There's no Business Like ...

It's finally here - the Stitches & Craft Show hits Brisbane. I had volunteered, along with several other BrisStyle girls, to act as volunteer for the day. The incubators were a huge success and attracted many viewers and buyers throughout the day.

After catching up with some of the BrisStylettes, it was time to help out. First off the starting blocks was to look after Dear Fii's incubator while Melbournite Fiona Lech conducted a class on making a button bracelet in the craft lab.

Everyone loved her gorgeous softies - one of her designs was created from drawings by her young son. The patterns for these characters were a particular favourite and sold well.

Then it was a quick hop next door to caretake Justine of MixTape's incubator. If you haven't read this wonderful zine, do yourself a favour and subscribe - you won't regret it. Justine is such a warm and friendly character who has taken on the onerous task of editing and publishing her own zine and deserves every encouragement.

Here is the latest issue which Justine kindly gave me as a thank-you and I'd love to show you what's inside, but you will have to buy your own copy.

Justine is collecting embroidered signatures for her quilt in progress and I have promised to get mine to her. Eek! I haven't embroidered in yonks!

BrisStyle Den Mother Helen of Ruby 2 Go Go was scheduled to be interviewed, so Ali of Jellygnite and I toddled along to add support in the audience.

Naturally she carried off the interview with her usual grace and charm.

She even had her name up in lights. What a trouper.

And here she is at her incubator with its amazing set-up.

I fell in love with her signature brooches and couldn't resist buying this one, which came in its own little bag. It's not for me, but I can't reveal who the recipient is, because I suspect she may read this blog and that would ruin the surprise.

After catching up with fellow helper Sophie of Strat Designs ...

... I had a frantic cry for help from the effervescent Louise of Made by Miffy who was due to give a class on No Sew Fabric Flowers.

I had great fun minding her incubator. Her hot-off-the-press apron patterns practically walked out the door. I had been one of Louise's guinea pigs in making this apron prior to its printing and I feel like a grandma princess whenever I wear it. I will probably leave it to one of my daughters in my will.

The very thoughtful Louise gave me this gorgeous key carrier for my trouble. If you want one of your own, take a look at her store.

Among the Melbourne contingent were the very talented girls from Ink & Spindle whose hand printed textile designs I've long admired.

I couldn't resist buying this gorgeous fabric designed by Lara Cameron. I haven't made up my mind what to make with it yet - plenty of time for that. In the meantime, I'll just gaze at it for a while.

It was so good to catch up with the other BrisStyle girls who had their own incubators. Trish (along with her charming husband, Alan) of Trishalan Designs, Olivia of Scampsville who is leaving our shores very soon for a year in Italy - not that I'm jealous - and Christine from Little Diva were all very busy selling their wares and if you check out their shops/blogs, you will understand why they were so popular.

This augers well for our own market coming up in July. I can't wait.