Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Guest Post - Mr Banshee

Mr Banshee Shares His Thoughts…
The Sydney Stitches and Craft Show was an interesting few days, which has led to me writing my thoughts. It was the first time Kate had run a stall at a big show like this, so a bit of a learning experience for both of us. Lots of lovely people that we met, several of whom amazed, surprised and/or impressed me. The reason I’m writing this is that the Selvedge Sisters –Jodie and Annie (absolutely classic ladies) tag teamed and bullied me into agreeing to write a male perspective of the whole show. So let me start by unloading on them…
The one session that I attended intentionally and really enjoyed was Jodie’s Sunday session on blogging and how she started the blogging process. Some good laughs and she outlined her challenges, blog etiquette and a few cracker stories. Oh and she makes some pretty impressive stuff too – check out the selvedge umbrella, chair and a very funky dress. Throughout the session I think she had to contribute to the swear jar around $5 – one dollar for swearing and $4 for calling me craft-tarded. Later on we chatted while she was waiting for Annie (who was spending the national GDP of a small African country on various fabric). Like all hobbies and occupations there is a meta-language that exists in the craft world. I suggested to Jodie (and the rest of the craft blogging world) that maybe the other end of the continuum to craft-tarded should be craft-tastic.
I was lucky enough through my periods of Sluggo-sitting to chat to several stall holders – Louise + Cathy from Audrey and Maude, Belinda from Tutti Frutti, Fi from Dear Fii, Helen and Nic from The Stencil Gallery, Justine from Mixtape and Lisa from The Red Thread and many others. Everyone had amazing designs (even from an art and craft philistine like myself) and there were so many different yet quality products. Quite a few of the Incubatorettes were obviously multi-tasking champions (Sorry – I’m a bloke who still is amazed by this) who were either knitting, stitching, cutting, making, creating a little something whilst running the stall and chatting to either customers or neighbouring stall holders. I needed to have a Bex and good lie down just watching them operate. One of the above mentioned ladies (with 5 kids of her own) gets absolutely no gold stars for her suggestion, after seeing Sluggo, that Kate and I need to work on adding some more cute kids to our brood (and yes I’ll contribute to the swear jar!).
Good move having the kids Crayola section – a gold star from me to the organisers. However, they could have got 27 more stars by maybe considering a small bloke’s section – with some chairs & tables, sport tvs or radio, magazines, papers, bar facilities, all just slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the show. Remember that happy hubby = more chance of you staying at the show = spending lots in the Incubator section.
Ms Banshee obviously needed a break here and there so I took over running the stall while she ate, shopped and chatted to others. I’ve never worked in a retail job before so it was a little weird seeing people look at me funny as I stood in front of the quilts, toys, bags, patterns and yarn with a half completed sock knitted on the table. “Surely he couldn’t have made all that?” Correct. Still - Millions of gold stars to the lady who stood there and said to her partner “Wow – look at the great work this guy’s doing on that sock”. Made my day! It was actually quite cool being able to see the variety of people come through and chat, and even better when those who found out I knew little about the craft stuff still continued to chat and even more so those who actually bought something from me at the stall.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to say hi and maybe I’ll see you in Melbourne next year!

61 comments:

Annie said...

Well well well Mr Banshee, what a great read. Good to hear it from a male perspective, and um I think I could just be on a slight fabric diet for a while. Cheers

Anonymous said...

This cracks me up. I love hearing the man perspective. I love the bar facilities suggestion myself!

bec said...

Can Mr Banshee do another guest spot occasionally? What a crack up! A craft- tarded view of things. And I like bar facilites idea too, a lot of the Nanna's with blue rinses need it! Hope you guys are in melbourne next year, I'll babysit!

Bianca Jae Makes Stuff said...

Great work Mr Banshee! They totally need a blokes area! I too hope we see you and the lovely Mrs. Banshee at Melbourne, hopefully for hubby they will have that stand up and running xox

Lisa said...

Love hearing a man's view on the show, especially from a retailers view.. even if he is craft-tarded. I think he may have created a new word everyone might be using :-)

Allie said...

I must say I do love the "craft- tarded" view! Thanks for the post.

Tammy said...

Thanks for sharing your perspective Mr Banshee, a very witty one, I enjoyed the read. :)

Chookyblue...... said...

lol.........oh so nice to meet you Mr Banshee.........but really a blokes area.......I think you would have been far to busy chatting to all the ladies in the incubator to make it to the mens area.........good suggestion though......

Mon Alisa Design said...

Great post Mr Banshee! You also did a wonderful job at the show keeping Miss Muffet entertained. My dad would have appreciated a blokey area too! From Alisa (the one with the birdcage and lollies in her stall) x

Cathy said...

So lovely to hear from you again Mr Banshee (be it a 'craft-tarded view) - loved having you to chat with on your many circuits of the Incubator area with the wee Banshee jnr!! Have I mentioned to you previously that from behind you two look identical!
Really loved having you there and of course the lovely Kate - maybe if you have a blokes area we can incorporate a class or two so you can learn how to knit those socks!

