It's about a 25 mintue drive from our house (Oh by the way Victoria drove as she is learning at the moment, her driving test in looming ever closer), anyway we arrived at 11am just as it opened. The car park is alittle way from the Fair, but hay what a beautiful walk, the pathway lead us through the huge trees and of course the Rhododendrons, which were in full bloom, as were alot of other shrubs and trees.
Ok, so here's the entrance.
Right were in and I was quite surprized how compact it was, but you should never judge a book by it's cover as we soon found out. Now then when it comes to taking photo,s I get a little nervous about asking people for their permission, I think it's a confidence thing or even maybe the fear of rejection if they say no, so my photo's are a bit limited inside the marquees, so I apologize if they are a little bland. Victoria took a few. She is much better at it than I am lol.
This lovely bunch of ladies are from The Wealden Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers and what a lovely group of ladies they were. For along time now I have wanted to learn to spin, but up until now I have been unable to find a local group. They are based about 25 miles away at Horsham, where they meet once a month in their local hall. They are on hand to teach spinning, weaving and any other related crafts. Much encourged by their enthusiasm for me to join..I agreed and I can't wait. But hark I hear you say do you have a wheel.... no I don't, but for a very small fee of £5 a month they will loan you one, until such times that you have mastered the technique, then they will help guide through the process of buying a wheel that is suitable for you...what lovely kind ladies they are.
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This lovely lady the one on the left, her name Debbie Siniska, well the other lady is actually her twin sister who was helping out and she was lovely too! Debbie makes the most wonderful Rag Rugs, well not just rugs other fantastic creations aswell. She teaches at West Dean College in Sussex. Another course on my wishlist.
And this lady stitched the most amazing creations, her name is Carey Marvin ( From Let it Fray)unfortunately I didn't get any close ups of her work (sorry).
This stall belonged to a very sweet young lady called Amy Aardvark. I must admit I did fall in love with her work. She hand prints onto organic cotton and mixes it with vintage fabric, beautiful combination. She was very surprised and grateful that I asked if I could take a picture, as she said many people don't, but I feel it is only right to.
Well I'll just leave with a few photo's of the grounds. If you are ever in the area it's well worth a visit, you won't be disappointed.
Well... as you can probably see I didn't make any purchases and I don't know how I resisted. There is a reason why not and that is this weekend is The Vintage and Handmade Fair and I am saving all my pennies for this. I've taken the time off work and I am raring to go. It will take around 2 1/2 to 3 hours to drive there, but I know it is going to be well worth it and I can't wait to meet my fellow bloggers and all there wonderful wares..... OOh Im so excited. If your going I hope I will see you there, if not I will report back soon.
Warm Wishes
Juliexx
