A Summer of Markets, Making & Looking Ahead
A Summer of Markets, Making & Looking Ahead
It's hard to believe that another busy summer market season is coming to an end.
Over the past few months, we've packed up the stall, loaded the car more times than I can count, and travelled across Scotland to meet so many wonderful customers. From familiar faces who return year after year to new visitors discovering Blue Tag Creations for the very first time, every market has been filled with lovely conversations, smiles, and support that means more than you know.
One of my favourite regular events has been attending the wonderful Wishing Tree by the Sea monthly market in Dunbar. Set against the beautiful East Lothian coastline, it's always such a welcoming market with a fantastic community atmosphere. I love catching up with returning customers, meeting fellow local makers, and seeing so many new faces discovering my handmade creations.
Another highlight of the summer was attending the Border Union Show. It's always such a fantastic event, and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying my handmade crochet plushies, cosy knitted accessories, and unique gifts.
This summer was a little different for me, though. I also took some time away from markets to recover from surgery. While recovery meant slowing down physically, it gave me something precious that makers rarely have – uninterrupted time to create. I spent many happy hours with a crochet hook in hand, filling baskets with new plushies ready for the Border Union Show. Watching the collection grow during those quieter weeks reminded me why I love what I do.
Now that the busiest part of the market season is beginning to slow down, I'm finally finding time to pause, take stock, and reflect on everything this summer has brought. Running a small handmade business is often a whirlwind of creating, preparing for events, meeting customers, and then starting all over again. These quieter moments are just as important.
Of course, if you know me, you'll know I never stay still for long!
My mind is already full of ideas for the next season. Sketchbooks are filling with new characters, yarn colours are being chosen, and I'm experimenting with fresh designs that I can't wait to share. Autumn always brings a cosy feeling that inspires chunky knits, woodland creatures, pumpkins, and warm textures, before thoughts naturally turn to Christmas.
Over the coming weeks I'll be working behind the scenes creating new crochet plushies, stocking up on favourites, and designing seasonal pieces for upcoming markets and my online shop. There are plenty of exciting ideas in the works, and I can't wait to reveal them.
If you've visited me at a market this summer, whether at the Wishing Tree by the Sea market, the Border Union Show, or any of the other wonderful events I've attended, thank you. Whether you stopped for a chat, adopted a plushie, bought a handmade gift, or simply supported my small business by following along online, you've helped make this season incredibly special.
As one season winds down, another creative one is just beginning, and I'm so excited to bring you along for the journey.
Thank you, as always, for supporting Blue Tag Creations.
Nicola 💙