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Nettie & Friends supports Maxfield Learning Center and Maxfield School, St. Paul, MN.

Nettie & Friends works with Maxfield School in St. Paul, MN to enrich learning experiences for students by meeting specific needs that expand the learning landscape or remove roadblocks to student success.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Happy New Year!

Hello all,
As this year closes, I want to say a heartfelt "Thank You" to each and every one of you who helped in any way with the 2008 Nettie and Friends Show and Sale at the Egg and I East Restaurant. The show and sale has been a tremendous success! Thank You, on behalf of the students, families and staff of the Maxfield Learning Center, Thank You.

I've had a lot of fun, seen a lot of friendly faces, met some new folks who have been shopping, laughed with the staff at the Egg and I, and talked with friends about the 'miracles of Christmas' (Marsha's fireplace stayed up, I didn't gain any weight!)

There is much to be thankful for, I am thankful for all of you.

Happy New Year.
All the best to you and yours in the coming year.

Nettie

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Gingerbread House Extravaganza













Well, today was one of those days at the Maxfield Learning Center.
I mean, one of those really good days.
The kind where things go right.
Children are happy.
Staff are happy.

We made gingerbread houses!
Here are some of the creations we made.

Thank you for your support!
We're having a wonderful 'run up to the holidays' in Room 10, Maxfield School.

We bundled up in all of our nylon coated glory and
went out an played in the snow today - finally !
(Brrrrr it's been cold!)

We had a great day! Nettie

Monday, December 8, 2008

My Students Rock!

Check out the link to the left to view the story by Jeff Olsen, KARE11 reporter on the show and sale.

Hey, I'll try to put the link here! Let's see what happens!
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=531449&catid=14&provider=email

My students ROCK! (Yeah, how 'bout those Jingle Bells?) They were so great when Jeff was in our classroom!

Then, of course, we got to get our winter wear on and play in the fresh new snow! We had a blast.

Thank you one and all for your support!

Nettie

Sunday, December 7, 2008

What A Wonderful Opening Reception!

I had such a wonderful time! There are so many people to thank for all of the hard work that went into planning, setting up, lighting and relighting the luminary on a blustery night! (At least we didn't have 8" of snow!) YOU are the best! Thank you.

To those of you who donated wonderful, unique, hand-crafted items to sell to benefit our students, thank you.

To those of you who donated time and energy to price items, wear a "show me the money" hat, do the math, carry items to and from the car / truck, lend a truck when my car decided it needed a little break this week, and provided emotional support, thank you.

To those of you who found wonderful items to buy to share with others or enjoy yourself (I found a couple myself!) Thank you.

Especially to Marsha for her unflagging support, listening to me go over details again and again, who helps me make lists and timelines, who makes wonderful BIG signs and a cozy fireplace (even when I said "What are you thinking???"), who laughs with me and encourages me to dream bigger, ask for help and say 'thank you.' Thank you.

To all of you, I had a great night. Thank you.

Jeff Olsen, from KARE-11 is coming out to school on Monday to do a little interview.
Wish us well. I'll let you know when the segment will air.

You are the best. Be well.
Enjoy this holiday season.
Peace. Nettie

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

I'm SO excited!

The show is up. I'm SOOOOOOO excited for Saturday! I keep hoping and watching the weather and hoping that we WON'T have a repeat of last year's big snowstorm. This is better than Christmas for me! WooHoo!

Again, I want to thank all of you for your support in getting the Nettie and Friends Show and Sale to this point. Watching my students on their stability ball chairs yesterday, I kept thinking "I could have never done this without the Nettie and Friends Show and Sale." Of course, right after that one of the kids bounced off the ball chair!

Last night at my bookclub, one of my pals asked "Did setting the earlier deadline help this year?" My answer, a resounding "YES!" which was immediately backed up by my buddy, Linda. "Yes, she's much more relaxed this year." I know that deadline was a little tricky for some of you, but thanks for playing along. It has made pricing, organizing and hanging so much easier for everyone involved in helping with the process.

Okay, enough blathering. I'm off to work. I'm looking forward to Saturday with 150 luminaries glowing (oh, yeah, ask whoever you ask to be gentle with the wind on Saturday afternoon/evening!)

