Sasha Festival 2012 - post 3

Momentary panic when I woke up this morning and realized the hotel forgot our wake-up call, but I was awake on my own early enough that it didn't matter. Breakfast was included with our room, so we had a Continental breakfast in the dining room - tea, toast, pastries, and fruit. Boo set up her Dress-A-Sasha entry, then I mingled, chatted, and started taking pictures of the entries. Our morning activity was listed as "workshops/demonstrations" on the schedule, which turned out to be two wonderful presentations. First up were Chris and Chris Meatyard, with a sideshow and explanation of their methods for Sasha restoration and a brief discussion on repainting.





This was followed by a short break for light refreshments and voting on the contest entries. The second presentation was about making shoes for Sasha and Gregor, led by Rosie Bloomfield and her sister (whose name escapes me now). We received templates and instructions for making two styles of shoes, one for girls and one for boys. Boo asked if we can try making a pair, so I guess I may be tackling this at some point in the future. I doubt mine will ever be as lovely as Rosie's - I own a pair and they are divine.





When the workshops ended, the Dress-A-Sasha contest award medals were placed by the entries, after which people started disassembling their displays (the space was needed to finish setting up the auction items). I took a few frantic final photos, and am hoping I didn't miss any. There were so many lovely entries, and trying to pick favorites wasn't easy. Not sure how the voting actually went, but all four of the youth entries received first place medals. Here's Boo and her "Little Miss Muffet" entry in the Fairy Tale category, with Calla proudly wearing the medal.



We had time for lunch on our own, so Boo and I walked to Marks & Spencer and picked up some sandwiches. Then we were off on a coach tour of the Cotswolds. Fortunately the rain held off until after we stopped to wander around Chipping and Campden, where there was a bit of doll photography by some creative folks.





Afterwards, we took some time to unwind in the room and dress ourselves and our dolls for dinner. The festival is full of long days for young girls (and not-so-young girls too). Boo sat at a special children's table at dinner, while I sat with several first-time festival goers from the UK. Good food and great company! We received the first part of out festival outfits, a paper shopping bag containing Union Jack sneakers and white socks.



After dinner, Ann Chandler spoke about the history of Sasha Festivals; she organized the first one 30 years ago (and several more in the years to follow). She also discussed the new Sasha pattern book that was just released, and showed us a copy. I can't wait to get my hands on one! Mine was already ordered, and should be waiting for me at home when we return.



There was more to the evening program, but by 10:00 Boo was tired enough to want to head to bed. She fell asleep watching a David Bowie special, and I retreated to the bathroom to shower and blog. So much fun packed into one day, and more fun to come tomorrow.

6/23 ETA: I learned that last night's program speakers included Anna Doggart (daughter of John and Sara Doggart, who ran the Sasha factory in Stockport). Sorry to have missed that, but I was able to chat with her today and am grateful for the nuggets of information she shared with me.