I have just returned from the Knitting and Stitching Show at the wonderful Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace as if you didn't know...) where I enjoyed a lovely day with my buddies Jenny and Maggie. It was great, as usual, to be with like minded friends who share the same passion.
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| Early Sunday morning visitors to the show |
However, I have to say that I was, somewhat, disappointed with the show as two of my favourite companies didn't show. The amount of visitors to the show seemed under par, compared to last year's event, and this was borne out by one of the vendors mentioning the same, even saying that buyers seemed not to be parting with their hard earned cash as before.
I also noticed that the amount of yarn companies seemed depleted with lots of other exhibitors that I would not have associated, necessarily, with a Knitting and Stitching show. I missed not seeing Textile Gardens as they always have some lovely buttons and also I didn't see anyone selling the range of Drops yarn.
However, that said I did manage to get a few things, including some freebie magazines for a donation to Help the Heroes and I did see some beautiful embroidery and knit designs by graduate students of Kingston College. There were some outstanding vendors such as Belinda Harris-Reid who had beautiful shawl designs. I bought some chunky wooden buttons from her which are so lovely, even just to hold. I am a sucker for buttons. I also loved the ceramic artist Emily Cross who had fantastic ceramic buttons and wonderful yarn bowls - I am going to treat myself to one as they are beautiful works of art.
I also visited Spin City where - forgive me but I cannot remember the lovely lady's name - there were some absolutely gorgeous spindles that she has made herself. I am new to this art but the whorl, I think it's called, was made from acrylic in which she had embedded some with flowers, sweets or glitter..gorgeous. Not only that she gave me some really good advice on how to use my spindle so I will be trying that out and looking at her tutorial on You Tube.
I also tried on a deliciously yummy chunky cardigan from Loopy Mango as seen below.
Feeling delicious in a Loopy Mango design.
A stunning cape by one of the graduates from Kingston College
 A detailed dress by a graduate from Kingston College.
Not only were there knit designs but some stunning embroidery such as this amazing kimono
Beautiful!
Some amazing embroidery below of wildlife
  
Absolutely amazing embroidery with such vibrant colours that give a wonderful three dimensional feel to the projects. I particularly like the crickets, shown above.
At this point I am leaving you for today as Downton is about to come on. However, I do have more to show as I must show you my little haul that I got from the show but until then I will leave for now.
By the way, remember the rabbit? Well it is coming along fine all will be revealed in the next post.
Ciao for now and keep creating.
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