Exciting New Year for Sugar!

Bring on 2012!!!!

OK, OK.... I know I haven't written in my blog since...oh last Summer, Maybe???

What can I say, Life just got away from me.

But a new year, time to usher in some new ideas, trash some old, and just get ready for what's coming my way.

MY BIGGEST NEWS IS:

I'm Pregnant!

Ok, I realize that's old news to most of you. But it's what I've got to scream from the roof tops. Pretty damn exciting too!

Yes, Colin and I are going to be parents. It's strange, exciting, nerve wrecking, and unbelievable all at the same time. And since I just entered my last trimester, it's really becoming a reality. I'm nesting like crazy, and pretty much being neurotic over things I never knew mattered to me.

So, my goal for this year is to try and take a look at my life, and my business and simplify as much as possible. While you all know how much I LOVE doing what I do, and I need to keep putting some money in the kitty, my most important jobs of this year?

1. Stay healthy.

2. Have a beautiful birth.

3. Be the best Mom I can be.

Which means having to put some things on the back burner. No, I'm not putting Sugar to bed. Think of it as a slow motion button. I may not be doing as many shows, or keeping my Etsy site, website (if I ever get it completed) up to date, or posting in my blog (ehh hhem) as much as before. But, I'm still here. And as a matter of fact some fun new styles coming to the table this year.

So, keep up with me here. I promise to make an effort to write in my blog. However this year, it's not just going to be about Sugar stuff. Anything goes! (I'll really try not to write about how many poopy diaper my kid has had...but I'm not promising anything.)

To all of you out there, Happy New Year! May 2012 be a productive, passionate, and peaceful year for each of you!

***Looking for some Sugar near you??***

www.ckswan.com - Highlands, NC

www.nestorganics.com - Asheville, NC

www.rubysgift.com - NODA Location, Charlotte, NC

http://hugosinteriors.com - Jacksonville, FL

Village Square Arts and Craft Show

It's that time again folks!

Time for the,

Highlands Village Square Arts & Craft Show

As many shows as I do a year, this is by far one of my favorites. I guess it's because it's in my hometown. And, I get to see all of the people I never get to see.

(Working from home does not afford a ton of social interactions!)

And...to be quite honest it's just a well run show, with some of the most talented artists you'll find in the mountains.

The show is put on, organized, ran, orchestrated ........ by super talented

Ms. Cynthia Strain.

She herself is an amazingly gifted photographer. She had a great little shop in the Village Square, where you can purchase her art, have it framed or frame other items.

Come visit and you will find; potters, wood turners, jewelry, kids clothing, bird houses, iron work,face painting, basket weaving, and TKC. Karin and TC Chambers (and Chicken). Fun folk art, you just gotta see.

So come out and visit Cynthia, Sugar Kids, TKC, and all the other talented artists. Memorial Weekend. Village Square and Pine Street Park, Highlands, NC.

OH! Keep your eyes peeled for chicken. You never know where that clucker is gonna turn up.

ATHENS...Get ready for some Sweet Stuff.

Next up on the list........

I'm super excited about participating in this show. I've always LOVED Athens in general,

and from what I hear from many of my crafty peeps, this is a GREAT show.

So, come out, spend the day in an awesome town, and support your local crafters.

Kickin' off the Season

KICKIN' OFF THE SEASON

I'm really excited about my show season this year. It's gonna be a whopper, but bring it!

I will be doing some of my trusty favorites, and some newbies...that I'm sure will become favorites.

FIRST OFF!

BIG LOVE FEST!

"Where: Roger McGuire Green & Pack Square (from the courthouse steps to the Vance monument)

The Big Crafty and Asheville Grown Business Alliance are putting on a celebration of unchained and independent Asheville. This festival is sponsored and made possible by local and independent businesses, crafters, artists, restaurants, breweries & non profits. The mission of the festival is to support independently-owned businesses in the community and to celebrate their vital economic, social and cultural role in our vibrant local economy.

Get ready to enjoy local beer, food, entertainment and music on two stages, fun family activities and the BEST local arts and crafts from the area!"

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO COME OUT AND SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES. STOP BY MY BOOTH AND SEE WHAT GOODIES SUGAR HAS FOR YOU!

Fabric Scrap, Flower Ball

Once again, I was on a ....what to do with my scraps kick??? Also, needing to come up with some cute new display ideas for my new display at Ck Swan. Can't wait to get started on it.

So, I came up with this little bauble.

