“I love to sew.’’
It’s a simple as that for Ann Bailey when you ask her why she is still hard at it, making her beautiful dolls and setting up a stall every month at the popular Cobbitty markets after 31 years.
Yes, that’s right, 31 years after starting out with just the bear dolls, but now you will also find cute piggies and elephants among her wares, with a large variety in styles on display.
“Fashions change over time, too,’’ Ann says, “and you have to change with it.’’
Her first time to Cobbitty markets 31 years ago was to help out a friend, and eventually Ann took over the stall and been there ever since. This was around the same time the markets actually started up, so she’s one of the originals.
“I got the sewing bug from mum, and all those years later I still love it,’’ Ann said.
Her stall, which has been on the same spot for many years, is near the car parking area at the back.
From the front, if you haven’t been inside the markets, which are in the grounds of Cobbitty Public School, it looks like just a few stalls, but once inside you realise there are stacks of stalls – around 100 in fact.
Held on the first Saturday of the month (March to December), Cobbitty markets would have to be one of the biggest craft ones in the Sydney metro area.
And even on an overcast morning when it threatened to rain, the South West Voice found the markets were buzzing with people checking out the various stalls.
Close to lunch time a country band started up near the school canteen
There is plenty of fast food from bacon or sausage and egg sangers to Turkish bread (gozleme) and smoked salmon (smoked in the stall) for sale, plus organic coffee, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty.
And because there’s also plenty of attractions for the kids, like a mini petting zoo with lamb, ducks, Shetland pony and other cute animals, these markets are definitely worth a visit.
But make sure you stop at Ann Bailey’s stall and check out her best wishes bears or maybe you could pick up a cute elephant door stopper.
For further enquiries about Ann’s handmade craft and machine mebroidery call her on 9602 2865; check out Cobbitty Markets at: www.cobbittymarkets.com.au
