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.