Sunday 4 November 2012

Handmade Monday No. 91

Needlework Archive Craft Market

The day arrived up bright and early, thank goodness for the clocks going back enabled us to walk Shiloh before I went. Dreaded leaving Lee in charge of putting on his harness and all the other things associated with a dog walk, co-ordination and my DH do not go together, think could be a man thing.

The drive to Newbury was a good one the A339 is synonymous with dreadful driving antics by idiots but leaving at 7 and arriving by 8.00 meant I avoided most of that, cannot say for the same for the return journey, think I got more grey hairs on the journey back. Had time to sit and wait for the opening of the doors and took that chance to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee and a read. 

The doors open and in the exhibitors flood, greeted and shown to our pitches then backwards and forwards to unload. I decided I was doing it differently this time taking in the stall cloths and stand first, setting up the stall without the stock boxes getting in the way. Had also placed on the back seat all the stock going on the stall ready in the display baskets etc so the set up was easy. That left the stock boxes  had  packed 2 with back up stock and left the rest in the car. Have been known to go to events before packing also the kitchen sink. Time to have a browse at the Archive shop wonderful goodies and a fascinating place to visit if like me you love all things needlework. Took some pic's of my stall and the new set up, still maybe some tweaking to do but all in all very happy and got some wonderful comments. Did well and the day was a success, although did not sell oodles what I did sell were large ticket items and can say the were the right sort of customer Dixie.



One sale was a special request for a door pillow in pink roses for a Best Friend, not one to let the grass grow under my feet, all done a ready to be posted tomorrow.



As an aside a few of you asked how I got on at the FW networking event, well to cut a long story short did not go and have left the group. The reason? they are now no longer a group for women only, nothing against men as married to one, lol but have always found at these type of events unless a crafter most men do not get what it is to be creative and can be a tad condescending. So nothing against crafters who are men but corporate men, plus still not sure why men would join a women's networking group, DH thinks a bit odd. Did voice my concerns but the owner has not had the courtesy to reply, so as not a paying member I am obviously of no consequence. also felt that the vote to accept men should have been put on the main website not on Linkedin, all a bit underhand me thinks.

Back to the makes a birthday card for a friend but will have to wait to see it until after the 10th. Also working on some lavender samples more next week

Check out the blogs at Handmade Harbour





14 comments:

  1. Your stall looks great. Like a shop window. Not suprised you did well. The best friend cushion is great. The customer is going to be very pleased with it.

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  2. What a big difference a little organisation can make! Well done on the stall, it 'showcases' your makes really well. I am sure that people will be drawn to it. Your cushion is wonderful. I love the shine to the stitching.

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  3. The new stall looks really eye-catching - well done on the sales.

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  4. wow your stall looks amazing!! i'm glad it went well on the day after all your efforts :)

    your best friend pillow is gorgeous - what a lovely gift! x

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  5. Your stall looks amazing. It certainly would have caught my eye, so pretty. Glad to hear you made some good sales. Sorry the networking group didn't work out. I have to say if it's for women why involve men? Like you I'm married to one but I also like having time will my girlie friends. Have a crafty week.
    Ali x

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  6. Well done with your stall Carol it looks fabulous. You make some really pretty things.
    See you Saturday
    Lynn x

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  7. Oops ! Wrong Carol. I won't be seeing you Saturday. Shame though
    Lynn x

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  8. Pretty stall - very girly! Love the best friend pillow - great idea.

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  9. I love seeing others craft stalls. Yours looks really beautiful. I have two coming up, and am going to have to think about presentation.

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  10. I'm going to try to comment one more time, I hope this goes through. I thought your stall looked really pretty. I don't think I could do all of that all by myself.

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  11. Your stall looks lovely, glad you had a good time.

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  12. Your stall looks lovely, I love the banner. I understand what you mean about the group, as you say, most men, unless a crafter or someone who has a great understanding sometimes poo poo what we, as crafters, like to talk about.

    Love your Best Friend Cushion x

    Jan :)

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  13. Your stall looks brill an i'm glad you did well. I agree with what you say about (some) men being condescending when it comes to crafts, I work with a lot of 'macho' men and they do seem to look down their nose at crafting, although they like the stuff I make!! Hope you find a new and better group soon. x

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