Today I was lucky enough to get to take my students out on a trip to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace in London. It's a brilliant event as it combines exhibits of textile art alongside the opportunity to purchase some materials! There's also a bunch of other stuff going on; workshops, fashion shows and there's the opportunity to talk to the exhibitors and people from various organisations and guilds. I had a great time so I thought I'd share some of my favourite bits just incase you're heading off tomorrow or over the weekend...
Exhibitors
My first stop was to see the incredible hand embroidery work of Tilleke Schwarz, I've been a fan of hers for many years so I was thrilled to finally see her work in real life! It is just incredible! I also got the chance to speak to Tilleke herself which was lovely!
I stopped by to looked at the wonderful knit-based jewellery at Max's World and was amazed to discover this knitted axolotl! I immediately purchased the pattern for this! (oh you want one too? here you go! You can buy it online HERE)
I like to stop by and check out the UK Hand Knit Award each year as I was on the stand back when I graduated! The stuff on show was incredible but the ones above were my absolute favourites!
Workshops
The Upcycling Academy (headed by the wonderful Barley Massey of Fabrications) is definitely not to be missed! My students stopped by and got involved and transformed an old t-shirt into a bag (which the sported for the rest of the day!) it's a great cause and they've also put together a wonderful teachers resource pack to inspire lessons. You can download it HERE.
Other
Oh how wonderful! A knitted taxi! Wouldn't it be nice to be driven around in that?
All in all it was a brilliant day and I recommend it if you get the chance to make it over there... if not there's always the Harrogate show, the Dublin show or the London show again next spring! Full details over at Twisted Thread
- Claire ❤
Great shot of the knitted taxi, as it shows how even the greyest day can be brightened by a little crazy colour. Could I ask anyone interested in my endangered words campaign (for which the knitted taxi was created) to take a look at the website at carnabysuninvited.com - really hoping to get more knitting and crafting into schools as part of a drive to get kids talking rather than texting! Safia
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