Sunday 24 March 2013

Craft show stash - or lack of

Friday was the craft show at the NEC.  It was actually 3 shows in one - Hobbycrafts, Sewing for Pleasure and Stitching, Fashion and Embroidery (or something like that!).  I've been going to these shows for a few years now with my wonderful mum, but we're not going next year, it has really gone downhill.  The Hobbycrafts was 80% rubber stamping and there were very few new products or techniques being demonstrated.  The fabric shops were at the Sewing for Pleasure but all selling at full price -come on, where's your discounts?  I'm sure they'd sell a lot more if they were to offer discounts.  The third show, well, it was neither here nor there, I don't recall seeing any embroidery other than 2 stalls selling cross stitch charts.  

I did come away with some stash, but nowhere near what I hoped to buy.  I had a list and they didn't have most of the things on my list.  I'll show you what I did get though.


A kit for a ribbon flower brooch, picked up on a whim, and a kit for a clock.  The ones they had on display were beautiful and so inspiring.


Decopatch papers. I knew I'd get these as they're so expensive in Hobbycraft.  I got a card too so can now buy them online.  I also picked up some MDF letters, a wooden vase and some cardboard hearts.


I think this was the only new product we encountered.  These little flowers are plastic, but with a little heat and a hammer, you can turn them 3d... I'll show you!


Some measuring tape fabric for when I get round to redoing my Measure Twice block, a couple of bargain fat quarters, the blue and yellow fabric is a chiffon to make a scarf, the next two are bargains from Abakhan - the only fabric shop to offer bargains at the show, and some Clarke and Clarke home dec fabric, probably for the Weekender Bag I'll be making along with the East Midlands Quilting Guild in a few weeks.


Fabric panels, probably for making cards, but maybe not.


Size 11 red seed beads, connectors for jewellery making, pretty brads, gold-plated cross stitch needles, E6000 glue, hardanger scissors (well they weren't labelled as that but they are curved at the end so I think they'll be perfect - I haven't done any hardanger for ages but have a SAL I've joined, I tried to pick up the thread at the show but failed and so have ordered it), and...


A hand-made lampwork bead.  How beautiful is that? I fell in love with a lot of her work, but couldn't afford much.  I'm not saying she was expensive - the prices were high but justifiably so - but I'm on a budget so just picked up this one piece.  She also told us where we could find lampwork lessons in the East Midlands, must get in touch with the lady she told me about...

Not my usual 250-photo long craft show haul post!

14 comments:

JoJo said...

You still got some good stuff though. Back in WA is an amazing Sewing Expo at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. I went only one time because it was soooooo packed that you really couldn't get close to the booths. But my friend goes every year and takes lots of classes all day. I wish they had one like that here!

Shirley said...

Oh What at shame Wendy, I think you got some great things though love the tape measure fabric, and the block fabric. I think hey have other stitching shows at the NEC maybe they will be better.

Celtic Thistle said...

Shame it wasn't as good as you hoped, but it looks like you didn't do so badly with the retail therapy!

Suztats said...

What a shame you were disappointed. Still, you found some lovely things to bring home.

CeLynn said...

That is a shame you were not able to find most of your list :( However,you did come home with some lovely goodies too! Love the fabrics you picked up,and am looking forward to you showing us how the flowers work ;0)

Anonymous said...

I think a lot of NEC shows have gone that way, only one I go to now is Festival of Quilts. Still it means more cash in your pocket for cake, etc ;)

heart of charnwood said...

You still got a few lovely things, but it is frustrating when you have a list and most of the things aren't there to get. Fun fabrics choice for the Weekender, I am def doing QAYG, but not sure if it's going to be scrappy linen/cottons or one fabric piece. Have fun playing with your new purchases :o)

Carrie P. said...

Sounds like a really neat show to go to. You got some neat stuff.

Highland Monkey's said...

You've got some really lovely fabrics and some other great booty. Pity it the shows didn;t match up to expectations tho.

Melody said...

You did find some great things.

Fiona said...

You found lots of lovely goodies.. that should keep you occupied for a while???
Hugz

Katherine said...

Oh, you've got some great loot to get creative with!

Jane said...

It's disappointing when these things don't live up to expectations. You did get some lovely things to work with

Zed said...

I love the lampwork bead, and I'm not surprised Abakhan had some bargains, they are my favourite shop, I'd rather have a day out there to be honest :)