BCTF 2010

Hello,I have returned from sunny Harrogate.

A lot of prep was involved for the BCTF (British Craft Trade Fair) and it started just before Christmas. There were endless lists of things to buy, things to make, things to do and think about. And as the weeks crept closer the more and more nervous I was getting......

Well there was no need to be!! I've had a ball these last 4 days, there were a few people exhibiting that I already knew, some of them I knew were going to be there, others were just a lovely surprise to see when I arrived.

I was really lucky as I had one of the end stands which had an open end. Perfect!! This is a photo of the stand before I dressed it with my samples. At long last I can show you the ANTLERS!!! Don't they look fab (don't worry there were NO Deers hurt in the process of me acquiring them, Deers shed their antlers every year). A lovely plain white unit and some vinyl stickers for the wall and top of the unit. I am so so grateful for Chris's help with my stand, he did an amazing job on it. (Big love's to you C)

It didn't take me long to dress it.....I already knew in my head where it was all going. These are my new design bags that are not even on the website yet. Will be getting round to that this weekend.

I was so pleased with the way the stand turned out and I received lots of lovely comments, not only on the exhibition space but on my standard of sewing skills. Which really was a huge boost for me. If anything the show has reassured me that I actually can make quality items that could potentially make me a living :D very happy girl indeed.

OK down to the nitty gritty and exciting part!!! I am now officially stocking 3 shops!!!!! I know exciting. Cant reveal just where yet but in due course I will let you know.

While I was there I popped over to one of the stands that I knew a fellow blogger was exhibiting at Area thrifty one, hello Net **wave**. It was lovely to put a face to the name, your stand looked fab...I am now a big fan of the kitten (as well as the dino) :D hope you had a great time.

I also made so many new contacts, fellow crafters and buyers. And hope that 2010 has lots to offer bagladee, we are most definitely looking forward to the next chapter. Speaking of chapters I took the first editions of my book along to the show, it was fantastic to talk about it and some buyers even took the details to order some. So a fab show all round. I will take some photos of the book this weekend and give you a sneak peek.

And just in case you were interested this was the scaled model that Chris made whilst designing my exhibition stand....isn't he soooooo clever?! I'm keeping it in my studio as a reminder. He's already working on the design for next year, yes I loved it that much that I signed up for next year on the last day. And if there are any crafters out there that are thinking I'd love to do it but dare not, go on give it a go, I did and it was great fun. I was so nervous the first day but as soon as I'd spoken to the first buyer I just relaxed and enjoyed it.