Busy Weekend

I had a busy weekend in mid June which necessitated three trips across Woodhead Pass, fortunately before it was closed because of the wildfires, which as I'm writing this still aren't quite under control. It's a faff to go over the M62 from my new house, plus I really hate that motorway and much prefer Woodhead.

On the Friday Sam and I had tickets to see Jesse Malin. We've seen him a bunch of times and really enjoyed him, so we wanted to go again. In 2023 he had a spinal stroke which has paralysed his bottom half, so we weren't sure if he would ever tour in the UK again. He has had a lot of rehab and he can now stand up thanks to some braces on his lower legs. Even though he can't feel them! It's madness. So we were excited to see him again. 

We met at about 4pm at a coffee place and had a drink and then went over to Viet Shack for food. There was tons of veggie choices but I went for fake chicken loaded fries with a peanut type sauce. It was nice. I think we shared some veggie spring rolls, too. And I had a delicious mocktail, I can't remember what was in it but it was good. 

We walked over to the venue and Sam queued up for us. She had emailed for access but no one had replied and in fact access was really rubbish and I ended up complaining to the venue about it. But we got in eventually and were about six rows back from the front which gave us a great view. Jesse was great - he stood up for about four songs and sat down for the rest which is fine of course. He played a ton of his own songs, and a cover of The Pogues and a cover of The Clash like he usually does. He was enthusiastic and told all his stories. It was a lot of fun. 

I got home and to bed, and then got up quite early the next morning to go with Lee to Stockport Zine Fair. We went last year and had a great time so I was pleased to get a table again this year. We arrived in good time and got set up but it turned out we had forgotten the new badges and stickers I had got made so that was a bit annoying. My prints sold well though, which was good! 

I bought some zines and traded a bunch too. I also bought these Lord of the Rings cat stickers, I love them so much. We decided to not stay in Stockport for tea but we did get some donuts from a stall outside before we set off home. We just chilled out when we got home because zine fests are tiring!

On Sunday I had a quiet morning before setting off for Glossop to meet my friend Amy. She couldn't meet until 2pm so I went a bit earlier and had a sandwich in About Thyme by myself, reading my book, before she arrived. We got cake and coffee when she arrived and sat chatting until about 3pm, when About Thyme closes. So we went round to The Lounge and sat outside on the patio which was lovely as it was nice and sunny. I just had a drink as I wasn't hungry, but Amy had some chips. We left about 5pm, it wasn't enough time with one of my oldest and best friends! 

Mocktail in Viet Shack

And my loaded fries

Jesse's first song, as he was standing

And later on, when he was sitting down. His backing musicians sounded great too

It was a really good night

The book I was reading. It's really good, it's about an Irish woman with an abusive and manipulative husband, and about how she leaves him. I really recommend it

My table all set up in Stockport

Very cute cat stickers

Donuts with ice cream and chocolate sauce, I bloody love donuts

All the zines I bought or traded

Coffee cake in About Thyme - it's a really cute cafe in Glossop and I've been a couple of times

Amy and I just before we said goodbye on Sunday afternoon

Barnsley Zine Fair February 2026

Saturday the 25th of February was the fifth Barnsley Zine Fair and I again had a table and could sell all my zines! Jason at the Civic has done so well with it and people are now coming from all over the place to table - this time we had people from Fife, Edinburgh, London, and Cambridge! So many people came to buy things, too - there was a steady stream all day which is great. Of the 60 stallholders, thirty of them had never tabled before so that's an amazing ratio! I am so thrilled that it's doing so well.

Lee and I got set up around 10am. I had done loads of copies of my zines in the weeks previous and we had spent a long time putting them together. I had also done copies again of Lee's zine Primark Punks (The Non Punk's Guide to Punk Music) which he made about ten years ago but which we haven't copied for a while. I had some new signs for my stall which I think really helped sales, so that's good. 

As I said there were people through all day. Someone said they had bought the previous two issues of my zine Tracks of My Years so they were pleased to buy the third one! It's always nice to hear that people have enjoyed my zines and want more. I saw some friends like Chris, Gears for Queers from Fife, and Chloe, who has been at each of the fairs too. She's one of Barnsley's young makers, who I LOVE and love to encourage them, so it was nice to see her. A few people asked me to trade, which I also LOVE - it's like a present because you never know what you'll get! I spent way too much money on zines myself, oops. 

When the fair finished Lee and I went to the Market Kitchen for tea. We both had fresh pizzas from Neros which were really good. Mine was olives and feta, dunno. Lee's was just margerita. Then we bought brownies and took them home. We relaxed all evening; I did read some of my new zines! 