I started with a 5" round flower oasis (basically a styrofoam ball)

Then, I took a bunch of scrap material, folded it in half and cut a sort of half circle. So when you open it up, it "resembles" and oval. Next, (with material still folded in half) fold bottom, straight edge in an accordion fashion; then stick your pin through all layers. I used basic straight pins.

Once the pin is securely through all layers, fan the fabric out, so that it looks like a flower petal. Then simply insert pin into ball. Continue in this fashion until you have covered the ball. I used many different patterns, but I think it would also be beautiful with the same fabric covering the ball.

Lastly, I used a piece of grosgrain ribbon (cut to desired length) and secured with a pin.

And there you have it. As I said, I'm planning on using mine for display decor. But it would be cute in a baby's room, or hey! even a wedding. Maybe in a monochromic creme theme? Just use your imagination! Have Fun.

How to make a Fun, Fringe Bunting.

Color, Color Everywhere!!

I'm always looking for fun, new ideas to make. And, while being laid up for the past week with a nasty cold. I thought...I need some fun, some color, more importantly..I need to sew. Well, since I only had maybe 30 minutes of energy at a shot, I had to do something quick.

Enter the fringe bunting!

Here's what I did.

1. Cut up a bunch of strips of fabric. You can measure if you like but I just did it randomly.

2. I took a 1/2" wide section of bias tape. (This one was 6 ft long),

placed the strips in wha

tever way I wanted

(randomly), pinned each one in.

3. Then I simply stitched from one side of t

he open ended bias tape to the other end. Removing t

he pins as I went.

4. Presto! A fun, colorful, cute fringe bunting that brightens up any space. I personally think it would be great at a kids party, or outside at any party.

Enjoy Creating your own!

Retro Indie Market

It's just around the corner! The quicker it get's here the better. I'm talking about my up coming show. The Retro Indie Market, in Boynton Beach, FL. Saturday, February the 12th.

First of all, I'm going to be honest. I'm beyond happy that this show is in Florida. I need a little sunshine in my life, on my face, my body....everywhere. I'm growing a bit weary of the cold, snow, and temps never getting above 35.

Secondly...I know it's going to be a really fun show. A High School acquaintance of mine, Michelle Parparian has a hand in putting this show together. So, if she's still as funny, crazy and original as she used to be back in the day...it'll be good.

So, if your in the area, come out for a visit. Tons of vintage and handmade items. Sure to be something for everyone.

Spring Cleaning

Time for some Spring Cleaning!!!!

Sugar is doing a little housework. You know... out with the old, in with the new.

Of course you know I LOVE all of my fabrics, but I can't keep them all.

Seriously?? Where would I put them?

So, I have these beauties left, that I would love to find homes for.

For yardage, and pricing please email me at: c.sugarbrown@gmail.com

Happy Sewing!!

Something to Ponder...

First of all..I want to give props to Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl for the basis of this post. I took a creativity course from her af ew months ago, and this quote has just followed me around ever since. It resonated with me, it fit with where I am in my life.

"You must give up the life you planned, in order to live the life that is waiting for you."

Joseph Campbell

Aren't we all a little guilty of too much control? I know I can be. Especially since starting Sugar.

Actually, maybe it's gotten a bit worse since then. I've felt the need to have a plan, for everything, sometimes feeling out of control if I didn't. One of the hardest things for me to give up was well..doing everything. When Sugar got to the point that I just couldn't produce EVERYTHING by myself, I had to start looking for help. And boy, letting go of seeing every single stitch made wasn't pretty. I'm sure my wonderful, fabulous, awesome seamstress' had times where they wanted to tell me to shut up! Or yes Caroline, for the 100th time...I GOT IT!

It took time for me to get to the point of letting go with that area of my life, but I did..and it has made me stop and look at other areas that need letting go of. (Is Colin ever going to hit the clothes hamper????)

So, again Thank You Tara! Because everyday that I remember that quote, I learn to let go a little bit more, learn to take the time to look around and see what's "in store" for me.

Hot Iron Handmade!

The folks at Hot iron Studios have graciously decided to sponsor the Hot Iron Handmade.

WHAT: A holiday art & craft show. Beer, wine, shopping, friends, and holiday cheer!

WHERE: Hot Iron Studios - Asheville, NC

WHEN: Saturday, December 18th - 4-7 p.m.

WHY: Supporting local artists! Come on people.....SHOP LOCAL!

Let's face it we all have last minute shopping to do for the certain person or peeps. Why not have fun doing it, and in the process support your local crafters.

DON'T BE A SCROOGE. COME OUT AND SHOW SOME LOVE!

Lookie Lookie - Catch me in the ATL

So excited to be a part of the Indie Craft Experience - Pop Up Shop. This fun shopping event will be happening for the next two months at the Woodruffs Art Center.

