AFTERMATH

 

A deep breathe - and silence and quiet. I can finally find words and the time to say a huge thankyou to everyone who came to the markets, those who poured through the doors and kept pouring through the whole two days, who created such an amazing atmosphere, who bought and who commented in person, who stopped to introduce themselves, who gave me much to smile about and be happy and grateful for. It was an amazing experience, but now I am very, very tired, and I want to put the sewing machine away for a little bit. I have a couple of pieces left over which I ould like to put on Etsy later in the week. I did quite well myself, picking up pieces from In-sync design, Lilian, and Secret Squirrel.

I loved the rigour of doing the markets - stepping outside my comfort zone, having a definite goal to work towards, setting my own deadlines. I realise I work best that way, despite the stress sometimes involved. I'm turning my attention now to what can be some new deadlines to make. I have two knitting patterns I'm working on which I want to push through and finish and write up. One is a large garter stitch piece  - shadow[]box - which is very close to being finished, and the other is Echo which I've written about briefly and has many, many fine stitches so is taking a very long time but is incredibly enjoyable because the shaping changes the whole way through so it doesn't get laborious.

And then today I picked up a wonderful japanese stitch pattern book and got carried away with ideas for socks, so they may have to be started soon, especially as some of my well worn socks are getting holes in them. Something small and simple to mindlessly knit and has quick results. Also to be read is the new Stitch magazine - I am very flattered to have a small inspiration page at the back of the magazine, and a copy arrived today to sit and read over tea.

Perhaps after that I can start looking at getting back into the swing of things, clear the fuzziness out of my head, reply to emails, send parcels off, and start making some new plans.

Comments

[Lisa]

Alison, what an absolute treat to meet you at the markets, you are a true inspiration. Thanks for signing the book and for sharing a small part of your very special self in this blog. I look forward to the results of further deadlines.

[Kate Dixon]

You did, as always, such an amazing job. It is a real testament to your character that you got there. No easy feat considering have two children and this - your craft, is something you do in your spare time.

Put your feet up and machine away and enjoy a WELL earned break...not too long though!

I am so looking forward to seeing shadow box...

[pinry]

Congratulations on being published again. Echo looks very beautiful and intriguing. Glad to see your ideas still are flowing despite arduous deadlines.

[vanessa]

I have to go find a copy of the mag..congrats! :)

[frog]

I'm a little sad not to be in the same city as the markets but I am looking forward to what's coming next.

Congratulations!

[olga]

I wish I could be in sydney for that weekend! your stall looks great, Alison. Congratulations! I am thinking of participating in some markets in Melbourne later this year myself with some new things I am working on... See how I go with meeting my own deadlines, guess :)

[theresa/t does wool]

so good to step out of your comfort zone and spread your wings...and the magazine...you deserve it...

[Hyena In Petticoats]

You know, I've been secretly ogling your stash on Ravelry, and I'm looking forward to seeing some divine black socks in the making!

I've been messing around with dye - if I ever manage to perfect the art of the dark dark skein, I'll send you one!

Leah xxx

[Melanie]

Alison it was so lovely to meet you and see your gorgeous creations up close. Great to get some photography tips from you too! Enjoy a well earned break :)

[shirley lei]

Hi,

Watcher here. I wanted to write a response for the post you wrote about your adorable children, two posts down.

For Max, have you ever considered having him film himself on a camcorder or even on a digital camera, and then watch it together (even if it's a few seconds long) later on in the day? That may help him understand why he could be watching something done during the day but it's nightfall. Also a wonderful creative outlet for him to create his own "fictional" reality TV. Just a thought. Mostly wanted to suggest a way to help him understand TV better. It is indeed a weird concept to grasp. I didn't have as much trouble with that as just a decade ago there weren't things like "reality TV" to confuse me with fictional programming. After all, most programs were fake to begin with. :)

Shirley

[Lin]

The market sounded great, I really wish I could have been there. I don't know where to get a copy of stitch from here, I must search as it looks such a nice magazine.

[charlotte]

omg omg omg the japanese book... !!!!!
so wish i'd been able to come to the markets - they look just incredible.

[Sarah]

Hi Alison, well done on the markets, looks like you have lots of support from your followers! we are soo happy to see that..

Your blog is one of the top refering sites for our websites must be a very popular one and I can see why! So congrats on that also..

Cheers, Sarah - Finders Keepers