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I have been selling my Sweet Mary lavender hearts through some New Zealand shops ( see left) for a year now and with a little encouragement thought it was high time I faced my public! So I expanded my range and set up, ready for business on the first day of the three day
Holly Trail in Havelock North and what fun I had. Can't wait to do it again.
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The cushions I made out of antique linen and faded paisley fabric were snapped up and though I was happy that happened I would have also have been very pleased to have taken them home again as they looked rather nice in my bedroom.
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Last minute, as you do, I made what are called my "Sleep Hearts" which turned out to be big sellers, in fact I had sold out of them by the second day. They are larger but flatter than the other hearts and tuck nicely betwwen pillow and pillowslip to help you sleep.
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I also thought it would be good to make something for the men so I made my "Men Only" sachets filled with lavender, rosemary and cloves. They also sold well and one lady bought two to put in each of her husbands gumboots!
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The beautiful Te Mata House was the venue for the fete and lunches - this is early morning of the third day with the stall holders setting up. A blue sky, spring day in the Hawkes Bay.
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The view out from the house over vineyards and the empty paddock waiting for cars and people.
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Last day, set up (with a few gaps) and surrounded by Sweet Mary treasures. Hanging on the display tree are "Merry Christmas" lavender hearts made with a red/blue stripe back and a hand printed red and white starburst pattern on the front. Unfortunately I could only get a small amount of this fabric so just have twelve hearts left. My notice boards were also good sellers and after good customer feedback, I plan to introduce a children's range soon.
Special thanks to all friends and family who have encouraged me in my Sweet Mary adventure especially my wonderful husband, my mum and my sister-in-law Sharyn. I was lucky to have Nic of
Nicolas Daisies helping me on the stall and she has even been inspired to set up her own little business.