Yesterday I shipped Annette off to a friend who kindly looked after her for the morning so that I could spend some child-free time at the Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair. It was so good! I was like a child in a candy store, with so much crafty goodness all around. I’ve never been to a craft show before. I’ve read other bloggers who wrote about going to this and that sheep & wool show, or something or another quilt show, etc, and finally I get a taste of Sydney’s craft show.
For me it was a great opportunity to see and feel in person the yarns and fabrics that I would not get a chance to otherwise. Things that I’ve only seen in online stores but not knowing how the colours actually look or how the yarns actually feel. The yarns that I ended up buying could easily be bought online, but I probably wouldn’t have picked these particular yarns or colours if I were just looking at them online. Plus it was great to support the Australian businesses and meet the lovely people at the booths.
So here’s what I got:
Colinette Jitterbug, from Sarah Durrant booth. Velvet plum (left) and Mist (right) colourways.
From Kaalund Yarns booth, one ball of Classic Two laceweight yarn in ‘Pacifica’ colourway down the front (bigger pic here), and two bags of mill ends. The mill ends bags contain little balls of laceweights, boucles, and thick ‘n thin yarns in various colours. I just love the vibrant colours.
And finally we have 3 balls of Rustic 8-ply yarns from Bendigo Woollen Mills booth, in the ‘Carnival’ colourway (close up here). Each ball is 200 grams, they’re huge! I’m hoping these three balls will be enough for a jumper or cardigan for me.
Oh, and I also got some fabrics from Patchwork At Central Park booth.
The night before I went, I had looked up the exhibitors listing and noted their locations so that I could look them up. But even so I didn’t get to visit all of them before I had to go home. Probably a good thing, otherwise I could’ve spent way too much money! If you’re in Sydney, the craft fair is still on until Sunday at Darling Harbour.
Comments
Wow – looks like you had a great shopping day! I’m so jealous 🙂
Ooh, lucky you! I was a bit disappointed last time I went to one of the craft fairs but was considering giving it a go this year – now I’m a lot more motivated!
Snap! I went today (rushed visit at lunchtime from work) and I also bought Colinette Jitterbug, Kaalund yaarn (sorry, that was a typo but then I just thought it was funny) and fabric from Patchwork at Central Park! (oh and a few other things…). Clearly we have good taste!!
I love the Velvet Plum. Is it that saturated in real life?
Yes Nora, that picture is pretty close to how it is in real life. It’s a deep purply red colour.
Nice score! I went today and only managed to come away with some bargain thread & thread spool rack….practical, boring purchases. I’m trying to be good and use up my stash before I buy more fabric, of which I have far too much, anyway. I did aim for the quilt show, though and I’m inspired to maybe start another one.
Great stuff! Love the Colinette in the matching colors. And the fabric is absolutely adorable.
Oh I’ve been looking at that exact colorway of Kaalund laceweight for a while! What do you think you’ll make with yours?
I love your colors you have chosen. They are most lovely. “Plum and Mist” are beautiful colors together. I bet they would work up very nicely together.
Michele
lilyputts
you’re so organised looking up the booth locations before you went.
I completely missed the kaalund yarns booth & I think I would’ve like to have visited them.
Oh well, next year maybe.
I did get to fondle plenty of other yarns elsewhere tho and gotta say thought much of it overpriced!
It was all pretty overwhelmingingly crowded on thursday, Sunday would be bedlam I imagine!
Yeah I went on Sat without the kids for a few hours. Had a great time.
Great picks! I got some fabric and addi lace needles. I really wanted some of that collinette but by Sat it was very picked over 🙁
The yarn looks really beautiful. I am sure the Bendigo yarn will be plenty for you to knit with, and if not you can always order more online from them. I love their yarns and prices too. I like the fabrics you bought too, and I always look at the skipping girl and think I should buy some. Maybe I need to visit their shop instead.
that kaalund yarn is so pretty. and bendigo rustic in carnival colourway?? i dont see that colourway on the shade card or their website. is that a new colour???
Hmm yeah I don’t see it on their shade card or website either. But I double checked the ball bands on the ones I got, they’re definitely the Rustic 8 ply in Carnival. And while I was there I saw some other colourways that are not on the shade card yet as well. So I guess they are new colourways.
I went on the first day and as always had a ball (= spent too much). I also have a reoccuring tendancy to buy something stupid. Not practical or good value. I think I probably did it again, but I had fun anyway.
Eye candy indeed. Gorgeous. Makes me want to go out and buy yarn. :o)