Yesterday mum and I met up and went to the Creative Stitches show on at the SECC (6-9th March).
I must say it was much better than I'd expected. You can never tell with these things what they might be like. There were, of course, a lot of mass-produced and cheaper end stock being flogged...
...such as this Wool Dive, as I nicknamed it, which made me giggle. It reminded me of those soft-play areas you get for kids, but this version for an older generation, who showed no qualms about diving in and surfacing with a bargain!
In amongst it all there were some gems such as these beaded tassles...
which were part of a larger display about beadwork.
But the highlight for me, and well worth seeing was the National Needlework Archive's exhibition of work created by the WI. Most of it was retrospective from the 1920's, 30's and 40's and was really expertly and beautifully done. There was crewelwork, beautiful embroidered banners for each WI district, table runners and a variety of other pieces - some of which were almost Pre-Raphellite in style.
What struck me was not only the skill and artistry, but the colour choices - and the themes so often of nature, leaves, woodland animals. There were some unusual pieces as well, such as sweaters for seabirds which had been knitted for a bird sanctuary, and a 1922 pattern for Thrift Gloves which were beautiful hand-made gauntlet style ladies gloves, from what looked like flannel or blanket material.
Unfortunately no photography was allowed, but I thought of many people (Melissa, SallyAnne) who would have loved this exhibit. You can also catch it in Birmingham, the dates on this link.
The SECC (Scottish Exhibition Centre) is a funny world. It's one of those places a bit out of time, like an airport, where suddenly all these strands of life who wouldn't normally meet are thrown together. In the areas outside the halls are all sorts of Corporate style people in suits having power meetings (or something), mixed through with gentle grey haired ladies from the Isle of Skye who have come to see some stitchery. Chefs walk by in full whites and tall chef's hats.
Outside Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders were having a photoshoot as a promo for the Glasgow Comedy Festival. A team of paparazzi shouting across to them. Doormen were hanging outside having a look. Across the river the new BBC and SMG buildings...
In the distance is the tower to the Glasgow Science Centre another Armadillo style building just tucked round the corner. Below the bridge the Waverley steamer sits in dock (you can just make out the red and black of the funnel), waiting for it's new season of excursions out down the Clyde to the Kyles of Bute and beyond. The masts of the Tall Ship are just visible on the right.
Sounds like a completely wonderful day :)
Posted by: Felicia | March 09, 2008 at 07:03 PM
that looks fantastic! i really must start checking things like this out online, so i can make a trip down to the UK for them!
it's so great that you and your mum have have handcrafts as a shared interest.
Posted by: melissa | March 12, 2008 at 02:10 PM