Harobed goes to the movies - literally!

Although you wouldn't normally think of aprons as star material, two of my Harobed aprons have been featured on camera in the past while.

Both aprons were from my Team Family designs - aprons that come in mix and match colors and four sizes - that people buy for children as well as themselves.

One apron appeared in the well-received video - "Spiderman's Ultimate Foe".

The second was part of the costuming for the Shirley Regal character in the feature film "FriendsDon'tLetFriendsDateFriends (see below)".

(If you're wondering, yes, that is me, as I was in the movie. Next to me is Rhonda Parker, writer and director of this witty rom-com film.)

Keep your eyes peeled - you never know where Harobed aprons might show up next...

Copyright Deborah C. Sawyer

Counting down to the holidays/November Shows!

Hard to believe but we're now in the pre-holiday season and, at Harobed Designs, we've got a number of shows booked for November.












We've been hard at work, making lots of unique items that make perfect gifts. We're using some "teaser" photos around the edges of this post, to give you a taste of what we'll be offering - while supplies last!










This year, we're putting details about all our shows in a single blog post, so you can refer to a single post for any you'd like to attend.









Here is the calendar in a nutshell (see below for location and time details):


Sunday, November 17: Doane House Hospice, Newmarket

Friday November 22-Sunday November 24, Seasons Christmas Show, Toronto

Monday, November 25, Royal St. George's College, Toronto

Friday, November 29, United Way Craft Show, Newmarket




As always, some of these shows are fundraisers for good causes, so they offer an excellent way to stock up on your gifts while contributing to the community.


As for Harobed Designs, many of our one-of-a-kind items have been made from re-purposed fabric, trim and ribbon remnants, materials that would otherwise have to be discarded.




We'll have a selection of aprons in both adult and children's sizes,... luxury hangers - again for both adults and children... tea cozies... ladies vests... soft toys... and more. Exact items offered may vary from show to show.




Which would you rather offer your guests this holiday season...?

...This?

Or this...?

Stock up on some of our luxury hangers and wow guests when they arrive for your celebration!





Doane House Hospice            

10 a.m. - 4 p.m
Newmarket Community Centre
200 Doug Duncan Drive
Newmarket, ON
905-967-0259

Seasons Christmas Show         
10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Fri)/ -6:00 p.m. (Sat)/ - 5:00 p.m. (Sun)
International Centre, Hall 5
6900 Airport Road
Mississauga, ON

Mistletoe Market                     
10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Royal St. George's College
Howland Avenue
Toronto, ON

20th Annual Craft & Gift Show           
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
York Region Admin Centre
17250 Yonge St.
Newmarket ON
905-830-4444


Copyright Deborah C. Sawyer

April 2013 Shows: Coming to a neighborhood near you!

Polka dot crop jacket, comes in two versions

Harobed Designs, my company, is currently booked to do three shows this April!

Rather than create a separate blog post for each, I've decided to post once and put all the details in a single post, for everyone's reference.


Here are the dates and cities; full location details are at the end of the post, below the photos.






Sunday, April 14 - Thornhill, ON

Shawl in abstract design, from silk pieces

Sunday, April 21 - Bronte, ON

Saturday, April 27 - Waterdown, ON

With the approach of summer, I'll probably be changing the mix of items I offer, although everything has been designed here in Canada and made here as well.

Periwinkle cozy wrap

I'm still rather surprised - and sometimes shocked -  that, for some show visitors, the "Made in Canada' moniker seems to be a turnoff. These folks actually favor factory-made product from India and China;  when it is offered by one of the vendors, that's what sells.

Some shows have stricter policies and do not admit foreign imports

One-of-a-kind vest

Detail of vest

April 14, 2013

B.A.Y.T. Craft and Gift Sale, 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sponsorhood by the Sisterhood of BAYT synagogue, to raise funds for their community outreach work

Peony & sea foam hangers

613 Clark Avenue West, corner York Hill Blvd. Thornhill, ON, near Bathurst Street.

The show is in the wedding hall. Parking is available!



April 21, 2013

Spring Has Sprung!  10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bronte Legion Branch 486
79 Jones St. Oakville, ON near Lakeshore Rd.

Sponsred by The Paper Bag Bride.  Beneficiaries may be a local dog rescue organization, which the craft sale organizer hopes to have on site, with dogs for adoption.

I've been told there's "tons" of free parking spots and lots around!

