A low friction fabric such as satin is intrinsic to the KOALA Caddie. It prevents wear on the project and the yarn kept inside, so no more pilling and fuzzing of your work in progress. Last year, when I started making prototypes, I used satin bought locally from a large chain store.  I’d wait for a sale and/or coupon and then buy a few yards in varied colors.  As the idea of a full-fledged business began to develop, I realized that I was going to have to do some research to find better quality, more colors, consistent prices, and free delivery.

The internet led me to about a dozen possible sources, but one company in California had everything I wanted. I found high-quality, easy care satin in 3 dozen colors at fair prices with free delivery on large orders. Whew! I sound like a commercial but I have yet to be disappointed in any way.

For me, cutting satin is a labor of love. The task requires great pinking shears, some good music and/or movies, comfy clothes, bare feet and endurance.  About a month ago I cut satin for 3 long days, enough to make the season’s 200+ Caddies.  So now the satin is in sets, bagged by color, and stored in clear drawers ready for selection - a major accomplishment for me.

Today I prepared for an upcoming KOALA Caddie demonstration at Fancie Purls Yarn Studio in Plymouth, MA (8/6 at 7 p.m.). In addition to dozens of one-of-a-kind Caddies, I’ll bring lots of great fabric for a made-to-order option, including the choice of satin.  I decided to make two satin swatch sets.  I have a golden friend named Patty who will process sales and orders that night.  A swatch set will help her with this and a second set will give another shopper the chance to play with colors. I cut 36 rectangles - one for each color, then cut those in half, made labels for each and assembled them. Goodness gracious, it seemed like it took just about all day.

They came out fine. I still need to find an alternative to the big safety pin holding each set together, but for today, I’ve done enough. I hope that the idea waits until at least 7 a.m. tomorrow morning, rather than striking at 3:30 a.m., but I guess I’ll take inspiration when and where it comes. I’ll leave a pen and paper on my nightstand!

I’m really looking forward to the demo and thank Elyse, moderator (Milolevi) of Ravelry’s Borders Knit and Crochet Group, Kingston, MA, for her efforts to make this event happen. I’m very fortunate and very grateful to have her support. She chose fabulous fabric for her gorgeous made-to-order Caddie. I’ll tell you all about it soon.

All is well ~  Mary

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