Becky (www.beaubirds.co.uk) and I went to the craft fair at the Cheese and Grain in Frome, Somerset yesterday to do a bit of market research (at least that's what we told our husbands). On first entering the hall seemed rather dark but once we started going round we didn't seem to notice. With around 40 stall holders there was lots to see. What I particularly liked was to see a totally new craft to me and one that uses materials that would otherwise have been discarded. That stall was the Somerset Feather Company www.SomersetFeatherCompany.co.uk and this lady uses feathers from various game birds shot on the Mells Estate to decorate lampshades. As a vegetarian I would rather see live birds wearing their feathers and I don't agree with shooting birds just for the fun of it. However, ordinarily the feathers would be discarded but these lampshades show how truly beautiful the birds' feathers are. I think it is a wonderful way of using the waste product from one industry to create another. It is a newish company so I wish her every success. Mind you I did ask her whether she had ever questioned herself as to life being too short to make these wonderful shades.
Another stall I particularly liked was the contemporary crochet designs by Elvira Jones www.elvirajones.co.uk. Ms Jones makes wonderful little pots shaped like tagines, bowls and bags. I couldn't resist buying some of her little hearts and flowers. I'm not quite sure when I will use them but I'm sure to think of something.
Having been round the fair a couple of times we then went round Frome itself and I took Becky up Catherine's Hill where we came across Millie Moon. What a wonderful discovery! I knew it was in Frome somewhere but had mistakenly thought it was in a different road so I was very pleased to chance upon it. Like The Makery in Bath Millie Moon sells all kinds of patchwork fabric, ribbons, buttons and other findings as well as having an area for workshops. The ladies in the workshop were making clay buttons. I really could have done with a basket to put all the things I collected off the shelves and racks. Prices were not cheap but bargains were there to be found such as 4 fat quarters for £8 rather than £10. I am sure we will be paying the shop another visit. www.milliemoonshop.co.uk
Happy crafting
Philippa x
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