Thanks to all who have offered to help with set up. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and support.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Nettie

PS! The OTHER reason I'm excited is that Borealis Too! is opening in downtown St. Paul TODAY! If you are a downtown employee, denizen, or just like to walk the skyways, check out Borealis Too off of the EcoLab Plaza.... Have a great day Abby and Jean! http://www.borealisyarn.com/

Sunday, November 30, 2008

The Nettie and Friends Show and Sale Is READY!

What a wonderful group of friends arrived at the Egg and I to 'hang' the show today! It is up! We are ready! I'm excited and looking forward to seeing everyone at the Opening Reception on Saturday, where we'll have EVERYTHING out for viewing and sale! I have a carload of boxes just waiting to be unloaded! See you then. Thanks to everyone who helped out today! You are the best. (And Marsha, that fireplace IS just what was needed!)

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

We are done with pricing!


The Pricing is Done!
Yep, everyone of these boxes are FULL! There are so many wonderful, beautiful, delightful, fun items. Thank you one and all!

If your items came in after the Oct. 25 deadline, I might not have gotten photos on the web. Sorry about that... my 'real' work has been pretty demanding (paperwork, conferences, actual teaching!) Well, that and a cat that is on the mend from having a toe amputated (poor guy) has taken all available time and energy.

Once again, my thanks to the pricing committee. Whew. I couldn't have done THIS without you! (Let alone tried to figure out pricing in our present economy.) We did have discussions about our goal of actually selling the items and what 'the market will bear' in the current fiscal fiasco.

Jean, Marsha, and I have been experimenting with the luminaries... we're trying to figure out exactly how much kitty litter we will need for 150 bags... well, if we're asking questions, exactly how much lighter fluid will we need in those clicker things to LIGHT 150 candles in the dark on a December afternoon? Those might be questions for another day. Right now, I've got to get to work!

Have a wonderful day, week, year, life!
Be happy! Nettie

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Let the Pricing Begin!

Well, the pricing committee met and started tagging the items you so generously donated! We had a little difficulty not getting distracted by all of the beautiful objects, textures and fibers we were fondling. Ahhh. We are really under way here! Again, thank you to everyone who has contributed - either energy, time or items.

Oops, I meant to take a few photos, but got so totally focused on pricing that I spaced out my camera. Geesh. Maybe next time!

Peace.
Nettie

Monday, November 3, 2008

November Already????

So just when I think I am 'clearing the decks' I start a new project. That ever happen to anyone else? Geesh. I was digging through my fabric stash and found some things I was going to have ready for this year's show and sale. Due to a lack of impulse control they are now in a half-finished state! I'm going to kick it into high gear and get things done this week (including school conferences!) So, if I don't answer the phone, or many emails, it's because I'm putting the pedal to the metal and burning through thread on my Singer Featherweight!

Send out those postcards for the show! If you need more, let me know.
I'll be getting a pdf file out to people AFTER the election!

VOTE tomorrow.
:-) Nettie

Sunday, October 26, 2008

I saw a lot of 'good eggs' at the Egg and I!

Thank you to everyone who came to meet for breakfast and kick off the Nettie And Friends Show and Sale at the Egg and I on Saturday morning!

What a wonderful bunch of creative, crafty, funny folks. It was a blast. I can't believe all of the wonderful things you delivered for the sale.

Everything is safely tucked away in a pet free location (not my cat hair haven, that's for sure!) I was able to take some photos of some of the items and they are posted with the previous link on the left, so everyone can ooh and ahh.

Soon, the pricing committee will meet and I'll get to fondle everything again! I'll just bet my 'pet free' friend is doing a little gazing when she passes by those yummy items!

Again, thank you.
I'm getting a little teary eyed here.
Time for coffee and a new felted wool project!

Nettie Jean

Saturday, October 18, 2008

"Visual Noise" Problem Solved!

A big thanks to Marsha's husband, Mr. Techie, More Power, Better Power Tools, Raymond, for coming up with a low tech, low power solution to our 'visual noise' request... His response when he and Marsha were talking about how to get more light near the Egg and I for the Opening Reception: "How about using luminaries?"

When Marsha relayed this idea to me, there was silence. Yup. Silence. Blissful 'why didn't I think of that?' silence.

Hmmmm... Here we were thinking "BIG" and the solution was simple and small and warm and welcoming.

Wow! In the words of one of my heroes "It's intelligent to ask for help!"

So, now what we need is someone who likes to play with paper bags, sand, candles and a little fire!

Be well. Enjoy these wonderful autumn days!
Peace. Nettie

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Gearing Up for the 2008 Nettie and Friends Show and Sale!

