Giant knitted books arrive at NEC

Sewing and hobbycraft exhibitions ready for opening.

A collection of 9ft Giant Books from textile extraordinaire Alison Murray will be on display at Sewing for Pleasure, Fashion Embroidery & Stitch and Hobbycrafts at the NEC, Birmingham from 20th-23rd March, as well as all the latest supplies from more than 300 exhibitors with the very latest products, ideas and innovations.

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.

A selection of costumes from the film spectacular Les Misérables will be on display as one of the main features at the show. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption, a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The exclusive costumes are created by Oscar nominated Paco Delado and worn by an all-star cast including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and comedy duo The Thénardiers, Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen.

The popular Sewing Club, sponsored by Freduenbery/Vilene, will be ready and waiting for stitching enthusiasts and for those who are just starting out, perhaps inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee. Join sewing author, Laura Strutt who will be running an exciting range of FREE mini-workshops designed for beginners; alongside resident expert, Thelma Judge, with her wealth of dressmaking knowledge in the ‘Sewing Clinic’.

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 to 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.

For more information and to buy tickets, please visit www.ichfevents.co.uk.