Last month we visited the handmade fair at Hampton Court. This month we visited The Knitting and stitching show at Alexandra Palace. Interesting to note the difference between the two…
To me The ‘K & S’ show is a trade show with pop-up-shops, plus some beautiful textile art on the side. Its a grown-up show. An entirely different atmosphere compared to the Handmade fair (which I preferred Shhhhhh) On the plus side I met some super people, and bought a few things….
The textile art was incredibly beautiful and (as an ex student of textiles) I feel it deserves a post to itself. I will show you that part later. Here then are some highlights of our visit…
The Shops
So many shops, I skipped a few and visited the ones that interested me the most:
Merchant and Mills
I bought a pattern and some ribbed cotton.
Sew me something
I took pictures and distracted Jules and Claire (sorry girls) but don’t they look glamorous?
Toft Alpaca
Having become a fan of all things ‘Toft’ since recently having reviewed Kerry’s latest book Ed’s Menagerie Crocheted birds. I was delighted to meet the author herself (so may I add was the ‘talented other half’ who noted the striking similarity she has to the singer ‘Pink’ one of his idols!)
Talking of pink will you take a look at ‘Sophia’ the giant flamingo? Kerry told us it took 48 hours to crochet!
loopy Mango
I fell head over heels in love with this shop and its yarn.
I bought a giant size 25 mm wooden crochet hook…I have plans!
Clothkits
There has always been a place in my heart for Clothkits, I grew up with them. Therefore I was delighted to see all the new designs by Jane Foster ‘in the flesh’ I may have bought a fishing eskimo!
The Place
Alexandra Palace is a fascinating historic building, with awe inspiring views over London Town.
More People
I met Debbie Bliss and Emma Varnam. Oh they were charming and so down to earth… I was a little overcome at meeting such ‘Yarn Royalty’ but at least the photo was a beauty and my camera shake did not show! Thank you ladies such a pleasure to meet you both!
We also bumped into Amy the new editor of Love Sewing Magazine. I had my hands full of much needed coffee but luckily I managed not to spill it all over her.
The rest:
Yes there was fabric and yes there were sewing machines:
However by this time we were exhausted and decided to leave in search of wine and an early supper ‘up west’
Adieu knitting and stitching show…until next year maybe?
best
