It will be 10 years in September since I ventured into the vintage business. Having been a regular shopper at local vintage fairs like North London Vintage (Gill Bull, I still have the crochet blanket I bought from you at NLV over a decade ago!) I thought, I’d have a go myself.
After much planning and lots of buying trips, I found myself one warm September morning in Broomfield Park for the Palmers Green Festival and my first time trading as Tatty Bits. I laid out my wares with some trepidation as I launched my vintage treasures on the unsuspecting residents of Palmers Green. Despite my nervousness and inability to give people the right change, I had the best day. I remember my favourite sale, a vintage child’s chair I had restored and re-covered in lovely vintage fabric. The purchaser was a soon to be grandmother, who thought it would work perfectly in the nursery. From that moment I was sold on being a vintage trader.
First ever Tatty Bits stall at the Palmers Green Festival September 2023
It's been quite a rollercoaster over the years and not easy juggling Tatty Bits with a full-time job. I quickly realised I wasn’t’ going to be able to sustain my lavish lifestyle/feed the cat from selling mid-century homeware and books. I’ve had some fantastic trading days and some shockers where I have bought more from other traders than I’ve sold but it’s always been a buzz.
The industry has changed a lot over the years, fairs and markets have come and gone and trends have changed too. During the pandemic when I was so busy with work and then the local post office closed, I was forced to shut my Etsy shop. A friend said to me “It doesn’t matter, its all old stuff, it’s not going to go out of fashion” but it does! When I first started, chintzy tea cups and cottageware was all the rage and the students who came to shop at Bruce Castle vintage fair couldn’t get enough of it. These days, the students have gone and that style of homeware is very hard to sell. You have to keep on your toes and spot the new trends but that is also part of the fun.
My philosophy has always been to buy what I like. I know some traders do brilliantly focusing on one style or era, but I have always sold an eclectic mix of items which I guess suits a business called Tatty Bits. I really enjoy the conversations sparked by the items I find and the joy they bring.
Me at the Palmers Green Festival a few years later. I’d got a little bit better at styling the stall!
To mark a decade in the business, I am so pleased to be celebrating back at the spot where it all began - The Palmers Green Festival, taking place on Sunday 3 September. I will be hosting the vintage village, joined by many of the traders I have become firm friends with over the years.
The Festival is free to enter and will be open from 12pm-5pm. As well as the vintage village, there is a funfair, live music, food festival and family zone. It’s shaping up to be a great day and I hope to see many of you there to raise a Hornsea vintage mug to 10 years of Tatty Bits.