Knitting & Stitching Show: London 2012.
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11th to 14th October saw the first of this year’s Knitting & Stitching Show opens at Alexandra Palace in North London. Alongside the vast array of both knitting and stitching supplier’s stands the show features galleries of both individual artists, and groups of artists’ work and runs a series of workshops suitable for all abilities.
One of the highlights for me was Jane McKeating and Alice Kettle’s Hand Stitch Perspectives stand launching their new book of the same name, a companion to their Machine Stitch: Perspectives book. This book is a ‘must have’ for anyone who loves hand stitch. Staff members from Manchester School of Art, a centre of excellence for embroidery, MMU exhibited work on the stand alongside some of their students.
It was fascinating to see Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn demonstrating hand stitch techniques on their stand. Known jointly as ‘Double Trouble’ they were promoting their new DVD In Stitches which would be a perfect gift for anyone wanting to learn new methods of working in hand stitch. Informative and inspirational it is suitable for both beginners and the more experienced stitcher alike. Visit www.doubletrouble-ent.com for more info.
It goes without saying the the 62 Group’s Package Tour stand looked inspirational and diverse. The group celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with the publication of their new book Radical Thread available from www.62group.org.uk.
I enjoyed seeing the work of Embroiderers’ Guild scholars Jo Smith and Kirsty Whitlock, both names to look out for in the future, and it was great to see the fresh new talent in the Embroiderers’ Guild Student Showcase.
This show is definitely the place to stock up on unusual fabrics and threads. Stand out suppliers for me were Magee of Donegal selling fantastic Irish tweeds, Merchant & Mills selling patterns and organic cotton fabrics, Raystitch a one stop sewing shop, The Silk Route selling silk fabric, and Mulberry Silks selling beautiful silk thread.
There are still two more chances to catch the Knitting & Stitching Show show next month at RDS Dublin 1st to 4th November and at Harrogate International Centre 22nd to 25th November. Don’t miss this show, it’s well worth a visit.
Visit the Twisted Thread site for tickets and more information.
Written by Sue Stone – October 2012
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What a wonderful show it must have been!