Better Late Than Never!

Back in March 2011, I had published a post about a visit I had made to the International Craft and Hobby Fair at the NEC in Birmingham (UK). I had included images of some kits I had purchased, but there was one I had purposely omitted; a Michael Powell miniature cross-stitch kit that I had intended to stitch for my mother’s birthday a few months later.

Everything had been going well until it came to the backstitching, which I found tricky. This resulted in a complete mental block and I regrettably abandoned the project. Earlier this year, I thought I’d attempt to get the backstitching finished with fresh eyes, so to speak. There wasn’t actually that much to do because I’d completed the majority of it before my stitching hiatus.

When my mother had taken me to Betty Stitchkit a few weeks ago, to get one of the wedding samplers framed, I was extremely relieved that she had opted to wait in the car, as I’d also got Mini Venice Street with me. The following week the framed pictures were ready to collect, and again to my relief, my mother remained in the car. After I had returned to the car, my mother insisted upon holding the pictures while I fastened my seat belt, and asked if she could look at them (through the bubble wrap they had been wrapped in). With the speed of lightning, I flipped Mini Venice Street over so that the back of it was facing upwards, and told my mother that we would have to go back to her house if she wanted to look at that picture.

After a much-needed coffee, my mother said, “So can I have a look at your pictures now?” I responded by saying something like, “Well, one of them isn’t mine, because this one’s for YOU!” If only I’d had a video camera to capture the expression on her face when she removed the bubble wrap!

You see, prior to my visit to the ICHF, my mother had seen the Michael Powell Venice Palazzo Triptych displayed at Betty Stitchkit, which she fell in love with. So, when I’d spotted Mini Venice Street at the Michael Powell stand at the ICHF, I just knew I had to buy it (from the great man himself) and stitch it for my mother.

International Craft and Hobby Fair (UK)

Several weeks ago, I was asked by my good friend Rainy Day Crafter if I fancied accompanying her to the ICHF at the NEC in Birmingham. As I had never previously attended anything like that, but have always wanted to, I jumped at the chance.

The plan for the big day (last Thursday) was that I would catch the train at 08:45, and Rainy Day Crafter would board the train a few stops further down the line. Unfortunately, I overslept, so it was a matter of me having to meet Rainy Day Crafter at the NEC itself, by which time her feet and legs were aching, and in dire need of a rest.

The ICHF was vast, with plenty to see. The tickets allowed entry into three separate events, all under the same roof (Hobbycrafts, Sewing for Pleasure, and Fashion Embroidery and Stitch). Because my incredibly late arrival had given Rainy Day Crafter plenty of time to look around, she was able to point me in the direction of a couple of stalls that she thought I might like.

The first stall I visited had a selection of gorgeous blackwork kits on display. There were so many that I liked the look of, and I felt frustrated that my funds were limited. After much thought, I treated myself to BW194 Dancing in the Dark by designer Jill Cater-Nixon (Classic Embroidery), and BW210 Lady and Dog (Holbein Embroideries).

BW194 Dancing in the Dark

BW210 Lady and Dog

I then had a look at the Michael Powell stall, and was thrilled to see the man himself. I had to refrain from shreiking, "It's you! My mother loves your work! Please can I have your autograph?" Lol.

Later, after spotting the Itch to Stitch workshop by the Cross Stitch Guild, Rainy Day Crafter was shown the basics of blackwork on Evenweave fabric, and I was shown how to improve my French Knots. Afterwards, we were both given a sample of Evenweave fabric, a selection of different-coloured threads, and a basic blackwork pattern. From a distance, we also got to see the stitching goddess, otherwise known as Jane Greenoff.

The ICHF was absolutely crammed full of people, but I did manage to take some photographs of items made by members of the Quilters Guild.

 

 

 

Aside from the fact that I arrived late at the NEC, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and would very much like to attend another ICHF event. Ideally, after I've had time to save up a considerable amount of money!