At the craft show

Well, I have had two great days at the Sydney Craft and Quilt Show. I have met several people I have heard of before, but never met. Yesterday I met Gina Marion who wrote two Hardanger books for Sally Milner Publishing some years ago. She is delightful. I also have had several long time customers introduce themselves to me, and its great to be able to put names to faces.

On Wednesday, Lyn Weeks wandered past and waved hello. It was lovely to see her again. I met her last year at Beating Around the Bush where she was a fellow tutor. At the mini market at BATB I bought a pair of ceramic scissors from her. Because they are ceramic, they are perfect for travelling with, as they do not show up like metal scissors on xray machines. Lyn says that she quite often has them in her suitcase, and completely forgets about them being there, and has never had any problems getting them through. I showed them to some of my customers yesterday, so I think that Lyn might even get some sales out of it!

I’ve also said hello to Emily Menzel and Helen Davies from Country Bumpkin, Danielle Tebbs from Country Threads magazine (Express Publications), Michelle Moriarty from Embellish Magazine (Artwear Publications), Bernadette Thomas from Needlewitch who is an antique dealer specialising in needlework type things, and many more people besides. (My goodness, I am name dropping!)

I have also met many lovely customers whose names I do not know. I have had some delightful conversations with stitchy people, and enjoyed sharing a love of embroidery with them. I was surprised and amused when a lady who was talking to Kirsten and I, suddenly stopped when she noticed my name tag. She jumped back and said “You’re Yvette Stanton!! WOW! I’ve read all about you in magazines, and followed what you are doing there. Oh wow, I can believe I’m actually talking with you!” I assured her that I’m really very normal, and that I’m just like everyone else… She was very kind to be so enthusiastic, though.

Next door to us, we have Dairing, which sells some really interesting yarns. They sell them for knitting, but I bought some wool yarn yesterday with stainless steel in it (my husband says it must be for scrubbing the pots) that I’d like to try out for embroidery. It has a slight shimmer to it, because of the stainless steel.

Across the way is Prints Charming, who have gorgeous hand-printed fabrics. They have some as examples that are embellished with embroidery, which are quite lovely.

Kirsten and I have been having a wonderful time. Kirsten is getting a lot of interest in her digital cross stitch magazine The Gift of Stitching, and I nearly have her sales pitch down pat. I think I’m quite good at it now! And Kirsten is doing a great job of introducing my products to customers too.

My left-handed beginner embroidery classes have been going well, with students being so excited with what they have learned. On Wednesday I had a complete beginner, and she was absolutely thrilled with what she learned. I will have my second male student ever on Saturday (already booked in), which I think is fantastic!

Here are a couple of photos that we took on Tuesday when we had finished setting up.

The Vetty Creations stand at the Sydney Craft and Quilt Show

Me in my very attractive safety vest, which must be worn for setup and packdown!