Grungy Kitten and other delights from the Workshop Sales

Here he is - Grungy Kitten.

He did have some grungy mates but they were rehomed. 

In fact Grungy Kitten was rehomed too.  Liberated from doll maker Tracy Hodder who was at the Portsmouth Sale 

He was on one of the stalls at The Workshop Sale in Portsmouth.  

This blog is a round up of all the delights from the two Workshops Sales this year. 

On an animal theme we had dogs at the London Sale. 

As in 'Knit your own kennel'. I was very taken with this Wire haired Dachs. We had one when I was growing up.

This chap is by Muir and Osbourne. I did not even get a look at their clothing. I was too absorbed with all their animals.  Honestly, if you know someone who knits and I cannot think of anything quirkier. 

I don't really know Muir and Osbourne, but their company history is well worth a browse. It's been a rollercoaster ride for them without a doubt!

Next up it has to be the lovely other textile art people there this year. 

Of course there is always the ever delightful and always smiling Linda Miller - one of the cheeriest stitchers I know. 

Angels for the top of the tree and of course her signature pictures. 

Knitted meringues (calorie free what's not to love!)

By the time I got to her her other knitted foods had been bought! 

And possibly the most glorious selection of tea cosies on the planet! 

Then we had a newcomer to the Workshop Sale - Anita Bell.  Anita is a lady after my own heart! She stitches on paper! 

 I have to confess that Anita was new to me. I have not come across her or her work before.

I loved it.

Different colour palettes, so something for everyone.

 If, dear reader, like me it is a bit of machine embroidery that floats your boat, then pop over to her website to peruse (she does talks and workshops too, in case you are looking for 2016 speakers at your local guild or group)

Next up, and again new to the show though well known in the craft and design world, is Sarah Hamilton. 

To me, her graphic work perfectly captures that mid century feel. Yet somehow brings it all bang up to date.

 Sarah is also the driving force behind "Just a Card" .

The JUST A CARD campaign aims to encourage people to buy from Designer/Makers and Independent Galleries and Shops by reinforcing the message that all purchases, however small, even 'just a card' are so vital to the prosperity and survival of small businesses. 

You can read more about this wonderful initiative on their website. Have a look and then, can I urge you dear Reader, to follow the principle and encourage others to as well. 

Next up, Gabriela Szulman.

I just love her quirky decoupage and incredible 'Art Dolls', but she does prints and all sorts of other things beside. 

It is down to Gabriela's encouragement and good advice that we did the Open Studio this year. 

Ok - that's your lot for now! I am going to split this post into two parts so as not to overwhelm you with goodies.  If you have got this far, well done, take a breath and come back for Part 2 to follow shortly. 

Oh, and do pop over to the websites of the people here.