It's been a while since I last attended a CL Fair, and I went this time mainly with a view to seeing how people presented their stands; I've already got some ideas for the craft fair, of course, but it is interesting to see what the pros come up with. Certainly as far as 'eye candy' went, the day was a roaring success. The attention to detail and the efforts to which the exhibitors went to create their stunning displays was amazing.
The stand which to my mind was far and away the best presented, was that of The Sea Garden. Fronted by Christine Nullmeyers and her extremely helpful mum, the stand was a distillation of Christine's lovely shop in Cornwall, and her brilliant blogsite:' a mermaid's tale' - see in the side bar. And it's not just my opinion; last year Christine won the Editors Prize for best presented stand, enabling her to return this year with extended floor-space as part of the prize. Richly deserved, I'd say. Unfortunately I didn't take photographs as I thought there was a 'no photo' policy, but go to the blog and feast your eyes on the photographs there.
I bought a few items and now wish I'd bought quite a few more! These Suffolk Puffs - or Yo-Yos as they call them in the States, were made up by an American lady using vintage 1930's 'feed sack' fabrics.
I've used some to create this little nursery cushion, bordering them with repro feed sack fabric by Moda.
I also purchased a couple of beautifully put together bundles of vintage fabrics - this is where I wish I'd managed to pick up a few more items, but the stand was very popular and it was a bit of a crush while I was there. I've already put some of the fabrics together to make this cushion, which is for the craft fair, though I'm tempted to keep it for myself.
I must state here that I don't know Christine at all, so have no vested interest in mentioning the stand or her blog.
There were one or two other stands which took my fancy and I did make a few indulgent purchases, this was, after all, a 'mini textile jaunt', but by 2pm I'd had enough and made my way home. It was a lovely sunny day, the trains were on time and not crowded, which rounded things off nicely. Always good to get home after an outing like this, quite tired, and somewhat lighter in the wallet department, but chuffed to bits with the goodies I'd brought home with me. Next time there'll be an overdue update on the craft fair. Bye for now!
Sounds like a great day Lynne, and I love the nursery cushion, what beautiful feed sacks they must have had!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nell, yes, the feed sack fabrics are lovely. I've just realised that although most quilters will be familiar with the term, many people will never have heard about feed sacks. I'll mention a little about them in my next post.
ReplyDelete...You made it sound a fruitful day Lynne, I must say I'd never seen any mileage in Suffolk puffs, but these have changed my mind xx
ReplyDeletePampols@mypostoffice.co.uk
My opinion exactly, Pam. Until I made some tiny ones in my hand-dyed fabric, for a teaching sampler, years ago; I thought what useful little units they were. More recently I've seen a cushion - very different to this one - in a Cath Kidson book, which made me consider using larger ones on the nursery cushion. I think I'd balk at a whole quilt-ful, though!
DeleteHi Lynne,
ReplyDeleteIt's just so nice of you to mention my stand at the CL Fair, and I wouldn't have minded you taking photographs, just ask, and thanks for putting the link up to my blog. I love the cushion you've made from the Suffolk Puffs, and I'm really glad you appreciated my selection of fabrics and other bits in the 'Inspiration Packs'. It was just so busy on that Wednesday when you came, I honestly have never had such a busy day, and am so glad my dear Mum was there to help me!
Best of wishes for your blog; I do hope you get a lot of enjoyment from it, and also it's so nice to know that there are many like-minded makers out there who love and appreciate the same things!
Christine x