Artisan Markets

I found there were so many talented local artisans coming into the shop looking for a place to exhibit their wares, and was unable to help so many of them due to lack of space in the shop, that we decided the next best thing was to host an Artisan Market in Swan Yard.

The first one we held on a Sunday drew a good crowd, despite having to hold most of the market indoors (thanks to our great British summer!) as opposed to being outside in Swan Yard where we would have liked to have been (thanks to Philip and Gemma at The Arch for hosting us!).

More recently we had a second market on a Saturday which drew an equal number of visitors, creating a wonderfully lively buzz in Swan Yard.

We had a range of Stalls including Stevie-B (pictured above), Funky Vintage, Made by me in my Kitchen, Petite Canard, Fading Grace, Sara Foster Wirework jewellery, Claire Moses Jewellery and lots more!
We are planning the next Artisan Market on the Christmas Shopping day in Sherborne, Sunday 4 Dec 2011.

Shop fit and contents

we got keys at the end of April and the painting began! (thanks have to go to my hubby and my inlaws for helping!)

When the stock arrived it was nerveracking opening things I had ordered months before but overall I was very happy with my new fabric range! - Mostly Michael Miller and Riley Blake - all the way from the USA.

The ribbons all fitted perfectly into the arch shaped alcove just inside the door. It is a great way to entice people in as they pass the door and see all the wonderful colours!

On sunny days we like to hang the bunting outside and put up a few balloons to let people know we are open for business!

I acquired a few nice pieces of furniture from a local friend who upcycles and paints furniture (and also does wonderful paintings on reclaimed pieces of wood) Edward Oliver.

and then we opened for business! Hooray!

Inspired by Malka Dubrawsky!

I was lucky enough to be given Malka Dubrawsky's book called "Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design and Inspiration" for my birthday last week and I could not wait to get starting on some of the ideas!



I made a couple of coasters/mats which I thought would be nice to put under a glass vase of flowers in the spring. I am really just wanting to create some items to have in the shop to showcase the fabrics available and to inspire people to make something for themselves!

I used the remaining pieces of fabric that were left over from the baby quilt I made earlier this year, the fabric is from the Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey Collection. I am rather pleased with the results - lovely Spring colours to go in my Easter window display.

The central sqaure has been quilted in an ever increasing square pattern. When I get my free motion foot for the sewing maching I will try quilting some spirals like Malka does on her quilts!

When I grow up I want to be like Malka

Malka Dubrawsky is amazing!!

Her use of vibrant colours and quirky designs really inspire me!

I am keen to get sewing tonight and try some of these ideas out!

All photographs courtesy of Malka's blog at http://stitchindye.blogspot.com/ - check it out to see more incredible creations!