I was wearing this new striped dress that I got off Vinted although it's from Shein originally. I got the same one in grey, but I love the peachy colour of this one. I love the fact that the stripes go in different ways, and I of course love the pockets! I think I'll be wearing this a lot this summer especially. It is a teensy bit shorter than I really like to wear with tights, so I will probably wear it with leggings. That's fine, at least then I'll be comfy! 

It was a lovely day, but tiring. 

My stall all set up before the fair started 

Pizza, I love fresh pizza and this was really good

My dress when we got home. Lee had bought a new chest of drawers which is what's in the boxes next to me

Here's everything I bought and traded, including a couple I had traded with my friend Cassian a few days earlier. It was a good haul!

Barnsley Zine Fair August 2025

The 9th of August was the fourth Barnsley Zine Fair! This was the second summer one and I at first didn't think I could go, so I didn't apply for a table. Then I could go, and Chloe told me I could share her table (which was nice of her!). THEN I was emailing Jason and saying I would see him, and he said did I want a cancellation table. So I only got it two days before the fest but my zines all live in one suitcase so it's very easy to take them as needed. So that's what I did. 

Lucinda was going home early, just after 10am, because a friend was in Edinburgh for the Fringe festival so she wanted to go hang out. That was fine, of course. Lee dropped me and Lucinda off outside the Civic and we went in and found my table. Lucinda then left to get a coffee before her train, and I set up my table. Lee parked the car and then brought me a coffee, some lunch, plenty of water, and some snacks. Which was nice of him! He didn't stay long first off, as his sciatica is still really bad and he wanted to relax at home as he was going to Blackpool the next day to play Rebellion Fringe (so many Fringes!). It turned out Chloe was unwell so she wasn't there, but I was fine. I had my cross stitch and my book, so I was fine. About midday Ingrid, Kate, and their friend turned up, so I went to the loo and refilled my water while Ingrid kept an eye on my stall, which was great. 

Lee got back about 2pm. The fair was fairly busy but I didn't sell much, but not to worry. I did trade some zines and when Lee got there I had a good look around and bought a bunch of things. Lee had a wander too, and before we knew it, it was 4pm and time to pack up! Zine fests always go so quickly! It was nice to see some Barnsley creatives that always turn up like Chris and Higgy, and nice to meet some new people too. I didn't take one single photo all day at the fair, unfortunately! You'll just have to imagine it. 

Lee and I left the Civic and crossed the road to the piazza. There was tons going on - some kind of festival I think, and the football had been on - so there were people everywhere. We decided to go in Market Kitchen for something to eat. I couldn't decide what I wanted but went for a veggie calzone in the end. Lee got a margherita from the same pizza place. I also had a strawberry mojito. 

After we had eaten we went back outside and got a milkshake from the stall that was in the piazza. I went for mint, it was nice enough. We had a nice conversation with the owner. I did get some photos, so here we are:

This is my latest zine, which was finished just before the fair

Strawberry mojito, it was cold and delicious

Calzone - it was nice and doughy

And my milkshake outside

Finally here's what I bought and traded!

Stockport Zine Fair 2025

Saturday the 14th of June was the first Stockport Zine Fair, run by PippyMakesZines! I met her at Barnsley Zine Fair back in February 2024 and followed her and her sister on Instagram. Her sister Lolah lives in Sheffield and dresses in like a goth Lolita style which I really love, so I'm always happy to see her. So when I saw Pippy was doing a zine fair in Stockport I applied for a table and was happy to get one. From our house it's only about an hour to Stockport so it's ideal. 

We set off about 8.15. I was driving because Lee has been having some problems with his knee which makes driving painful. We managed to find Merseyway shopping centre and parked on the top for all day. We went down in the lift and the Stockroom, where the fair was being held, was just near where we came out. We went in and found our table as well as a whole information pack for traders which was really thoughtful and really helped!

We got set up and the fair opened at 10am. There was a steady flow of people all day, it was really busy! I had a ton of conversations with people about what zines are, what I write, the type of zines I like to read, and so on. I traded with a woman maybe a little older than me who had really cool designs of stuff, and with a youngish person who was SO happy to trade with me. I will ALWAYS trade - I love it, it gets my zines into more hands, and it gets me more zines that I might not otherwise have had a chance to read. It's just so lovely. 

Kirsty and Vicky were also trading, Kirsty sells their own zines and Vicky has a distro and sells zines by a bunch of people, so it was nice to catch up with both of them. Jane Claire Bradley attended as a buyer; she was one of the organisers of Grrrl Con which I went to twice in 2016 and 2017 so it was lovely to see her and I happened to have a Grrrl Con 2017 zine that I made that I gave her. 

At lunchtime Lee went out to get lunch for us. I ended up with an egg sandwich and a veggie sausage roll from Pound Bakery; Lee got a jacket potato from a van in the precinct. He also told me that there was a donut van right outside the Stockroom so we decided we would go there when the fair finished. 

