Friday, July 11, 2025

Athenree Homestead Christmas Market

Athenree Homestead was built by Irish settler/pioneers Hugh and Adela Stewart in 1879 and was a working farmhouse for 30 years up to their departure in 1906.  The Homestead is now run by volunteers.
 
Each year in mid November they hold a fund raising Christmas market and in 2024 I bravely took a stall space.  I borrowed a pergola from a friend and her fabulous young son came and helped me put it up and again, at the end of the day, to take it down. 

This is one corner of my display.  The prize of the day went to the lady who stretched right over the circular scarf display to get the poncho on a coat hanger down - there were at least three right there on the table.  I said you're welcome to try it on, I have a mirror.  Oh no, she said, I just want to see how you made it.  Can I have the pattern?  No!  Oh, I like the one you're wearing.  This is far too complicated to explain how I made it.
 
It was a fabulous day, the sun shone bright and we had a constant stream of market goers.  I'd love a stand again this year but have very little stock on hand.