Exploring Ally Pally and The Knitting & Stitching Show

Posted on October 7, 2023

It’s been a few years since I’ve ventured to the Knitting & Stitching Show at Ally Pally. It’s a biannual show which also takes place at Harrogate.

Exploring Ally Pally and The Knitting & Stitching Show

The Knitting & Stitching Show is a great show for people who love craft. There are exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and lots of shopping to be done. I didn’t manage to book myself on any workshops (they sell out quickly) so I just went to look round the exhibits and do some shopping.

I made sure to visit first thing on Saturday morning as the show can get really busy. First I headed straight to the main hall and walked round all the stands. There was lots going on, with demonstrations and free talks.

After I had seen everything I walked into the smaller exhibition room (which was still quite large!). There were more stands and I saw some of my famous sewing brands. I picked up a crochet kit after seeing all the inspiring makes on the Toft stand.

Sadly that was my only purchase, although there were plenty of eye-catching kits, fabrics and notions.

I made sure to spend plenty of time looking round the exhibitions space and there were some amazing pieces. I especially liked the work based on building sites. The artist picked up discarded high vis clothing and incorporated them into her work which I thought was really clever.

My favourite part of the show was seeing the Domestic Dusters curated by Vanessa Marr. This is a collection of yellow dusters embroidered with domestic thoughts, feelings, complaints and celebrations as words or images.

The duster was selected as a metaphor for domesticity and it made for an eye-catching display. I really enjoyed looking at each one and thought it made for a thought-provoking display as you entered and left the show.