I started a new cross stitch - I have been working on other crafts but as we were about to go on holiday I needed something that was more portable than the lace making I've been doing. This is a kit from Caterpillar Cross Stitch that I have had for a while but hadn't started. I love those first new stitches on a brand new piece of cloth. 

The fair finished at 3 and we got packed up. Then we headed downstairs and out into the precinct. We walked to Zizzi to have something savoury. We weren't extremely hungry so we shared a margherita pizza, some fries, and some courgette fries. It was just enough for us. Then we went back to the donut stall and had donuts, ice cream, and chocolate sauce. It was delicious! 

We set off home about 5pm; Lee drove this time. We got home just before 6 and rested for a bit - we had had a very difficult week so we needed it. Then I just watched some crap TV before bed. My last photo is of everything I bought, traded, or was given. The purple post it note was given to me by a small child and while I'm not entirely sure what it's meant to be, I love it! I am going to stick it in my journal soon!

The first few stitches of my new cross stitch, I will try to remember to post it when it's finished!

My stall all set up - we sold out of quite a few things!

Donuts in the sunshine - it was spitting with rain a bit too but we managed to escape it

And here's everything I got - well, I say I, really this was between Lee and I

Barnsley Zine Fair 2025

The 15th of February was Barnsley Zine Fest! I had a stall and Jason at The Civic did an absolutely brilliant job of organising it again. Lee and I rocked up to the space at about 9.30. Chloe was already there and our stalls were right next to each other so that was good. Lee had to go park a way away so I set up most of the stall by myself, but that was fine because when Lee did arrive, he had brought coffee. The fair started at 10 and it was fairly quiet for the first hour or so, so I wondered how busy it would actually get, but then it really picked up.

There were loads of people who had been there last February too, and at the Makers Fair in August, so it was nice to see some of the same people. And of course to meet new people! I bought a bunch of zines and traded some too which was lovely. I always love to trade zines because you just never know what you'll get. I bought a bunch of stickers, too. Lee went out and got sandwiches for lunch for us and he most likely went in the record shop too. Who only knows!

The fair finished at 4pm so we packed up and said goodbye to Chloe and some others, and headed to Market Kitchen for some tea. Lee was going out to play a gig but he had time to eat with me so we went there. I had Massaman curry which yes I had had the week before but I really like it and I don't care. I think Lee had pizza, but I can't be certain. Anyway. 

He took me home and then went out again so I just relaxed for the rest of the evening. I had been wearing my rainbow Topsy Curvy dress because it's perfect for a zine fair, and with it I wore the crop top jumper that I crocheted. I got a lot of compliments on it! I had a couple of nice conversations with other crafters about it, too. I was wearing new blue tights from Snag. I'm not sure about the colour of them. I think they're called Peacock and I thought they would be greener than they are. But I wore them and am still deciding whether I like them or not. Chloe did say she would happily take them off me if I decide I don't like them, so we can see! 

I sold quite a lot of zines which I'm happy about. The last photo is of what I bought. 

Getting my stall all set up

In full swing

Massaman curry, I had rice with it too 

Tights and boots. Like I said, I thought they would be greener than they are

Rainbow dress and jumper

And here's my haul!

Lincoln Zine Fest 2024

The beginning of October saw this year's Lincoln Zine Fest! I think I've been to every one of them and I'm so glad we could go. I've been by myself, and with Lee, with Sam and Jac, and last year my mum went with me because Lee was playing a gig somewhere. This year he was sort of getting better from being unwell, but he was determined to go. As it was, I drove there and he drove back, so at least he didn't have to drive both ways.

We got there about 10am and got all set up and stuff. We went down to the cafe when it opened and I got a latte and a vegan sausage roll. Lincoln Zine Fest isn't huge but it's always nice to see people and talk to them. We saw Lou and Si of course, and Chris who lives in Barnsley was sitting next to us, and we got talking to some new people too. I bought a couple of zines and I also got Lele to buy me a piece of artwork for Christmas, which I will totally have forgotten about by then. 

I had a toasted teacake in the afternoon and probably another drink too? Lee went to look at a record shop which was of course fine. We packed up at four and drove to the waterfront where there are a bunch of restaurants. We actually ate at Wagamama there several years ago. But this time we had a gift voucher for Ask so we went in there. It was only about 4.30 so it wasn't very full. We shared some bread to start with, and then I had vegetarian carbonara! I really miss meat carbonara so I was really excited when I saw this on the menu! It tasted really nice. I also had a strawberry margarita which was lovely. 

We finished about 5.45 and set off home. There was a lovely sunset on the way home, so I snapped a picture. I like the drive to Lincoln, it's never that stressful and just always nice to do. I was wearing my Topsy Curvy galaxy print dress and I got several compliments on it! It is nice. 

