The series of British knitting and stitching shows which start from the middle of September and go on till the end of November are sure to sweep all textile admirers and stitching enthusiasts off their feet. Scheduled to begin at the NEC, Birmingham between the 11th and 14th of September, the Knitting and Stitching Exhibitions will then be hosted at Alexandra Palace, London between the 9th and 12th of October. The Third show is to be held at RDS, Dublin from 30th October to 2nd November. Late November will see the final show being held at Harrogate International Centre from the 20th to 23rd.
Although knitting and stitching exhibits are given most importance, the exhibition also showcases many other crafts such as felt-making, shibori dyeing, jewellery-making, card-making and mixed media. Apart from what is generally expected of most stitching exhibitions, the Knitting and Stitching Show at NEC, Birmingham is expected to host a new section this year. The event is to have a special feature called 'Artists in Action' where special guests can watch some of the best textile artisans as they create masterpieces in different mediums throughout the course of the exhibition.
The exhibit at the Alexandra Palace in London has added an exclusive authentic touch by featuring famous Japanese pictures, dolls and tapestries made by Ms Takako Sako, who will be exhibiting her work in the UK for the first time. Promoting Japanese embroidery, Ms Sako uses innovative bead weaving techniques to create contemporary designs.
Keeping the new generation in mind the stitching show at RDS, Dublin plans on giving recognition to amateurs and will exhibit the work of students from Ballyfermot College. At a more interactive level, RDS will also include a gallery that will display winning entries of the Brother 50th Anniversary Patchwork competition.
The Knitting and Stitching Shows that are to be hosted from September to November this year, will throw open an array of culturally inspired art work from Nepal, a country known for its unique and rich cultural heritage. The Nepalese exhibits of wall carpets and mixed media pictures will include both stylised as well as abstract elements of the Nepalese culture and landscape.
The knitting and stitching exhibition which is to be held at London and Harrogate will allow guests to view various crafts on display. Ray Slater, a well known cloth doll maker will be promoting her latest book called "Cloth Dolls for Textile Artists", along with authors Christine and Julie Ashford who have also chosen the same venues for the launch of their book "Spellbinding Jewellery."
In addition to this exciting range of artwork on display, guests at the event will also get to view an Irish Patchwork Exhibition which displays small wall hangings as well as large quilts made by both traditional and contemporary textile art forms, Alfreda McHale's display of a huge collection of buttons, the Bosnian Quilt Exhibition, Barbara and Roy Hirst's Stump work and other exclusive galleries.
Catherine writes about Exhibition Services & Stands and Exhibitions & Conference News.
