Get thee to Macclesfield!

As the months roll by we welcome July

Snow White lithograph by Wanda Zeigner - Ebel

For as long as I can remember Little Sis has had a bit of a 'thing' about Macclesfield. Nobody knows where it came from, it's not somewhere we had ever been to or talked about but she thought it sounded like a nice place and wanted to go. Then a short while ago I read a post at Cosmos and Cotton about her local market. She talked about the wonderful atmosphere and had pictures of stalls filled with all kinds of goodies. It was the sort of place I wanted to visit so when I found out where it was the die was cast. Last Sunday Little Sis and I took a trip to the long awaited for Macclesfield and it's accompanying Treacle Market. We could have taken the train but decided instead on a wonderful road trip through the lanes and villages of Staffordshire and Cheshire. Once parked we knew which direction to head as the sound of drums called us ever nearer (more on that in a bit!)

Before we even reached the market I was taken with this shop front

It reminded me of a household version of the bucket and spade shops that line our seaside resorts

Then we came to this and the scene was set for the most wondeful array of stalls, characters and treats that I have come across for some time

We followed the drumming along the banner lined street

Passing all kinds of goodies

Little Sis had to drag me away from more than one stall

Crates anyone?

And here's one for the pyrex fans

There were curiosities

And hand made talent

In the centre of the square we found the drums

Looking back at this picture I can't believe there were so few drummers - the rhythm was compelling and the atmosphere electric! If I'd had a drum I'd have joined in (fortunately for Little Sis  it was not something I had about my person)

We sneaked a peek at the church where they were selling refreshments inside

and playing with ukeleles and hoola hoops outside (okay we'd missed the  main event but you get the picture)

Look at this plant stall

Who could resist these little beauties?

The pleasure continued

And then we reached the food section!

Hand made chocolates

The most delicious potted shrimp

International cuisine

But these had to come home with us

So Jane - enough of the pictures already. What did you actually buy?

Well in a little basket under a stall I found these

But what is it they are sitting on - a sheet perhaps?

Why yes oh observant one it is indeed some sheeting - perhaps I can make it into a dress.

Hold the phone - somebody already has!

A little modification around the neckline and sleeves and I'm set to go!

Little Sis bought the most beautiful belt clasp

Now we just need to make some belts to go with it.

Macclesfield - you did us proud. You were welcoming, friendly and fun. Would I come again - certainly (and I might even bring a little drum!)

Hope you are all having a good week.

Jane 

x

P.S. Oooh Betty has also written a post about the market - hers is far more eloquent than mine so pop over and take a peek ( I wasn't going to tell you that at the beginning now was I?!)