How was it for you?

Kay Hyatt, our esteemed BBJ leader, organiser, chief and house model reflects on the day.

How did it go?

It was a great success! More than 100 people came and everyone seemed really happy with their swag on the way out. The main thing that I wanted to achieve was a feeling of bounty and choice, rather than the usual fat shopping experience of scarcity and expense. I had some feedback from one shopper who said how great it was to pick through the jumble to find things she liked rather than just to find the things that fitted.

The venue turned out to be the perfect size for the amount of stuff we had and the number of people who came. The staff were super friendly and helpful too. It was really great to have a theatre space in terms of the catwalk show, which was an absolute triumph. So great to have backstage areas for hair and makeup and also to be able to have dramatic stage lighting.

It was also great in terms of building community, I saw new friendships being forged and old ones rekindled all over the place. This aspect was really great for me too, in the time before the Jumble, not just on the day. I’m really happy to have a new gang of fabulous fatties to do stuff with in the future.

What was the atmosphere like?

It was a really amazing atmosphere. Right at the beginning, we were pretty swamped with shoppers and that slowed down later in the day but whether it was a busy or a quiet time, whenever I went round the Jumble it seemed to be full of people having a good time. I think that having so many opportunities to get a bargain kept everyone happy and the ambient stuff of the Bops fantastic deejaying (they did a five hour set, can you believe it?) and the slide show Charlotte Cooper made really turned it into something more special.

How did it compare to the Fat Girl Flea, the event that inspired you to put on the Jumble?

It was different to the Flea for me but mostly because I was working not shopping! I think the same feeling of bounty was present at both events. At the Flea, I think there was more of a sense of a pre-existing community but at the Jumble, it was like we were all new to it and to each other. I think I heard a lot more people saying ‘wow, this is an amazing idea’ at the Jumble than I did at the Fat Girl Flea because the Flea has been around for a while, but I think the Big Bum Jumble is the first ever such event in the UK.

What would you have done differently with hindsight?

I’d have had a better strategy for dealing with press and with creeps. We had a lot of last minute press attention and it was hard for me to get them to back off. I wanted press to promote the event in advance, not turn up on the day to take photos of us that they could then sell on as headless fatties. I had one creepy guy with a camera come too. He was a fat admirer and had come to the Jumble to hook up, I think. I was too nice to him and he took some liberties. I’m sorry if he took them with you.

I’d also spend less time flyering and more time on other forms of publicity. Though flyering on the day was a good use of time, in advance it didn’t add much compared to the effort and time it took.

I’d have also had a better plan for dealing with the leftover jumble. I’m still drowning under it in my house.

Finally, I wish I’d spent more time just enjoying the atmosphere and hanging out with friends. And more dancing to the Bops' music.

What were the highlights of the day for you?

The fashion show. What a sight it was. My eyes! I felt so awed by how incredible everyone looked. That John William really knows how to dress people! And at how brave all the volunteer models were, some of whom had no experience and some who only got roped in on the day. I was a bit anxious beforehand, because it came on late and I was worried about people getting fed-up waiting, but I don’t think anyone regretted the wait once it started. I loved abandoning my post at the door and running in to sit at the front and scream and whoop the whole way through. Just fantastic.

Did you find a Nudie Suit in the end?

No, still no Nudie Suit for me, but I have some nice new smart clothes for my new job, some cute new t shirts and at the last minute by find of the day, my 1992 Status Quo tour sweatshirt that fits me like a dream.

What advice do you have for other people thinking of putting on a Big Bum Jumble?

• Don’t underestimate how much work it is. I started in mid-May but still felt like I needed another month to do it all right.
• Don’t underestimate the effect on your real life of organising an event like this. Be kind to your loved ones.
• Don’t underestimate how much work it takes to publicise an event. We did loads of stuff, only a fraction of which turned into real coverage.
• Be specific about what you want help with and directly ask people to do certain jobs.
• Individual pricing of stuff is a drag. If you can go for blanket pricing policies it is much easier.
• Work out what to do with the leftovers in advance!

Will you do another one?

Yes, I reckon, but I think I need at least a year off.

What's next for you?

I’m still working on the Jumble for a while, tying up the many loose ends. After that, I think I’d like to start building some momentum towards the 2012 Fattylympics. I have made some connections with some paralympians who are interested in doing something whilst organising the Jumble. I’d like to do some local small scale projects that are about trying out activities. A fat swim is probably the easiest thing to organise but I’m keen on having a go at trampolining. Big Bum Bounce, anyone?

What else would you like to say?

The hugest of thank yous to everyone who came and shopped, everyone who helped in endless ways on the day and in advance, everyone who gave me their clothes. None of it could have happened without you.

How was it for you? Write to us at bigbumjumble@gmail.com and tell us about your day at the Big Bum Jumble.

Look What Came In: The Last Cardy

It's the final Look What Came In. People can bring Jumble tomorrow, but for now all the stuff that's come in has been sorted and tried-on, and checked and prodded and poked. Big Bum Jumble HQ is packed with laundry bags of clothing that will be man-hauled to Stratford Circus tomorrow and laid out ready for you. Our job is done. It's all been done and come in.

