Sunday, April 28, 2013

Craft Fest weekending......


Yesterday I had a stall at the Western Port Craft Festival in Hastings, we were lucky with the weather although it was very windy and the tent  nearly blew away on a few occasions!
I was sharing the big Bendigo Bank tent with another lady who did quilting and made other fabric things,
 I thought I'd show you some pictures of my half of the tent, even though it feels a bit dumb and self promoting.   

I took lots of bits and pieces that I thought might inspire people to give crochet a go, several half finished pieces of crochet and my toys and some scarves and baby things and a big pile of my wool.  I also brought some of my crochet books  for people to look at and get ideas, I wish I had a few to sell as people liked the books!

I have to say that my stall did look colourful, even with the red tent giving everything a rosy glow! There were many comments on the lovely colours of my Heirloom wool, I can't believe how many people find it hard to find good coloured yarn and weren't aware of this yarn, it is Australian too!
I was a bit disappointed in the lack of interesting colour in the other stalls, I don't thing colour gets enough consideration in a lot of crafts, I felt that many people were just using up whatever materials they had on hand and it is such a shame that all this work goes into a piece that is kind of ugly ( in my humble opinion) because of drab colours or really bizarre combinations!   I think I must be a colour snob!  :)  Of course I realise not everyone has the same taste as me, and I have been told my colour choices are a bit 'out there', so I might be the one with the strange ideas!  

Anyway, it was a very pleasant day spent chatting to lovely ladies who were all very complimentary and kind about my stuff and I even had a few sales!  
I also felt quite young!  Most of the people there were older than me and in a lot of cases much older than me!  Is craft something that is not interesting to younger people (say 30 - 45 year old) ?  I must be a bit weird, but it seems that the online crafting community has a wider age range and more people 'having a go' than our local community.  Another reason why blogging is great!  But a bit sad really for our local crafters.  

I put a sheet of paper out and took email addresses for people who might be interested in learning to crochet and knit, and I am happy to say there were some takers, so I am going to offer some classes or workshops from home and spread the crochet love!  Our local area is going to become super crafty whether it likes it or not!  :)  On the off chance that there are local Hastings/ Western Port area people reading this, if you'd like to join in and learn to crochet or knit, drop me an email and I'll add you to the list!




There were a few things that I got finished in time for this stall, mainly my mini granny square blanket, so I will show you all the tadah moment soon....

So how has your week end been going?
Having a fun one or just chilling out?

Talk soon, bye!

38 comments:

  1. Your stall looks beautiful and so super inspiring Jules!
    Were you selling stuff too?
    I'm not sure if in the mad panic to get away I ever thanked you for the gorgeous wool so THANK YOU!! I adore it all.
    Happy Sunday. x

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    1. Your very welcome Kate! Happy Sunday to you too! J x

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  2. Love your colours!!!!!! I'm turning 40 soon and only just discovered crochet. I love it :) My husband thinks I'm turning into a grandmother before my time but who cares. I've just started my second project and I'm having a go at your stripy mixed blanket, mind you I've skipped a heap of rows that are beyond me but I think its looking pretty good. Thanks for the inspiration and your stall looks totally fab and trendy by the way :)

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    1. Thanks Mel, We have to educate our men that crochet is not just for grannies!! :) Glad you are having a go at the mixed stitch blanket, it's a pretty free form pattern anyway, so I am sure it will turn out great! Thanks for stopping by here, have a great weekend, J x

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  3. Fantastic, colourful, and very inspiring. I know a lot of young crocheters
    and it is wonderful to see so many giving it a modern twist too.
    You make some amazing things Jules!
    One day I may get over your way.

    wendy ☺

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  4. Your stall looks beautiful! The toys and blankets are so sweet. Good for you to spread the word and teach others to craft. Keep up the good work!

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  5. Hey Julie, your stall looks amazing, I would've been drooling over everything........perhaps you need to provide bibs for folk like me, hehe....
    "Dumb and self promoting' never, this is what you've spent alot of time over, so pics are always welcome and we would've been a little miffed if you didn't show us I'm sure!!
    Your colour choices are definitely 'you' but I love them, that's what keeps me and many others coming back to see what you do. I know exactly what you mean about some peoples colour choices and yes, it disappoints me too, if they appear just 'thrown together' to use up fabric. But then we know through blogs and FB that there are some amazing crafty people out there, perhaps they just don't live in your neck of the woods.
    Regarding the age of stall holders, I think different markets attract different stall holders. The Bright market has alot of young crafters as well as older ones (like me!!) and it's great to see the variety. Don't let it put you off, I find markets a great way to meet people, get feed back and be inspired and of course we all know that you don't become a millionaire doing them!
    Great idea to get emails for crochet wannabe's hehe.........You get them hooking away (in a crafty way) and sharing the yarny love.