Would love you to come to Melbourne too!
Cathy (Audrey & Maude)

fi said...

Dear Mr Craft~tastic, fantastic post and fantastic to meet you as well:) Thanks for your lovely words and please be aware that i am not finshed working on your wife with regard to breeding;)
love fi xo

Sue said...

Great post Mr. Banshee. I am sure a lot of people would love the bar section too, and yes we ladies could spend more time in the crafty section. I met Jodie last year at the Melbourne one and she is just absolutely wonderful. It would be nice if we could meet you both in person next year at Melbourne, and perhaps another post from Mr. Banshee. Now just one question Kate, did you edit the post, lol!

Thimbleanna said...

Fabulous post Mr. Banshee! I'm very happy to say I didn't have my mouth full of a drink when my eyes came upon "craft-tarded", as I burst out laughing. You're a VERY funny guy -- half knit sock and all. Hope to hear from you again soon. (And btw, extra brownie points if you rattled off that list of blogger stars without any help from Mrs. Banshee!)

Cass said...

fantastic post Mr Banshee. I love the idea of a men's area although use women might invade the bar area too

sewtakeahike said...

Wow Mr. Banshee, you used almost all your 1000 words for the day (I've heard it said women say 10,000 words/day and men 1000)! I loved reading your perspective on the experience!

Jodie said...

I was excited when this post showed up today but was a little surprised to see the big red screen of death when I tried to open it. Apparently Mr Banshee was a no-go at work.
Dear Mr Banshee I was excited beyond belief at the thought of meeting your wife at the show (You do realise she is a superstar don't you? ) but I was equally thrilled to meet you and sluggo as well.
You may not be craft-tastic just yet, but I think you are husband-tastic...and anyone who has the ability to laugh at themselves (and take a bit of stirring) is my kind of person.
Is it ok to just be a little bit in love with your whole family?
I cannot wait till the Banshees take over Melbourne next year.
Anything I can do to facilitate said attendance - just ask !

Shari said...

Jodie said to come and say so "Hi". Glad you enjoyed the craft show. We are a great group of people. And just so you know, there are a lot of guys who quilt and do other craft stuff. When you think about it, it would appeal to the male sense of achieving perfection - you know, measure twice and cut once, millimetre perfect etc.

Hope to hear from you again sometime!

Cheers - Shari

bubbachenille said...

Hey Mr Banshee, Jodie sent me over to read your post !! I enjoyed the read and your support of Mrs Banshee is a wonderful thing! Now I'm going to follow Mrs Banshee!

Shari said...

PS - I think bar facilities would be good for everyone!

Becky said...

Top idea on the area for husbands to sit and wait for their wives. My husband has said Spotlight should have something similar...

Cherry said...

Wow so glad to hear your review. My Dad actually came to the show with Mum and I (we travelled over from Adelaide) and he stayed from 10 til 4 - we gave him 10 gold craft stars for that effort too. Especially when he said he wanted to go back and learn more from the lady who was machine stitching paper - he was so impressed with her work.
Totally agree about a husband/blocks section!
Cherry

Michelle said...

Kate so glad you had Mr Banshee do a guest post...
Fantastic idea...
love to hear that he actually enjoyed himself at the show by the sound of it...
I am always amazed at these fabulous husbands that can mix with the "best of them"...I am lucky enough to have a dad like that who is such a good shopper and stall minder...But lucked out with my husband he is not a "happy" shopper...can't win them all...

One Flew Over said...

Mr Banshee...you may need to have a word to Mr One Flew Over who thinks I am utterly obsessed with sewing, fabric and the blog! Love your post.

Tanya said...

You're lovely Mr. Banshee

Locket Pocket said...

Jodie sent me over to say hi so "Hi" it is!

Great post Mr Banshee - I think craft show organisers should definitely take your suggestions to heart!

And I absolutely love the concept of "craft-tarded"! True brilliance!

Lucy

Carolyn said...

Love your work :D

Gay McDonell said...

Very interesting and good for you for doing your bit to help Mrs Banshee - Jodie sent me - see ya next year, and hopefully you'll have that sock finished!

Abby and Stephanie said...

What a dear man to attend the craft show with Mrs. Banshee! Very interesting hearing the Mr. side of the story. I'm sure just being supportive and being there meant the world to your fantastic crafting wife! Please guest blog again.

Unknown said...

Well, what can I say...what a fantastic read...and I agree with you on the bar facilities section although it could be dangerous!!! Fantastic reading Mr Banshee and hope to hear more from you in the future. JoJo

Unknown said...

The blokes section sounds like a great idea. What a good husband you are helping out.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Mr Banshee , great job . Hubby area is a gooood idea !

Corinnea said...

Mr Banshee, I have a very loving and supportive husband. I don't think he could have handled that. Kudos!
Heard about you on Jodies post!