Well, I've been working on details for the Nettie and Friends Show. Thank goodness for the 'friends' part of the show! Whew! Marsha and I spent some time scouting out the Egg and I East to see what might be done to draw some positive attention to the restaurant the day of the opening reception.

We've decided that the Egg and I East in the late afternoon and early evening needs a little 'visual noise' to let people know we are actually in there during the Opening Reception - Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 4 - 8 PM!

So....
  • Does anyone out there have one of those big, wonderfully obnoxious, lit up, blow up, outdoor holiday decorations or a lighted sign or big old spot-light that we could use for a few hours to create some 'visual noise' for the Opening Reception?
  • And here's one of the catches...there are no outdoor outlets, so we apparently also need a small generator or a gabigillion feet of heavy duty extension cords.
  • The other catch is that I would really like to focus on the inside of the Egg and I and NOT worry about the outdoor part much, so would someone be willing to wrestle with, help set up and take down a big blow up decoration, or lighted sign or big old spot-light if we can find one to borrow?

I am not stuck on any of the above ideas, so if you have a stroke of creative genuis that would help us light up the front of the Egg and I in a very temporary fashion for a low amount of cash, please feel free to contact me!

In the meantime, the postcards are being printed, the hang tags are done, I'm busy with oohing and aahing over items that have started to come in, and working on finishing up some of my own when I'm not busy starting new ones! There are so many ideas banging around in my brain! WooHoo!

Be well all.

Thank you for the 'friends' part of Nettie and Friends!

Peace. Nettie Jean

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Settling Into a Routine



So school is off and running and after catching and recovering from my first cold of the school year, I'm trying to get organized for the Nettie and Friends Show! Whew! I'm in the throes of
trying to get some good photos for the posters and postcards... Fun to see 'old projects' again!
I've been busy! I hope you have too!

Looking forward to rooting around deeper into some of my project bins and see what other surprises await me!

Be well all,
Enjoy these lovely fall days.
Nettie

Sunday, September 14, 2008

The Kids Are Here! The Kids Are Here!

Anyone who knows me well knows I love teaching. After the Republican Convention, the Kindergarten students started school. Hurrah. There were those (myself included, at one point) who wondered why the PreK-K students shouldn't start as usual... well, let me tell you, just one day into the "student contact" year and two days into the Republican Convention, our buses were running an hour to an hour and a half behind schedule... because, hey, even with rerouted traffic the kid's houses hadn't moved and they had to be delivered HOME! So, it was a good decision, although it made for a longer wait for me to meet my students. Well, they are on board and very fun.

Our first week together was energetic and mostly of the "getting to know you" ilk. I am happy to be teaching. I am also, however, so exhausted I am not knitting or sewing or anything else when I get home. Mostly, I'm lying down on the sofa and falling asleep and drooling until it is time to go to bed! I'll get my energy back. It will all balance out. There will be creative activities in my home again soon. In the meantime, all of you, keep creating. Remember the October 25th deadline. I'm looking forward to seeing what you've been up to!

Cheers (and now I'm going to lie down again!) Nettie

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Ely Creations

"If you're lucky enough to be up north, you're lucky enough!"

I'm very, very lucky (blessed) to have a wonderful, peaceful, creative place to go that rejuvenates my spirit, my body, my soul. I took long walks, kayaked a little, jumped off the dock and did a little swimming (very refreshing water temperature in Ely), finished reading a book that has been languishing on my bedside table, listened to some Harry Potter books on my iPod, slept and ate well, then created more stuff!

I decided to finish these coasters while I was up at the Russell cabin in Ely over Labor Day. They are recycled (aka too thick) felted oven mitt material that I cut up, bound off, and needle felted! Fun to work with. Now to just figure out the "what the market will bear" price point for some of these funky items... Then, there are the next items!




So last summer I took a short birch bark basket class at the cabin while visiting my friends up in Ely. I bought some extra birch bark from the teacher to make another basket, but lo and behold, I decided to make some birch bark napkin rings instead. These are a little small, but very sweet.

Keep on creating, all y'all!
October is just around the corner!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Back to School Knitting



So, I did cast on that hat... I knitted a little. I ripped it back. I cast it on again. I knitted during a workshop, made up a pattern as I went along, and here's the result. A luscious, soft, yummy Plymouth Brush Baby Alpaca. Ahhh. A joy to work with. Of course, I do need to block it! (That old refrain!)