    Claire :}

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    1. Hi Claire, I think you are right about the different markets attracting different stall holders, this was a church organised event and seemed to have an older crowd, but I did enjoy chatting to all the ladies, they had plenty of experience and did make some lovely things, and you are righty, they are great places for feedback. I also think a lot of people retire down this way, so they are the ones who have time to do all this fun crafty stuff! There are a few younger ones carrying on with the tradition though, so that is good! Have a great day, J x

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  6. Your stall looks so trendy, colorful and hip! Your colors are a "bit out there" but in a great way. Thats what caught my attention when I first visited your blog and what kept me coming back :) Its different and different is refreshing. I think of Candy Land when I think of your colors.

    As far as age goes I live in Iceland were handmade things(knitting, crochet, sewing and so on) are popular in all age groups. Most people have some sort of knowledge of the craft. The kids get taught this in grade school.

    Great idea with the classes :)

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    1. Thanks so much H&O, I'm glad you like my style! :) It would be great if crochet was taught in primary schools here, but I don't think it happens, lucky kids in Iceland! Thanks for reading and stopping by, J xx

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  7. Hi Julie,
    Your stall looks fabulous! Nothing self promoting about the photos - for us who couldn't be there that's the only way of sharing in your joy!
    I guess the age profile of the online crafting community is somewhat different to "real life" as we don't always get to go where we would like to - with son's soccer, daughter's dance class and Mr F's lawn mowing to consider the only time I get to craft/look for inspiration is late night...
    Keep the photos coming!I love your blog.
    Can't wait to pop over to say hello one day!
    Anya x

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    1. I think you are right Anya, it is a lot easier to share the crafty love online when you are busy with real life family commitments, I tend to do the late night thing too! Thanks for stopping by here, J x

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  8. Your stall looks great. I love the colors and all your beautiful projects. I just learned to crochet two years ago and it is a wonderful passtime. Thanks for sharing!

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  9. I too have wondered about why people make all the effort to make something ugly. Sometimes it is not only the colour choices that are so off, sometimes it is the choice of item made. Some things are just truly tacky and a nice yarn won't fix the problem! :)

    Perhaps the reason so many older ladies participate in these types of events is that they no longer have very young children to look after. There is no chance that I would be able to participate in such an event as I have 3 children 4 and under. Crafting at home is relatively easy, but manning a stall - forget it!

    xXx Helen

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    1. Hey Helen, I agree it is a lot easier as children get older and more independent to participate in market type things, I didn't do the market stalls when my boys were little either, just too hard! It is nice now they are teenagers, I can do a few more things like this without any guilt! :)
      Hope your little ones are doing well, they are so cute! Thanks for stopping by, J xx

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  10. Hi Julie
    I enjoy reading your blog very much, and congratulations on your stall and online business. I own a yarn shop in WA and can say I get a thrill every time a young person comes in and gets inspired to have a go at knitting or crochet. My feeling is crafts skipped a generation (my children didn't learn any knitting, sewing or crochet at school) but it is now being taught in many schools, perhaps as a way to get the youngsters off the electronic entertainment! Also, I wondered if you were aware that there is a yarn distribution company right in Hastings?
    Kind regards,
    Liz

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    1. Thanks Liz, I think you might be right in craft skipping a generation, it is great that so many young kids are learning these skills at school. And thanks for the heads up regarding the yarn distribution company in Hastings, I haven't heard of it, do you have a name or contact info by chance? Thanks for visiting, J x

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  11. You have beautiful things!!!! love your softies a lot!!
    The fact about colours....I know it very well!!! Last year, during a bazaar, a lady came to me just saying how disappointed she was because I was not using lady like colours....!!!!!
    Anyway, go on with your combo choices : they are lovely!!!
    xxxx Ale

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    1. Thanks Ale, I appreciate the encouragement! J x

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  12. I think your colours are your trademark and I always love to look at your creations, the colours are so vibrant and happy. It is great to know where we can get Australian good quality wools in such a gorgeous variety of colours too.

