Miss Tryphena

The last few fairs I have done it has cost me money, a good example was a fair yesterday which cost £35 for the table and I took £12. This is something that can only be done as a hobby and is not a viable business unless you can get higher in the supply chain or start organising stuff. I've had a stall for a few years and it seems to be getting worse. Quite a few people I know have stopped because of it.

I've done fairs where I was asked to have flyers for future events on the table which I didn't mind. The flyers were professionally printed and given to me for free and I was asked politely not told to do it.

Hobbycraft should have everything on the list except the kitchen sink

That's true. I was told that making clothes from vintage patterns weren't contempory enough but within a month the vintage scene took off! Didn't let it put me off though. I still make what I feel like, when I feel like it.

Have you tried searching for handmade fairs instead of craft fairs? Also http://www.stallfinder.com might be worth a look. Another one you could try are pamper evenings. Ironically I got turned away from a craft fair because I use vintage patterns and was too traditional!

Tatting shuttles are available at hobbycraft, avoid getting the one with the attached hook when you are learning. Don't know of any DVD's but youtube is a good bet. The Ring of Tatters have a list of members who are willing to teach if you prefer a personal touch. You can soon find them through google.

The original post was put up in 2011.

There is a post in the crafts section that says there is a wool section but its very small and expensive but that the prices reflect the type of wool available. Will be going to have a look myself sometime this week.

If I had a bigger house I'd have all three and use them. My little hand cranked singer gets used for all sorts of jobs and its over 100 years old. The ladies at Sheffield Antiques could give you an idea about what the market is like for such machines etc.

Try Sheffield Antiques and Interiors on Abbeydale Road. Phone number is 0114 258 4452 and they are open from 10am wednesdays to saturdays.

I can make things like that to order but not at that price.

Doll patterns don't tend to be in the same proportions as premature babies so you are better off sticking to prem baby patterns if you can.

The websites for Ray of Hope and Bevs Country Cottage have lots of prem patterns for free.

Sounds like a good idea to me, something a little different.

When is it?

http://www.ravelry.com if you sign up there is a whole world of patterns to choose from. Some are free some are not but it is easy to search.

http://www.stallfinder.com is usually a good place to look

pm'd you about this.

I don't have a blue badge

That's a very long day!

When is it?

What's the parking situation like?

You have put up a date and price but a place and opening times would be useful. It would also be a good free advert for anyone on here.

The event at Don Valley was a paper crafting show which is on four times a year but it isn't for selling finished product, more a show for us to go and get the stuff we want to make things with. Suzi have you thought about selling on the internet on sites like etsy? I found it very easy to set up a shop and it seems to take care of itself.

Typical, I can't make either of those dates but please keep us informed. Good luck with it.