They say time passes swiftly when one is having fun, although I’m never quite sure who ‘they’ are. I will agree though that time passes all too swiftly these days. I have only just realised that DragonLadySaga Chapter 7 was written but never uploaded so needs to be put right now.

We are now well into our craft fair season with the big weekend spring fair at Kirkwall Grammar School last weekend and a one-day fair due this coming weekend. DragonLady wasn’t booked for either of these as stock renewal has been the priority. Somehow the winter off-season months have flown past with nowhere near as much achieved as hoped.

One of the major issues over this winter has been toy safety and the UKCA marking. It is now required for all toys being sold whether these are at craft fairs and shops or through charity shops or events. DragonLady toys: Vikings, Otters, Teddy Bears, Cats etc are not yet fully tested so cannot carry the UKCA labelling. It is truly a difficult situation and I know of at least one person locally who has given up on toys because of it. So far DragonLady has been able to ascertain that the yarns, the stuffing and some of the other components used in the toys are correct but then stress and burn tests have still to be done.

It seems excessive as one of every batch of every kind of toy has to be basically destroyed to prove that they are safe for children up to the age of 14. Clearly safety is important but for small producers it is going to be expensive and will have to be reflected in the price of the toys. The variety of toys being made will be impacted as well.

Moving on to a lighter note:- Recently DragonLady decided to revive a product from earlier years, the treasure boxes. In the true spirit of one of the longest running children’s TV shows, here are some I made earlier. I try never to completely copy something I have done before and with this technique and product that is very easy. No two are ever exactly alike.

More knitwear has come off the needles over the winter so a good selection of hats and ear-warmers will be on my stall, and of course the key-rings, still a popular small-purchase choice will be there again. And though it is more of a ‘hard’ craft than my textile work, DragonLady jewellery stock has been replenished.

2025 is going to be a bumper year for visitors to Orkney. Not only have we our individual holiday makers, but there are more cruise liners than ever booked for a visit and most importantly Orkney is hosting the Island Games in July. As a result of the latter, the Orkney Arts and Crafts big summer exhibition is taking place earlier than usual from the 21st May to the 16th July.

Don’t worry if your planned visit to Orkney is outwith those dates, just look for the one and two day fairs that will still take place in July and August. Remember you can also access Orkney Arts and crafts members through our website: www.orkneyartsandcrafts.co.uk and individual makers’ websites. See you around?