So excited to share what’s been happening in the Store Front! While it’s not my normal Vintage sewing, we did add a vintage twist to the Window Display at the Sewing Room. There is a contest, which started last year, in our Downtown Alameda Business District. Sponsored and run by the folks over at Digifli, the Downtown Alameda Window Contest has really encouraged downtown merchants (such as myself) to participate in making our town more Festive during the Holiday Season.

One of the reasons that I LOVE this contest is the collaboration with the local Art Community. Each of us either choose a local artist or we are assigned an artist to help with our window. I mean, what a great way to give artists exposure and also to give the businesses the opportunity for a little help with their window.

I was lucky enough, this year to pair up with a GREAT friend who really “Gets” both me as well as my business. JoAnne Yada also known as Ms. Y and owner of Art with Ms. Y, and I teamed up together in a wonderful collaboration. She created an awesome Pinterest Board for inspiration and I immediately saw her vision.

She was really going for a Mid-Century Gingerbread inspired look and I knew I could meet her enthusiasm with a couple of pieces made especially for the window. It took a little extra time (about a week) to make a dress, doll dress and apron and I’m happy with the way the 3 pieces turned out.

JoAnne brought in her darling “Sister” machine and then made most the other accessories, including these zipper trees, Spool dolls, Falling snow balls and stuffed cupcakes! I had the cookies on hand, already made up and JoAnne put the window together.

The tops of the trees are pin carousels, and the zippers are pinned onto styrofoam cones. I love all the little details she added as well as her use of store product. So Cute!

It’s a little hard to see everything in the daylight photo because of all the reflections on the glass.

the finished look is completely enchanting. JoAnne is really TALENTED and also very Fun. She’s also holding a Holiday Putz Workshop here at The Sewing Room on Saturday this week. You can get more information about that and RSVP over in the Facebook event she created for the class.

There is more information on the Downtown Alameda Holiday Window Contest , Cocoa Crawl and information on how to vote on the Downtown Alameda Website , You can stop by our shop for a ballot (to be dropped off in Santa’s Box over at the Alameda Movie theater), Or you can grab any of shop photos from this post and put them on Facebook or Instagram with the Hashtag #DAHWC.

Please consider voting for our Window. You will be supporting a local artist and small female owned business. Winning ARTISTS receive a gift certificate from Flax Art Supplies and a monetary prize from the Downtown Alameda Business Association.

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season filled with Joy! Until next time,

Happy Sewing!

xo Jennifer