Went to the State Fair to get my eyes full of the most beautiful items. What talent we have here in Minnesota. Wow is about all I can say. Wow!

Have a great Labor Day weekend.
Nettie

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Work I Go!



I finished knitting the Fish Scales hat! (Still not blocked yet.) I didn't have a pattern, no plan for how to decrease the pattern and keep the stitch going, so I cheated, used all navy and did a double decrease in a five 'star' pattern. It looks good!

So the "use up what you have" theory isn't working too well, I ran out of navy yarn as I was approaching the top of this hat - so, I bought more. And the vicious cycle continues! There's more of every color so I think there will be another hat, or scarf, or someone suggested wristlets...Hmmmm...

I'm back to work tomorrow. I'm sure there will be lots of meetings this week which may lend themselves to some mindless knitting. Pretty sure I should cast on a hat or something while watching the Olympic closing ceremony tonight so I'm set and ready to go.

What a glorious day. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did!
Be well. Keep creating.
Nettie

Friday, August 22, 2008

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig!



Home from my wonderful summer with another Fish Scale Scarf.
I've started working on a hat. So sweet!

Enjoy the weekend.
Nettie Jean




Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Lakeside Fishscales Scarf



This is a fun scarf to make! Picked up the pattern at "Pine Needles" in Cable, WI. I finished knitting it at Big Blake Lake and still have to block it. It is so soft and wonderful! Made from Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK and baby alpaca, it is delightfully yummy. I thought it would be a great "use up my odds and ends of Cashmerino" project until I wandered down to Borealis and bought another skein of the light blue!

So, sitting on the deck of my buddy, Jeff's, beautiful lake place, I've started another one. I'm squeaking out the last days of summer vacation in ultimate bliss... knitting, canoeing, watching eagles, loons, sand hill cranes and the Olympics; playing an occasional game of gin and reading in the afternoons. (Oh, yeah, drinking a little lemonade based Leinie's - I AM in Wisconsin, after all!) A wonderful life, indeed.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

More Projects Completed! More Projects Started!



Ah, the joy of the annual GalPal trip. We went to a beautiful cabin in the Hayward WI area this year, so I was able to pack my Singer Featherweight and work on my travel quilt! I have been collecting fabric from the many beautiful places I have traveled and finally got the impulse to make a quilt. The pattern for the front is "SlideShow" and the back is various pieces of map and travel inspired fabrics. I've got it packed up and ready to send off to be quilted!

The gals also understand my need to stay busy. In fact, someone who shall remain nameless, once referred to me as "ADHD - Attention Deficit Hobby Disordered!" So, while some were busy wiling away the hours playing 'Bookworm" on yahoo.games, I was busy finishing up some things, giving an occasional knitting lesson/comment, and of course, watching the Olympics. I finally blocked the Feather and Fan scarf, finished a wool felt table runner (imagine a nice bowl of candy smack dab in the middle of those hearts!), completed a soft Cashmerino hat, worked on my 'don't have to think very much' sock yarn/kid seta mohair mittens and sewed up a bunch of Christmas coasters. I put the baubles on a couple of pairs of those Norwegian slippers, sewed up another pair to be felted, made another blasted lanyard ("Somebody STOP me!") and of course, made a trip to the local yarn store where I got seduced by that old "FishScales" pattern and had to cast on a scarf. Decided it would be perfect for my odds and ends of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. I might not be able to give it up for the sale! I'll post it when it is done.








Friday, August 8, 2008

Cabin Life Creations




Marsha invited me to her lovely cabin in the Wisconsin woods for a week. We lazed. We walked. We picked wild berries (raspberries, blueberries, black raspberries.) We cooked. We read. We played Farkel, Uppy Downy, Double Handed Solitaire (we don't like that game much any more!) We swam in the clear, cool river. We laughed. We set up our sewing machines. Look what Marsha is working on for the sale in December.
No, not the wine! The coasters!























Me? I finished a hat.












I hope you are all enjoying your summer as much as I am!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Get in the Habit!

I sure hope this doesn't offend any of you... but
guess how I spent my birthday?

With some friends at the Little Falls Convent Green Eco - Peace Fair.

Sister Mary I Don't Know What I'm Doing Here













Recognize this quilter? It's Sister Mary Haven't Been Here in 39 Years!
She was once told to never go near another sewing machine by a nun.




How about Sister Mary Mafia Mama?


