The Grand Vintage Fair

On Saturday I spent the day trading at the Grand Vintage Fair in St Albans. It's held 5 times a year in the Jubilee Centre.

The fair starts at 10 and runs till 4. Set about 5 minutes walk from the town centre it's perfect for calling in for a wander and a slice of cake.

This small but perfectly formed fair is made up of local vintage traders and crafts people. Debbie the lady who runs the fair picks the traders so there aren't too many of the same stalls.

There's a lovely selection of traders including Vintage Vi. She creates cameo jewelery and can even turn your own picture into a piece of wearable art.

Also trading was Bec from The Rocking Cow. She's the lady in charge of our trade table at my WI (Herts Belles WI). You can find her at the Alley Cats Emporium in Fleetville. 

Divinely Vintage were also there with a £5 sale of lots of their dresses. They specialise in vintage and second hand curtains. You can find them on Facebook.

So many lovely things to purchase. I came back with some beautiful vintage fabrics and some new earrings from All That Glitters. The fabrics came from a lady who was clearing out her Nans loft. She had some beautiful pieces. Can't wait to make something up in these.

Here are a few pictures of the day. There was even a pop up parlor.

I had to stop myself going home with more patterns!!

A few of the dresses I had for sale on the day.

Next fair for me is Moore Vintage at the Royal Masonic Girls School in Rickmansworth on Sunday 16th March. Over 40 traders, live entertainment and tea room. This fair is one of the biggest in the area and not to be missed. Free entry and parking too!!

Hopefully see some of you there, Emma Xx

Goldhawk Road - Fabric Shops

I often get asked where I get my fabrics from so though I would share. I buy my fabrics from all over the place but my primary source is Goldhawk Road in Shepherds Bush. There are about 12 fabric shops along the main road and more stalls and shops along Shepherds Bush Market.

It's easy to access with a tube station at either end of the market. There is a small amount of on street parking and side roads with pay and display meters.

The selection of fabrics on offer is amazing. There's everything from brocade to sequins and everything else in between. Most of the shops are rammed with rolls and rolls of fabric. It's quite overwhelming the first time you visit, some of them even have basements with more packed in!

You'll be able to find fabrics for every price range. I would say that the prices are very fair for what you are getting but take your time to look round all the shops before buying as you might be able to find the same thing for a little bit less.

I buy a lot of my floral printed cottons here which are about £3.50 - £4.50 a meter. If I were to buy these online they would be £6 + .

Prices range from £1 a meter for lining fabrics to beautiful beaded and embellished lace for £100's! There's something for every budget so keep looking and you're bound to find the perfect thing.

The fabric you choose doesn't have to cost the earth. For example... I made this dress up for myself for an event I was going to (all the fabric is from Goldhawk Road) The flocked leopard print net only cost £4 a meter and the chiffon overlay only £1.99 a meter. If you see something you like buy it as it might not be there again! Their stock is always changing, I've looked for the leopard print net on numerous occasions but haven't been able to get it again :(

It's a dressmakers and crafters paradise so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to look round!!

A few things to point out if you're thinking of visiting... some shops won't give out samples (you can take pictures though) and there are also a few shops that only accept cash but there is a free cash machine along the road.

My top tip is to take a small suitcase/bag on wheels. There's nothing worse than trying to carry lots of heavy carrier bags on the train!

Happy Fabric Shopping!! Emma Xx