Lucy the Tudor

What do you do in the last days before Tewkesbury? ( one of our biggest and best shows of the year) Well, this year, just for fun, about six weeks ago, our electrics started to play games.
Upstairs we have lights, but no sockets working, downstairs we have sockets in the kitchen, but no lights anywhere. Tim got an electrician to have a look, the next day, and the poor fellow saw our house on the day after we got back from a show, plus all the usual mess, plus the storage of all my fibres, specialist bits and bobs, woodchips and sawdust everywhere.
We have recently had to clear out my parent's home, Dad still has a lot more in the nursing home, but a lot of their stuff is still needing somewhere to be.
The poor electrician chap couldn't find the issue immediately, he was "very busy" when contacted again, to see when he would be "coming back with his friend to lift floorboards etc". I don't think he could face it.
The house was rewired only seven years ago, so hopefully it won't be anything major, but we need to pretend to be only slightly odd, in order to get trades to deal with our homestead. I do understand.
In the last six weeks we have been ruthless with books, random stuff, clothing, pictures, a ton of things. Many trips have been taken to the tip, the charity shops, and I have found lots of things I didn't remember I owned.
Tim has arranged for another electrician to come tomorrow morning.
But
Blimey
There is a lot.
Reenactors always have a lot of stuff, but this is ridiculous, our enormous green shed of wonder is nearly full, but is going to have to take a lot more, at least temporarily. More to be hidden in stray bits of the workshop.

But to all friends, family, and kind people, please never give us anything else at all, ever, that can't be eaten, or consumed in some other way... there is enough stuff here to last us several lifetimes- apart from raw materials for the business of course.
And it is really true, more storage is not the answer, we have a LOT of storage space, just a lot more stuff.
Please send thoughts and prayers.

I was fortunate to be visited by Queen Elizabeth the first of that name, at Prescot Elizabethan fair, yesterday. When I got over my shock and fear, I showed her majesty my best candles, which she graciously examined. I expect the call to London at any minute, of course, but meanwhile, having accidentally brushed the Royal hand with mine own, I am now surely cured of any ills, and will live healthy and happy all my days.

Buying tools because you are overexcited when buying materials, on one of your favourite websites, and you are too brain fizzed by last week's show, looking forward to next week's show, that's still work isn't it? Asking for a friend. ( they are a brand of tool I use a lot, and will help me do certain things more easily/better, so it's essential really... )

Well now Wonderwool Wales, that was flipping lovely, and exhausting! My head is swollen with all the fascinating ideas and conversations, my heart is full from all the kind compliments about my work, and my bank account says THANK YOU too. The organisation was so smooth, the customers enthusiastic and happy, the wonderful ladies of the Braid Society gave me comfort breaks, as did Alison and Hugh, my trader friends from my other world. It has taken me all yesterday to get my head back together. Cracking show, everyone, see you next year.

Trying out my new (to me) phone camera. Three of these have just set off for the Mary Rose shop, the fellow at the front is staying here to hopefully find a new home at a show this season, with someone who likes to make lots of noise and smoke.

Cracking TORM, I had worked so hard to get lots of stock on the table, but the packing to return was again really easy, as all but the odds were sold, everything left, apart from candles, fitted into a small sandwich box. Thank you all you lovely people, for such a brilliant weekend. Staff as always, efficient and friendly, customers and fellow traders make this business a happy and exciting way of life. THANK YOU everyone. See you all in a field soon. x

TORM, Tomorrow... and all weekend. I am in the main hall, but further in this time, so please come and find us, for points, pins, pine boxes, tables, all kinds of loveliness. I will, as usual be an over excited, and tired old Tudor, because... TORM!!!! Looking forward to seeing everyone. x

Making some simple post looms to bring to York, they will be around £25 each in hardwood, depending on their size( this one is oak) and I may get chance to do some pine ones too.

Really looking forward to seeing all the Viking family, at the first trading outing of the year. The bone needles are nearly ready, and one or two new things to bring this time...

Now anyone sensible would be having a rest, all week, but we have been offered another chance to have historical fun- and those of you who have always found the Coca Cola Santa a little... modern, might like to see how my beloved's twin brother, the "real" Santa dresses. Come and Join us at England's Medieval Christmas Fayre at Michelham Priory, East Sussex on 25 & 26 November 2023' https://englandsmedievalchristmasfayre.com/ ) I will be making candles, so if you fancy a great start to the festive season, with things to do, stuff to buy, in a beautiful place, and you are anywhere near East Sussex, come and see us.

England’s Medieval Christmas Fayre A magical medieval festive family Christmas fayre and market at Michelham Priory, Hailsham, East Sussex. Santa storytelling, music, crafts, activities, and food

That was a fantastic TORM you lovely lot, thank you. x It just beat our previous best ever take, by about £150, so I am very pleased with that. So many kind compliments about our stuff, and good friends to see and hug. I am a very grateful Tudor. If a very tired one. Thank you.