BUYING a unique gift for a loved one or an item of clothing you know will be unlike anything anybody else will be wearing can be a difficult task.

However, a group of Walthamstow craftspeople are giving you the opportunity to find that special something next week, when they join together to sell their creations.

E17 Designers is a group of designer-makers who produce jewellery, fashion, accessories, posters, and items for the home.

Its spring market will have something to suit all tastes and pockets. Whether you are looking for a scented candle at pocket money prices, or a jacket you won’t find on the high street, the price will be fair, says founding member Carolyn Abbott.

“It’s all handmade, and that’s why it’s such nice quality,” she says. “Sellers wouldn’t get a stall if they turned up and said they had a load of cheap T-shirts to sell.

“We’re in a marketplace where people can keep costs down. People might source their materials locally, or use things that are recycled.“ The group, now in its third year, has members from areas including Walthamstow, South Woodford and Chingford. Many of the designers teach in schools or colleges. Caroline, who is a textile designer, teaches adult education classes in Waltham Forest.

She says the group got together with the aim of keeping their crafts alive and to support one another.

“We thought we all make nice things and buy things off each other, we all have things in common,“ she says. “Most people have another career as well.“ The group runs four events every year, which Carolyn says have all been a success, especially the Christmas market. She says visitors come from far and wide, often following recommendations from friends.

“We can get a few hundred people at each one,“ she says. “Some people buy all their Christmas presents there.

“You’re meeting the person who made it so when you buy something for a gift, you can tell them you met the person who made it, and there’s a story there.“ Next week’s event will also include a raffle. All the designers will contribute a small item and these will be put into goody bags and raffled off. Suzie’s Kitchen will be on hand to provide homemade cakes.

E17 Designers Market takes place at the Asian Centre, 18a Orford Road, Walthamstow, on Friday, May 14, 7pm-10pm. www.e17designersmarkets.blogspot.com