April 27, 2013

Hostess pinny in sunflower

2nd Annual Spring Artisan & Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsored by the Waterdown Legion's Ladies Auxiliary (Branch 551)
Proceeds allow the Ladies Auxiliary to continue their work with veterans and their families.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at:

deborah(dot)harobeddesigns(at)gmail(dot)com

Copyright Deborah C. Sawyer

  

Spring Fling at Scadding Court (March 23)

With spring on the way - at least, in these northern parts, we hope it is! - I am planning on taking even more spring items to my next show, which is called "Spring Fling". It's being held on March 23 at Scadding Court, which is at Bathurst St. and Dundas West. Full details at the end of this post.




And with some of the fashion trends forecast, I think I'll offer customers my very versatile tunics with peplums, as peplum skirts are part of the silhouette trend this year.

One is shown on the model in the photo. What's really useful about my tunics - which are made from washable Dupioni - is not only that they travel well, they can be worn with the V-neckline at the front or reversed for a plunging back neckline look!









Other customers may also find my crop jackets, in 100% cotton spandex, a must-have for the hotter weather. These jackets are unlined, so they are great for warmer temperatures on patios but also provide some coverage when you are inside with the A/C cranked up (which it usually is in most offices).







I'll still be offering some of my one-of-a-kind vests, in brighter or pastel shades for the coming spring-summer season. These vests can quickly dress up a T-shirt or add a layer over a camisole, plus they pair well with skirts, jeans, dresses, etc.

I've just made two new vests in colors that customers are describing as "gorgeous" - for example, a combination of ecru, periwinkle and gray and another in a combination of aqua, silver and white. I create the fabrics for the fronts of these vests using my Maypole Weave (TM) technique.

Spring Fling hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Entrance is on Bathurst St, just south of Dundas St. West. The event is being held in the gym.

Streetcars serve this location on both Bathurst (from the Bathurst subway station) and on Dundas (with subway connection at Dundas on the Yonge line).  Scadding Court is also walking distance from Trinity Bellwoods, Little Italy and Kensington Market.
Copyright Deborah C. Sawyer

You can reach me at deborah(dot)harobeddesigns(at)gmail(dot)com.

Spring Has Sprung Craft Sale!

Even though the winter may still be hanging around, signs suggest it's on its way out and spring is on its way in!

Get a jump on Spring, plus Easter too, at my next craft sale.

Harobed Designs is taking part in the "Spring Has Sprung Craft Sale" being held in Elmira, ON, on Sunday, March 17.

As usual, I'm busy planning what to take...

With wedding season not far away, I may take some of my closet accessories, for anyone looking for a shower gift. Many of my padded hangers are made from silk, so add a touch of luxury to any closet.

Ditto some of my aprons. The gorgeous royal blue apron at left has always been a favorite. (Hint: it's one hundred percent washable Dupioni!)

The one at right is also 100% washable silk - a great way to make an impression as the "hostess with the mostest" next time you entertain.










I may offer some of my vests... they are great transitional pieces as the weather warms up. Wear them with a  sweater, blouse or long-sleeve t-shirt to the office or out to dinner. All are one-of-a-kind designs  - once they're gone, they are gone.

The show is being held at:

Elmira Lions Hall
40 South Street West
Elmira, On N3B 2Z7

Show hours are: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

As well as a range of craft vendors, the Easter Bunny is making an early appearance. Admission to the show is free. And, there are door prizes!

If you need to contact me about this show or other shows Harobed Designs is taking part in, I can be reached at:

deborah(dot)harobeddesigns(at)gmail(dot)com.

Copyright Deborah C. Sawyer

Winter Blues Vendors and Craft Bazaar (Feb. 23, 2013)

Who says you have to have the blues in winter? It's easy to avoid them by doing some shopping.

Whether you're looking for yourself - or for birthday or wedding gifts - you'll find plenty to choose from at the upcoming Winter Blues and Craft Bazaar.

Harobed Designs is taking part - and we're already wondering about the merchandise we'll be offering...







Is it still a good time of year to offer one of our luxurious tea cozies?












Or how about adding some sunshine to someone's life, via our sunflower yellow apron?

Then, there's always a selection of our Cozy Wraps, lightweight but super warm, in case anyone is going on a cruise or will be in overly air-conditioned places in the not-too-distant future...









Or, shall we give fashionistas a head-start on spring weather, with one of our one-of-a-kind vests?

All these and many more of the items we make are possible. But, to know for sure, you'll have to come out and join the fun!!

The Winter Blues Vendors and Craft Bazaar is being held at:

Erindale Presbyterian Church
1560 Dundas St. West
Mississauga, ON

The church is located just to the east of Mississauga Road, if my consultation of online maps serves me well.

Or, you can call the church for directions: 905-277-4564.

The show runs from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2013!

See you there!


Copyright Deborah C. Sawyer

A Sweetheart Deal! (February 2, 2013)

If you didn't get shopping out of your system over the holidays late last year, here's another opportunity!


