craft heaven

On Saturday I got on a bus with about forty other local girls in the deep dark very early morning and set off for the handmade market in Canberra, about three and a half hours drive away. 

It suited me well (other than the very early morning bit at which I am pretty crap). I had all that travel time next to my very good friend Ali who I rarely get an uninterrupted conversation with, and we didn't stop talking until the bus pulled into Canberra. Perfect. We knitted and crocheted and drank tea from thermos cups. 

We visited this shop first;

Full of luscious things. And inspiration. (And friends!)

 

 

I was admiring this familiar person on this apron below for a while and couldn't place her face - had to ask! Auntie Cookie had a number of items on sale here. She rocks by the way, if you haven't ever read her blog you should jump on over. 

And then...

I could hardly tell you what I liked most about this handmade market. The whole small crafter business concept, inspired crafters selling stuff, the massive variety of interesting craft to peer at, the cool people-watching to be done, the little girls running around in dresses made out of fabric currently sitting in my stash. So much hand-made-ness. 

My friend Linda and I sat and ate lunch on the convention centre steps and watched a girl riding round and around on her bike, wearing a handmade 50's full skirted dress in a pretty yellow fabric (in Linda's stash) and stockings and red shoes. With her hair flying and the petticoats fluttering she looked like a picture. 

And sometimes I forget to pull out my camera and I just enjoy the moment. Like that one. 

Hope you've had some kind of inspiration this long weekend. 

I'm off to knit some handwarmers. 

xxx

 

Comments

[Alex Nolan]

Oooh, soooooooo envious! And I have been trying to get hold of some of that gorgeous grey/blue/burnt orange Amy Butler fabric (penultimate pic) for ages, but they have sold out in the UK! But there is other Amy Butler fabric that I love so planning several of my own crafty projects! Enjoy! x

[Tricia]

Sounds like an absolutely perfect day! I imagine you're busy crafting after all that inspiration - either that or dreading your next credit card statement ;-)

[innerpickle]

Actually I was very well behaved, with the exception of a handmade Waldorf doll for Ivy's upcoming first birthday - gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. Will show & tell her after the birthday! xx

[pixie]

sounds like it was a fabulous day!!!

[Tammy]

Sounds ( and looks ) lovely Fiona.

[Heather]

I went too with one of my best mates! Wasn't it gorgeous. Bron and I spent the day shopping and then lunching while our boys entertained all the children. Bliss!

[Maxabella]

I also travelled up from Sydney and spent the long weekend in Canberra with my fam. I went to the market with a dear Canberra-based friend of mine and we had the loveliest day imaginable. Such a great feel and SO MANY GREAT THINGS to buy! I needed to physically restrain myself from leaping across counters I loved everything so much. x

[Maxabella]

Ha! I just had a look at the comment above and it was written by my friend who I went to the market with... love it. x

[Michelle]

Glad you had a wonderful day. It was lovely to meet you.

[Susannah]

Love your blog and your piece on Handmade Canberra. Will be back to read more!