Knitting and stitching in London

I managed to make it to the Knitting and Stitching show at Alexandra Palace in London this past weekend. Normally I find out about these things too late, but this time I found out just in time AND had a free weekend.

We traveled via train and underground, arriving at Wood Green station.

Decorative ventilation grille on the platform

The walk from the station only takes about 25 minutes, and you get to enjoy some some impressive views of the city from the park.

London skyline

Alexandra Palace, or Ally Pally as it is affectionately known, was built in 1873 as a 'people's palace' - a public centre for recreation, education and entertainment. There is a skating rink, television studios, and several large halls that can be used for exhibitions and concerts.

The Knitting and Stitching shows (there are three each year) provide an enormous market place for specialist craft supplies plus lots of workshops. But the best part is the displays by professional textile artists and groups, including lots of craft guilds. It is just as much a show for looking as for buying  - which was good, because I'm currently on a yarn diet - but not a crash diet, as you shall see.

Here are a couple of things that took my fancy:

Miniature quilt

Less than 10 inches high!

QR code from Mr X Stitch

Do you suppose it would work?

Another selection from Mr X Stitch

Cross stitch car door

Wafer Thin 2012: A Study of the Role of Fat was long roll of fabric printed and stitched with images and sayings about food. There was an accompanying book with all the sections printed out so you could see the whole roll.

Another enjoyable aspect was the displays by student artists - you could linger and chat with them about their work.

Student with embossed, cut and stitched paper

Finally, at the entrance to the show, reminding us of our sometimes fickle nature, the tent of unfinishables.

Inside: tragic (and funny) stories of unfinished projects
Outside: all those poor, abandoned projects

And, as mentioned, I did not escape yarnless. I found several new fibres to add to my collection - Lotus Miya mink yarn from China and Bessie May nettle/wool yarn from the UK.

The nettle yarn has a lovely sheen. I'm thinking a hat