Craft Focus - Oct/Nov (Issue 63)

CONSUMER SHOW NEWS The Knitting & Stitching Show 11 th - 15 th October 2017 Alexandra Palace, London LONDON’S CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND STITCHERS Ticket lines open for The Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace this autumn for the one of the biggest event for the UK’s textile art, craft and design community. With a show that attracts more than 30,000 visitors. The Knitting & Stitching Show, was established more than 25 years ago, and offers something for everyone from complete beginners looking to start a new hobby to experts looking for inspiration for ambitious new projects. In The Learning Curve programme (in association with Groves), top craft tutors host more than 220 practical workshops covering every aspect of textile craft imaginable and there’s also a lively programme of talks and discussions by leading figures from the textile world. The Embellished Handbag by Hand & Lock – a collection of one of a kind, uniquely embellished handbags which celebrate 250 years of fashion and embroidery and showcase Hand & Lock’s collaborations with a selection of internationally renowned luxury accessory companies. Other artists and groups appearing include Ann Small, Fi Oberon, Rachael Howard, Haf Weighton, Hilary Hollingworth, Hilary Waters Fayle and Sarah Waters and Hue, New Embroidery Group, Quinary and the Royal School of Needlework. In The Dressmaking Studio (in association with Vlieseline Freudenberg), sewing experts explain the basics of dressmaking while in The Creative Living Theatre, with demonstrations by well-known knit and stitch stars. There are knitting and crochet drop-in sessions from the UK Hand Knitting Association and Craft in Action features accomplished textile crafters at work plus an unbeatable opportunity to stock up on fabric and other essential supplies, with hundreds of specialist retailers under one roof. New for this year is the glamorous McCall Pattern Company Cocktail Party in aid of the Eve Appeal. Following its popular Vintage Sew-alongs and tea parties, McCall is launching The Cocktail Hour Sew-along. For every pattern sold, McCall’s will make a donation to the Eve Appeal. Cocktail Hour takes place at 4.30pm-6pm on Wednesday 11 th October. London has a thriving textile scene and a world-leading reputation for creativity, but according to leading figures from the textile world, children lack opportunities to explore their creativity in school. Artists, designers and craftspeople appearing at The Knitting & Stitching Show support the Campaign for Creativity to protect creative and craft subjects in education and to encourage more adults to explore their creative side to improve health and wellbeing. Visitors to the show can support the campaign by signing a petition on change.org and with some craft activism. Supporters are stitching signatures for a unique cloth petition, which is travelling across the UK before being presented to the Education Secretary later this year. Stitched signatures can be made at or brought along to the London show or sent to campaign HQ at The Campaign for Creativity, Twistedthread, 58 White Lion Street, London N1 9PP. To purchase tickets or find out more about the show visit theknittingandstitchingshow.com/london CALLING ALL CRAFT ARTISANS Salisbury Christmas Market has gained an excellent reputation with both exhibitors and visitors who come to this historic city. Salisbury Christmas Market is inspired by traditional European Christmas Markets, but there’s something very British about it too. The market hosts award-winning exhibitors from across the country, who sell only the highest-quality products. After the success of last year, Salisbury Christmas Market is expanding with a new area called Artisan Row, turning Salisbury high street into a beautiful festive walkway. Artisan Row will showcase the best artists, artisan producers and makers in the south and southwest, who will be housed in German style wooden kiosks close to the beautiful Salisbury Cathedral. Salisbury Business Improvement District, who organise Salisbury Christmas Market, proudly supports local businesses and wants to encourage smaller traders to come into the city, which is why Artisan Row is more affordable and can be hired from four to thirty days, which reduces the foreseen risk by smaller businesses. The company are also pleased to announce that this year the food and drink area opening times will be extended on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night with live music and entertainment. For more details visit salisburybid.co.uk 28 craft focus