If your in Atlanta, please be sure to check it out. I promise you will will find some of the most talented crafters...... well EVER! OH, and don't forget to get a little Sugar if you there.

Chatty Crafty Comin' Up

If you haven't heard about Chatty Crafty, then you haven't been listening hard enough.

It's a new, craft show taking place in beautiful Chattanooga, TN. Next weekend Nov. 6&7. And it promises to be the event to come to, and "try" to get in for years to come.

I am so excited about the event...so much so that I'm literally bringing my closest friends and family with me. Of course...my boyfriend (Colin) I'm sure will have his eye on the Regatta that's also taking place.

Check out the site; http://chattycrafty.com where you can read more about the show, and also about the talented artists who will be there. I hope to see a huge turn out. Come out and support us!

October is here!!!

I LOVE, LOVE October in the mountains. The leaves are changing, the air is cool and crisp. It's the perfect outdoor weather in my opinion. So, yeah...I'm excited.

I also am happy to celebrate my beloved's Birthday.. Oct 1st.. Happy Birthday sweetie.

The Cashiers Hillside Shops are going to be re-opening Oct 7th. through the end of the month. Thurs - Sat 11-5. Please come out and support the awesome artists and crafters that fill the shops. You will not be disappointed.

I am also participating in The Leaf Festival Oct 8-10th in Cashiers, NC. On the Village Green. It promises to be a lot of fun. Food, Music, and many very talented crafters.

So..get out and enjoy the weather in the mountains this October. AND...support your local businesses and artists!

The Cutest Dog Stuff!!!!

I was fortunate enough to be stationed across from this SUPER TALENTED crafter at a recent show. Katie, from Tree Parlor was such a delight to not only meet..but also commiserate with. (The show was just so so) For me, one of the silver linings of the experience was getting to meet and enjoy Katie, and her really SWEET, very well made dog items.

One of the items I really thought was clever were the "Mommy and Me" matching headbands and collars. I mean come on....that's just ridiculously cute.

Katie takes a lot of time and pride in her work. Her Saddle Wags are
up cycled T-shirts. Some with your favorite Team on them, Some are just simple, and some are reminiscent of racing jersey's.


Also...The Snood.
Doesn't you puppy deserve to be warm and cozy in the cold winter months. Katie has a slew of different color choices, and she will custom make one for your pup. (Look at that face)



Be sure to check her out online at: http://treeparlor.com,on Etsy and she will also be at the Indie Craft Parade in Greeville, SC. Sept 10 & 11th. DON"T miss her. She's just as cute as her dog fashions!

Upcoming Shows

WOW......this weekend Sugar is undertaking it's biggest show to date. The Upstate Womens Show. 8000 women or more expected to attend. To say I'm a bit nervous is an understatement. Honored as well. I hope everyone will love what Sugar has to offer. Sweet, simple, handmade clothing. I just love what I get to do everyday. And...even though I don't always seem to radiate it..I am blessed.

I would also like to talk about the show I'm doing Labor Day weekend. In Highlands... A friend of mine (Cynthia Strain) puts on a FABULOUS show, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. And, I am OH SO LUCKY to be a part of it. Wonderful artist and crafters abound. Be sure to check it out...Saturday, and Sunday. Labor Day weekend. Pine Street Park, Highlands North Carolina.

Of course you can always find me at Cashiers Village Hillside Cottages.

And last but most certainly not least, I would like to take the opportunity to THANK the amazing women who support me in my endeavor.

Natalie, Vick, Stephanie, Susan, and...of course my MOM (Ann). Thank you so much for your willingness to do...well pretty much anything. Stitch, listen to me bitch, make buttons, man my shop, pick up random items..this list is really endless. Thank you for supporting, and believing in Sugar. Without you, I'm just a good idea. I love you guys.

Now..come out and shop!

Fall Fabrics

I'm really excited about the arrivals of my fall fabrics. They are arriving at my door everyday, It's like Christmas!! Well, for me anyway. Can't Wait to get my hands on them, and get them on my Etsy site. Lot's more to come

4th of July Weekend

It was a really fun weekend at the Cashiers Hillside Shops this weekend. AND! I was lucky enough to meet these "sweet" three girls.

They happened to walk up when I was assembling my pony tail holders, and just went right to work with me. It was great! I loved the help, and just getting to chat a few minutes with them.
So, as payment, I let them each choose a pony tail holder of their choice.

THANK YOU GUYS! IT WAS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU!

Feel free to stop by the "Sugar Shack" anytime.