The Knitting and Stitching Show has been established for around 30 years now, but this year it came to Belfast, Northern Ireland, for the first time. I’ve been to the show several times in different locations and always enjoy the opportunity to collect ideas and inspiration as well as sourcing fabric, thread and supplies. The Dublin events came to an end several years ago so it’s good to have the show back in Ireland.
There was a good selection of traders offering fabrics, yarns, embroidery supplies and books. While the show is all about textiles, there were a few stands selling supplies for other hobbies such as papercrafts and jewellery making.
Most of the sewing machine brands were there, demonstrating their range. This impressive specimen was embroidering away all by itself on the Brother stand.
There was plenty of fabric for sale, for dressmaking as well as patchwork and quilting. You can’t beat a quilting shop for a colourful display!
There were several companies selling kits for embroidery and other crafts. This range of Irish Lighthouse embroidery kits is by Hass Crafts.
The charming paper bird kits are by Adele Pound.
Irish craft supplies were well represented too, with artisan yarns in dreamy colours such as those from IAY.
These Irish tweed loom weaving kits, which are beautifully packaged, would make a lovely gift.
In between the shopping area and the exhibition space was a display of work by members of Craft NI, including printmaker Gail Kelly and artist Ruth Osborne.
Also included in the show are a demonstration theatre and various workshops where you can get hands-on and learn new techniques.
The textile galleries showcased work from individual artists as well as The Irish Patchwork Society. It was difficult to take photos as the show was busy, but there are more images from each exhibition on the show’s website.
The knitters and stitchers of Ireland must have been waiting for the show to return, as it was apparently very well attended. Certainly on the Friday morning I was there it was bustling, and the more popular stands were crowded. I usually make sure I get there at 10am when the doors open, but many do the same, including groups arriving in coaches.
As we were in Belfast for the day, I returned to the show for the last hour of the afternoon, and it was much quieter and easier to access everything. Worth considering if, like me, you’re not fond of crowds!
Next year’s Knitting and Stitching Shows take place at Harrogate in Yorkshire, Alexandra Palace in London, and the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Belfast. More information and early access tickets here.
And you can see lots more photos from the show here.
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