First Autumn in the shop

This is my first Autumn in the shop. Today is a Saturday morning and although you can feel the change in the seasons, it's a bright sunny morning and, if I’m honest, I'm a little envious of people who are going into the Thirsty Farmer Pub here in Whimple for their breakfast. It smells delicious.

Looking out of my shop window, I can see the vibrant greens of summer fading to the golden browns and reds of the Autumn and with the colder mornings and shorter days, many of my customers are getting ready to start new textile projects.

I'm also half way through most of the Autumn workshops and I have met many wonderful individuals who seem to hear about me through friends and family. Although I 'Facebook' and 'Instagram' most days, word of mouth seems to be how people find me. I am still humbled by the support I get from all my customers and it's always good to hear about their week and I look forward to seeing them when they pop into the shop. I guess, like many of you, I am starting to think about Christmas and I am looking forward to decorating the shop and making new products for gifts.

My two youngest customers are Gabriella and Matilda who pop in with Jake, a dolly they both share!!  Their smiles bring joy to my heart.

Like many of my customers, I am looking forward to spending time with my family this Christmas, and this month in the shop, I am welcoming Leanne Callon, who is an incredible fashion and textile designer, who is running 'Learn to Crochet' workshops for beginners to make Christmas baubles, or for the more advanced crocheters (is that a word???) she is teaching how to make a beautiful hat to keep for themselves or give as a Christmas present to a loved one.

Just starting to arrive in the shop (and soon to be on the website) are beautiful hand-made felt animals and Christmas decorations made by designer/maker Tracey Burnell, her felt creations have been really popular and many of my customers are starting to collect these wonderful little creatures. She is making more as I write this so keep an eye out for new creations – the detail on them is remarkable.