Today I enjoyed my annual trip to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Ally Pally. Just like last year it rained all day in London! Thankfully the weather didn’t affect our trip and we had a great day.
Shopping and making at the Knitting and Stitching Show
This year I went with a friend and we decided to try some of the many workshops on offer at the Show. Did you know there is a workshop program of over 250 classes? The Dressmaking Studio caters for beginners to professionals; The Creative Living Theatre showcases daily demos by sewing celebrities, and there is the chance to learn to knit or crochet at The Knitworking Station. As well as the textile galleries there are over 300 exhibitors selling everything from fabric to wool, felt to notions, patterns to accessories and everything in between.
When we arrived at the Show we headed to the Great Hall to visit all the different stalls. This is my favourite part of the day as it’s a great chance to stock up on sewing supplies! This year I needed some Liberty fabric to complete the back of my Shipping forecast quilt. I found a stall selling just Liberty fabric and picked up a few different pieces.
Our two workshops were in the middle of the day. First up was how to machine sew a coiled pot with Molly Brown. I’ve wanted to try this craft for a while and it was so much fun. We learned how to coil the rope and use a zig zag stitch on the sewing machine to hold it together. It did take the full 90 minutes to learn how to make it but I enjoyed it so much that I bought some extra rope so I can try it again at home!
After a quick break for lunch we went to our second workshop, first steps in foundation paper piecing by machine with Moraig Hewitt. I love paper piecing by hand so I was excited to learn how to do it on my machine. We stitched a little pincushion and I picked up all kinds of tips so I’m confident I could try it again at home.
After our second workshop we headed back into the Main Hall to finish looking round the stalls and at some of the quilts on display. We didn’t make it to the rest of the Show as it’s just so big to walk around! I’m glad we tried something new this year, I’d definitely recommend a visit if you love crafting.
Every year I blog about my purchases to shame me into making them. Here are my previous posts:
Knitting and Stitching Show 2018
Knitting and Stitching Show 2017
Knitting and Stitching Show 2015
Knitting and Stitching Show 2014
Knitting and Stitching Show 2012
Knitting and Stitching Show 2011
Knitting and Stitching Show 2010
Knitting and Stitching Show 2009
Knitting and Stitching Show 2007
WOW! I like places like that where you can also learn how to make stuff. We went to a pottery place before. My mom bought lots of stuff, while my sisters and I, created all kinds of stonewear.
Looks like a super fun day, I’d love to learn how to make those bowls.
Katie xoxo