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  13. wow great job! I love all your pieces they are adorable. I am glad it went well for you!


    Lisa :)

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  14. Hola! Son unas preciosidades todos los trabajos que ha hecho, me gusta mucho los colores que elige son muy alegres e inspiradores. Un cordial saludo desde España.

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  15. Your stall looks great and I always love your colour choices. Many perceive me as odd for being a younger crocheter. I've been asked to hold workshops to teach crochet, but I haven't got the confidence and i admire that you have the confidence to teach and be "out there" with your stall. Enjoy your week x

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  16. Your stall looks great and I have seen stalls with terrible colour combinations on them too. I have just started to teach crochet lessons from home and it is the most rewarding work I do all week. You can see some of the projects I have made with beginners on my blog. Jo


    http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk

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  17. Your stall looks amazing so many colours. I'm 28 and I love crafting although like you I sometimes feel in the minority. Good luck with your work shop x

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  18. Your stall looked beautiful and your colours so bright and vibrant. I agree about the hours people put into making things that are totally let down by the yarn choice I see it all the time at craft fairs. I too am a yarn snob x

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  19. Gorgeous colours on your stall. I love colour. Im often told that my colours are too bold for customers. I just laugh and carry on. The bolder colours sell! Good luck with teaching. I started only a few months ago and I love it.

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  20. What a lovely stall!!! I am so with you about the colors. The few market appearances I have made has chocked me with some items people try to sell... Like you say it sometimes look like they have only used up scraps with no thought of color co-ordination at all... Your things are so classy with your consistent color theme and all. Very well done. I hope you had a blast and made some money (I find it hard to sell on markets, people look but don't buy...My opinion...). Love your cuddles in the suitcase. Really original.
    Happy Sunday
    Annette
    My Rose Valley

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  21. So many beautiful things! Seeing it all together is fantastic. Thanks for sharing it with all of us. :)
    Elizabeth
    Another Vegetarian

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  22. I love the stall and the colours. I am thinking of doing some crochet classes at some point and maybe your yarn will be just the thing... Lots to think about!

    Eleanor x

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  23. As always I enjoy YOU !! You have wonderful creative taste in color shape and form. You are a true artist who teaches herself through experiential journeys.
    Often smaller locals have a smaller variety of tastes....you I am sure represented the leading edge...a spot to be most proud of.

    I am 72 yr. and have taught various friends, children and grandchildren to crochet and knit along the way. I continue to be inspired by your endeavors, variety, colors, and blogs....please keep all the colorful life coming our way.
    hugs,
    patricia across the big pond

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  24. Your stall is so colorful, and of course, highlights your color preferences and style :) Very for your participation in the fest.
    Have a crafty and inspiring week!
    Anna

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  25. Your stall looks lovely! We attended the local markets on the weekend too :-)

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  26. love the look of your stall! gorgeous and inviting :)

    Barnicles

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  27. I love visiting, your blog is so bright and cheerful. I agree there needs to be younger people getting involved in crochet. I'm in my 50's and I get sort of embarassed when asked what I do and I tell them 'I crochet'. Then I try to explain its not just what granny did and direct them to check out Pinterest and just see what is out there. Yes, I am a granny and I am getting on a bit but I'm trying to show people that it isn't just about doilies and plain old baby blankets. I entered three of my designs in the local show last year and they didn't even get a mention - what won, some boring old plain pastel blanket and some doilies. I've had three of my designs published in an australian craft magazine (not the current one) in the past and I used to sell the made up items on a market stall I shared with a friend and our stall stood out like a sore thumb with its bright colours. I love the Heirloom yarn and made a blanket from it many years ago after I found the wool at a garage sale, haven't been able to remember what yarn it was until I saw your blog and I pften go to your 'shop' and spend up hundreds of dollars on my wish list. I'm being very good and not buying any more yarn till I get my stash down but I have promised myself some Heirloom yarn before the end of the year. Keep up the great work.
    Jan C

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  28. Hi Jules, love the stall, didn't get to the market, I would love to come to lessons & I have a friend who might be interested also, please keep me in mind.
    Xoxo

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