Even better, the Sweetheart Gift Show and Crafts Sale will provide opportunities to contribute to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, just bring all your pennies for the donation jar.

Other than that, admission is free and you can shop till you drop, at least for a few hours.

And...  Harobed Designs is taking part! Once again, it's short notice, so we're busy planning what we'll offer for sale...

For example, even if you won't get an opportunity to spice up your love life this Valentine's Day, you can spice up your closet - or the closet of a friend - with some of our sensuous silk and satin padded hangers.



Perhaps you have more conventional plans for February 14?



In that case, we'll bring some of our flirty pinnies or perhaps a little something in red velvet?







Then again, it's that time of year when people make plans to travel. Harobed Designs' one-of-a-kind vests make great travel accessories.

They fold up really small and offer great ways for wardrobe stretching as you gad about on your travels.

 All are made from re-purposed fabrics and ribbons, many from remnants that would otherwise have been discarded, and are completely washable.

Then again, maybe we should be more practical? After all, this is Canada and it is winter... So perhaps we'll offer some of our fleece vests, which combine the warmth of fleece with some extra style!

To join in the fun, here are the details you need:

Sweetheart Gift Show and Crafts Sale
Saturday, February 2, 2103
Noon to 5 p.m.
Port Dalhousie Legion
Rooms 1 and 2
57 Lakeport Rd.
St.Catharines ON
905-934-1261


Copyright Deborah C. Sawyer

Give gifts for the home!

Team Family aprons: including sizes for kids!

It's that time of year - here in the Northern Hemisphere - where we tend to draw in and hunker down, to get through the colder weather and also deal with the short days and long nights.

All the more reason to think about the home, especially with gift-giving season on the horizon.

At our next show, we're featuring items for the home.

Shown here are just a few of the aprons we'll be offering to customers at the Mistletoe Market, held November 19, 2012 at Royal St. George's  College School in Toronto.

Want your guy to be more active in the kitchen? Try giving him a man-size apron!

Washable silk!

Royal St. George's College School is located in the Annex part of Toronto and is reachable from the Bathurst subway stop, on the Bloor-Danforth line, or the Spadina stop, a little further east. It's located between Howland and Albany, north of Barton.

Flirty polka dots

Public hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There are also a number of public "Green P" parking lots throughout the area plus 'first-come, first-served' street parking.

Copyright Deborah C. Sawyer

A true gem of a vest

With most of the vests and other items Harobed Designs makes, we create one-of-a-kind pieces and, occasionally, limited run quantities.

I strive to make each item truly a gem. Sometimes, this happens almost by chance. I found myself with some lovely teal ribbon plus some metallic ribbon with a hint of teal in it. Voila! A vest design suggested itself and I got to work

.
The result is truly special. The photos don't do this item justice. You really need to see it in person. It will pair beautifully with white... black... gray... teal... and delicate silver lurex if you have a top in that fabric. The teal can be picked up by the stones in your jewellery.

This vest is also ideal for any woman who prefers silver jewelery - the cool fire of the moon - as opposed to the hot fire of the sun (gold).

Such a vest is also a boon when you're travelling, especially if you are on a tour or other trip with a lot of sit-down dinners. With the right colors in your suitcase, just one skirt or pair of slacks, 2 or 3 tops, and 2 or 3 vests like this one, and you're all set.

As for this little gem, we'll be offering it for sale at the Made By Hand Show. It comes in Medium size only.

And only one lucky woman can own it!

Copyright Deborah C. Sawyer

This season, not just shades of gray...

There's been a lot of attention paid to gray lately with the publication of the book, 50 Shdes of Grey, but it's not just literature where gray is strong.



Some people are even referring to gray as the new black and, in truth, it is far more multi-seasonal an option than black. In the warmer weather, black can look heavy and make you feel heavy, whereas gray is lighter in look and color.



And, when temperatures drop, gray in suede, wools, knits, silks, etc., creates an extremely elegant silhouette for women of all ages.



With that in mind, I've created a few gray pieces for the upcoming Made By Hand Show on October 27, 2012, in S, M and L sizing.


These vests are truly versatile, you can wear them over a maxi dress... with a sweater and slacks... with a tunic and leggings, ...with a two-piece skirt suit, to turn it into a 3-piece and add another very stylish layer to your outfit.
The fronts of these vests feature our signature Maypole Weave (TM) fabric while the backs are made from washable micro-suede.

The photos show just three of these designs - and, just for those who truly seek the individual and unique, NO TWO ARE ALIKE. When you purchase one of these vests, you will truly own an original!

You can also learn more about Harobed Designs on our Facebook page, including an overview of some earlier designs:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harobed-Designs/167779129904463

For show details, please go to http://www.madebyhandshow.com