Wednesday 2 April 2008

Market Debut

WHO SAYS YOU can’t teach an old dog new tricks? On Saturday 29 March I joined two other BrisStyle girls, Helen (Ruby Red Studios) and Olivia (Scampsville) at the inaugural Paddington Fair Market. As my husband and I parked to unload the car, a large clown with fluffy red hair came blazing down the street on what looked to be a converted golf buggy, festooned with balloons and streamers. What a promising start to a day of fun.



We soon located the girls and after a quick set-up, Tony left me to my baptism of fire. Thank goodness for the experienced Helen and Olivia. In no time my little space was expertly revised and we were ready for business.

The location was ideal – a delightful playground and parklands set in the middle of an inner city suburb, with skateboard pathways and ramps for the older children, play equipment for the younger ones, and lots of green spaces and trees for all to enjoy - a true oasis. The weather was threatening, but the rain held off and by the middle of the day the sun came out - a typical Brisbane warm autumn day.



Being a fairly small event was a blessing in disguise, as I had to learn quickly. The crowds fluctuated, one minute sparse, empty spaces and the next the rush of people. We were entertained by live music and there was plenty of delicious coffee on hand to keep us energised.

Young families were the order of the day and all appeared to have a wonderful time, with lots of activities for the children, the music to add to the festive atmosphere, and lots of goodies to buy from us vendors. Helen and Olivia worked the crowds like the troupers that they are and we always had smiling faces around us.



It was a sharp learning curve, but one I truly enjoyed. I certainly learned some new tricks!

Photos courtesy of Helen Berthold.

1 comment:

Bec said...

Hi Robyn,

Thanks for the lovely comments you left on my blog. It's so nice to know I was able to make someone smile! It was lovely to meet you at these markets too. Your work was simply gorgeous. Both the way you combined your beautiful fabric choices and the quality of your handiwork was very inspiring! I am currently undertaking my second ever quilt (for little Jett no less) and it's feeling a bit poor in comparison to that beauty I saw at your market stand. That was really a spectacular piece. But it gives me something to aspire to (one day I hope to have the inspiration and patience to make a queen sized one for our bed). Hope to see you again soon! Bec.