Thursday 8 October 2009

Knitting and Stitching Show

Tomorrow I am going to the Knitting and Stitching Show with my friend. This is one of the most exciting shows I have ever been to. (and also, that is where I get my semi-precious stone chips from Ilona Biggins!) I love all the forward thinking ideas happening, the new techniques, the very different ways of people working with textiles that broadens my mind.

For instance: a knitted car...of course! I took this photo one time when I went. The lady who knitted it was being photographed with the car.
Here is a link to some views of the shows in the past.

One of the thing that I want to have a look at, (but probably won't participate in) is a new thing called "Swishing".
From the Twisted Threads Website:

"Swishing! Presented by Sewing World Magazine and Brother
Swishing - the free exchange of quality clothes between friends – is fast becoming the most fun and ethical way to keep up with the fashion seasons. We invite you to The Knitting and Stitching Show’s very own Swishing Studio, and ask you to bring along wearable clothes and/or fashion accessories that you have made, customised or cleverly recycled to exchange with other creative people!

· Everything you bring should be cleaned, labelled with a size guide and ready to swap.

· We will take in clothes in the morning between 10am and 12pm

· Bring up to 5 items to exchange for the same number

· Swishing costs £5 and all proceeds will be donated to Bliss, the special care baby charity that support premature and sick babies and their families.

· Under 18’s can ‘swish’ for free!

· If you don't have anything to swap, you can still take part, but you will have to pay £15 and can select up to 2 items to take home.

· Swishing exchange will begin at 1pm, and those wanting to ‘buy’ can do so from 3pm

· Anything left over after 3pm on Sunday 22nd November in Harrogate will be in a clearance sale!"

This idea comes from a programme Twiggy (yes, that Twiggy) did last year called "Twiggy's Frock Shop" where people brought frocks to exchange. Sometimes, when something suited someone, but was too outdated, they had an area where they chopped and changed it and made it something quite up to date. I am not sure how this will work with the wider public, but it will be interesting to have a look.

Some of my students are going. We are planning on having a discussion about the Swishing on Monday! What do you think of the idea?

2 comments:

magsramsay said...

I'm off to the Knit and Stitch on Saturday - I haven't been for a couple of years so looking forward to it.
I like the idea of 'swishing' as I already buy some of my clothes 'preloved' from charity shops and ebay.
I would be a bit concerned however about how much would be available in my size or whether it's biased towards the skinnies. I also always take labels out as they irritate my skin . Interested to hear your comments.

Sandy said...

Hi Margaret,
I didn't take note of the actual time they were doing this, I thought somehow it was ongoing, so I missed out on seeing it in action. What did you discover?

I did talk to the organisers and bought a jacket I am going to alter...see Sunday's post.
Sandy