“Handmade” is not something that is synonymous with my life in general. I struggle with sewing in name tags, let alone creating something that my children would actually want to keep. My mother was the queen of all in the world that was handmade: clothes, jewellery, rag dolls, my shoes, underpants, presents, you name it, she had made it and consequently (because these things tend to skip a generation and I felt just as peeved that my mother seemed to be always on her sewing machine as my children do that I am on the computer) I think I must have got put off. In addition, I am astonished to find that I am still friends, forty years later, with someone who actually makes patchwork quilts for her children and is a member of knitting club…
That said, I was delighted to be invited to the inaugural Handmade Fair featuring Kirstie Allsopp – mainly because it was being hosted at the wonderful Hampton Court and I love it there. It was a fascinating experience; I felt a little out of my comfort zone, not knowing what to expect and not really appreciating that anyone could actually host a debate about the difference between knitting and stitching but nevertheless it was a triumph for the team.
The venue – OMG look at the venue!! One of the most splendid settings in the world – what would Henry VIII have thought? He’d have come rushing down, puffed out with excitement only to chop various people’s heads off when he discovered that it wasn’t The Handmaids Fair he thought it was:-
The views:-
Crowds were just pouring in – every one hundred women, I spotted a man:-
Overall, I think my photos will tell a better story of what to expect than I can:-
Here we are in the VIP tent to meet Kirstie Allsopp and hear about what to expect. Then off we went, rushing through a maze of pompons and sticky back plastic. It was all very organised and incredibly pretty. Think Cath Kidston’s back garden.
The VIP tent:-
Meeting Kirstie Allsopp and her splendid tiara telling us how important it is to make things. To be in control of something, to occupy your hands and your mind:-
Pom pom wedges and her lovely slim legs and all:-
Angie rider
September 20, 2016I thought there might be more crafts showing how to make things than just buying crafts already made. It was £15 a ticket to go into the big tent to see Kirsty talking and another £15 a ticket everytime to see others in the big tents so a very expensive day. As this was an air event – good job it wasn’t raining as not enough covered in areas to eat and sit. Disappointed really I would not attend again ☹️
Family Affairs
September 22, 2016You mean for 2016? I haven’t been for two years! Crafts are not really my thing…but lovely venue and feel I thought?
Nicola
October 2, 2016A complete and utter travesty. Lots of oh-so-naice middle class hobbyists trying to flog truly awful art projects/tat/therapy at their pop-ups along with capitalists in sheeps clothing passing off generic jam/candles/condiments as handmade goods at a 500% mark-up. Creativity for the chattering classes brought to you by the revoltingly cynical Kirsty Allsop, poster girl for mediocrity.
Zen
February 13, 2017I loved the fair actually- went last year- met lots of fellow crafters which was great 😉 Did you go again? Here’s my review of the 2016 one- http://hapinesswherever.com/2017/02/the-best-craft-fair-of-2016-handmade-fair-by-kirstie-allsopp/
Family Affairs
February 17, 2017No I haven’t been again – not really my thing! Lx