Each year, there seems to be a bigger choice of knitting shows to attend, but one of the largest and longest running is the Knitting and Stitch Show, held each October at Alexandra Palace. The North London venue is one of five hosts for the event in the UK and Ireland and is a focus for large and small companies.
Exhibitors
For some organisations, being at “Ally Pally” is about keeping their brand in the crafter’s mind, and for others, the event is an opportunity to show their products and demonstrate new techniques. Magazine companies have exhibitions showing publications and many offer deals to customers who subscribe at the show.
There are also a number of stalls manned by members of various craft guilds (such as machine knitters and tatters), allowing visitors to have a close up look at a craft that they may not have tried, to see the beautiful things that can be made, and to be shown the basics of a new skill.
Instruction
Lessons are also available in workshops, which include crochet jewellery and various stitching and knitting skills. However, these get booked up very early and so booking in advance is essential.
Craft as Art
Perhaps the most interesting part of the show, however, is the large gallery space, displaying work from a variety of textile artists including work from solo artists and groups.
There is also a regular exhibition of students’ work, selected by the UK Hand Knitting Association, in their Knitted Textile Awards Competition. The students produce work from the wearable to the bizarre and show just how far knitting (including machine knitting) can be taken with imagination. Many previous prize winners have gone on to forge successful careers as designers within the knitting industry and so this is a chance to see where the craft may be taken in the future.
Sewing Crafts and Accessories
The show is not just about yarn craft and there are many things for lovers of cross stitch, embroidery, tapestry and patchwork, including demonstrations and supplies to buy. It is also a good place to find unusual buttons or other embellishments, as well as housing a small number of stalls selling clothing and bags.
Tips for Going to the Alexandra Palace Show
The venue can get very crowded and warm, so removable layers and sensible shoes are a must. It is also wise to take a bottle of water. These are available here but, as is usually the case for venues of this nature, the queues can be long and the prices can be high. For this reason, may also take their own food.
There is plenty to see and do at the show, as well as lots of opportunities to buy. Bargains are to be had, and there are yarns and equipment available which is not always to be found in a local yarn shop. Just remember to leave the credit card at home, if you know that you’re likely to give in to temptation!
Lesley Arnold-Hopkins - Lesley Arnold-Hopkins is a freelance writer whose work and hobbies have given her areas of expertise in a number of fields. She has an ...
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