Needleworker’s Marketplace

This past weekend was Gitta’s Getaway (a stitching getaway hosted by my LNS) and the complementary Needleworker’s Marketplace. Also running at the same hotel were several classes held in conjunction with the other events.

Sometimes, choices have to be made. And, this year I decided I wanted a serger more than I wanted a stitching getaway. 😉 I did, however, take a class this weekend, Treasure Trove from Laura Dickson of Enchanting Lair.

Treasure Trove Kit

Not only did Laura give us full skeins of DMC and silk, but she gave us full thread kits for both colourways. And, an extra piece of hand-dyed fabric to try stitches on, and some thread (a nearly full skein of Dinky Dyes in my case) to do the practice. She is nothing if not generous. I’m actually very glad that she gave us the thread for both colourways, because I think I might play around with the colours a little bit, doing most of the purple colourway, but maybe doing the dragon in green.

I did a bit of shopping at the marketplace too. There were eight vendors this year, including Gitta’s, Enchanting Lair, Jeanette Douglas, X’s and Oh’s, Brenda Franklin, and a few more.

The marketplace was held in a style similar to the US vendor shows, where each designer was set up in their hotel room. While this was novel, it also made for some pretty crowded rooms. I did hear a few ladies saying they would have preferred booths set up in one of the meeting/ballrooms, but personally, I’m indifferent. It was interesting to go to a different style of show, but I did find the crowds a bit much at times.

Of course, I did make a few small purchases. I bought a tiny bee charm and some purple beads from one of the bead vendors, and some fabric from Laura:

Fabric from Enchanting Lair

The one of the kind piece on the right is actually more purple (all the colours are off, actually). I had to buy a piece of Parchment since that was a colour I requested. I think it turned out fabulous, and is much nicer than Silkweaver’s Days Gone By.

I also bought one of Jeanette Douglas’ newest design Royalty ABC, which is just stunning in person. I think it will look great on the Heritage fabric from Enchanting Lair.

Royalty ABC chart and embellishment kit

Each vendor at the marketplace gave away a small free design that is meant to be put together to make a 15-sided biscornu. Of course, I collected all of those, and I do plan to do it eventually. (That’s why I said I would be doing another 15-sided biscornu.)

So, overall, I would say the marketplace was a success (but I hope there are more vendors next year), and my class was great. I’ll definitely attend the marketplace next year.

I’ve hit 50 followers! That means I’ll be hosting a giveaway of a few of my favourite things. Look for the post with all the details no later than next Monday. Hopefully you will agree that it is worth the wait.