Quickpost: Urmston Craft Fair

Whenever you make something, you put a little bit of love into it. Whether baking a cake, knitting a jumper, writing a letter. There’s a little bit of you left behind. A little bit of love, care and attention. It’s the one thing that chefs, bakers and crafters all have in common.

 

It’s also one of the reasons I love craft fairs. I get to look and maybe buy something that someone has put not only time and effort, but love and care into.

One I visited recently also gave me the chance to stop by an old haunt, St Clement’s Church in Urmston. Scene of many a carol concert at Christmas, Harvest Festival and Easter Service with the school choir. And no, I still can’t sing a note.

 

Despite the somewhat fierce defence that the church had nothing to do with the fair, I carried on snapping pictures. After all, it gave me the opportunity to have a nosey inside a church I haven’t visited for nearly (whimper) 20 years.

But enough reminiscing. Today was about crafts and so I wandered into the Parish Hall, suitably chastened.

 

There was a fabulous array of items on sale, knitting and crochet though to beading and cards.

 

I was very taken by Barbara and her husband (of some 50 years) and her stall full of cards. I’m still very much a novice when it comes to cards, I don’t seem to show a natural talent with paper, the sheer number of cards, let alone the quality on the stand was fantastic. I suspect I may be doing my Christmas card shop with her.

 

I was also rather taken with Charlotte’s Cakery – no, not just because we share the same name – but because her cakes were terribly pretty and rather tasty – as was the chocolate chip shortbread.

 

Redd and Brown had some gorgeous bunting in every colourway imaginable and we chatted crochet versus knitting, with no clear winner.

 

Tree House Crafts were visiting from Sale Trader’s Outlet, with some pretty little door signs and knick knacks and it was then that I spotted Elaine’s knitted designs.

 

Firstly, it was great to see a stand full of knitting and secondly, I Ioved the tea cosies! Battenburg anyone?

 

After picking up a pair of earrings and being distracted by a handsome owl and some jewellery (I own far too many pairs of earrings, but another set won’t hurt), I then spotted this stunning bag.

 

Hand made, embroidered and the patchwork and applique work on this stand was beautiful.

I escaped before I spent every spare penny I had, but I know that there are more fairs to come – on 27 July at the John Alker Hall, and 21 September at Urmston Library. Just another excuse for me to visit old haunts.

That’s my excuse anyway.