I spent Friday evening watching BBC Children in Need and icing biscuits for my local church's Christmas Bazaar. I've never been entirely convinced by the combination of churches and bazaars but I feel obliged to do my bit.I popped in to the church on my way home from the shops, bought a few cakes and biscuits (mainly my own!) and had a cup of tea and a hot dog. There wasn't anything else on offer to tempt me.
If we are going to continue to hold these sales, the challenge is (and I include myself in this) to provide goods and services that are consistent with what we believe in. It's not good enough to be just another retail outlet no matter how charitable.
Do I sound like a grumpy old woman? Should churches hold bazaars? If so what should they be like?
There is a proposal that we meet once a month to make things to sell at the next bazaar. I think this is an excellent idea. It will bring people together, which is exactly what church should be about. Now we just have to decide what to make. Any ideas?
Hi Gai - I'm all for getting back to the old values and church bazaars and the like are one way forward. Also good idea to have the monthly meetings to make things. It gives you the opportunity of passing ideas around as well.
ReplyDeleteOne thing you could make are ladies cravat style scarves. They do not take long to make and I have found that I can get 2 out of 3 balls of yarn. If you need a pattern I could let you know the reference number of the one I use.
A x
I'm all for bazaars but the stuff on sale must be good quality and ideally homemade. So often it's cheap and shoddy. With the increase in the number of craft fairs churches have to raise their game.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of your scarves and would be grateful for the pattern reference.
Me again Gai - the pattern I was referring to is Patons ref: PBN0000-02956 Code N.
ReplyDeleteIt is in a booklet but any wool shop may have a single pattern for something similar. If you have a problem let me know.
A x
The trouble is that it takes an awfully long time to make a home-made craft item which might sell for a couple of quid. Many busy people might prefer just to donate the money. Women are expected to volunteer their time in this way but I don't suppose many men will be coming along to the crafting groups? As you say, the quality of home-made items isn't always very good. Professionals will always be selling something more appealing in the shops for not much more.
ReplyDeleteHi there anonymous - I entirely agree that homemade crafts involve a good deal of time and effort. We shouldn't, therefore, be afraid of charging a price which reflects this. I'd rather spend £5 on a good quality item than £1 each on 5 poor quality ones. And of course there has to be a mixture of expensive and inexpensive goods, to cater for all comers. But they should all be worth it.
ReplyDeleteYou're right too about men not generally being involved, although I do know quite a few men who bake an excellent cake.
I've often thought it might be easier to get everyone in the congregation to pay a tenner and have done with the bazaar. But this would mean losing out on the whole community experience it engenders.
I'm talking myself round to bazaars again, aren't I?
It's that woman again - forgot to say first time around that your biscuits look lovely.
ReplyDeleteA x
Thank you Strawberry Jam Anne. They're a very simple butter biscuit by Nigela Lawson from How to be a Domestic Goddess. I make them every Christmas, traditionally for our Christmas Eve party, where they provide an alternative for those who do not like mince pies
ReplyDeleteMorsbags!
ReplyDeleteHi, btw, wandered over from the Zerowaste Greens blog...
Sarah