When I brought my shop to the Clarinbridge market last weekend it was a true neighborhood affair. Not only did the community join in to support local vendors, but the two lovely girls from next door volunteered to help me mind the shop. They are 10 and 12 years old. The 10 year old loves pink and purple, loves to perform/sing and can tell a super story playing each roll herself. The 12 year old is a jokester, an athlete and animal lover. They are hilarious together. We visit nearly every day to let our dogs play and hear the news from school.
They knew I was preparing for the market by cutting fabric and making bundles. They (in all their cuteness) figured out how they could ride their bicycles the 2 miles over to the next town on the back roads so they could join in the fun. The night before the market, I get a text from the 12 year old asking if she could help me at the stall for the day. She (and later her sister) joined me for the day and we had a wonderful time together. They were chatting to customers, making change, creating bundles, setting up displays. It was really wonderful to share the day with them and watch them come out of their comfort zone.
Now, what I had not thought about was that I had only one spare shop apron. In all honesty I expected them to come and mess in the market square for the day. I did not think they would actually spend it all in the stall as focused shop keepers! I clearly needed two aprons for my two helpers and I was unprepared.
As a thank you for their time, effort and wonderful company, I made them each an apron of their own. One in the pinks and purples she loves. The other in the vibrant teal with birdies, her favorite fabric in the shop. I used a tutorial from Sew Mama Sew and fabrics from Fluffy Sheep Quilting: Enchanted (pinks and purples) and Kokeshi (birds and teal swirls).
Of course, this photo shoot wouldn't have been possible without a helper cat. Clarkson can not resist a sunbeam.
17 comments:
great to have two little helpers who were not only so dedicated but clearly enjoyed it, but then playing real shop in a shop full of fabrics, who wouldn't love that !
That is just so sweet. I love that you chat every day. In a few years time they will use you to listen to all the boy angst.
The youth of today eh? ;) That's really nice of them, they must think a lot of you
You're painting a beautiful picture of them cycling through the country back lanes to the market - sounds like where I grew up! Gorgeous aprons - they are sure to love and treasure them.
Hi Cindy! Great to see that beautiful fabric I just ordered from you! Beautiful apron - I love small aprons! x Teje
Ah that is awesome, I bet they had a blast, now you need to get them stitching too!
oh how cute of them! Potential quilters-to-be?
How lovely to have keen helpers. They sound like fun! Cute aprons too.
Helpers are very useful, and since they now have beautiful aprons, maybe they will come again?
Thats so cute! Are they getting their names in early as saturday girls?! You'll need a bigger shop! xxx
What lovely neighbours you have!!
Aw such a sweet thank you gift! I know the girls will love them! Jxo
That's just so sweet :)
How fun to spend the day with these two young ladies. How sweet of you to make them their own aprons.
Gorgeous - a lovely gift - they'll love them to bits!
Good to see you're well prepared for next time!
They'll be ready to help at the next stall! Such great aprons, I bet they were so chuffed to receive them.
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