Stitch Rock Roundup

What an amazing, truly amazing show Stitch Rock was. Yes, I'm usually upbeat about every craft fair I attend, but Stitch Rock went above and beyond my expectations. From the setup, where I had the chance to meet crafters that I've only known and respected online; to the opening, with a line of customers out the door; to the runway models sporting some of my favorite indie designers' clothes; all the way to the end of the day, when I finally got a chance to shop -- the whole experience left me with a feeling of excitement and possibility about DIY designs in South Florida. That feeling still hasn't gone away, which is why you had to wait so long for this post -- I've been tied to my sewing machine and crochet hooks rather than my laptop! Check out these pics from the show:

Requisite Awkward Setup Photo

Here's me and my side of the table that I split with Kyla of Kylasaurus, who makes jewelry, buttons, patches and even instructional sewing zines! Kyla is a clothing designer who was a Hollywood Craft Mafia member when she lived in Miami, working for the opera, so she really knows her stuff. Just look at the way her clothing rack puts mine to shame:

Ciara Loves Kylasaurus

Fancy, eye-catching space dress? Check.

My fellow mafiosas were also representing, with Kelli of Kachina Herbs and Rebecca of Dragonfly Crafts putting the South in South Florida:

That's Rebecca's setup on top, featuring all manner of awesome jewelry, journals, and necessary accessories like mirrors that fit in your purse. I spent quite some time at Stitch Rock admiring this great silver ring of hers with big purple and green beads hanging from the band -- a steal for only $6! Unfortunately, somebody snatched it up when I wasn't looking. Next time!

Kelli, on the other hand, has a soap, salve or oil to cure whatever ails you -- and she should know, having studied aromatherapy for years! I can personally attest to her Muscle Pain Relief Salve, and her many followers in South Florida can speak to her services with skin troubles, cold and flu symptoms, allergies and even depression. She's the HCM's own DIY doctor!

Of course, the Hollywood Craft Mafia was only a drop in the bucket of awesome indie designers at Stitch Rock, which also included Almightee, with the fabulous Gnome shirt that will soon be mine; Luca of Lollibomb, who continued her world takeover tour with a stop in Delray; and Pam of Beanblossom, who keeps rolling out goodies like whale sushi pillows (a definite must on my post-move shopping list). I also met and fell in love with new designers like Stray Creative, who makes beautiful jewelry out of antique keys and other found objects; Yen's Little Things, with a classic yet modern approach to jewelry design; and Stinky Lou Lou, whose fabric photo albums inspired a squeal-y breakdown at her booth. Everything was so tempting, but I'm on a tight budget in preparation for moving (and Ikea opening), so my only indulgence is this tank from Cripple Creek Handmade:

Feel Your Boobies!

It's a cheeky little reminder that we all need to be checking ourselves for that scary, scary c-word, plus proceeds go to breast cancer research. Hard to beat that.

All in all, a really great event, and huge congratulatory hugs to Amanda of With Sugar On Top for putting it all together. Here's hoping we have another Stitch Rock to look forward to next year!