It’s been a busy couple of weeks what with CHSI Stitches in Birmingham followed almost immediately by the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show 2018 at Olympia London, but I’ve just about survived it. When I go along to these large craft shows I like to take a look around and see what pretty and interesting things there are about the fair, so that those of you who weren’t able to make it (which was quite a lot of people this year given the crazy English snow!) are able to see some of the highlights from the show (well, my highlights at least).

As always, below are a tonne of colourful and pretty photos from the fair – I hope you find them inspring 🙂

The Spring Knitting and Stitching Show 2018:

The Ragged Life Stand:

Those of you who made it over to the fair will hopefully recognise our cute little corner stand. We always have a tonne of fun choosing how to decorate the space with our colourful rag rug wares – so many rugs, so little space! This time we had even more fun and games than normal as our broken banner stand kept scrolling down. Fortunately we got it fixed with good neighbours and gaffer tape 🙂

Our Neighbours:

Stitchsperation:

We were really lucky to have the awesome Stitchsperation team opposite us as they kept us laughing throughout the show.

Prilly Lewis:

I’m feeling particularly chuffed as one of the few purchases I made at the show has already received lots of compliments. I never get enough time to shop which is probably for the best. This scarf was designed by Prilly Lewis, who makes scarves, cushions, throws and mittens out of felted wool. I love supporting independent designers when I can 🙂

Other Bits around Spring Knitting and Stitching Show 2018:

Hands On:

This ‘Hands On’ piece is by the International Felt Makers Association. I was drawn in as I love how all the separate squares are so different despite the fact that they are of the same subject matter and material. For a bit of context on this piece, the Association asked its members to make a square of felt depicting their own hands. It didn’t matter how they chose to design it but there was one rule – it needed to be made from their local wool. What a wonderful way to bring crafters together to celebrate each person’s work, as well as who they are. The Felt Makers Association summed this up nicely, writing ‘Felt makers around the world are linked by their hands… hands bring us together.’

Below you can see part of the process of felt making- how the wool is pulled apart and put back together again in the form of felt with the help of soap, water and A LOT of hand work.

Solstitch:

Next, I came across the Solstitch stand with their brilliantly bright sign. If you’ve read my previous blog posts on shows and exhibitions, you’ll know I’m a sucker for bright colours and funky patterns, which is why Solstitch drew me in. Ahh, just look at those fabrics!

Their lampshades are just brilliant as the painted canvas lights up and lets off a soft glow in your chosen paint colours when the light is on. I can just imagine painting something like the orange lamp (on the left) for my own home.

And how could I not take a photo of that elephant doorstop?! Another great way to brighten up the home by creating something yourself. Reminds me of our Ragged Life fluffy draught excluders… bright, handmade, customisable, but always fun! 😊

Bombay Stores:

Soon after this, I came across Bombay Stores. They had a pretty collection of fabrics in beautiful patterns and styles. The thing that caught my eye the most though has to be those bags! I absolutely love the eclectic mix of colours in each bag and how each is unique. The detail in the stitching to create the patterns is wonderful. The pom pom’s, sequins and shiny jewels and thread of course made me stop and even pick one up myself!

The Textile Gallery:

One of the hardest things about working at the Knitting and Stitching Show is the fact that I never get a proper chance to look around all the amazing textile galleries. They’re some of the best places to get colour and texture inspiration, so next time I’m going to make a real point to spend more time perusing. Below are some of the pieces that I did managed to take a little look at:

Sincerely Louise:

I’ve met Louise Walker from Sincerely Louise a few times now, but it’s always good fun to see what new faux taxidermy goodies she has on offer. How cute is this little pink jellyfish!

The Makers:

One of the cutest displays at the fair was definitely the felted creations from The Makerss. The gnomes weren’t really to my taste but the sneaky fox was adorable.

Beaded Animals:

Colours of Norfolk:

Mystical Lantern Shawls:

La La With Love:

La La With Love kept catching our eye as we travelled around the fair because of their rich, textured sari silk skeins. They had plenty of fabrics that would look lovely rag rugged up so we may well be partnering up with them in the future…. watch this space!

I bought the below skeins of sari silk from La La With Love as I thought they’d look lovely loopy rag rugged onto a clutch bag. I’m nearly finished making it so stay tuned to see how they turn out…

Right, that’s it from the Knitting and Stitching Show for the time being. Hopefully we’ll see some of you at Ally Pally or Harrogate later in the year 🙂

If you’d like to be the first to hear what fairs we’re heading to, why not sign up for our Rag Rug Inspiration Newsletter here or join our Rag Rug Community on Facebook here for advice, resources and gorgeous rag rug photos.

Or connect with us on social media at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raggedlife/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raggedliferagrugs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/raggedlife/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/raggedlife