Not a distress signal, but September Open Studios.
Perthshire Open Studios took place between 4th and 12th of September with artists and craftspeople in 143 venues across Perth and Kinross and I opened the studio to visitors over the 9 days. The last time Open Studios took place was in 2019 so it was great to welcome the public back to the studio. I had more than 30 visitors and was satisfied with the number of customers and sales over the period. One of the things that I was most pleased about was that some were returning customers, so it gave me a happy glow knowing that they like what I am making. 😁
Interestingly, for me at least, was the make up of my customers, 30% of the total were new customers because of Open Studios, 40% were returning customers and the other 30% were either passing by and saw the signs or had searched online for local wool shops while in the area on holiday (This is certainly something we check out when we are visiting somewhere new!). I think a major factor in the low numbers of Open Studios visitors this year was the decision not to produce a printed brochure, this was mentioned by several of my visitors. What do you think?
One customer kindly sent a picture of a shawl they had knitted out of my DK in the ‘Forever Autumn’ colourway. She has kindly allowed me to show you the finished shawl. The pattern is called “Skoosh” by Amanda Clark (shutter monkey) and used a couple of techniques new to the knitter, namely garter tab cast on and Russian bind off. Thank you Jill Brown for letting me use your photograph.
Overall I think Open Studios is a useful event but I reckon I have done just as well this year by opening the studio 4 days a week during the summer months. Although, now that we are into October and the temperatures are dropping, I will be reducing my opening hours to Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of October. Feel free to drop in if you are in the area. (Open between 11:00 and 15:00)
In other news I will be at the Aberfeldy Christmas Market in the Locus Centre beside Aberfeldy Square where the Farmer’s Market will also be taking place on Sunday December 5th between 10 and 2. So if you need any last minute inspiration for Christmas come along and see what other crafts are for sale beside my wool.
What else have I been up to? Well, I have started taking part in Parkrun, a 5km social run, jog and walk in Faskally Forest just north of Pitlochry. It’s good exercise for all abilities. I’ve run 5 events so far and have been getting better week on week. There is a good way of judging performance using age grading which allows comparisons with other runners of the same gender and age group. I am in veteran male 60-64 and based on my times, compared with the fastest in the same age group my personal best time is currently 46.31%, (the fastest person in all Parkruns is on 100%), and would like to get above 50%.
At the end of September we had a few days away in Glasgow, @knittingmayhem had a birthday. We stayed near the SSE Hydro and had a lovely meal in a small bistro called Fanny Trollopes (YES REALLY!!) and I have to say the food was delicious the atmosphere was relaxed. We also spent a couple of hours in the Glasgow Science Museum which was very interesting until it got very loud, and difficult to get near the hands-on exhibits, as it filled up with little people. Don’t get me wrong, it was good to see how much the children (and their parents!) were enjoying it. I would certainly recommend this if you have kids, or even grandkids, who need entertained
I think I have rambled on for long enough now so, until next time, happy knitting, crochetin, felting or what ever craft you are doing, enjoy!
Cheers,
David