We Make London Christmas Fair 2011

I try really hard to buy most of my Christmas presents from independent sellers, so spend most of my December weekends at the wonderful fairs London has to offer-yesterday I went to Battersea Arts Centre to the We Make London fair.There were some familiar faces like Kat of Creme Nouveau, but also lots of new makers who I hadn't come across before. I guess this can partly be explained by the fact that I'm starting to shop for a different demographic-many of my friends have started having families of their own so I'm now in the market for presents for little ones,which I haven't been since my siblings were toddlers.

Retropoodle upcycles vintage fabric into cushions which could easily double as dolls, and these gorgeous pillows are made from vintage scarves.

Forgotten Stitches' stall was like an Aladdin's cave of wonders-especially for someone like me who loves embroidery and beading above all else!The fawns and dogs would look gorgeous in a child's nursery.

I was desperate to buy one of these dolls from Tobyboo for my friend's son, but apparently they are meant for adults only-I can only imagine it's because they have small parts like buttons that could come off and be swallowed,but I still feel they would be a bit wasted on grown-ups who'd put them on a shelf somewhere to look nice but not be played with!The embroidered picnic blanket below is also from Tobyboo and has moved to the top of my Christmas wishlist!

I love this set of birdy pillowcases from Karin Akesson

And these Samantha Morris screen-printed dinner menus and invitations are perfect for a hostess who likes to be very proper..my friend Dana from Mien magazine would love them!

There were lots of other gems too-I know Gabby Young bought a little neckerchief for her dog Hobbes from a wonderful doggy stall-you can see all the stallholders' details here (in the column on the right).

I'd recommend popping to the Duckie Christmas market at the Barbican today for really out of the ordinary presents-perfect for anyone who's tricky to buy for!

P.S still the most successful of any gifts I've got for kids are Merrimaking hoods-seen here on all my siblings last Christmas-as good for teens going to festivals as they are for pre-teens dressing up!