Bartering for Beginners

So, my husband and I just had a lovely evening with two of our very best friends. They invited us over for dinner, and we had a great time discussing the mysteries of life, such as the correct punctuation for "e.g." and "i.e." (I happen to be the go-to grammar geek in my circle of friends). My girlfriend is a crafter, too, but rather than sewing, she beads. She makes gorgeous jewelry, and has had success with craft shows, art fairs, and small stores. I was ogling her jewelry, trying to decide between my three favorite necklaces, when she mentioned to her husband that he had to see the messenger bag I made. Well, low and behold, I just happened to have brought said messenger bag with me, and was quick to put it on display. Well. My girl's husband loved it. And, there was the usual discussion of how I should sell these things. But, said I, the time and labor that goes into one of these bags would force me to charge $100 or more for one, so I will stick with making them for my nearest and dearest (gift-giving is my love language, and sewing is a great hobby to have to express my love). But, said they, what if we traded? Hmmm....intriguing idea! So, now my friends and I have a weekend expedition planned for next week when, among other things, we will hunt for some "manly" fabric to make a messenger bag for my friend's husband. My labor of love will get me four fantabulous necklaces (which I really couldn't afford to buy), and my friend will get her husband to get rid of the rest of his messenger bags (apparently he has quite a penchant for them) and just stick with mine. So, it's a win-win-win situation - and my husband, while not directly involved in the "winning" triad, will have fun watching and overseeing all the bartering that will be taking place.

So, until next weekend, I will be biding my time tracing my new patterns (I finally broke down and bought some tracing material), washing and ironing my Amy Butler fabric that is in the mail, and planning the new outfits I will make to wear with my custom mad jewelry.

Happy bartering!