What a treat – a day out out at Hampton Court with a good friend.

Unable to make it to Yarndale this year, I was lucky enough to win tickets to The Handmade Fair (my winning streak continues!) so I invited the host of our Knit ‘n’ Natter nights who also came to Yarndale with me last year.

There was a high percentage of makers from The West Country, many of whom I recognised, including the creator of this magnificent cushion – Sophia, from Jessalli in Dorset.

All of the marquees were beautifully decorated with row upon row of colourful bunting which also ran the entire length of the guy ropes to make for a bright and welcoming exterior. Tissue paper pom poms were a fun addition, too, hanging from the ceiling and swaying gently in the breeze.

The weather was extreme – sunshine and blue skies one minute, black clouds and torrential rain the next. Just look at the colour of the sky over the Super Theatre tent!

Thankfully, we were in the Deco Noir lounge enjoying a glass of Pimms at the time of this shower.

The cocktail waiters made waiting for the rain to pass a bearable experience!

There were plenty of Tea & Cake tents should Pimms not be your thing. This particular one was strung with lines of vintage linen “washing” and huge lampshade pendants.

Waitresses served afternoon tea in period costume whilst a trio of singers in Fiftie’s attire entertained everyone.

I loved these standard lamps which were totally mad and OTT!

These little ones gave me an idea for lighting in our sun room…….more about that another time.

My lovely friend surprised me with this fabulous screen printed “Norfolk Hare” tea towel from the very talented Lottie Day which looks perfectly at home on my range cooker.

I was tempted by the myriad of fabric stalls and came home with a selection from several different traders, as well as the odd free magazine which was being given away.

This sign made us laugh – and give in to temptation!

Tea was served in vintage china, cakes were homemade, and all this consumed at the same time as participating in one of many walk-in workshops.

Sophie, AKA “What Delilah Did”, was running the cross stitch masterclass that we joined in with.

No ‘naff’ designs here, just modern, tasteful, quick little projects that made you want to dive straight in and have a go.

This was the linen “Stag” button that I fell in love with.

Actually, there were so many delightful little designs that I ended up buying the book……

…..which is when Sophie admitted to being the author and insisted on signing for me!

I already know that I’m going to make all these buttons using the linen and embroidery thread that came with the book. Aren’t they lovely?

Lisa Comfort from Sew Over It was manning her stall in person as were many other bloggers that you may recognise, all of whom were happy to chat and pose for photographs.

We came home having enjoyed a thoroughly great day and fired up to book a workshop with another of the inspirational artists, Katie Essam, who creates the sweetest mixed media designs like this ‘family’ of wellies which caught our eye.

Finally, after putting all of your names into a hat, the winner of the Giveaway is……

Congratulations Teresa! If you can send me your address, I’ll get these in the post to you on Monday.