And finally, here's
Sister Mary High on Life!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Where does the summer go?

How did it get to be the end of July? Well, my last entry was written shortly after arriving in Michigan to visit my family for the the Monroe Reunion. Life doesn't always go as planned. I know many of you have been following the story of my friend- Ms. "Show Me the Money" Linda Kennedy and her family. We are so elated that Keith, Linda's 25 year old son with autism, was found alive after a week in the Wisconsin woods in June. During the last month, it has been an amazing journey to witness Keith's resilience, strength and recovery. He and his family are incredible human beings and I am so proud to their friend.

I have been busy with some projects. More of those Norwegian slippers keep rolling off of my knitting needles. Seems like my brain needs to work on some mundane projects which don't require sustained attention at this time. I did actually complete five wonderful "Blueberry Bags." Four went to my cabin friends in Ely and one made its way to Germany with my pal, Laurie Anne (she was just a little envious watching me work on them on Madeline Island.)




I am continuing planning for this year's Nettie and Friends Show, albeit in fits and starts. I will put the pedal to the metal very soon. I promise. Just remember the October deadline and I look forward to seeing what everyone is working on!

Enjoy these hazy, crazy, lazy days of summer!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Ah, I wish I felt more righteous!


I had a great ferry ride on the S.S. Badger from Manitowoc, WI to Ludington, MI. Check out this sign by my little 'stateroom'... I set up a few rows of the Aran Pocket Shawl while I was cruising the calm waters of Lake Michigan. A delightful experience!
So, I said I was going to finish up some projects. I gotta tell you, I thought I would feel more righteous. Some of these projects are so lame!


Like this:

Okay, it's a dishcloth.

I just had a few rows to finish...and I did!







Or these:












I did finish this lovely Blue Vesuvius Feather and Fan scarf for a fan:
(Okay, I need to block it, but I'm on the road!)











But the crowning glory of my mission is this tank top... started over six years ago. (Linda tells me I have students younger than this project. Smart aleck!) I ran out of Mission Falls yarn. They stopped making it. But, joy of joys, one day I was at Borealis and Katy said "Nettie, Nettie, look, look!" So six years and a couple of dye lots later, this tank top is DONE! I even picked up the edges and knit a few rows to finish it off (Thanks Carol - super knit coach for the encouragement!) I'm going to wear it to the Monroe Family Reunion in Webberville Michigan and proudly proclaim, "I am my mother's daughter! I MADE this! Ha!"

More to follow. Enjoy these long awaited days of summer.
Peace. Nettie


Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Odds and Ends and Hey! School's Out!





How do these...








Become these?




An amazing folding trick. I've heard this is an old pattern. I'm looking at these slippers as a possibility of using up my odds and ends of wonderful wools. Too bad I had to hit up Jean for a little more Lamb's Pride Bulky to finish the most recent pair...

I hate to remind all of you, but "tick-tock"... Yep, the clock is ticking...
October will be here all too soon, but I get ahead of myself! I need to enjoy my summer first!

School's out.
Last night, for some reason unknown to me, I decided I needed to organize and count and organize and match up my knitting needles before the summer cabin tour begins - perhaps so I don't purchase another pair of addi size 4 24" lace needles! I need four pair because...? Geesh! Finding needles stuck in various forgotten projects lead to a resolution to finish up some of my ufo's before I begin a new project (well, does a provisional cast on count?? - How about a pre-cut kit for a quilt top?) Hm. I'll keep you posted on my resolve. I feel it crumbling already...

Enjoy these days. Ahh, Summer.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Back to School Today

Well, I'm not sure I am fully 'recovered', but I'm heading back to school today... Ahhh. Went to the Shepherd's Harvest yesterday, and I'm not sure what happened to me - maybe it was just being home among my various 'stashed items' for two weeks, but I walked away from Shepherd's Harvest with only three new skeins of delicious yarns! What a great way to end my 'imposed recovery period' - walking through those vendor booths, fondling wonderful fibers, getting inspired to actually finish a couple of more projects!

So, back to work with a new knitted I.D. badge lanyard (from the 1st Wednesday free clinic down at Borealis - thanks Katy and Abby!) Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go!

Be well. Peace.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Time On My Hands! Happy May Day!

