The Spring 2018 Knitting and Stitching Show

I wasn’t sure if I’d manage to get to the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show because of the snow we’ve had this week but, despite the media’s non-stop scaremongering, I got there without any problems. 

I really felt for the show’s organisers, who came in for some stick for not refunding tickets bought by people who couldn’t attend because of the weather. The organisers delivered the show they promised – it’s not their fault if the UK transport infrastructure, and its lack of contingency planning, let people down.

For the first time I hadn’t signed up for any workshops so I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy the show as much, but I’m pleased to say that I did. As always, the textile galleries are a real highlight of the show for me. There are more photos on my Facebook page.

Quilters’ Guild members had a display commemorating WW1 – all of the quilts were very different, and some poignantly inspired by the maker’s own family’s experience of the war.

Senga Bain – Returning Home

Mr X Stitch’s curated cross-stitch exhibition seemed pretty busy all day.

Elvis by Keith Clark – cross-stitch on chipboard

Textile and basketry students from City Lit contributed a diverse range of pieces.

Chantal Vouilleman – Pin up

Textile artist, Anne Kelly’s work is influenced by folk and naïve art. Many of the pieces on display will be featured in her forthcoming book Textile Folk Art.

Anne Kelly – Folk Tales

Studio Art Quilts Associates’ Concrete and Grassland exhibition focused on the contrasts of the natural landscape and the human constructed cityscape.

Aileyn Renli Ecob – The Grasslands are Winning

There were some terrific entries in this year’s competition – the theme was the knitted tea room.

Good enough to eat!

I listened to a talk in the Creative Living Theatre about Untangled Threads’ WW1 hearts project. The project aims to highlight the benefit of occupational therapy as well as raise funds for Combat Stress. During WW1 pincushion hearts were given to injured soldiers to decorate while they recuperated in hospital. You can read more about sweetheart pincushions in my post about SSAFA’s recent exhibition in Ely. Untangled Threads has made 1568 undecorated sawdust hearts (one heart to represent each day of the war). The hearts are available to buy as kits ready to be decorated. The completed hearts will be displayed in November. See the above link for details if you would like to take part.

WW1 replica hearts

I was very restrained looking at the exhibitors’ stands as I didn’t have any projects looming for which I didn’t already have a stash of supplies.

I’m glad I made the effort to visit because it was another great show. I’m especially grateful to the organisers, exhibitors, speakers, and tutors for making the show happen despite the obstacles.

See you in October!

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