Kirstie's handmade fair - any good?

[HeroicAlien]

Has anyone been to one of these? Trying to decide if it's worth the entrance cost to go next weekend. I'm not too interested in the workshops, or buying homemade jewellery etc., it would be more for getting inspiration for new projects and buying craft materials that I don't really need!

Thought I'd reply to myself in case anyone was interested.

I went yesterday - managed to get a deal on Groupon for the ticket and I live within walking distance so decided I might as well try it. It was very amusing walking over Hampton Court Bridge as a train had just got in - I've never seen so many women of a certain age all heading in the same direction. And then one of the first things inside was a gin tent - they knew their audience!

I think if you did the workshops, it would be good - albeit expensive as you have to pay extra for them. If you just went for the shopping (as I did), it's not quite so much about crafting, and more people selling their homemade crafts. Which are all very impressive, but I was hoping for more stalls selling kits etc. I bought some yarn and some fabric, but nothing I couldn't have got elsewhere without paying extra for the ticket.

Lots of people there though, so I'm probably in the minority - but I'd only go back if I were going to do the workshops; as a pure shopping experience it wasn't quite what I'd hoped for.

Sounds like the sort of thing I'd enjoy if I got in for free or with a discount ticket! Might look out for it next year as I'm not a million miles away from Hampton Court. Sadly, I'd definitely look like a woman of a certain age getting off the train 🤣

I've been before (Groupon ticket) and it is a pleasant way to spend the day I think. In my mind I offset the ticket cost against any postage I would have had to pay on my purchases if I had ordered online. I also think that some stalls have special discounts/offers at the fair.

I fully agree with the crowd when the trains comes in - you definitely know where they are all going 😂 You can spot them at Clapham too when they've had to change trains.

Do check the trains on a Sunday as this year there weren't any due to engineering works somewhere.

I would go if there was one closer to me (i'm in Glasgow). I had a freebie ticket a couple of years ago to the Country Living Christmas Fair in Glasgow and although it wasn't all crafts, there were a lot of crafty stalls and workshops. Think I made a little straw decoration to put on the tree. Workshops were free but first come first served.

Was a very nice day out looking at lovely things. And yes, definitely a female 35 - 60 demographic!!