Here's my stall all set up and ready to go! The museum is a really nice venue, with a lot of space and light, perfect for a zine fest

Down on the waterfront after the fest

My cocktail

My meatless carbonara, it was really nice!

Lovely sunset on the way home

And my dress when we got home

Barnsley Alternative Makers Fair

On the 10th of August Barnsley Alternative Makers Fair happened in Barnsley. After the success of Barnsley Zine Fair in February Jason decided to do a bigger fair with zinesters and other makers, in the main room of the Civic. In all there were over forty makers which was really amazing! My friend Tukru had got a stall and had asked to stay with us, which was of course fine. So Tukru, Lee and I set off to go just a few minutes down the road into town to get set up. 

My stall was next to Chloe's, which was really nice as it meant I could catch up with her. My friend Lou who does Lincoln Zine Fest had a stall, so she was there with her fiance Si. There were some other people I knew, too, as well as a bunch of new people to meet! 

Lee went for a wander round town and my friend Gemma came. She had been borrowing my car for a bit and needed to give it back, so she came to the fair to chat to me for a bit. It was nice to see her! She brought me a chocolate orange brownie from Dolly's Desserts. The fair was sponsored by The Old Ivy Cheesecakery which is in town but which I've never been into. They had vegan sausage rolls and cupcakes, among other things, so I had one of each of those for lunch. 

Bettie and Jen arrived at about 3pm which was really nice because I haven't seen them in forever. I went into the Graphic Novel Reading Room which was visiting and which was really cute to see. Chloe's books were there in the LGBTQ+ section which was lovely to see. 

The fair packed up at 4pm and Lee, Tukru and I went home straight after. Lee cooked cacio e pepe pasta for tea and we watched a film and I did some crafting as we did. 

For the fair I had been wearing a peach Simply Be dress which is lovely, and was cool in the building. I also was wearing grey Snag footless tights, and my red Saltwater sandals. They seem to have stretched a little bit after their dip in the sea in Norfolk, which has actually made them more comfortable! 

The last pictures are of everything we got at the fair, including zines and an art postcard of Blackbeard in Our Flag Means Death. 

My stall all set up and ready to go. That crochet bunting was one of the first things I ever crocheted and it is still so cute!

Chloe's books next to Heartstopper, which is so good!

Red sandals and grey tights

Peach and polka dot dress

Art postcard

And everything else I got

Trip to Edinburgh - Day 3

On the Sunday of my trip to Edinburgh Lucinda made me some breakfast again and then I walked up to the tram stop and got the tram to St Andrew's Square. I walked through the train station to Fruitmarket. I had been able to leave all my stock so it didn't take me very long to get all set up. 

There were fewer people through the doors on Sunday, but still a lot. I will say that people in Scotland were really into asking for trades, and I never say no to trading zines! I came home with loads! On Sunday my friend Het popped in so it was nice to see her. Oh and also, I had met my friend Hannah on Saturday when she popped in for a bit! I've known her online for a while but hadn't ever met her. There were some different people there on Sunday so I did a few rounds of the place too. It was really exciting to me to have a ton of new zinesters to choose from! 

Cinders came back about 4pm and she did another round of stalls too. She helped me pack up at 5pm and then we walked over to Dishoom back on St Andrew's Square. I've been to the one in Manchester and really wanted to go again, so when I saw there was one in Edinburgh I asked Lucinda if she would go with me! We were prepared to queue but actually we got a table straight away. 

We shared a bunch of stuff including the house chaat and the black lentil dhal which is literally so nice. We also had paneer tikka and chole puri, and some raita and naan bread. I had a lychee and rose bellini which was completely delicious. We had food leftover so we took it back with us. We got back to Lucinda's flat at about 7.30 I think, and we sat down in our pyjamas and chilled out for the evening. We had a fascinating conversation about fangirls and fangirling and fanboying with Cinders' partner Linden, which was interesting. 

I was wearing my old purple Scarlett & Jo skirt which you've seen a billion times, but a new t shirt that I got recently off Etsy. It's of Wednesday from the new series which I really loved. I like the t shirt, I think it's really cool! 

All these stickers were on the coffee machine in Fruitmarket and I liked them

Lucinda and I in Dishoom - she looks adorable but I look like I'm not really too sure if I want to be there - but I promise I did!

My lovely bellini

Chaat! It was everything I want chaat to be

Everything else we had - the black lentil dhal is so creamy and delicious (that's on the left on the plate)

Here's my outfit before I put my pyjamas on

Here's what I got at the zine fest on Saturday. I traded some of these, but bought most of them 

And here's what I got on Sunday. Again I traded some but bought a lot too!