1940s An Experience

So here I am at my first 1940s Experience at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, at Havenstreet. Unusually for me I am dressed in the 1940s dress I picked up at Dores Hill Farm Emporium for half price in January, and I have my hair in an authentic 1940s crochet net (also picked up from Dores Hill Farm). I am feeling good, this is the test event for launching SJB Vintage Knits as a real life retro style knitting business, and what do I spy next to my stall? Only another custom made clothing stall holder, who also does hand made retro knits. And she looks far more professional than me. She even has clothes rails, hell she even has clothes on them! I take myself into the back of my gazebo and give myself a talking to: You look good girl in your 40s garb, you have some lovely stuff and this is YOUR TERRITORY! I start hanging up my retro knits with pride.

And then, something happens that makes me feel great - one of the local re-enactors comes over and gives me a big hug and kiss in front of everyone, and says in a very loud voice, clearly ensuring that certain people in the next gazebo can hear me, "I LOVE my new 40's tank top you knitted me. It's brilliant, and I have had loads of lovely comments on it. I have given everyone your card. Thank you so much". It is hard to wipe the smile from my face. This event is going to be brilliant!

And it was a really lovely weekend. I had loads of positive feedback on my knits, and even picked up 4 orders for retro jumpers, forces slipovers and a snazzy waistcoat in Fair Isle. The people were lovely, and my only down side was I never got the time to take a photo of a train steaming out of the station!

Clearly the weekend was too much for one person!