Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market
Open: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays in late spring, summer, early fall
Opening day: May 16
Location: Sequim Civic Center Plaza, downtown Sequim
More info: manager@sequimmarket.com or 360-582-6218
On the web: www.sequimmarket.com
Sharon Ireton can be found participating in a wide range of activities. She tends to her two acres of land, spends time with her grandchildren, and enjoys settling down with a good book. While her life is varied and ever-shifting, a constant presence in her life is the hum of her sewing machine.
This is because Ireton is the force behind Dragon Lady Handicrafts. She can be found every Saturday, May through October, at the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market with her assortment of hand-sewn items, comprised primarily of recycled material.
Whether you own one of Ireton’s strip-quilted totes, placemats, insulated latte wraps or cell phone cases, you’re sure to know Dragon Lady Handicrafts are lovingly handmade and extremely durable.
“My success as a vendor at the market is a result of satisfied customers spreading the word and coming back,” she said.
Dragon Lady Handicrafts is the market vendor to visit when you’re looking to find something that will stand the test of time. Ireton recalls an occasion when she encountered a past customer at the market, they lamented, “I wish, sometimes, that your stuff wasn’t so well made! I bought potholders from you eight years ago and I still can’t justify buying a new set!”
Another loyal customer nearby countered, “But that’s why we like her so well!”
These are the bright moments Ireton strives for as a market vendor. She has been a vendor with the Farmers & Artisans Market since 2002. She describes the market as an integral part of her community here in Sequim.
“We get a number of people who come to the market on a regular basis just to visit,” she says. “Whether they relocated here like me or are just looking to find community, they really enjoy being at the market.”
Ireton describes the atmosphere as a great place to briefly catch up with folks one hasn’t seen for a while as they continue running their weekend errands.
“Being a vendor at the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market brings me a sense of self-worth in my community.”
Ireton said she believes that attending your local market is just as important as visiting your local brick-and-mortar shops.
“Sequim still has a long way to go before every generation can find a niche in our business community, but the market helps with that,” she says.
She shares that she feels very proud of the success stories from local vendors who started small at the market and now have their own independent storefront.
The Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market is now accepting vendor applications for the 2020 market season. If you grow, cook, or create, the market welcomes you to join our vendor family this season.
For more information, visit the market on Facebook or www.sequimmarket.com.
Make sure to drop by Dragon Lady Handicrafts at the Saturday market, opening May 16!
Emma Jane Garcia is Marketing Manager for the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market. See www.sequim market.com.
