Papaya Cottage

10/21/2026

Even while enjoying a little time away in the North Carolina mountains, inspiration is never far away.

One of our stops was a visit to The Mountain Thread Company, where I had the pleasure of catching up with owner Katherine. I even brought along a little Papaya Cottage piece for her, a small gesture of appreciation for the friendship we’ve made through our shared love of rope sewing.

The cotton rope I use in my Papaya Cottage creations and rope sewing classes comes from MTC. It’s always nice to connect with the people behind the materials and spend a little time exploring new possibilities.

A lovely part of our mountain getaway, with a little inspiration to bring home to the studio.

10/17/2026

Stepping away from the Papaya Cottage markets and classes for a few days to enjoy autumn in the North Carolina mountains! 🍂

The fall colors are beautiful, with rich golden yellows, rusty reds, and burnt oranges. The air is chilly, and apparently everyone else had the same idea about enjoying a weekend in the mountains!

We also managed to dodge a few raindrops and plenty of wind at the annual Valle Country Fair, where I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with many different makers, including two fellow rope sewing artisans.

With so much traffic along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping to capture those gorgeous autumn colors was nearly impossible! We did enjoy a peaceful stop at Bass Lake in Blowing Rock, where the colors are just beginning to change.

And although I’m taking a little break from the studio, my sewing machine made the trip with me! I’ve also placed another rope order with Mountain Thread Company and plan to pick that up at their shop before heading back to Florida, so there are plenty of creative days ahead as I prepare for upcoming markets and classes at Papaya Cottage.

How about you? Do you love the changing colors of autumn, or are you happiest surrounded by Florida sunshine and palm trees?

10/14/2026

Even a mountain getaway can’t keep Papaya Cottage away from the sewing machine! (Yes, I brought the machine along...)

Enjoying a little vacation time in North Carolina while experimenting with new ideas for upcoming markets and rope sewing classes. A little sneak peek at what’s on my home-away-from-home worktable!

10/13/2026

Trading Florida’s coastal climate for quiet mountain mornings for a few days. A little autumn color, cooler temperatures, and a change of scenery.

And while I’m here, a visit to The Mountain Thread Company where I source the cotton rope used in my Papaya Cottage creations is definitely on the agenda!

10/10/2026

Market season 2026-27 has begun! We are so happy to be back at Main Street Market in Lakewood Ranch.

Rain, rain go away!

We’re here till 2, rain or shine. Thanks to everyone who came out to shop between the raindrops.

10/10/2026

Rain has stopped and it’s a beautiful day for the market. Come on out, we’re here till 2.

10/09/2026

Market season is here! A touch of fall, a little coastal color, and plenty of new pieces are coming with me to Lakewood Ranch this Saturday for Opening Day at Main Street Market LWR.

Handcrafted rope baskets, made for your home and each one a little different.

I’m ready to be back — who’s coming to see me?

10/07/2026

Opening Day is almost here! Market season officially begins this Saturday at Main Street Market LWR — and I am SO ready!

New Papaya Cottage pieces, incredible local makers, and a beautiful day on Main Street. October 10 | 10–2

Who’s coming out for Opening Day?

Get ready, Lakewood Ranch! ✨ Main Street Market is back on October 10th!

Join us for a beautiful Saturday filled with:
80+ Local Vendors: Discover curated apparel, home decor, jewelry, plants, and more!
Fresh Delights: From baked treats to specialty coffee, satisfy your cravings.
Live Music: Enjoy local talent while you shop.
Pet-Friendly Fun: Bring your furry family members – we love them too!
Family-Friendly Vibes: An event for everyone to enjoy.

📅 Saturday, Oct 10th
⏰ 10 AM - 2 PM
📍 Lakewood Ranch Main Street

A huge thank you to our seasonal partner, , for their incredible support! 🙏

See you there! Visit link in bio for more details. 🔗

Main Street Market LWR, Lakewood Ranch, Support Local LWR, Sarasota Small Business, Lakewood Ranch Events, Shop Small LWR, FL Community, Pet Friendly LWR, Family Fun, Local Music, Ravasa Roofing

10/04/2026

The October Newsletter is out — are you on the list? There’s a lot happening at Papaya Cottage this season, and social media doesn’t always show you everything.

The newsletter is where I share what’s coming next — artisan markets, new work from the studio, rope sewing classes, guild workshops, special announcements, and other Papaya Cottage news.

And there’s more in the works. I’ve been exploring new ways to bring Papaya Cottage rope sewing instruction to more of you — including tutorials and learning opportunities beyond my in-person classes.

Want to know what’s coming? Newsletter subscribers will be among the first to hear.

If you enjoy following Papaya Cottage here, I’d love to have you join me there, too.

Sign up to stay in touch: https://squareup.com/customer-programs/enroll/bkGBEydULEEz?utm_medium=copied-link&utm_source=online

I promise not to fill your inbox — just a little Papaya Cottage now and then.

10/04/2026

Another from the Botanical Impressions Collection. This time, hand-dyed rope in shades of green, natural cotton rope, and just a tiny touch of gold crystals.

Also headed to Lakewood Ranch for Opening Market Day on October 10.