The International Permaculture Convergence provided me with the opportunity to have my first ‘real’ stall selling my knitting and crochet. Importantly, I felt that this was likely to be a receptive audience and, indeed, it provided an opportunity to chat to a regular stream of folks interested in my goods as well as the ethics of yarn, plus making some sales meant that I partially funded my attendance at the event.

Because we were under gazebos/tents and the weather wasn’t always kind, the stall had to be set up and taken down each day and ended up being in several different locations over the event and, indeed, not being set up at all on one day. I had most fun on the days I was next to my friend Matt*, who makes amazing things from junk: wood-splitting devices, rocket stoves, revolving fire pits. Here we are doing our stuff: me crocheting and chatting and him surrounded by his usual crowd:

Our corner of the market place (photo: James Taylor)

It was the stall itself that attracted people, it was certainly the most brightly-coloured in the market place:

Day 1

The stall looked full

Joined by Hannah’s wool stall

With the masterpiece as a backdrop

Even Mr Snail’s book made an appearance

Lots to see

Moved inside – it was rather dark

I sold lots of hats and fingerless mittens, plus almost all of my bird roosting pouches, but not a single bath puff, despite many discussions about them. The 1940s style turban hats all sold as did both the beanies made of recycled sari silk, so I really need to make some more of those. My old mirror was very popular and it was the only one around, so there was some traffic between my stall and another selling clothing. It was such a sociable thing to do that I spent much more time than I had anticipated on the stall and I had great fun. Plus, I was able to play ‘spot my hats’ throughout the event, as I looked out for people wearing them:

That’s one of my hats right there talking to Matt!

And since I got home I’ve already had someone ask to buy an item they saw on the stall but didn’t purchase at the time, plus they’ve ordered four more roosting pouches. So, I’d better get my hook out again… What a success!

-oOo-

*He should have a web site soon