Monday 22 September 2014

The Handmade Fair

Rather than going to Yarndale this year, my craft friend and I thought we would try something different and a little cheaper.  (Yarndale required lots of driving and a stay in a hotel - great fun, but not a cheap weekend.)  So when we saw the Handmade Fair being advertised we thought it fitted the bill.

In fact, due to my foot op in August, it was perfect.  We had booked the tickets before I knew my hospital date, but we had held off booking the train tickets.  Kindly my friend offered to drive to save us travelling across London by train.  I have to say I was very grateful as I was a little apprehensive about someone treading on my foot!  But I was determined to go.

Our journey couldn't have been simpler.  We pre-booked the parking and an hour and 5 minutes after leaving home, we had parked at Hampton Court.







The fair is Kirstie Allsopp's creation and is new this year.  It is quite different to other craft fairs I have been to.  There was an emphasis on getting involved with different crafts.  Claire and I booked to go to a crochet class with Jane Crowfoot.  I can now add beads to my crochet!  You have to reverse your work to get the beads on the front - simple when you  know how.  The class was open to all, and not everyone could crochet - so for the complete novice it was a little challenging, to say the least.  But crafters are lovely people and there were many people who were there to do the class, who turned in to tutors to help the people around them.



We also took part in a pom-pom making group.  This was great fun too - and I bought a pom-pom making kit.  I'm thinking crochet cushions with pom pom edgings.  Another thing to add to my ever increasing project list!





We also listed to Kirstie interviewing Cath Kidston.  Did you know they are cousins?




There was also time for shopping, and tea drinking with a slice of cake - essential you understand to rest my foot regularly.  The weather was kind, and it was a real joy to sit outside and watch the world go by, in such beautiful surroundings.  I'm not sure if would have been quite such a great day out, if it had been raining!




I also came home with a clasp to hold a scarf, some yarn to felt, and lots of ideas for Christmas presents.  

All in all a great fun day out.

x











8 comments:

  1. This was such a good idea, Sara. Yarndale does sound like a nice event but I can understand wanting to save money and stick closer to home. It sounds like you had a lovely time. I love the blanket on the table in the last photo, the colors are gorgeous.

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  2. You learn something new every day I didn't know Kistri Allsopp and Cath Kidston were cousins. Sounds like an amazing show.

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  3. Glad you had a good day. They are both miles & mile away from me though I was making plans for a Yarndale visit this year, circumstances dictated otherwise!

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  4. Wow, it looks fabulous Sara!!! Glad that you had such a good time and enjoyed it so much. It is good to know that there was a real focus on doing as well as shopping as well as that makes a real change doesn't it. I had no idea that Kirstie and Cath were related! xx

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  5. It looks fabulous Sara! Allsop and Kidston cousins - who'd have thunk! Lots of inspiration there I'm sure x Jane

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  6. Hi Sara, What a great location and it looked like you had a really good time, can't wait to see your projects come to life!

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  7. It looks fabulous. Was it very busy?

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