is?

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  5. Dude! That is so wonderful! But Egads indeed! I'd be stressing out too. Just the thought of APPLYING for a market stresses me out. Which is why I don't do markets, I s'pose!

    I am in Melbourne in Feb for a coupla days, but I'm wondering whether I can wing (ha) another trip soon after to come to the show...

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  6. Yay!!! That's great news!!! Can't wait to see you and your beautiful work in person (I will be in the Incubator area as well, and like you, this will be my first market so I am ridiculously nervous!).

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  7. I can't imagine you won't do WONDERFUL!!! Everything you do is creative and inspiring. Good luck!!!

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  8. Fantastic! I'm sure its going to be a huge success. Can't wait to meet you and see your patterns and other goodies.

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  9. Down with that abject terror - Jodie, that is such exciting news. I will enjoy the market more than ever now can say hullo to someone I know.And I promise to buy stuff! Good luck.

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  10. How exciting! I am so sorry I am going to miss it. I am sure you will do well.

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  11. Woo hoo! Im sure you will do great, and Im betting there will be many blog visitors to keep your spirts up.

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  12. Ohh....I think we will do fine. The show sounds awesome...I just wish it wasn't so far away from me!

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  13. I am so excited for you and know that feeling you are talking about. You are going to be a HUGE success!

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  14. Can't wait to say hi, I understand the nerves, but we aren't that scary, are we? And if we like you enough to read your blog, you've won us over already- oh, and it is all about us, remember!! haha

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  15. Oh, I think you're going to feel so great once you're firmly in place, and get all the oohs and aahs you deserve. Wishing you all the best, can't wait to hear about it all later.

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  16. How very exciting! I decided against it in the end as I just couldn't get enough stock together for five days. I'll be there doing other stuff so I look forward to dropping by!
    Only 47 days? Really? God...

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  17. Cool. Now I have another reason to visit the craft show....vbg. I can meet you!!! You will do amazingly. Can't wait.

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  18. so glad to be holding your hand my love, but who's holding mine???! 47 days are your FREAKING kidding me? it will be fabo i promise!
    love fi

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  19. That's seriously awesome!! All the best as you prepare for your exciting (and scary) exhibition!!

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  20. Yey!!! Hypothetical no more!!! You're going to be great!! Wish I could be there, lots of photos please, designate someone as photographer!!

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  21. You could bring the dress as a display thing, a confidence booster sort of thing, but your stuff is great and people will like it. I hope to get to see you there, I'll be on the non-crafting side of the market....

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  22. You are going to be great - I bet you sell lots and lots and that your market debut will be a huuuuuge success. We're all going for you. We all want you to succeed!

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  23. Oo-oo-oo! I wish I could get time off to be in Melbourne for your great experience but teachers, as you know, are expected to be in their classrooms during term, especially part-timers with 'blocks' like me!

    BTW My word verification was 'hyper' - does that describe someone you know? LOL

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  24. 47 days?! Oh god I need a stiff drink.

    Also enough of your blither blather woman! You have a whole posse of people just waiting to pounce on your stall!

    ~Holly

    http://twocheeseplease.livejournal.com

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  25. Just think of it one big long party! I can't wait - we get to meet so many people and all hang out together and get inspired by everyone.

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  26. Love your little boy Jodie! Keep going, and then double your stuff. Everyone will want it. (and just yell if you need help)

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  27. seriously, just put up a big sign pointing them to 'The Dress'!

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  28. oh i know how you feel...i was terrified at the first market i did...and still get butterflies...you will do great...just remember to take a couple of panadol on the day if all else fails...

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  29. How freakin cool is that!?!?! You are going to do very well-how exciting girl! Hope you will take snapshots and share details with us here in blogland? Best of luck to ya!~Smiles~Tam!

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  30. So did you see the very chilled out response from Cathy! Can you tell how very much we enjoy it!! We are just going to have the best fun and everyone will love your stuff and you and it will all be over in a flash! I am more concerned about where we should all go out for dinner on the Friday!

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  31. ok thats wierd.. everything I just wrote down dissapeared before I could click on "post" .. WTF?

    anyway I shall try again..

    I wish you all the best of luck on the fair.. but I know you will do great your creations are fantastic and I really wish I wasn't so far away to visit you there and paw over your stall... please talke lots and lots and lots of pictures for all of us in difrent parts of the world.

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  32. *Note to self doubt residing in Ms Jodie*

    Dear Self Doubt

    Please refrain from hassling Miss Jodie - she is far too busy creating more of her wondrous 'stuff' to bother with the likes of a lowlife pessimist like you. If you insist on a 'meeting' with her, we can schedule you in for a couple of days in 60 days time.

