…visitor turnout at Stockholm’s International Fair was better than expected and the two fairs today, the Antiques Fair and the Sewing Festival, attracted plenty of attention from those brave enough to have championed the blistery cold and snowy conditions that occurred in the Stockholm area.

After having toured the booths of antiquities, I decided there was only one message that fastened in my head…Don’t throw anything away! From elaborate furniture made hundreds of years ago or exquisite Chinese statues and porcelains to the simplest collections of electrical switches, woven rag rugs or almost plain junk the exhibitors did a grand job in displaying things that were worth more than what grandma or grandpa would have imagined. Too, it was fascinating to see items from the fifties and sixties fetching interest from both the curious and the investors.

Perhaps in honor to my mother, I was one of very few men taking on the array of colors presented in an attractive Sewing Festival. She could’ve stayed the whole day trying out the new computerized sewing machines on display or sitting at one of many workshop tables discovering a new part of her lifelong interest in sewing. Having taught me how to sew, I just enjoyed the cloth and fabrics. I was also looking for booths that connected with knitting and wool with thoughts of my wife. I wished that both of them could have been there today.

And, for a bit of Shetland, I found Yorkshire native Renee Darely spinning on a Shetland spinning wheel! But, where are all the Shetlanders and their lace work? Where are the Shetland knitting belts? Where is Shetland in this festival? (Note: My wife is an exceptionally good spinner and has a Shetland spinning wheel)

As spring comes nearer, plans to visit the Wilderness Fair, International Boat Show and The Nordic Garden Show are on the agenda for me. Most assuredly the weather will then be much better than today. Aren’t fairs, shows and festivals fun?