I've shown you before, pictures taken when I've been to the Talent for Textiles fairs here in the West Country. I've been to the one in Ilminster several times but a few weeks ago, it was being held in a different venue further over into Dorset. It seemed like a good excuse for a jolly.
We headed to Wimborne which we had heard was a pretty market town. Finding the venue, or rather the parking, proved to be interesting (there's a separate postcode for the car park, we later found out!) However, undeterred, we arrived at Dean's Court where things were in full swing.
Before entering the grounds proper, we discovered a delightful little shop and cafe, all part of the Dean's Court experience, known as The Squash Court. I fell head over heels swoony-in-love with the little potager-style garden. That beehive! Those foxgloves!
Inside, the shop did not disappoint either. You may recognise it, as it has been featured before in magazines such as Country Living.
On through the secret garden style entrance and Dean's Court stood before us. Pretty fine, too. It is still a private home, handed down through generations, and now operates as a wedding venue. The gardens are also open to the public.
For me though, the draw was the fair which was taking place over on the far lawn inside a marquee. The setting was pretty idyllic and tables and chairs had been set out along the riverside behind the marquee where one could sit and eat the yummy cakes also on offer.
Inside, there were lots of pretty displays to treat the eyes and tempt the purse. My experience of the Talent for Textiles fairs is that they are not large but they are generally very good quality. Unlike the fair in Ilminster, which is free to get in, entry to this one cost £5. Hmm.
I selected a few pretty goodies carefully, fabric being the main draw, of course, and also enjoyed catching up with many of the dealers who I would now class as friends.
Afterwards, we headed off to find Wimborne Antiques Centre which I previously had heard about. This also took some finding and I'm sorry to say was the worst antiques centre I've ever set foot in! It would have been a complete waste of time had I not spied a single lonely old chair, resplendent in original ointment pink chippy paint. Gasp. It had to come home. That was the best £7 I've spent in a long time! I couldn't help piling my newly-homed fabrics on the seat and admiring it at length!
Talking of all things pink and pretty, this little lot represents some of my spoils from the rather fabulous Vintage Bazaar jumble sale which was held in Frome recently. Well worth a visit if you can make the next one, there were some genuine bargains on offer. (A visit to The Washerwoman's blog will let you know when this takes place.)
My other favourite purchase in Wimborne at Dean's Court was this dear little embroidered pouch for holding embroidery silks. I have a weakness for old 1930s/'40s embroidery as you know and there is no better combination than flowers and lettering, I think. I have similar pouches for stockings, night gowns, gloves and knitting pins. I am going on an embroidery workshop in the Summer and I am looking forward to taking this beauty with me. I filled it with some interesting linen threads I also bought at the fair.
That's where I will love you and regrettably leave you today, readers. Until next time...
Xxx
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