Beaker Button Blog

I can't believe its over a month since I posted.  I've been so busy setting up the website for the shop and getting the ordering done and all the other million and one things I have to do.  Still, on the plus side, only three days left at Stonehenge and three days left at Sarum and then I'm free.  We have our first big craft fair on Saturday at the Weyhill Michelmas Fair, so hopefully we'll sell loads, to help pay for the enormous amount of yarn we've bought for the shop.  Can't wait to go furniture shopping for the studio, and then stock up all the shelves with our lovely new yarns and buttons. Roll On October.

We had our craft fair today.  Although there were very few people who came to shop I managed to make the £100 I needed for the fair.  Some of that was kind donations from people with stalls, some came from the raffle and some from all the tea and coffee people drank.  I did get some interest in the studio and gave out several fliers.  I've had one lady who has asked to be put on the mailing list already, which is fabulous.  I also got the contract for the studio today and can't wait to get in there.  Not long now I know.  I'm trying not to be to frustrated.  I just have to keep reminding myself that I have less than two months at Stonehenge and then I'm going to be doing something incredible, and it will be all mine!!!, well and Mum's of course. Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming

Today was a dizzy day.  I spent most of the day in bed or collapsed on the sofa with the room spinning round.  Now I'm left with the usual headache but at least the room is still now.  Poor Alex spent the day on the sofa watching TV.  He was very good about it all.  His Dad took him to the park when he got home so at least he got some fresh air.  I did managed to download yesterdays photos of Burton Bradstock, where we spent the afternoon playing in the waves with my Dad.  I've included one of the more arty photos below.                                           Burton Bradstock, Jurassic Coast

I got a taste of what its going to be like to run my own business as a craft women today.  I spent the day at the Fairground Craft and Design Centre at Weyhill, where I'm having my craft fair on 14th August.  They had Country File filming there and I had some of my yarn and buttons on display.  I sat outside making buttons for the afternoon, gossiping with the other crafters.  The whole day was fantastic.  I made some very nice new friends, all of whom share a similar passion for their art, and made some useful contacts.  I have several people who are going to come and see our shop when we open in November.  Its all very exciting.  The best bit was realising that I'm going to be doing this for a living soon.  I can't wait!

I'm having a craft fair at Weyhill on the 14th of August.  I'm starting to get the organisation down and now its the wait to see if anyone will have a stall.  I've booked the hall at least, and got the posters sorted, ready to go up next week.  Its to raise money for Ostomy Lifestyle, who I'm modelling for in November.  Ahh, the joys of having a stoma. I spent a very happy day researching for my article, A Short History of Dorset Button, which will hopefully be published in Septembers The Knitter.  I ended up at Portland with my Dad, having a float in the sea (does wonders for your back) and taking lots of photos.  I'll post a couple below.  Archie and I had a mad gallop, making the ponies eat our dust, on Saturday.  I thank god daily for my horse.  It's almost like flying when you go at that speed.  And today we went to see Alex perform in his drama school show.  Lots of singing and dancing and sketches.  He did brilliantl...

I've just bought some very nice yarn from See Jane Knit on etsy.  I mean, how was I supposed to resist.  It's the most beautiful colour, its merino, and there is enough of it to make a very nice lacy shrug if I'm careful.  I'm drooling just thinking of it.  I also bought some equally nice aubergine yarn on sale.  Not sure what I'm going to make yet but that's half the fun.  I used to have a rule that I would only buy yarn if I could see what I was going to make from it, but that doesn't work unless you can feel it.  Not so good for on-line purchases. I went back to Stonehenge recently and took more night time sky photos.  It was not nearly as fun as last time because the road is open now and the cars kept spoiling the shots.  I did get a couple of reasonable shots, added below.  I've also included a couple from the STM conference at Eltham Palace and Downe House.  I would have gone into the house at Downe but having spent most of ...

It's been a little while as I've been away on a conference.  I took Alex down to Sherborne Castle on Sunday last week and met up with my Dad.  It was the most fun I've had in a very long time.  The castle is beautiful, set in very picturesque grounds with lots of interpretation and a fantastic guide book.  Needless to say I took loads of photos.  We decided to head out of Sherborne to the services at Sparkford for lunch but on the way we came across a pub, The Rose and Crown, at Trent.  Alex was a big hit in his medieval knights outfit.  One of the managers went as far as making him a tin foil sword, prompting the other manager to remark that he had a little too much time on his hands.  The food was divine.  I don't think I've ever enjoyed the veg more than the meat before, and the meat was delicious.  Alex ate all the sugar snap peas.  We had a very pleasant wander around St. Andrews Church (again more photos) and then went on to C...