July 15th was opening day at the Weiser Idaho Farmers Market. My niece, Chelsea, messaged me that morning, “I have two spots at the market, and Mom can’t make it, do you want the other spot?”
I said “yes” immediately, even though I had nothing prepared. I didn’t set up a stall that week, but went to work and got a bunch of t-shirts and bags embroidered for the next week. This would be my first event ever, and I wanted it to be perfect. (Of course it wasn’t!)
The market hosts were fabulous. When I drove in, they were right there and helped me unload and get my tent set up. They were so nice and friendly! Any worries I had about setting up were instantly banished.
The Farmers Market went every Thursday evening, from 5 to 7:30, until September 19. I only missed that first week, and one other. I met so many super nice people, and I sold enough to make it worth my while. Each week had different “best sellers”.
That first week I sold two shopping bags, one embroidered with a wild flower border, and the other with “Coffee is my Spirit Animal”. I had fun making those bags. I split the sides to make them fit on my embroidery machine, then sewed them back up when I was done. I was inspired to add a strip of coordinating fabric to each when I was sewing them back up, and they turned out great. The other two bags were a patriotic American flag with the Pledge of Allegiance making up the red stripes on one, and a cute set of fishing lures done with a bean stitch on the other.
In the following weeks, I partnered with my mother-in-law and friend, Donna. She sews these clever little sewing kits that are full of sewing supplies that you can take with you, or just keep in your work basket. Each one is different, being decorated with vintage fabrics and lace or ribbon, and some are hand embroidered as well. They turned out to be another best seller. She also put together small packs of coordinated fabric and ribbons/lace that are enough for a scrapbook page, or a little sewing project.
I bought lavender from Weiser Lavender Farms, and spicy Hot Plum Blackberry Pineapple jam from Wendy Martell, (it’s wonderful!). One day I bought a mixture of vegetables, another just tomatos.
Chelsea’s stall was next to mine, and she had some lovely baked goods, including something gluten free and sugar free each week. I bought a gluten free muffin one week, and it was delicious.
All the time I was enjoying myself and making new friends, I was sweating freely, swatting at flies, and holding the tent down when the wind blew! I learned to tie full gallons of water to the corners of my tent to keep it steady, and how to utilize a battery operated fan that sits over a pail of water to cool down. One day it was so hot, I kept a block of ice behind my table and put one foot at a time on it!
By the end of the season, I was worn out, but happy. I am definitely looking forward to next year!
Middle Valley Stitching 