The City of Craft Spring show was on Saturday, and you can bet Wendy and I had a countdown going. We got there shortly after doors opened and man oh man, the talent blooming in Toronto is just astounding. I have always loved going to craft-type shows where local artists sell their work, but since I began knitting in ernest I have developed a whole new appreciation for the ingenuity, dedication, and type committed to the work.
This is all a lead-in to say that it was a morning of purchases galore. I don’t shop much in my normal life, so I don’t mind splurging every once in a while, especially when it’s one beautiful handmade things – or things with which to make beautiful, handmade things. This is the beauty of the City of Craft setup: not only are you presented with gorgeous finished pieces, but crafters are notorious enablers, so you can fill your boots with supplies too.
Here’s what I got:
1 pound of fabric bits and two little bags of vintage buttons from The Workroom:
Green fabric! Check out those guitars...
Blue fabric! I love the elephants.
Buttons that have pairs.
Buttons that don't match.
I have no real plan for these except that I will need buttons for the sweater I’m knitting and I think some of the fabric might become napkins.
More vintage buttons from a vendor whose name I have completely forgotten (is it you? Please let me know):
Six unmatched buttons in a similar colour, in a similar size.
A lovely little notions pouch from Bookhou, whose prints I’ve been admiring for years (I also bought a little cloth wallet, but it’s in my purse in the other room and I’m being lazy):
Notions pouch!
These did not come with it.
And, drumroll please, a needle roll from Knotted Nest:
Unrolled.
Rolled up.
A drumroll for a needle roll might seem a bit over the top, but I have been looking for one of these (ie: one that’s pretty and interesting AND holds several sizes/types of needle) for months, to no avail. And I don’t mean casually looking. I mean scouring Etsy and knit shops and blogs. So, thank you Knotted Nest for ending my search in such a beautiful and satisfying manner.
Aside1 : When I got home and proudly showed L all of my purchases, he sort of looked on with casual interest until I got to the needle roll and then he said, “Oh no.”
Me: What?
Him: I guess it’s serious.
Me: What?
Him: You’re really serious about knitting.
Me: Well, yes. Also, this doesn’t mean I have more needles, just that they’ll be better organized.
Him: Still. Now it’s serious. You’re a knitter.
Aside 2: When we were leaving, Nicole (who was working the door) asked to see what we bought. One glance into my bag and she laughed. “You like green, huh?”
And that, my friends, is what we call a positive result!
The needle roll is amazing. I was bummed that the Workroom booth was out of fabric by the time I got to it, but I did snag an adorable pair of scissors and a wooden pendant to cross-stitch. If you make napkins, I’d love to see the final result!
If/when I get napkins made, I will absolutely post about them. The only thing that will slow me down is that I don’t (yet) own a sewing machine, and the workroom is a little far for an easy visit. Hand-stitched napkins will take some working up to I think.
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