Simply Christmas and Stitching Sewing & Hobbycrafts at Christmas

A Festive Treat for Craft Lovers

Simply Christmas returns to the ExCeL London after its successful launch last year which saw 16,000 craft lovers flock to the three day show. Opening on 19th November, the show is perfectly placed for discovering handmade gifts and for craft enthusiasts looking to stock up on supplies for their festive projects.

Giving visitors two shows for the price of one, over 200 exhibitors will come together to offer a broad range of handcrafted gifts at Simply Christmas as well as craft supplies, demonstrations, workshops and ‘Make & Take’ sessions at Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts. Whether new to the world of craft or a seasoned pro, the shows offer visitors the chance to make the most of the latest innovations and top tips from those in the industry.

Cards and wrapping are an essential part of any crafters festive season and with top papercraft exhibitors on hand with exciting materials to browse and buy; there is plenty to inspire visitors. The colourful show will be packed with everything needed for sewing, knitting and mixed craft projects as well as jewellery making and much more to tempt hobbycraft devotees.

As well as supplies for making bespoke items, handmade gifts and crafts, unique products and traditional decorations will be available off the shelf to add instant festive cheer to any home. Visitors can select the perfect gift for those tricky to buy for family and friends.

A timetable of free workshops and demonstrations will be available, where visitors can pick up clever ideas and handy tips from inspirational experts to add that little extra something to festive creations.

The show will also host the world’s largest knitted Christmas tree. Standing at 25 feet and created by knitter extraordinaire Alison Murray and her volunteer team of 700 knitters, the Christmas tree which has appeared in Vogue Knitting in America, is on tour with a Giant Knitted Gingerbread House!

Alison explains: "I am delighted to be exhibiting these creations at Simply Christmas. Our winter fairy tale gingerbread house comes complete with a snowman and a winter garden as well as a life-sized Father Christmas. It weighs a huge 790 kilos and has recently returned from Bangkok where it helped the national hospital charity. The Christmas tree has 5,633 rectangles sewn on to it and I am proud to say it has already raised £17,000 for Great Ormond St Hospital while touring with ICHF Events.”

As well as craft stands, the Simply Christmas Food & Drink Festive Village is a must-visit. Festive show-goers can enjoy the sumptuous food and drink available and stock up on delicious goodies for friends and family from a selection of handmade chocolates, marmalades, cheeses, chutneys and cakes. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up the larder with a little bit of luxury and celebrate the beginning of the festive season with a tipple at the Champagne Bar.

Running alongside Simply Christmas for the first time is Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts, the UK’s largest creative crafts show. The popular creative craft show will provide visitors with some of the industry’s best exhibitors. Everything for a hobbycraft project is here from stamping, beading, jewellery making, knitting, sewing, papercraft, cardmaking and calligraphy. For the perfect handmade Christmas, Simply Christmas & the Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts shows will add a little extra festive magic this autumn.