Saturday, June 19, 2010

A First


Mackinac Mittens has its first ever trunk show the other day. We managed to sell 15 pair of mittens during our two four-hour days. It was great fun. Watching someone you don't know try on something you made, and then shell out their hard earned money to buy it is quite rewarding. My favorite was a woman who was downright giddy to find a blue hat.


Making these mittens has been an interesting experience. Right now the three of us are trying hard just to keep up with the demand in the two stores here on Mackinac Island. Yesterday I got an email from a shop owner in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and she wants to sell them in her store, too. I don't know if we'll sell them off the island, but it was pretty exciting just to be asked.

On the grandma front, all is well. In fact, she has improved dramatically since she has stopped taking all of her medications. She is doing so well that my mom is moving her out of hospice and into an assisted living facility. Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers and well wishes. Know that they have been greatly appreciated!

17 comments:

Kristin said...

Hi Liz, I found your blog a few weeks ago and read way, way back. I read for hours and hours. I am fascinated by your stories of life on the island. I loved the video snippet about the Ice Bridge. I am coming to Michigan and Mackinac Island for the very first time in mid-August and have already been making a list of places to see and things I want to buy while there! I LOVE your mittens! I hope you will still have some in the stores when we get there.

Could you use some more sweaters to make mittens? I am planning on cleaning out our closet soon and I just know there are a few sweaters in there that my husband never wears that would probably end up at Goodwill anyway. If you're interested, just let me know! I'm excited to hopefully meet you and buy some mittens in August. -Kristin
(kuhdep2 at hotmail dot com)

Allie said...

Those mittens are absolutely fabulous, I'm not surprised you're being asked to sell them off-island! So glad to hear the news about your grandma - and isn't that interesting about her being off the meds and improving.

kate said...

1. Yay Grandma!!
2. Mittens = fabulous. Not surprised to hear your selling well.
3. Meant to comment on the last post - looked like a place my son would absolutely adore and never want to leave.

Marcia said...

Glad to hear your grandmother is doing better.

How wonderful that the mittens are so successful. It is alot of work making things like that. Sounds like you have a few helpers.

pam said...

Just knew those fabulous mittens would be a huge hit! What you need now is a knitting machine so you can keep up with the demand.

I am so happy to hear the good news of your grand mother. Thank you so much for keeping us all informed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her and to your family.

Melody said...

So happy grandma is doing well Liz...that's awesome! And as always, I'm amazed by your talent making all these beautiful handcrafted things you do! I couldn't remember the name of the shops that sold the mittens when we were there in May...is it possible to find out again? We will be back to the island over July 4th holiday and I'd love to check them out! Hugs!

Diane said...

I'm so happy to hear your grandmother is doing better, so well that she can be in the assisted living place!
And your mittens are selling like hotcakes... Whoo-Hoo!!
Have a wonderful Monday!!

The Hubby said...

Liz is traveling for a few days so I'll jump in here.

Mackinac Mittens are available at two shops, Some Wear on Mackinac (located next to the Gate House) and The Jaunting Cart (located on Market Street right across from the Biddle House).

In addition, Liz also has some baby bibs and dresses in another shop on Main Street called Little Luxuries.

Brenda said...

They are great. I'm so happy for you. You do a great job.

Manoute said...

Hi Liz,
I am glad you grandma is doing better.
Your mittens are fabulous. It looks like you are going to be busy this summer!

Denice said...

Hi Liz! *me waving*

I've been away a bit, not hanging out online, so I just wanted to say hello. And congratulations on selling so many mittens -- goodness, they're beautiful! No wonder!
xo

Melody said...

Thanks to "The Hubby"!!! :)
I can't wait to check them out when we're up again on July 4th holiday! :)

Deanna said...

Those mittens are adorable. Wish I had know when we were there in May. Hopefully, we'll make it back next summer for our 30th anniversary, and I'll to check those shops out then.
So happy about your grandmother. :)

Marcia said...

Where did you get your printed ribbon tags? They make the mittens look so very professional.

Anonymous said...

Lots of good news! I love the mittens, but can't get excited about buying them when winter is still lingering in my memory. I am glad for you that not everyone has been as traumatized as me. Best wishes to Grandma!

CindyLou said...

Your mittens and caps are adorable!!! They absolutely deserve their own trunk show!

Pat said...

Hi Liz,

I was on the island last week and bought a pair of the Mackinac Mittens at the Jaunting Cart. I am hoping they do the trick as I have never found any glove or mitten that keep my fingers warm. I love the designs, colors and buttons. Thanks for a great idea!

Pat Steele
Vernon, MI