The end is nigh!
Around the country my fellow Common Threadists have abandoned any hope of a Bank Holiday weekend as we work frantically to have everything ready for the final show. We head to Bradford for our final weekend together in just 5 days.
For those yet to tread this path, here are my top tips for getting ready for your final show.
1. You will never have enough time - the Law of Sod increases exponentially as the days pass. Double your time allowance on everything.
2. Give thanks for EBay - Velcro dots, self-adhesive numbers from Malta and 5m of grey canvas all delivered to the door within 48-hours of being ordered.
3. Be prepared to have more 'senior moments' than usual - my worst this week was spending an hour on my hands and knees with a head torch scrabbling about under the dining room table at 1 in the morning looking for a bobbin case that didn't exist.
4. Give thanks for Google - quick search for my sewing machine manual to discover that this model has a built-in bobbin case. The effect of sleep deprivation manifest!
5. Grab all the help you can - people taking on the domestic stuff while you get on with 'making' are wingless angels.
6. Mock up your display - it may not end up exactly the same on the day in its final place but at least you will have some idea, and checked that you have everything you need.
7. Give thanks for IKEA and hoarding - you will need both at some point.
8. Be kind to yourself - there are times when perfection isn't worth it; and 'good-enough' is good enough. The brutal reality is that a beautifully made cushion cover never changed the course of history (despite what Monty Python had to say on the matter). Remember why you joined up in the first place - no doubt to learn, have fun and gain a sense of achievement were on the list. Remember to enjoy it!
Look out for photos of our stunning displays; posted as soon as I'm back from Bradford.
Right now, it's back to the final 'to do' list.
