I've just got a quick post lined up for you today while I'm wandering about the streets of Paris, hopefully not blowing all my spending money on fabric and macarons alone! I need to save up some pennies as I'm really looking forward to heading to the Spring Knitting & Stitching Show with my Mum and Nan this year. From Thursday 1st March to Sunday 4th it will taking place at Olympia, London. I always particularly enjoy the show at this venue and there seems to be an increasing amount of dressmaking related stalls and fabric shops selling fabric suited to dressmaking in recent years. I usually try and go with a bit of a shopping list in mind or the inspiring choice can get a little overwhelming but one or two extra little purchases usually find their way home with me...oops!
As well as the huge number of sewing, knitting and craft specialists to shop with (you'll be sure to find some of your favourite retailers there) there's an expanding variety of workshops and drop in studios to get involved in plus free demos in The Creative Living Theatre and textile art galleries to browse which usually inspire me to try a new and exciting craft I don't really have time for! I've got myself booked on to a Fly Front Trouser Zip workshop with Janice Croft in The Dressmaking Studio as that is one sewing technique I still don't have a lot of confidence in and I think it will be great to have someone show me in person.
I was having a browse of the exhibition leaflet before writing this post and clocked a couple of of things going on at the show which I'll definitely be trying to get involved in. I've always enjoyed cross stitch and for Christmas my Dad got me a subscription to X Stitch magazine which I'm really enjoying so I'm delighted to see that the founder Jamie Chalmers (a.k.a Mr X Stitch) will be at the show. He'll be running a drop-in cross stitch studio and showing visitors how versatile and contemporary modern cross stitch designs can be. I'd also like to swing by the knitworking area where you can sit and knit! I knitted my first scarf last year and have added knitting a sweater to my #2018makenine challenge grid so I'd love to get some tips and advice from the resident knitting experts.
All in all it is guaranteed to be a great day out no matter what craft takes your fancy...my biggest concern is how to fit it all in! The great news for you guys is that I've got 5 pairs of tickets to give away which are valid for entry on any one day excluding Saturday 3rd March. To enter all you need to do is leave a comment below and if you like tell me what you'd most look forward to doing at the show...just because I'm nosey! The giveaway closes at 12 midnight GMT on Sunday 11th February and I will be announcing the winners in a blog post the day after. If you live outside the UK you are welcome to enter please only do if you will definitely be able to attend as we wouldn't want the tickets going to waste. Please make sure to leave your email address in the comment if it isn't easily visible on your profile as I will be contacting the winners to arrange delivery of your tickets after the competition closes.
If you can't wait for the giveaway to get your tickets booked, are reading this post late or would like to attend on the Saturday I've got a treat for you too as I have a discount code which reduces advance ticket prices to £11.50 saving you £2 off adult tickets and £1 on concessions. Please note there is a £1.50 fulfilment fee per booking transaction on top. To obtain the offer just enter the code DIARY18 at the checkout.
Good Luck and hopefully see you there!
As well as the huge number of sewing, knitting and craft specialists to shop with (you'll be sure to find some of your favourite retailers there) there's an expanding variety of workshops and drop in studios to get involved in plus free demos in The Creative Living Theatre and textile art galleries to browse which usually inspire me to try a new and exciting craft I don't really have time for! I've got myself booked on to a Fly Front Trouser Zip workshop with Janice Croft in The Dressmaking Studio as that is one sewing technique I still don't have a lot of confidence in and I think it will be great to have someone show me in person.
I was having a browse of the exhibition leaflet before writing this post and clocked a couple of of things going on at the show which I'll definitely be trying to get involved in. I've always enjoyed cross stitch and for Christmas my Dad got me a subscription to X Stitch magazine which I'm really enjoying so I'm delighted to see that the founder Jamie Chalmers (a.k.a Mr X Stitch) will be at the show. He'll be running a drop-in cross stitch studio and showing visitors how versatile and contemporary modern cross stitch designs can be. I'd also like to swing by the knitworking area where you can sit and knit! I knitted my first scarf last year and have added knitting a sweater to my #2018makenine challenge grid so I'd love to get some tips and advice from the resident knitting experts.
All in all it is guaranteed to be a great day out no matter what craft takes your fancy...my biggest concern is how to fit it all in! The great news for you guys is that I've got 5 pairs of tickets to give away which are valid for entry on any one day excluding Saturday 3rd March. To enter all you need to do is leave a comment below and if you like tell me what you'd most look forward to doing at the show...just because I'm nosey! The giveaway closes at 12 midnight GMT on Sunday 11th February and I will be announcing the winners in a blog post the day after. If you live outside the UK you are welcome to enter please only do if you will definitely be able to attend as we wouldn't want the tickets going to waste. Please make sure to leave your email address in the comment if it isn't easily visible on your profile as I will be contacting the winners to arrange delivery of your tickets after the competition closes.
If you can't wait for the giveaway to get your tickets booked, are reading this post late or would like to attend on the Saturday I've got a treat for you too as I have a discount code which reduces advance ticket prices to £11.50 saving you £2 off adult tickets and £1 on concessions. Please note there is a £1.50 fulfilment fee per booking transaction on top. To obtain the offer just enter the code DIARY18 at the checkout.
Good Luck and hopefully see you there!