So here's the last cardy. It's proper vintage, about a size 18-20, and would look good on anyone. Again, our house model has teamed it with y-fronts and nipples, but you might want to wear it with a tweed skirt, lederhosen, sequinned maxi-skirt, a three-foot fascinator, or anything else you damn well please.

Come and get it at the Jumble tomorrow. This cardy is waiting for you.

Embroidered Merch Available

Our pals at BigClobber.com have produced Big Bum Jumble embroidered merch for your delectation.

The pique polo shirt that Big Bum house model Kay is wearing in the picture, is red, cute and costs £12. Get in touch if you would like to buy one, there are loads of colours and sizes available.

Other things can be embroidered with the girly logo, designed by Meryl Trussler, to order too, for example t-shirts, workwear, anything. Prices vary, so please drop us a line at bigbumjumble@gmail.com

By the way, you could do a lot worse than to mosey over to BigClobber.com. There's a big sales room out in the wilds of Essex, or you can buy things online.

Tee hee!

Look What Came In: Vintage Dressiness

Here's more proof that, from the dawn of the atomic age until about 1995, all plus-sized clothes were made of artificial fibres. Fat women must have been a sweaty bunch. Despite the risk that it might give you a rash if you wear it on a hot day, this dress is pretty cute eh? The label says something like 16 or 18, but it looks good stretched onto a size 22. There are a few tiny holes on the seams, but they could be easily sewn up. I don't know how to describe the pattern, it's not quite flowery, not quite geometric, it sort of defies categorisation and gets quite hypnotic after you stare at it for a while.

It's also a good dress to wear if you are looking to start a fight, as our Big Bum Jumble house model Kay is showing here with her belligerent stare and assertive stance. Don't mess with anyone in this frock.

Anyway, grab it on the 14th if you can! It deserves a good home.

The Big Bum Jumble Countdown Begins

With ten days to go, it's been a frenzy of activity over at Jumble Towers and it's going to get busier as the day approaches. To give you some idea of what's going on, here's a state of the nation talk with Big Bum chief Kay Hyatt.

How's the Jumble going?

It's going well. I feel a bit overwhelmed with all the stuff I still have to do but I also feel confident that it's all going to happen.

What's going on at the moment?

We just had the Sorting Party where people came round to my house and helped sort stuff into sizes. We also used that time to do the final pick for things for the fashion show and identified top quality items for the Special Rail. Through the collective brain power of the sorting volunteers, we came up with an exciting pricing policy: basically, almost everything is going to be £1. Can you believe it? I am really happy about that.

Yay! What things do you need help with right now?

I'm still busily collecting donations from far and wide. I have a lovely volunteer driving up to Newcastle-upon-Tyne to collect a large donation of clothes. Even though we are doing well on the donations front, I can still use more. If you can arrange a collection in your area and bring it on the day, or contact me to come and get it, that can still happen.

I still need people to be publicising the Jumble wherever they can. I have been handing out flyers in Stratford to shoppers and I'd like to do this again this weekend but I don't have time. This is because I am going to Southend to collect some secret jumble merchandise. I would love it if some people would volunteer to take my place flyering in Stratford on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, and anywhere else they cared to go.

On Saturday night I am going to flyer outside Big Girls Paradise, which is a BBW club. I'd love some company for that too.

Another job for now is that I need help drawing up an official budget for the Jumble. I have applied for a grant towards the room hire from Newham council and they might give it to me but have asked for a detailed breakdown of my costs and anticipated income. Do you have Excel spreadsheet skills? Please get in touch.

What about on the day?

I need people to help set up at 10am and take down at 5pm. I need people to work the door and look out for people trying to nick stuff. I'm also keen to have volunteer 'shopper encouragers' who can pull stuff out of the jumble and encourage others to try things on. Get in touch if you can help.

Do you need to borrow any equipment?

Yes! I could really do with a full length mirror or two. Ideally the type that can stand alone, rather than the type we'd have to prop against the wall. I'm also still trying to work out how to set up a changing area in the room so people can try stuff on. One way to do this would be with folding screens, so if you have one of those, I would be very interested. I promise to look after and return anything you lend me.

What's with the pricing?

We will have a Special Rail, with top quality and vintage things individually priced between £3-£15. There will also be a Denim Bar, where jeans will cost £4. Everything else in the whole Jumble will cost £1. This way you could get a whole new outfit for £3.

What's the fashion show going to be like?

John William from Pigeons & Peacocks is our stylist and the super-talented Bea Sweet is doing the make up. John's just getting on with it, I've seen some of the clothes he has chosen and it is going to be fantastic. John is also customising some of the clothes for the fashion show and all the outfits will be for sale on the Special Rail afterwards.

What stalls are going to be there?

So far, two people have approached me to have their own stalls at the Jumble, Jade and Rae. They will both be selling their good quality clothes at reasonable prices. It's a big room so there is room for more people to rent space if they want. Just drop me a line.

Also, Mark from bigclobber.co.uk will be there with a menswear stall and some info about his shop and online business. Mark is really great and has a real passion for meeting the clothing needs of big fat guys.

