18 January 2008

Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair - Trade Day

Well, it's come round quickly and I finally filled the car (and a large corner of Liz's van) with stock. It was almost dry for unloading - just some of that fine drizzly rain which thankfully didn't do any damage. Certainly not the downpour we thought might happen.

Remember THOSE GIRLS from numerous previous posts? Well Liz vH and Bronia's double pitch was opposite Liz and me, so there was quite a lot of laughter throughout the day, after the rather worrying sounds of stress emanating from our side of the aisle up until lunchtime because the painted bed that Liz had brought would NOT fit together. As it is the first Fair where we have shared a pitch we actually did quite well and despite being two rather bossy people (I know I am, you don't need to tell me) we ended up still friends and no pistols at dawn.

It was lovely to meet Ruth and her friend Jane. Ruth had emailed me to say they would be coming. I introduced them to Liz and also to Liz and Bronia and the inevitable blog photocall ensued (Ruth's camera so you'll have to visit her blog for the results). I tried to hide behind Ruth as I was still feeling the effects of the bed episode and getting hot and bothered trying to unpack everything before the one o'clock deadline when the trade buyers are allowed in. But I don't think I managed it. It was fun though, and I hope to see Ruth and Jane again before too long as they plan to visit Dairy House. Exciting!

I had just one 'star item' on my stand today which was a wonderful hand-stitched 19th century patchwork quilt made up of hexagons. I was delighted when it sold and even more delighted when I found out who had bought it, although I don't think I should say on here who it was. That probably sounds intriguing but I don't think it's prudent to reveal big names. Some of my lovely regular customers came too. It's always nice to see them and whilst they don't always buy, I love seeing them and catching up with all their news. The Antiques Fairs are great social occasions if you 'stop to smell the roses'. If you get caught up in everything and moan about the weather or the lack of customers or the size of the pitch or the lack of this that and the other then you're not going to enjoy it. I received a lovely comment from a return visitor today. She told her friend that I'm a lovely lady and so friendly, and that I'm still friendly, even if they don't buy. She added that so many dealers can be miserable but that if someone is friendly and helpful she will always return and buy whenever she can. I felt quite humbled. I must be doing something right!

Time I went to bed I think. I want to get there by about 7.30 tomorrow morning so I can whizz round all the other buildings and stallholders to see what's around. I'm trying not to buy as I need all my cash reserves for April, but you can't just ignore what's going on around you, can you ...

Enjoy your weekend everyone and hopefully it won't be too wet for any of us!

12 comments:

Clare and Mike said...

Hi Sue, Sounds like you had a great day - won't say a word about your mystery buyer!!

I look forward to seeing the photocall over at Ruth's blog.

I'm hoping my buying trip tomorrow will be fruitful - wish me luck!

Clare x

Anonymous said...

Hi, I really agree that it's important to be able to browse. Very often I don't buy things I like at the time, but go back later. I like to think about where something might look nice before parting with my precious pennies. Sounds like you had a fun day.
Margaret and Noreen

closed account said...

Hi Sue, sounds like a good day was had by all then, will go now and have a lok at your website, wish I was not so far away , but the train journey would be lovely in the summertime,so maybe just make it one day to your lovely shop..regards Kath

Shammickite said...

I agree with "homely year", I like to browse, and don't always buy the first time round, but I always have to think about that "buy it when you see it or when you go back, it'll be gone" idea. I've missed out on a bargain too amny times when I couldn't make my mind up. Sounds like you had a good day, keep up the good work.
One of the reasons I know you will be a success is your friendly attitude and your dedication and obvious enjoyment of what you are doing.

Niki Fretwell said...

Lovely to see you yesterday Sue - hope the whole weekend turns out to be a success.
Liz's bed looked wondeful BTW - there was no evidence that it had caused you problems!
Niki x

OhSoVintage said...

Hi Sue,
The photos are now on my blog. You look a little surprised in the first one but I couldn't post the other one Jane took as I just looked dreadful!! Hope you had a profitable weekend.
Ruth x
PS I think you said tell who bought the quilt, everyone would be most impressed.

Vintage to Victorian said...

Ruth, why should I be the only one looking awful. I think you should post the second photo as well. You couldn't look any worse than I do!

If I whisper "ck" quietly in lower case letters you might guess who bought the quilt.

Sue

OhSoVintage said...

Oh Yes I could Sue!!!!!

Lucy Bloom said...

Hi Sue, I was going to guess Nicholas Cage as the mystery buyer, seeing as Michele at Cowboys and Custard bumped into him in Bath a while back, but I see now it wasn't. Well well, doesn't a certain someone get around! Glad you had a good day, did you buy anything for yourself in the end?
best wishes,
Lucy x

Nonnie said...

Sounds like you had a good first day. I'm intrigued as to who bought your patchwork. It wasn't Miss CK was it? I know she goes searching in your part of the Country. Hope the rest of the weekend was good and the wet weather didn't put the buyers off.

Anonymous said...

Hi There,
Thank you for your comment and nice to meet you,your blog looks great i will be reading through it after this.
The patchwork quilt is gorgeous i peeked at it on a mystery shop ;)
i'm having a competition/giveaway please enter if you would like to.
Kristina XxX

Livvy and Me said...

So pleased you had a good day, your mystery buyer sounds very intriguing! We didn't see you at the flea today, but perhaps that's because of your new double stand? Was rather cold all that outside shopping today, but we very much enjoyed it! Jennifer