The Alexandra Palace knitting & stitching show 2014

On the 9th October I took the coach with my crafty pals to the knitting and stitching show at Alexandra Palace. This is the third time I've attended the event, and I have to say - it never gets tiring. Every year I am filled to the brim with ideas and inspiration and I leave with bags full of crafty goodies - even though I promise hubby not too (!)  I'd love to introduce you to some of the wonderful artists and makers from the event, and share some of my favourite moments from the day.

Absolutely gorgeous - handmade teddy's and toys by Toft UK.

In fabric heaven in Patchwork corner! ... they also run patchwork classes don't ya know.

This beautiful hand embroidered pin cushion was made by Lorna Bateman - a lovely lady who runs workshops and sells beautiful embroidered pieces and 'kits' so that we can make them ourselves ... on the christmas list me thinks.

Not only are there hundreds of heavenly crafty stalls at the show, there are also workshops, and some magnificent pieces of art. The beautiful piece above is by Delia Pusey - an artist whose main source of inspiration has been the needle skills of local women in France and Belgium and the poignancy of the messages on the silk embroidered cards sent home from the front. 

These beautifully made dresses above were hand stitched by the students of Kings Ely college in Cambridgeshire. 

I had a lovely chinwag with the man from Decopatch, where I bought a cute little toadstool to decoupage! Isn't this chair lovely? would be a simple but effective project ... ideal for a kiddies room.

Lovely ribbons and lace from Namolio - I loved their crochet snowflake garland.

I bought some beautiful little buttons from Textile Garden ... I have no idea what I'm going to do with them but that's never stopped me before ;-) they're all so pretty ... perhaps I could wear them as earrings (?)

This was from the beautiful patchwork and embroidery stall Faeries in my garden. There was so much to see here so I'm going to show you in another post - Leslies work is just amazing. 

These fabulous ladies attend the show every year - sporting a different hand-embroidered costume & trolly. It must take them an entire year to create these hand-stitched masterpieces! I shall do my utmost to get an interview with them next year, I'd love to know more about them and their work. (The blue outfits were from last years show.)

I simply have to mention my favourite knitwear designer - Jennie Atkinson. Her beautiful designs are inspired by the 19th and 20th century and they are just exquisite, and they are all in the book 'A Handknit Romance' which I highly recommend.  I have the pattern AND the yarn, so this year I WILL compete my persuasion cardigan - I promise Jennie!

A vintage suitcase of ribbons from Cool Crafting ... that would look lovely in my big (imaginary) craft room.

Me and the lovely Jane Greenoff from the Cross stitch guild. Jane creates some of the most beautiful cross stitch kits I have ever seen - and I'm currently working my way through the Florette cross stitchers carousel - so far, I've made the carousel, will update you my progress very soon!

Next it was time to stock on lace from the fine french lace sellers Cottonlace - Luc Smiers and his dad (pictured above) specialise in vintage hard-to-find cotton lace and much more. I always look forward to seeing them at the show.

Me getting a cuddle from the very lovely (and talented) Stuart Hillard from the Great British Sewing Bee. He was selling his new book  Sew fabulous.

I took part in the rag-rug workshop this year, led by the lovely Jenni Stuart-Anderson. It was only £12 to take part and included materials! I'll show you more from this session (including how to Rag-rug) in another post. 

This year I met Gilda Baron, and I have to say it was a highlight for me. Her work is simply beautiful, and if I hadn't already spent my pocket money I would have bought one of her beautiful pieces in a heartbeat. 

This curious world - by Catherine Von Isenburg was my very last stop. I'm going to show you some more of her work in separate post because I just loved it. After such a long day it was a real treat to be transported into such a magical wonderland by Catherine. She's currently selling some of these beautiful pieces in her Etsy shop.

I hope you enjoyed meeting these artists and seeing their work. If you'd like to see more from the show you can see more pics from last year below. Should you like to attend next year head over to The knitting and Stitching Show for details.

The Alexander Palace knitting and stitch show 2013.

JM x

Ralphy! what are you doing at the 
knit and stitch show??

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