Monday, May 02, 2016

The Knitting and Stitching show at Edinburgh.

Hello folks, what can I say, I didn't want to come back home.  I had a lovely weekend down in Edinburgh, spent far too much and am now home with my brain buzzing, lots of new ideas.  I am a paper crafter mainly but having started dabbling with crochet and sewing I decided, why not pop to the show?
I wasn't disappointed.  So much choice, so many lovely crafters sharing their work and ideas.  The works of art on display were all stunning, I can only hope at some point I can produce work like that. I had booked a couple of classes and thoroughly enjoyed them, one working with silver clay and the other free motion embroidery.  Before I show you what I bought, cause I know that is really what you want to see ;) here's some pictures from the show, with thanks to The Knitting and Stitching show for permission to use them.
I was far too busy having fun to take photographs.

Some of the quilts were amazing works of art.  This was one brought over from a Netherlands group, it uses tiny bits of material, all only a couple of inches in size.  The stitch work close up is amazing and the whole piece is held together with rivets and bike inner tubes.  So much work, it must have taken such a long time to produce.


This particular group of quilts brought from the Netherlands were my favourites exhibited in the show, this being only one.  I had a lovely chat with Henk Lijding an Art historian who brought the collection over to Edinburgh.  His stories behind the Artwork made the pieces come to life even more.


The creative theatre was interesting as different presenters demonstrated techniques and essential tips on all manner of projects.  I certainly learnt a few tips which I intend to have a go at.  Everyone was very helpful and friendly.


The crochet ladies from Toft were there with all Edward's Menagerie hanging in mid air.  
Such a lovely display of cuties.


There was all manner of wools and yarns.  You should have seen the size of some of the knitting needles too, huge.  The size of chair legs nearly.  If only I could knit.


As for material, there was everything you could ever needed, from accessories and threads to all shapes and sizes from quarters, rolls and by the metre.  So much choice, so much material to stroke!
It was heaven in a room, and I'm not a sewer.  


Then there was kits to make, how cute are these rabbits in their clothes.  The attention to detail on these samples by Coolcrafting was amazing.  Who wouldn't want one of these beauties?  There was all manner of kits from bags to pictures from a variety of stalls.  These were my favourites on the day.

There was also jewelry, wood cut by laser, charms, magazines and books.  
I've bound to have missed something, so much choice and crafty loveliness.  Then there was beauty treatments and massage, to keep us all going.  I didn't sample much of the food and drink on offer as the queues on the first day were quite long and it would waste valuable shopping time.  What I did have and see looked lovely and a cup of tea and a slice of cake was a welcome break at the end of the day.
I would certainly recommend a visit next year to anyone who couldn't make their mind up whether to go or not.  Start saving now!
Thank you to all the team at The Knitting and Stitching show for organising the event.  
It was a most enjoyable few days away.  Next year are you up for it too?
If you want anymore information about upcoming shows in your area you can visit The Knitting and Stitching website here.

I stayed close by at the Ibis hotel near the Gyle shopping centre.  It was a lovely hotel and only five minutes walk to the Gyle for more shopping and food.  
I had a right girlie weekend, who could want more, crafting, fine crafty products to buy, clothes shopping and lots of eating.  A perfect couple of days in my eyes, can you see now why I didn't want to go home?

That's all from me today, more pictures tomorrow.  I'll show you what I bought!  :)

9 comments:

Barb said...

Some lovely photos Erika. You obviously had a wonderful time and now we have to wait to see what you're going to make. The quilt looks amazing using such small pieces of material and the rabbits are adorable. Enjoy your day. Barbxx

Jo said...

Sounds like you had a fabulous time Erika.....can't wait to see what goodies you came home with!
hugs Jo x

Hazel said...

Erika I can tell from every word you had a ball. I bet there was a lot of " if only" or " oh I must have". I think you have bought some wonderful goodies. We stayed at the Ibis in Carlisle and it was a lovely hotel with great rooms and the staff were great. Hazel xxx

cuilliesocks said...

Oh Erika it all sounds so fab, wish I'd been there, maybe next year, Kate x

Lau W said...

So good time you had !!! Fabulous moment, sure ! Lovely images, can't wait to see what you bought !
xxx

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Sounds wonderful, looking forward to seeing your purchases

Carol said...

Sounds like a wonderful few days Erika...might have to pop up next time it's on! Look forward to seeing what you bought. Carol x

Cara said...

Sounds and looks like you had a fabulous time! Only a little bit jealous, honest. Looking forward to seeing what you purchased. Cara x

Mari said...

It's so nice that you share this. Those kinds of days are so cool :) I could imagine myself going with you :D