Knitting & Stitching Show at Ally Pally

I’m not really sure how old this knitting bag is but I couldn’t resist its wooden handle or vintage fabric. I’m not a big knitter but it’s perfect for holding my latest sewing project.

It’s currently holding my purchases from my rather extravagant trip to the Knitting & Stitching Show at Ally Pally. It’s my favourite sewing event of the year and I had the joy of visiting last week without children (thanks hubby!).

Anyway, I admit I was excessive but living in London I just find it impossible to go searching for lovely sewing supplies. Faced with 200 sellers in one room I challenge anyone not to go mad with their cash.

For the grand price of £15  I visited The Great Hall where 200 companies were selling great supplies; The Resource Centre which housed many of the Guilds and Associations; and The Textile Gallery where all the major gallery exhibitions were located. My time was limited so I was sad to miss Mr X Stitch, but to be honest, 2 hours in the mad scrum of knitters and stitchers was enough for me!

As well as a whole heap of magazines I bought beautiful Japanese Fat Quarters from The Eternal Maker, pretty polka dot fabrics and bias binding from Favourite Fabrics, Christmassy fabrics from Moda bought from The Village Haberdashery and more Moda fabrics from Ray Stitch. I was as happy buying fabric as I was meeting the people behind some of my favourite fabric shops. Now I just need to find time to get sewing.