After the Sale

the set up crew

We've survived yet another version of Elegant Threads, our annual show and sale.  This event is our biggest production of the year.  Pictured to the left is the set up crew but they are only a handful of the people involved in Elegant Threads.  The entire guild is involved in some role, whether it is promotion, working the cash desk, dealing with money matters or transporting props.  And that doesn't even count all the guild members who have been busy, spinning, knitting, felting and weaving so that we have something to sell.

scarves

This year we moved into the modern world and set up a credit card reader.  After a minor panic with the first sale we conquered the technology and it was a smooth operation.  The initial line up was both frightening (pressure to get the reader working) and a delight (so many buyers).

happy shopper

Every artisan loves it when someone acknowledges their work with a sale.  Your friends may rave over your work but it is the stranger who is willing to part with cash to own your work that encourages you the most.

tea towels

Our members were very busy this year and as a result we had twice the stock of previous sales so the set up crew had to rethink the display.  New members added a different variety of items and styles.  Even regular shoppers had something new to see.

felted baby booties

shawls on spiral rack

There was a good mix of knitted, felted and woven items.  The knitted items include at least 50% hand spun yarn which is also often hand dyed.  This makes the knitted items unique and hand crafted in more ways than one.
                       

wet felted container

                   

3 in 1 scarf

Some of the more unusual items included this wet felted container made from hand dyed fleece.  The knitter of the 3 in one scarf shared the same colour pattern with the felter.  Maybe they had the same inspirational source.

hand spun yarn

Hand spun yarn has become very popular and our sales are the place to find a good selection.   

rep weave mats

sweater of hand spun yarn

In addition to the items for sale we had a silent auction table for those who like a bit of competition and love a bargain.  The proceeds from the silent auction went to the guild and will help cover our operating costs.  With the move to our new location we will be facing a significant rent expense.  The auction table was very popular.  In the last hour of the sale people began circling the area to check on the status of their bid.  Some came away happy and so did the guild treasurer.  Thanks to everyone who donated items to the auction.
 

silent auction Santa

               

   














We are home resting now.  A pot luck lunch will be held in December instead of a meeting.  General meetings will resume the fourth Monday in January (the 22nd).  General meetings are held at Qualicum Commons in the town of Qualicum Beach.  Guests are always welcome to attend.