Geesh, a gal is going along in the world, wondering if spring will soon make a lasting appearance, then, blam(!) she's flat on her back on her sofa with no inclination to make anything! She must be sick... the measure for me is: I'm not interested in my morning coffee; I'm not interested in eating or drinking anything; and most importantly, in the house of craft possiblities - I'm not interested in picking up any of my toys to play with - not even my knitting needles... here's a gal who's SICK!

Now for the good news! With the help of friends, doctors and surgeons, I feel almost like myself again! I've been knitting, cutting fabric, putzing with paper and taking naps!

Part of my recuperation plan is to wander down to Borealis Yarns to see what's new. (They always fill my need for color and texture - some of the new yarns are so yummy.) Inspired by some of my knitting friends, I've actually completed a couple of projects... That is my new goal- finish up those projects which have been languishing for too long.

I'll try to get some new photos posted soon. In the meantime, keep laughing and creating!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Road Trips and Inspiration


Watkins Woolen Mill loom.


So, Marsha and I took a road trip to Kansas City over my spring break. Stopped in Winterset, Iowa to tour the birthplace of John Wayne, some of the Bridges of Madison County and Fons and Porter Quilt Shop. Bought some cowboy fabric... surprise!

On down the road to Lawson, Missouri to visit the Watkins Woolen Mill Historic Site. We talked our way into the archives to view some clothing, quilts and blankets from the Watkins family (c. 1870's!)

Made our way to Kansas City, MO. Visited many sites and our favorite is the Steamboat Arabia. Incredible story! Worth the trip!

Stopped at Country Threads in Garner, Iowa on our way home. Now, here's a quilt shop you won't see every day! You must like animals if you stop here. We were greeted by a friendly Golden Doodle and a few cats.

I worked on stash enhancement, wool acquisition, building this blog and general fun. Great road trip. Fun city.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Important Dates to Keep in Mind!

Almost everyone was able to access the site successfully! Thanks for the feedback.

As we are planning for the December 2008 show, here are some dates to keep in mind:
1. ) The Show: will run through the month of December 2008. Opening Reception on Saturday, December 6, 2008 (and perhaps it WON'T snow to beat the band this year!)
2.) The Breakfast: Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Egg and I East.
3.) The Deadline: October 25, 2008. Get those creative, productive juices flowing and churning and burning!

That having been said, friends have been asking what items sold well last year?
After the dust settled, here's what we were able to recall....
1. Game kits (dice and cards at $12.00)
2. Knitted, felted Fish purses (@ $20 - 25.00)
3. Wine Coasters / Cozies ($1.00 each)
4. Felted Clogs ($50.00 pair)
5. Scarves ($25.00 - $40.00 range)
6. Quilted holiday table toppers ($18.00)
7. Boxed watercolor cards ($6.00 - 12.00)
8. Earrings and bracelets ($10 - 15.00)
9. Pillowcases ($20.00 pair)
10. Knit mittens / fingerless mitts ($25 - 35.00)
11. Baby blankets ($15 - 25.00)
12. Whimisical hats ($20 - 40.00)
13. Table runners ($20- 30.00)
14. Recycled Felted Sweater Bags ($25 - 45.00)

What about this coming year? Anyone have an ear to the current trends out there?

It is clear that big ticket items do well at the opening reception, but not so well for the weekend breakfast patron... the $10 - $30 range items seem to sell themselves even when not 'represented by a person putting a face to the project.'

We'll keep mulling it over.
You keep creating.
Don't be bound by this list!
I hope to post more photos of my finished projects soon!

Be well. Peace, Nettie


Sunday, March 30, 2008

The dust has settled!

Hello all,
Thank you again for your participation in the December 2007 Show and Sale to benefit the Maxfield Learning Center. Your participation and the article in the Star Tribune (which brought in many donations) raised about $10,000 to buy lots of school uniforms, school snacks, offer field trip buses, purchase snowpants, boots, coats and mittens. We were able to purchase a couple of much needed pieces of classroom furniture that teachers have been lusting after for years and years! Your generosity touched the entire Maxfield School Community, not just the Learning Center students.

Marsha and I are in the very beginning stages of planning for this year's show (including this new blog!) We decided this would be an easy way to communicate, as there have been difficulties in the past with opening attachments, pdf's etc. So, here we go! Into the electronic age! Forward! Onward!

Stay tuned! :-) Nettie

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Welcome to Nettie and Friends!

Welcome to the new blogspot for Nettie and Friends. Here you'll find the news, updates and latest information about the 2008 Nettie and Friends Show in December at the Egg and I East in Saint Paul.