Sunapee Show Recap

After all the excitement of getting ready for and participating in the LNHC annual craftsmen fair at Sunapee, NH, I am having a fairly relaxed day in my studio.  I haven't reset my display here or even set up my sewing machine again, but I have fully unpacked my car and stowed things away at least so I have moving and breathing space.

As you may know, Sunapee was my first really big fair.  It was a VERY good experience for me and I have so many people to thank for helping me through it.  The Merrimack Valley Artisans really initiated me when I dipped my toes in the water at their show a couple of years ago. Several of their members who are also in the League of NH Craftsmen have continued to give me invaluable help and guidance.  I wouldn't haven't gotten through this without them.  Thanks Betsy, Tarja, Ritva, and Paula.

I also owe gratitude to all who stopped by my booth to chat, show support and to shop.  It was much appreciated.  I feel like I made so many new friends.  And, I renewed some old acquaintances as well.  On the third day of the show, the woman that I shared an office with back in the early 80s showed up in my booth.  She'd seen my name in the program, noted my Lowell address and came to find out if indeed it was me.  I'm sure it had been more than 20 years since we'd seen each other.  It was definitely a memorable event.

Here are a few other things that will stick in my mind from the fair...

 The photos of my friends and me attracted lots of attention and comment.  People could tell that the models were my friends and that they were feeling good and having fun.  They clearly got the message that I was making jackets for "real people."

It was fun to change the jacket display on the back wall each day and to hear what people had to say about them.

This great sculpture from Dale Rogers of Haverhill was right outside my booth.  It lent a happy note to every day.  I'd smile even wider when people stopped to pose by it and have their pictures taken.  I'm kicking myself that I didn't have Dale pose by it.  I think it really captures him.

Here's the wider view from my booth.  It was just amazing - and what was even more amazing than the view was the fabulous weather we had.  It rained only 2 days out of 9 and neither time did it rain all day.  And as you can see from the picture, people enjoyed the sculpture garden even in the rain.