GAY Burey has always had a love of craft, and was spreading her passion with her new business Springhill Country Craft Retreat at the Big Rig Christmas markets on Sunday.

Ms Burey acquired her love of patchwork teaching patchwork over many years and winning numerous awards in patchwork along the way.

"I decided I would love to turn my little hobby into a business," she said.

"The retreat is comfortable older style farmhouse at Spring Hill Amby, it's available for many arts, crafts and worshops with daliy and overnight rates."

Ms Burey said craft is becoming more popular and fabrics for cotton clothing are continuing to be a hit.

"We carry a lot of patterns, pannels and threads," she said.

"I love teaching patchwork, and seeing the self esteem people get."

Ms Burey was just one of dozens of stallholders at the first ever Big Rig Christmas Markets, which showcased talent and wares from across the region.