new forest fairy festival 2019 Archives

Threads of a Fairytale took to the road, but I have to say it wasn’t the best year in the world for the New Forest Fairy Festival 2019, unfortunately! The high winds meant that the festival was cancelled on the Saturday, which was such a shame. I spent all morning making sure my stall was safe for visitors, and then the decision was made at lunch time not to open at all. I am exhausted from standing there for the rest of the afternoon and evening, holding onto the roof of my gazebo, trying to stop it from breaking. Sadly many other traders had to give up completely.

However, Sunday was a lovely calm and sunny day, so it was great to see everything go ahead as normal. I just felt so sorry for those handmade traders who couldn’t open at all. Preparing for a festival like this one takes so much time and effort and to only have the income from one day instead of two is a bit of a killer.

And I feel just as sorry for those who travelled far to come to the New Forest Festival, and who couldn’t come in on Sunday instead – that must’ve been such a disappointment.

So anyway, the stress and exhaustion is starting to wear away, and after a week, I think I’m now ready to empty the camper van of all the stall paraphernalia! Some of it goes in the basement; some in the garage, and some in the spare bedroom. Then there’s things like the S hooks I borrowed from the kitchen; and the mirror from the guest room!

I’ve just written a post on my blog, When I Grow Up, with more all about it, including a few photos I found time to take whilst there. I hope you enjoy the read!

Hello folks, sorry it’s been a while. When you really get your mind into something, I’m afraid I neglect other things! First of all I was determined to get my new website finished, but that hasn’t happened. Instead I turned my attention to the New Forest Fairy Festival, which is taking place this coming weekend, 10th and 11th August!

I am very pleased to let you know that I will be back with my stall this year, so I have been super busy preparing for that. I’ve made several more sheer goddess dresses, jackets and kaftans, as they are always popular. I’ve also made a collection of silk and cotton skirts and tops – most of which I’ve dyed using natural plant dyes. I think they’re really pretty and can’t wait to show you! And also new this year: my fairytale undergarments collection!

The stall is also having a bit of a makeover this year – it will be less of a woodland feel, and more of a crumbling castle ballroom vibes. I hope so anyway! So gone is the thick hessian I had adorning the walls of the gazebo, and instead I’ve been hand-stitching together lace curtains. I’m hoping this will give a much brighter airy feel. I’ll still have ivy about the place, but mixed with tassels too! If you’re a regular visitor at the fairy festival, I’d love to have your feedback on this change. 🙂

By the way, if you can’t be there, I will be trying to remember to Insta Story the weekend. Go to Instagram.com/threadsofafairytale and follow me over there to have a look. I’ve also been showing behind the scenes and work in progress and adding them to collections so you can catch up on those little clips too if you like.

Lastly, a newsletter went out last night, so if you’ve signed up, please check your e-mail folders. 🙂

Helen x