I thought I’d share with you my whole day as those of you like me who have never been to anything like this will be wondering if you should make the journey and go to one near you (the show not the Tea Party – the Tea Party is a bonus!)
So how do you start your day if you’re going to be attending a Vintage Tea Party?
With your hair in rollers of course!
(Excuse the bare back, at least it’s not the front!)
When I bought my ticket for the Tea Party a few weeks ago my initial plan was to go on my own. But then I mentioned it to a Glen & Mags who I play golf with and they really wanted to go too so we all travelled together.
When we arrived we headed for a coffee first, there was a bit of queue, it was so busy, so be prepared to queue for the loo and refreshments if you’re heading there in the next 3 days.
There’s a few coffee stops dotted about but if your near the Royal Hall I’d recommend sitting in there to enjoy your cuppa and soak up your surroundings. If your lucky like these 2 ladies you might find a seat in one of the boxes.
Unfortunately we didn’t so sat in the bottom on the large tables. Everyone was so friendly – we got talking to some ladies who had travelled from Newcastle on a coach.
Here’s the first selfie of the day with Mags and Glen….. all excited for what may lie ahead!
If you wanted you could learn to knit whilst having a drink and make Christmas Stockings.
They were hanging on the tree….
There was even a lady in a white coat – she was the Yarn Doctor! What a cool idea! I think they should have them in all the Accident and Emergency Departments too!
We stayed together for a while and then I had a wander on my own. It would be hard to stay together in big groups, especially if you had different crafty hobbies.
I had a look around lots of the shops but i wasn’t really in the mood for buying fabric (no I’m not ill!!) – though you’ll be spoilt for choice if that’s what you are looking to buy.
There was so much to see and do without spending money, which I was surprised at if I’m honest.
This is a huge backdrop which was created the mark the release of the 5th series of a Game of Thrones. I should have taken a photo with someone in front of it so you could appreciate just how big it is.
These ladies were spinning yarn, and making it look really easy – she could even talk and take her eyes of what she was doing!
There were beautiful garments and accessories which were like works of art:
And here’s where some of the classes were held. I didn’t book on to any but I might do next year now I know what to expect.
On the wall were examples of what you could learn to make in some of the classes.
Out of everything that amazed me throughout the day this was the most stunning (in my opinion!)
Unfortunately my close up photo doesn’t show if off to its’ best, but each square below was fastened together to copy the photo above. And i think each square was made by different people.
The were lots of quilts to admire, and I’m really surprised I held off getting carried away and buying a load of jelly rolls or fat quarters to make something like this.
At the far end, after all the halls of stalls, and before the workshop area, you’ll find the world’s longest embroidery.
And you can add your name or whatever you’d like to it.
I couldn’t resist a little bit of embroidery! I was still on my own here, so it was another chance to get chatting to lovely new crafty people. I even got a sticker and a certificate – for sewing, not making friends! And can you see I’m wearing my Sew Up North badge?!
Here’s my little bit of handy work….. My skills weren’t adequate enough to add anything fancy – I’d have needed to google to do anything more than a simple back stitch!
There were some amazing creations from local colleges on display….
And so many stalls to enjoy. The lady in the blue dress was showing a customer how to spin the yarn!
Before long it was time for my highlight of the day… The Vintage Tea Party!
I’d gone in jeans and boots so needed to change into my Vintage Vogue 9082
There were other ladies who were on their own and others with friends. I sat with a lady called Hilary who had the most amazing outfit on. Also on our table was a lady called Claire and her daughter, and a midwife and a nurse (sorry I can’t remember your names ladies!).
It’s amazing how sewing brings people together. We must have looked like we all came together as a group and that we’d know each other years as we all chatted none stop and had such a great time.
Sue, who’s the MD of Butterick, came and introduced herself to everyone. She even spilled the beans as to next years theme but I’m afraid my lips are sealed, but I’m very excited and will definitely be attending this event next year – but it might be called something else!
Call the midwife!!
I’m a bit embarressed to have forgotten this ladies name, but I can say she’s very good at twirling in her Butterick 5813.
Thanks Claire for sending me the pic below… I can’t remember what we were laughing at here.
Hiliary is in the middle but unfortunately you can’t see her outfit. Once the official pics are out I’ll add a link as she really did look stunning with matching bag and shoes. She came over to Wendy (on the left) and me to chat and asked Wendy if she subscribed to Sew Today. Her answer was “no I write for them!” maybe that’s what we were laughing at, it was quite funny!
There was lots of mingling and even though there was a professional photographer there, ladies didn’t mind posing for my little iPhone camera.
The moment when you see someone in the same frock as you!!
But it wasn’t an embarrassing moment like you’d get if you’d both bought them from Marks and Sparks! They were thrilled to see another version of the same dress.s
And here they are with 2 ladies who are twins – by birth as well as by outfits!
Everyone had made such a bit effort. I’m wishing now that I’d taken more photos but the official ones will be out soon I’m sure.
Do you recognise anyone on here……………I was excited to see myself on here!
So all in all a fabulous day out!
If you get chance to go to the show, with or without an afternoon tea, I’d definitely recommend it. Even if you go on your own, you won’t feel alone. There’s lots of crafts to try your hand at and it doesn’t have to be an expensive day out – but I can’t promise that!
I’ll show you later the few things that I’ve bought – the main things are for my Stitching Santa recipitant.
We left the show about 5pm and the traffic was a little busy, so we had to stop for a pub tea on the way home!
Are you planning on going to the show over the next 3 days? If you are I’m sure you’ll have a fab time!
Have fun ladies!
A little update. Claire who I met at the Afternoon Tea Party has kindly sent me some more photos to add to my post. Thanks Claire x
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