Sunday, October 13, 2013

A Trip To The Ally Pally

This is the time of year when Fran and I make our annual 'pilgrimage' to the Knitting and Stitching Show at the Ally Pally.  I think this was our 4th visit and, as ever, it didn't disappoint.

Although there were many lovely galleries of work, these were my two favourites; the first by Mandy Pattullo who re-fashions old quilts and fabrics into new patchworks and textile art.   




I particularly loved her use of colour.  There are lots more photos of the work in this exhibition on her blog.

The other gallery that really took our eye was the one entitled "Our World of Make Believe' - a wonderfully imaginative display of free form crochet and knitting by Mitsuko Tonouchi and Sonomi Tanimoto. 


I also really loved this work in the graduate showcase by artist Faith Wray.  


You can't see it from my poor photo but she'd taken photos of old buildings, and created panels using various mixed media, textiles and other materials based on the textures and colours. 

Of course I also did a fair amount of shopping; some alpaca and silk lace weight yarn from Eden Cottage Yarns ,


a rainbow of naturally dyed blue faced leicester yarn from The Natural Dye Studio (I plan to make a crocheted scarf)

and some other bits, mainly for using with the embellisher, including a lovely dark blue based silk brick from Oliver Twists and some fancy threads from Stef Francis.


It was a great day, one of the highlights of my year, and I'll definitely be back for more next year!

I'll leave you with the yarn bombed taxi that was outside


and a reminder that if you want a chance to win the needle-case made from Celia's fabric then pop over to this post and leave a comment, I'll be drawing the name on Wednesday.

10 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

Looks like a great day out. I haven't been for a couple of years as it's just that bit too tiring for the day from here in Somerset and last time I was absolutely knckered when I got home and I'd had less than 3 hours at the show! Now if I lived nearer or maybe booked a room for the night....! Have just been to see your previous post and your bag is great I am sure it proved very handy. As are the needlecases - somebody is going to love getting that.

Gina said...

I really didn't enjoy the show this year - I think I was just too tired. There were some lovely exhibitions though and I like Mandy Pattullos's work too

Mystic Quilter said...

I would love to be able to visit the show - if I wasn't living in New Zealand. Thanks for posting these photos they are a delight and I especially love the work by Mandy Pattullo and will definitely have a look at her blog. Your purchases look interesting!

Jo said...

I'd love to visit the show, and it looks as though you brought some lovely souvenirs home. The crochet scarf you plan on making is going to be lovely made from that yarn, the colours are gorgeous.

Iz said...

It's Faith Wray, the artist who made those panels in your pic. I also liked them, but only took a photo of her biog and not the pieces themselves, so thank you!

Fran Hillman said...

It was very inspiring wasn't it?! And nice to come home with some goodies. Thanks for the link - better get painting! x

Anna said...

Love the taxi :)

Unknown said...

Thank you for your kind words about the knitted taxi. The enthusiasm with which it was greeted made the four days of standing in the rain worthwhile! Anyone wishing to know more about it can take a look at the 'get knitted' section of the website carnabysuninvited.com

Anna said...

I didn't have time to go this year but it makes a great day out. A little retail therapy is always fun and I just love the taxi!!

Annie Cholewa said...

I never seem to get to Ally Pally, and Harrogate just isn't as good. So I'm enjoying the various blog posts that allow me to virtually visit this year's event :)