    Take it or leave it.

    Kitty x

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  33. Oooo very exciting! I think we've all had "the fear" before now. As crafters we always tend to be very self-depreciating when it comes to our own work. I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time and the abject terror will soon be a distant memory.

    Good Luck!!

    xMx

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  34. Egads - you'll be sensational!

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  35. No what-ifs, you're a highly talented crafter Gadzooks! Are you taking Lucy Locket with you?

    Be bloody, bold and laugh to scorn the man that's of a woman born,
    For none shall harm er, MacJodie... as Shakespeare very nearly wrote.

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  36. See you there - most likely on the Friday ....

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  37. You'll be fine!! I know most of us would not be able to walk past your stall and not buy something so you better get crafting because you'll need lots of stock!!

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  38. i'd be scared, too. but i know that you will do great!!!

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  39. Eeek! Or rather - wow!

    I can fully understand the nerves and the self-doubt but I know you are going to totally WOW them with your fantastic creations!! The things you make are so beautiful and unique and so worthy of a huge audience.

    I'd love to be there to see you and can't wait to hear how it goes. I have a feeling in my bones that this is going to lead onto big things for you :-)

    xxx

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  40. Just remember, comfy shoes and depends.. you'll be too busy to go potty!

    You're gonna have fun and I am sure you'll be a HIT..


    Lissa

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  41. You have nothing to fear. Not when you are so darn talented!!! I should say good luck but I have a feeling with you might not need it!!

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  42. That is just SO exciting!!!I am sure all your offerings will be sensationally wonderful! Good luck for the next 47 days!(And after too)....:)

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  43. Jodie, this sounds fantastic! I hope you will bring your camera and tell us all!
    ~Emily

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  44. you don't do things by halves do you Jodie! I'm sure you'll have an amazing time - you must surely be taking your selvedge dress with you?

    Monda
    x

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  45. Oooh, it sounds so fantastic! I'm' sure you'll be awesome -- and then the rest of the world will know what we already know!

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  46. You will be fine, and more than that, you'll be awesome!! I so wish I could come, but it's a bit too far out of my area. :) Good luck lady! I can't wait to hear how it goes!

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  47. Wish I could come to Melbourne for it. Why are there two craft shows so close together this year?

    I have no doubt you will be very glad you did it.

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  48. Best wishes, I know you'll be a wonderful success!

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  49. WooHoo!!! Well Done you!!!! Cathy

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  50. I'm totally freaking out about needing to start making stock ,and organising and getting sorted, but knowing who else is feeling the same is a bit reassuring, sorta,kinda.
    Looking forward to seeing you there xx Liz

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  51. oh Jodie that's fabulous news! I can understand your terror but really YOU WILL BE FINE everyone will love you and your incredible work!! Wish I could be there, what a great time you will have with other crafters/bloggers!

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  52. oh you'll be fine! we have to wait a while before we get the sydney version but I can't wait!

    Corrie:)

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  53. deep breaths deep breaths deep breaths - 47 days, oh that's like FOREVER, isn't it? Um...nope, actually, that's no time at all. Oh flippin heck, I'm having a panic attack for you.


    However - that Fi is a good hand to hold, so I am thinking you'll kick butt ;) (in a crafty sense, not literally I hope)

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  54. such a legend you will be........still haven't won lotto....lol.........but I am only a phone call away........47 days you can achieve so much in that time.......

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  55. Oh. no. really is it only 40-odd days to go. I'm going to be there too, and am having the same feelings of horror and terror and fear combined (sometimes in not at all equal parts) with excitement and joy and wonder that we are going to be part of it all.
    And that I'm going to get to meet some amazing bloggers and visit Melbourne for the first time ever.
    See you there.
    Ellie - Petalplum
    (redseedstudio.com.au)

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  56. Oh my goodness, that is amazing! Yippee for you....I really really hope I can make it for a visit!

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  57. wow! you too!
    I'll certainly be heading there now to meet all you guys, and maybe look at some crafting.
    *grin*
    Jane

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  58. You'll be a star! Don't worry as you'll be surrounded by all of us that follow your blog so avidly. Look forward to meeting you.

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  59. I am looking forward to seeing you there Jodie! :)

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  60. Congratulations Jodie, you will have a Blast I know... I've demo'ed before & loved it so go for it girl ... Any chance of you coming to Brisbane S&C in March??? would love to meet you there... OOroo ... Bethel

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  61. You'll be fine! And you'll be so glad you did after its been and gone. If you never never go... you'll never never know!

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Hellloooooo !!!!