FashionCapital at The Knitting & Stitching Show
13-10-2015
Twistedthread have been organising high-quality textile exhibitions for over 20 years and The Knitting and Stitching Shows have been running since 1991.
Taking place at Alexandra Palace the venue played host to the five-day event, seeing each day super busy with avid knitters, stitchers and crafters from all ages and walks of life. It is certainly a popular hobby!
We took prime position within the West Hall Corridor meaning that every attendee walked past our stand as they entered the exhibition.
This year we showcased the garment life cycle demonstrating how an initial idea could be transformed into a finished garment with a’ Made in Britain’ theme to highlight we are proudly bringing manufacturing back to the UK. We took guests through each stage from the inspiration and initial sketch to how this is then translated into a pattern and then toile, to the first sample and finally showman sample. The display showcased a selection of beautiful garments produced in our Factory from a range of clients as well as graphics explaining the complete garment life cycle with all 138 stages. We also displayed enlarged visuals of The Factory and learners on the apprenticeship programme and Stitching Academy, all hopefully enabling visitors to the stand an insight into exactly what we do.
As part of the display visitors could even have a go at designing themselves in our interactive ‘Design a Dress’ competition. Provided with a template, inspiration and pens those that visited our stand were encouraged to design their perfect dress. It was fantastic to see how popular the competition proved with not only school students entering but women of all ages. The winning design will now be selected by our team of in house designers and pattern cutters and the winner will be invited to the Factory to experience their design being produced and fitted for their body shape. Watch this space!
We also took part in the Stitch by Stitch workshops, each day providing a 45-minute workshop on pattern cutting with a basic block by one of our tutors Marilyn or an insight into how to become a designer and run a label successfully by Director Jenny Holloway.
During the five days we were able to talk with many individuals interested in fashion and advise them on a potential route. We spoke to students about the Fashion and Textiles Apprenticeship programme and the possibility of work placements at The Factory; we spoke to tutors on the educational site visits to The Factory for their students; emerging designers on our Fashion Studio services, membership and monthly sample sale selling wholesale fabrics and those simply interested in making their own clothes or learning a new skill on the Stitching Academy or Pattern Cutting course with taster days available.
Overall a fantastic show to be a part of, with many visitors complementing our stand and pleasantly surprised that garment manufacturing is very much alive and kicking in the UK!
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Pay Us a Visit at The Knitting & Stitching Show
