Creative Stitches with Fashion Embroidery & Stitch

A collection of 9ft Giant Books from textile extraordinaire Alison Murray will be on display at Creative Stitches with Fashion Embroidery & Stitch and Hobbycrafts at ExCeL London from 3-5 April, as well as all the latest supplies, ideas and innovations from more than 120 exhibitors.

The three giant books are individually themed, the first book inspired by Myth and Legends, the second by Nature and the third takes on a Futuristic theme. The books are a staggering 7ft to 9ft tall, each with individual pages made from textile techniques and knitted pieces sent to Alison by contributors from around the world. Alison’s previous ventures include the world’s largest knitted Christmas tree, a giant Gingerbread House and most recently a knitted walk through aquarium.

Visitors can get up close to the beautiful costumes from Simon Callow’s version of the hit Broadway musical ‘My Fair Lady’, created by renowned fashion designer Jasper Conran and Irish Milliner and royal favourite Philip Treacy. This sumptuous collection of costumes and hats is set to wow the crowds with their intricate and unusual design.

Novices can join sewing author, Laura Strutt in The Sewing Club, sponsored by Freduenberg/Vilene for an exciting range of FREE mini-workshops or learn how to master sewing machines in the Sewing Machine Clinic with resident expert, Thelma Judge. Visitors can also visit the Dressmakers’ Pattern Bar to peruse and order all the latest patterns and get advice from a Dressmaking Advisor.

Catwalk Fashion Shows will take place daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, hosted by Brenda Killigrew of IDC Academy- the home to a fashion, textile, millinery and tailoring. Visitors to the show are invited to find a seat, sit back and enjoy all that the show has to offer.

The Fashion, Handbags and Gladrags display heads back in time with a short history of fashion viewed through an exciting collection of handbags, hats and gloves from 1890 to 1960. These stunning accessories show the array of styles associated with each decade and how they have developed through the ages, from textile techniques to style, colour and fabrics.

The Craft Club is back and ready to beat their current world record of the longest knitted chain. Visitors can join in the fun and help make the chain grow even longer.

With everything from sewing, knitting and quilting, papercraft, cardmaking and jewellery making, the latest innovations from the world of creative craft and stitching are here. What's more, all visitors can enjoy a free programme of Quick & Easy Workshops, Talks and Demonstrations each day of the show and displays from a wealth of the finest textile artists from around the world.