Saturday 26 January 2008

Unexpected purchases

I went to the Stitch and Creative Crafts show at Sandown Park today with my DD, Hannah of Cocnnecta Baby Carrier fame. We thought it would be a nice little jolly for the two of us as we're both interested textiley creative things.

It was a nice little show, not too big and busy, so not so tiring as Ally Pally. After we'd spent at least 20 minutes drooling over all the books on a strategically placed stand near the entrance, we both spotted these super little shopping trolleys. Hannah assured me that these are very trendy, so without further persuasion we both bought one, and boy what a difference that made to the day's shopping, no more heavy shoulder bags biting into your skin! Hannah’s decided hers will be brilliant for carting all her baby stuff etc. when she has her DD in a baby carrier, and mine will be used for photo/art stuff!! It wasn’t quite what I’d planned to buy but certainly kept us busy all day with enquiries as to where we'd bought such a handy item. I think we should have charged the seller commission!!



My next purchase had to be a book of course, and what else but the new Jan B and Jean L, Embellish and Enrich, which I hope will kick start my embellishing on the Janome, which has taken a back seat lately.



My final purchase was a big surprise and totally unexpected, as it was the wool to make a beautiful cardigan. The stall holders had cleverly hung up a completed cardie, which of course I had to try on and having seen how nice it looked I had to buy it. I'm thrilled, it was the purchase of the day as I’ve been longing to do some real knitting since this big revival took off and it's so nice to know it'll look good when it's finished.





The other treat for the day was sitting and drooling over all the lovely sewing machines on the market plus the embroidery software. Hannah and I were very impressed with Husqvarna's 4d sketch program which allows you to draw designs on a Wacom tablet which are then immediately translated into stitch on the computer. Just like drawing in free machine embroidery, but changeable if you don’t like an area after all. I'm still no further in deciding on a replacement for my ageing Bernina 1130, but it was great to get a few more ideas.

It was a lovely day out, and a really friendly atmosphere.

6 comments:

Shirley Anne Sherris said...

Like the jacket - should knit up quickly with a nice thick yarn.
You can use any left over yarn to embellish!
Cheers

Becky Mairi Farrell said...

Sounds like you had a great time! I'd be interested to know what you think of the book once you've had a chance to look at it.

Debbi Baker said...

Just caught up on your last three posts Sharon - all so interesting and so beautiful. I love all your photographs and the cool misty/dreamy looking countryside (quite a contrast to teh sunburnt land around here at the moment!!). The cardigan looks great and I love your tote on wheels! Very snazzy and much better for your neck and shoulders.

Aussie Jo said...

Great purchases Sharon.
Thankyou for your comments on my flickr photos, I've only just got back there to post some more PLOS samplers.
What colour did you buy in the wool??? Looks fantastic.

Dianne said...

Love the cardy pattern - can't wait to see it finished!! Love the trolley bag with the flowers too...

Julie said...

Sounds like a great day out Sharon and that trolley looks like a good idea. The Stitch and Creative Craft Show isn't coming to the Midlands so thanks for sharing. With all the roadworks and the price of petrol I think a trolley like yours would encourage me to walk into town more. I shall keep a look out for one!