The Knitting and Stitching Show at Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace) has been on my “must do” list for quite a while and this year I finally managed to make it! In case you have ever wondering what its like I thought it would be fun to share with you a little about my stitching day out..

Upon arrival at The Palm Court Entrance I was greeted by this gorgeous yarn bombed car.

As you can see from the top photo, Alexandra Palace (also know as The Peoples Palace), is a pretty grand old place. It was built back in 1873 and although in need of some renovation has the most amazing panoramic views over London. In 1936 it was used by the BBC for its first public television transmission. The eastern part of the building still has the old transition mast.

The biggest area for the Knitting and Stitching Show’s 400 plus traders is in The Great Hall. With a huge organ at one end of the room and a round window at the other it’s an amazing venue to seek out your perfect buy.

The traders displays are well worth a look and a great source of inspiration.

Patchwork and applique quilts adorn the stand walls..

“Tree of Life” by Alice Caroline made from gorgeous Liberty fabrics.

There are fabulous ideas  to feast your eyes on – check out this Christmas hanging made from ribbons…

The Crochet Chain stand had a scrumptious crochet shawl / blanket on display.

Just one ball of this variegated yarn made 9 gorgeous squares (a ‘must make’ for me!).

Amongst the array of crochet, dressmaking, knitting, embroidery, cross-stitch and quilting delights you’ll even find a tea cozy to keep your well earnt cuppa warm!

Some amazing lace ladies taught me the” Lace twist”.

I was greeted with a fabulous smile by Stuart Hillard from The Great British Sewing Bee. Watch out for The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas Special!

In the West Hall were a mixture of stalls and display pieces. The latest Sirdar knits were on display.

Once of my favourite areas in the West Hall were The Graduate Showcase and Knitted Textile Award Galleries. Here are just a few pieces.

Katie Jones’s modern tribal crochet collection was so fun. The colour pallet was a reflection of the Salvation mountain in Siab City.

Kate Morris was inspired by art history and still life paintings – the images were pixelated and then knitted by Intarsia.

Sandra MG beautiful and luxurious linen dress.

Louise Crompton’s hand and machine knitting designs. The cushions, inspired by the digital computer age, used Swiss Darning.

Olivia Hunter’s knitted jumper was so quirky. Grannies, Poodles and S&M cat masks!

I totally fell in love with the knitted pictures (this one by Amanda Puleston), so much so I’ll be back with more in another post!

There were also areas of the show where some of the leading names in textiles presented their work.

Just one that caught my eye was Our World (of make-believe) by Mitsuko Tonouchi and Sonomi Tanimoto’s, two textile artists  who use crochet, knitting, macramé and stitching for their experimental work.

And what did I buy?

Some yarn, buttons and rug hessian which will no doubt appear on my blog before long!

Before I finish, one final quick picture of the building itself and some well needed sanctuary space!