What an absolute joy the long weekend at Carry on Crafting (CoC) was! The weather was nothing short of scorchio – hot, sunny and glorious – the kind that makes you forget what day it is and just melts you into pure holiday mode.
If you’ve not heard of Carry on Crafting before it’s a crafting festival that is held usually in July in the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex. I have been before (you can read about a previous visit here) and it’s a crafting event that I look forward to on my calendar.
This year was my first time glamping and I have to say, the bell tents were brilliant! Spacious, beautifully pitched with sparkly lights on that came on at night, and the beds were surprisingly comfy. With the sun blazing down, they did turn a bit hot during the day (but that’s the same with any tent), but that just meant more incentive to stay out enjoying the crafty fun!
I went as part of a group of about 27 “hookers” – most of us having met through attending The Crochet Sanctuary at different times, and it’s amazing how those weekends have turned into long-lasting friendships. CoC has become a perfect annual get-together where we crochet, craft, laugh, and soak up the atmosphere.
Crafting Highlights
I signed up for the bird bath mosaic workshop, which ran over two evenings – and I loved every minute of it. It was calming, creative, and so satisfying watching my little garden masterpiece come together piece by piece. It’s definitely something I’d like to do again!
I also popped into a drop-in macramé session and ended up totally hooked. There’s something so soothing about working with knots and cords, the teacher was really helpful and the atmosphere around the craft tents was so welcoming and relaxed, it was fun to chat to other session participants too.
Festival, Food & Fibre
The food from the vendors was top notch – everything I tried was delicious and perfect fuel for a busy crafting weekend. Whether it was a cheeky sweet treat from the crepe van or something savoury, like my burger spud, to keep us going, they had us sorted. There was also live music and sheep to see, an ariel display, movie night, bingo and just so much to see and do…
One of the best parts of CoC is always catching up with my fibre friends. It was great to see:
- the lovely Eleonora from Coastal Crochet, whose work always inspires.
- Kitey aka The Yarn Whisperer, always a delight to chat with of course,
- Bex from The Pigeons Nest, who was sharing a stand with Kitey (though didn’t get a photo – must do that next time),
- Justine from Little Box of Crochet, who also happens to be the mastermind organiser of CoC,
- Alice from The Burrow who definitely had one of the best show set ups for her stand.
The Annual CoC Project
For the past three years, myself, Amanda from Mrs G Makes, and Jess from Hook & Cwtch have created a special CoC project for our group to enjoy. You might remember:
- Festival Fade – the asymmetric shawl I designed for our first year,
- Festival Fusion Cowl – last year’s vibrant and textured make, and now…
- The Yarnival Bag – this year’s group project, which I’m excited to say will be released later this month! It’s full of colour, fun stitches and festival flair – can’t wait to share it with you all!
What I Bought…
There were over 100 vendors at CoC sharing their wares as well as many specialist artisans running crafty workshops. The majority of vendors took card or cash payments making it very easy for me to spend on some fabulous things! Here’s what I bought;
- The brand new Crochet Socks that Rock Book by the lovely Anna Nikipirowicz from publishers David & Charles. I was extremely excited about this book for two reasons, firstly as it’s a pre-release copy (it’s not officially available until September), and secondly because it has been on my crochet bucket list for ages to make some crochet socks this will be the impetus I need to get that ticked off.
- Then I bought some yarn from a stall, that I unfortunately didn’t keep the name of, I bought a Schoppel Zauberball a yarn which has been on my list to try for ages, and then some pink 100% Natural Dye Studio Dazzle Sock British Blue Faced Leicester yarn – both of which I’m planning to hopefully use on some socks from the Crochet Socks that Rock Book.
- Then anyone that knows me knows I love any kind of stationery so I couldn’t resist the cork notebook from Alice (aka The Burrow) it has a faux tarot card featuring ‘The Crocheter’ which I had to have!
- Then I bought a gorgeous handmade project basket bag from The Embroidered Fox which I love, love love!
- Then I bought a beautiful little handmade ceramic toadstool (whose stall I also unfortunately didn’t make a note of) but I love toadstools so I couldn’t resist it.
- Then I popped by to see Bex (aka The Pigeons Nest), I love her stickers and knew she’d got some new designs so wanted to get some of those, and I picked up some of her fun slogan pencils too, and I couldn’t resist her ‘Emotional Support Project’ pouch in black and neon orange, it had to come home with me!
- Then from Kitey (aka The Yarn Whisperer) I bought some bright neon yarn and some dark blue yarn, both DK, with the mind to re-imagine our latest collab, Sassy Sardines, in a different colourway and in a slightly different size – a project that I’m excited to get stuck into.
All in all, CoC was the perfect mix of creativity, community, and sunshine. I came back with a full heart and a camera roll of happy memories. If you’re a maker, a crafter, or just someone who loves to be surrounded by inspiration you need to add Carry On Crafting to your calendar.
Although I’m sadly not going to be able to make it next year, due to already having plans on that date, I’m already looking forward to 2027. If you’ve now read this post and it sounds like something you need to get in on there’s still some availability for 2026 show (11 – 12 July 2025) – find all the details on the Carry on Crafting website. 💛✨🧶
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
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