Market Transitions

Not all market changes are in the stock market, here in Vermont our farmers' markets are transitioning too. Last Saturday was the last day of the Shelburne Farmers' Market for this season. Since from June through October for two years I've spent my Saturdays between Shelburne Farm's stand and Palmer's Maple Syrup, I'll miss it this winter. I'll miss my weekly chocolate chip from Vermont Cookie Love (though they will be opening a shop in nearby North Ferrisburg around Thanksgiving), and my occasional jar of Sonia's Salsa (available also at the Shelburne Supermarket). Most of all I'll miss my regulars, who stop by every week or two to see what is new, and my out of state customers who are now returning on their vacations a second year.
This weekend I'll close out Richmond Farmers' Market's season, and make an appearence at the Middlebury Farmers' Market. Soon, I'll be starting the new Winter Farmers' Market seasons. At the Burlington Winter Farmers' Market I'll see Tasha and Annie from Shelburne Farms and Beth Whiting from Maple Wind Farms.
Here are a few of my favorite new items I'll be vending at farmers' markets this weekend, which are also available at http://afterall.etsy.com. I'm crazy about the little clothespin apron in vintage clothesline fabric. I've added a "farmers' market bib" and a great bunny print one. New aprons include some fabulous Asian and Provence prints.

Local Color

Last week found me telling out of state friends and family there was very little fall foliage apparent in the Champlain Valley. From here at the Mount Philo Inn on the west side of Mount Philo, looking west to Lake Champlain, the view was predominently of greens and yellows.
However, Friday I drove to Richmond for the Richmond Farmers' Market and to my surprise very quickly as I travelled east the colors became more intense, and by the time I got to Richmond the leaves were in full color. At home, seemingly overnight the reds appeared, especially in the sumac, and by Saturday and the last Shelburne Farmers' Market the colors, if not at peak, were very pleasing.
Here are some photos I took around the Inn over the weekend, as well as a couple new aprons in autumn colors which I have listed on my etsy shop.

Shelburne Farmers' Market & The Weather

David Palmer, the maple syrup man, says it never rains Saturday on the Shelburne Farmers' Market. That is pretty much true. This year, the first market was rainy, and some Saturdays the showers move in slightly behind market's end at 1pm, but so far, so good.
The Shelburne Farmers' Market is a great market. If you live in or visit Northwestern Vermont between now and mid-October, be sure to stop by...fresh veggies, flowers, breads, sweets, meals and snacks of all description, and great crafts. My stand is on the south side between Palmers' Maple and Shelburne Farms vegetables. If you are in Burlington on a Saturday and don't get south to Shelburne, get your veggies at Digger's Mirth's stand at the Burlington Farmer's Market.
On occasion when there is a vacancy you can find me, my aprons and things at the Richmond Farmers' Market Friday afternoons; and I'm trying to vend on Wednesday morning at the mid-week market in Middlebury at the Marbleworks, but so far the weather hasn't been too co-operative.
The weather...ugh! I can't remember a recent summer when it has rained this much...it even rains when the sun is shining! Sitting outside I've never seen as many slimy, snail and slug like critters as I've seen this summer. My cairn terrier is taking a lot of coaxing to get out the door, he doesn't like the rain and he isn't fond of getting his paws wet.
Anyway, the Shelburne Farmers' Market is Saturday on the parade grounds, right off of Route 7 just south of the light in Shelburne Village. 9AM to 1PM.

A Morning at the Farmers' Market

Saturday mornings find me at the Shelburne Farmers' Market in Shelburne, Vermont. This is my second year there, and I love this market (I'll post some pics later). What surprises me each week is what sells or doesn't sell, and I have to say my sales pattern seems a little odd. The market starts at 9AM, and I seldom sell anything before 10AM, sometimes 11AM. Busy time for me is 11:30 to 12:30 or closing at 1pm.
Here are some pics of what sold this week:

Also some headbands, which I never bother to photograph. The yo yo block was sold as a quilt for a doll bed!

So, more on life at the farmers' market another time.