We'll also be selling badges and taking orders for other Big Bum jumble merchandise.

What sort of refreshments will be available?

I'm not selling any refreshments in the Jumble room but Stratford Circus has a lovely café called Circus Eats that will be open all day. Also, you are free to come and go from the Jumble, there are plenty of places to get food in Stratford. I recommend the Caribbean cafe in the Theatre Royal bar.

What's been the best thing so far?

I think the best thing for me has been the positive comments that I've had from people. It's great to be encouraged by you all. Also, the generosity of people who are giving the Jumble their time and their stuff is really fantastic.

What are you going to wear on the 14th?

Wait and see!

What else do you want to say?

Thanks everyone for all your help and support so far. Keep it up! Come to the Jumble and make it amazing. Love love love!

BBJ on The Pocket Rocket

Wheee, check out Kay on The Pocket Rocket!

What on earth is a Big Bum Jumble?

Here's a little interview with Kay Hyatt, who is organising the Big Bum Jumble.

Charlotte: Who are you?
Kay: My name is Kay Hyatt, I'm a fatty living and working in East London. I'm also Butch Husky from the Chubsters. I'm a fat activist and I'm a mannish lady.

What's the Big Bum Jumble?
It's a jumble sale, fashion show, party and fundraiser. It's going to take place in East London on 14 August. It's a place to buy new-to-you plus-sized clothes that fit at very low prices. 95% of the stuff on sale will be sized XL+, which means over a UK women's size 18, and men's XL. People of all sizes are welcome to come, it's being held in an accessible venue, and you can bring your kids.

Why did you decide to organise it?
I've been inspired by attending the amazing Fat Girl Flea, which I went to in New York in 2007. Since then I felt a yearning for something similar here in the UK. Because I am part of a DIY culture, I decided to organise something myself rather than be sorry that there wasn't one. I'm someone who struggles to find clothes that fit me that I want to wear and can afford, and I thought that there would probably be lots of other fat people in the same situation. Also, it's good to hang out and do stuff with other fat folks.

What was so great about The Fat Girl Flea?
The atmosphere there was just so celebratory. The sheer volume of clothes to look through was amazing. I'm used to crying over the ever-diminishing fat section at the back of the shops here, but there there was such abundance. I loved the way people encouraged each other to try things out, and I loved having people come up to me and say things like: "I just found this, it's not for me but it would look great on you." I got a great Hawaiian shirt that way. There was just a real party atmosphere around celebrating dressing up and looking good with a load of fab fatties.

Who are you hoping will come?
Well, I've been thrilled by the response so far. I hope everyone will come, really. I know it will appeal to fat people who want to shop because I'm sure that I'm not alone in finding there is a lack of good clothes in large sizes. I know that other people would like to be somewhere where there is a glut instead. Friends and supporters of all sizes who want to have a good time should come too. The venue we have got is really lovely with a great café and the fantastic Tamsin and Ruth of Unskinny Bop will be providing the music for the day. There will also be a catwalk show with models and volunteer models from amongst the shoppers walking in clothes found from the jumble. I hope to also get some passers by too, people who are just after a bargain.

What do you mean when you say that you're a fat activist?
I'm a fat activist because I reject the idea that being fat is a problem or something that any right-thinking person would want to change. The Big Bum Jumble is an activist event because it is about celebrating body diversity, changing your wardrobe to fit your body, not your body to fit your wardrobe. It's also a place where fat community can be found and hopefully a jumping-off point for more fat activist events in future. If I make any money, it's going to be used to fund future events, like the planned 2012 Fattylympics.

What's the 2012 Fattylympics?
The Fattylympics is something I'm co-organising with fat activist Charlotte Cooper in response to the London 2012 Olympics. We live very close to the Olympic Park and we want to create a response to this unstoppable force that's happening more-or-less in our own backyards. It's going to be an event promoting Health At Every Size through the medium of arsing around and playing stupid fat-friendly games in the park. It's going to be big!

What help do you need to get the BBJ going?
Right now, I'm still after donations of clothes. Especially stuff above a women's size 28 or men's XXXL. If you have a lot of stuff, I can arrange to come and get it from you within London, though if it's an amount you can carry, just bring it on the day. If you're outside London, get in touch and we can work something out.

Also, if you want to volunteer to help out on the day, I'd be grateful for that too. I have quite a few helpers lined-up but I can always use more. There'll be glamorous and non-glamorous jobs available so I'm sure I can find a role that'd suit you. Drop me a line.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?
I dream of having a Nudie Suit like Gram Parsons or Porter Wagoner used to wear, but I don't think even the Big Bum Jumble will be able to provide that! I'd be happy with some new trousers that fit round my fat belly and aren't too long for my short little legs.

What else would you like to say?
Come to the Jumble. It is going to be amazing. There will be new clothes, low prices, new friends, hanging out, celebratory images, music by The Bops, and a fashion show. There will also be badges of our beautiful BBJ logo designed by Simon Murphy. You'll have a chance to be in a film of the event if you want to. Good times!