Knitting & Stitching Show to host dressmaking competition

This year's Spring Knitting & Stitching Show will feature a brand-new competition for skilled eco-minded seamstresses and tailors. Focusing on sustainability, the contest will include three categories. The first, A Dress from your Stash, requires entrants to make a dress from an old pattern with unused fabric from their home collection. Category two, Go Green, will require garments made from non-traditional materials like paper, bubble wrap and plastic bottles. The third category, Upcycle an Existing Garment will challenge entrants to transform an old item into something entirely different. All competition pieces must be wearable and will need an accompanying back story that includes details about the ideas, materials and patterns used.

Entries will be displayed in the show's Competition Finalists' Gallery for the duration of the event, and creators will be invited to take part in a fun, informal catwalk show with garments modelled by their makers. The judges will include TV presenter and sewing teacher Wendy Gardiner and show director Katie Ventresca. An overall winner will be voted for by visitors and prizes will include an Adjustoform Dress Form worth over £100 and a new sewing machine.

“The fashion industry and fast fashion in particular have become synonymous with poor environmental and ethical behaviour," explains Katie Ventresca. "Designing and making clothes by hand using recycled materials is the antidote to that. The competition will be a celebration of ethical craft and dressmaking talent. We can't wait to see some creative entries.”

The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show will take place at Olympia London from 28th February to 3rd March 2019. Highlights will include a dressmaking Sewing School, featuring full and half-day workshops and a preview of the Fashion and Textile Museum's upcoming Zandra Rhodes exhibition. There will be more than 190 workshops and demonstrations, exhibitions by leading textile artists, drop-in knitting and crochet sessions and the latest knitting and stitching equipment. To enter the competition or book tickets, visit www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/spring.