Stitch Fest

The Stitch Fest in Totnes was the reason my sister came to stay - so off we went today! There were 3 venues, the Civic Hall, Masonic Hall and a wool shop of course! This photo belies the riot of colour in all 3 places! It was absolutely heaving with people in their hand knitted garb and my sister lost count of the number of compliments on her crocheted scarf! 
There was every type of wool related product you could wish - dyeing, spinning, felting, knitting, crocheting and all the various bits that go with it - progress markers which look like silver charms, needles, knitting needle gauges, pots to hold your wool in. There were people knitting, spinning, weaving and felting! My sister was in heaven! 
I was drawn to the knitted animals and of course the chickens which were displayed on long legs. The legs were not for sale and the seller was also a metal worker who made them with a colleague for a chicken display in a barn! However she obviously recognised a fellow chicken lover and offered to sell me  a pair - which of course I did! I also bought a pair of fingerless gloves from this spinner! My favourite stall was the one I had bought from at the Contemporary Craft festival - I am currently knitting a scarf with her unbelievably soft alpaca and silk wool!
When we went in the masonic Hall I discovered an Ukrainian woman selling not only wool throws and rugs but genuine Ukrainian clothing. A beautiful black waistcoat from the 1920's with a pleated back from the waist caught my eye. My sister told me to think of my pension and looked with severe disapproval at me. Later in the day I said I was going outside to take photos and went back and bought it! They were delightful women who were so happy I was sneakily buying it - I gave them both a hug and a kiss when I left with it securely buried in my bag! 
We walked up to the wool shop so i could buy the crochet needle i needed for my blanket and I was delighted to see the scaffolding outside the wedding shop had been suitably dressed! Lovely to walk around Totnes and not have to stick to the narrow pavements and avoid the cars. I loved the felted mice in one shop window - luckily the shop was closed! Plus I have a needle felting set at home so should make one for myself!  
Once my sister had finally decided on the wool she wanted to buy we both happily headed home - I can't wait till she goes and I can wear my new waistcoat!!