Wednesday 14 July 2010

Where, oh where does the time go? One minute I was packing up my treasures and heading to Chipping Sodbury for the very first Vintage and Handmade Textile Fair and the next, it's nearly two weeks later! Anyway, I hope that the adage "better late than never" goes some way to making up for my recent non-bloggingness!

It really was a fabulous day. Michele and Jayne, as always, did a wonderful job of organising and running everything. The atmosphere at the Old Grammar School Rooms was buzzing and for me it felt like a day out meeting up with old friends.

Here's my stall at the start of the day, just before the doors were opened and the fair was declared officially open.

I had great 'next door neighbours' in the hall. On one side was the lovely Viv of Hensteeth, with her wonderful creations. We managed to have a jolly good catch up in between customers...most exciting of all is Viv's new space at The Wear-House in Ludlow. I for one can't wait to pop in for a browse!

Viv had all sorts of gorgeous vintage textile-ness to tempt us with! From buttons and lace...

...to these glorious treasures.

My other 'next door neighbour' was the very talented Suzie Johnson of The Wool Sanctuary (on the right) and her friend Annie.

You may recognise the knitted beach huts from 'Kirstie's Homemade Home' as Suzie was one of the creative bods who was featured. I loved hearing all about Suzie's adventures as a tv star!

A group photo (from left to right): Barb (one half of WooBarb), Viv, Donna, Woo (the other half of WooBarb), Aileen (Donna's lovely mum) and me.

Mr Treasure was an absolute hero all day - carrying boxes and baskets to and from the car, making sure I didn't collapse in a heap of excitement or panic (as this was my first ever foray into the world of fairs!), fetching mugs of tea, fluffing cushions and straightening linens.

Donna found herself a new dress on Lizzie's stall and it was as if it was made for her! Mummy Treasure said that Donna reminded her of one of those polish dolls, so we borrowed one from Viv's stall for this photo!

Emma Boyne's gorgeous print block cushions, complete with vintage fabric backing.

I could happily have taken home everything that Woo and Barb had made!

No textile fair would be complete without the fabulous Donna Flower!

Handmade by Jayne, I think this has to be not just the prettiest, but also the yummiest cupcake I've ever had!

I was drawn to Sal's gorgeous 1940's fabrics like a moth to a flame!

This is some of them close up.

Here's Selvedge magazine's stall.

Shabby Chick's stall was a feast of vintage loveliness.

Handmade treasures from Hen.

Lizzie's stall, complete with vintage buttons and stashes of enticing fabric.

I couldn't come home from the fair without making a few purchases! One of Viv's fabulous brooches, some glorious '40's fabric from Sal and beautifully wrapped parcels from Woo and Barb...

...that contained these delights. A pin cushion by Woo and one of Barb's needlecases.

What a fabulous day it was...I can't wait for the next V&H fair!

9 comments:

A Bun Can Dance said...

Wow, what an amazing time you had! It all sounds very exciting and full of fun too!
We were doing last minute holiday prep on the day - pretty much up to the last minute actually (!) - so couldn't travel across to Chipping Sodders. But a couple of my friends came along to the fair and were totally enamoured of it all :-)
I'm delighted to hear that you had a lovely time and I hope you sold lots of goodies too.
Take care - sending you a big hug!
Denise x

The Little Vintage Company said...

Was lovely to meet you at the V&H Textile fair! So so happy with the beautiful lace I bought from you!!
Tamzin X

hens teeth said...

Spot on post K. It was a total joy to be next to you my treasure...the day was perfect in every way and the wedding veil and wax flower tiara are on display in my living room...I am looking forward very much to seeing you both again at Homespun...how lucky I am. x

Country Cottage Chic said...

It was a fabulous day & I was so pleased you were there (and Mr T too!)
It seems a long time until the next V&H but I'm looking forward to it already!

Jayne

Trixie@ the vintage bothy said...

The teen angel changed the plans for the day, so I couldn't get there. I am so glad that you had a great day, I always have butterflies at a new venue, luckily I have Michael to help (or Mum).
Well done it looked wonderful.
Tracey

Woo Gilchrist said...

Brilliant blog Katie, I am so glad you took so many lovely pictures. I love the group shot :-). See you again soon I am sure.

Woo

DEBBIE said...

First of all, I must congratulate you about your lovely blog!
And thanks for sharing photos of the textile fair...as I would have loved to attend, but sadly it was too far away from where I live!
Everything looks so incredible!

DEBBIE MOSS

judy lake said...

OH, I wish I could make it over. Your photos look fabulous!! Some day.

judy lake said...

OH, I wish I could make it over. Your photos look fabulous!! Some day.