Unknown said...

I must make a correction - the term "craft-tarded" is not mine but from the Selvedge sisters - Jodie and Annie. Would love to have taken the credit for this but must make the appropriate and correct acknowledgement. Cheers, Mr Banshee.

Anonymous said...

Hey you are not that craft-tarded if you know the difference between knitting, quilting, sewing etc...or if you are prepared to spend your days at a Craft Show! Way to go!!!

Anonymous said...

It's not only the guys who would enjoy a little bar section! :)

Jodie sent us over and you're a good sport to do a post! I enjoyed reading it. :)

Wendy said...

Wish I could have been there, especially to Jodi's seminar! Even with not being there its good to hear the guy's side, always trying to get my DH to understand, because trust me, he is waaay more craft tarded than you. I mean that in the nicest way. Of course.

Tara said...

Thanks for your perspective! Jodie was thrilled that you posted!

Katherine said...

Hi, Mr. Banshee! Enjoyed reading your post, got a chuckle from hearing your perspective... and the bit about Jodie razzing you. (I found my way here thanks to her...). Hats off for being such a supportive hubby!

Clair said...

Hey, Jodie sent me.

If you can't beat em, join em. Bet you are crafting and selling next year....

Katie said...

I will be cutting and pasting your admittance to the great multi taskers that we crafters are and putting it on the fridge! Great post. ps Jodie sent me

Sew Useful Designs said...

Hello Mr Banshee!

Jodie had a good old rave about you so I headed over to read your account of the show - and Jod was right - I'm not disappointed! :-)

Best regards!
Vikki
ps. how's that sock-knitting going?! he he he

RG said...

Such a great read!!
..and so neat to read 'the other side' ...lol
Can't wait to read next year's 'Mr Banshee'!!

Lynn said...

Jodie sent me. Your post made me laugh aloud at least 4 times. Will have to share it with the male members of my family who've been in a similar situation before.

Karen said...

Another sent by Jodie! I think the word 'craft-tarded' will become part of my regular vocabulary! Too funny.
It sounds like you might just have enjoyed yourself at the show Mr Banshee, look forward to the Melbourne visit next year.

Gluten Free Store Ltd www.glutenfreestore.co.nz said...

jodie said to drop by, and what an enjoyable read. Can't imagine what Mr Busy would write as a guest blogger. cant imagine him doing it to be honest. (He's an accountant!!)

rachelmp said...

Great post Mr Banshee. Jodie and Annie are my local girls so I know just what you mean :) It sounds like you managed a great persective of the whole blog/crafty scene. Maybe I'll meet you all in Melbourne next year.

Novi On The Go said...

I've enjoyed this post very much, cracked me up! I really needed it. Thank you. Lots of gold stars to Chris! Sounds like you had a good show Kate :)

Jan said...

Well done, Mr Banshee. Even if you can't knit socks, you are obviously an ideas man, witty, supportive and great company - with such multi-tasking skills you are now elected an honorary woman. Hope you have lots more fun at lots more shows!

Michelle said...

Your customer service was excellent - you managed to sell my cousin and I both bags. My husband whole heartedly agrees with your call for a hubby hangout.

Anonymous said...

this is brilliant Mr Banshee I really enjoyed reading your perspective on the Show, wish I could of been there

Sally said...

A great read Mr. Banshee :) Thanks for the laughs... perhaps we'll get to met you at the Junior Upmarket?

Anonymous said...

:D after lurking in this space for 2 years, it is lovely to hear your voice Mr Banshee. loved the wit and a man's perspective on craft shows.

Thea said...

Great post. I think the hubby area is a brilliant idea as mine "helped" me at the Brissie Stitches and Craft Show but had to leave the building several times to escape. He ended up drumming on his bongos out on the street which may or not have lead to driving more people to actually come into the building to see the show.

Anonymous said...

I think you had some great suggestions! great post.

Christie said...

Yes, come to melbourne!

Great post Mr Banshee! Don't think I could get my husband in the front door!

Christina Lowry said...

My goodness, can you do a post on how to get your husband to come to the stitches and craft show, regardless of whether his wife is exhibiting or not? Perhaps if there were a bar he would come....

:)

ladydi said...

Wow! And I thought I was married to the husband-of-the-year! Mr. Banshee, you get a whole craft basket full of gold stars for your enthusiastic participation. Ms. Ric-Rac sent me, and I'm glad she did. :>}

Louise said...

In the famous words of Ms Tutti Fruiti "Love ya work Mr Banshee"!

Sarah said...

Very funny, well done Mr. Banshee for surviving all that craftiness

Jenny said...

Baby Banshee is so cute I agree with dearfii....more need to be made.

HeavenLee Creations said...

Mr Banshee, nice to read your post! I'm sure you managed to bluff your way through some craft talk and i'm sure you know more about it than you think!! looking forward to catching up with you guys (maybe xmas?!?!). Eva, is a little mini-u! Love, your couz, Lee