The Ally Pally

• Hello Ladies,
• I went to the Knitting and Stitching show on Saturday at the Alexandra Palace, in North London.

It was an amazing day out. The only problem I had was that it was that busy, you were unable to stand still Long enough to take pictures. But the displays and exhibitions we saw were truly wonderful. It really gives you inspiration.

One picture I was able to take, was of a London taxi, that was parked outside and was covered from top to bottom in knitting.

The girl who owns the taxi is an author called Safia Shah and she commisioned The Materialistics to create the amazing cab cover to help promote the "Endangered Words Campaign." It was a lovely touchy freely display and she said the kids love to touch and examine it.

Inside we were met by the other so many other hundreds of ladies, that had come to view and buy. It was a very slow progress in getting about as it was soooo busy and you always seemed to going in the opposite direction to every one else. But it didn't stop us from viewing or buying and we were in no hurry. The only problem I think was that it was so big, I don't believe we actually got to see everything. But what we did see was stunning.

And what did I buy? :)

This Baggie held quite a lot, but we were obviously new to the whole show business, as we had no bags on us and there were ladies with HUGE bags or trolleys to put there goodies in and these bags/trolleys were quickly being filled.

So first I got some books.

The "Crochet Stitches" book I've wanted for awhile as I would quite like to have ago at one of the Fantasy blankets I've seen about. Made from all different stitches. The other two I wanted because they have such lovely projects in them.

Then I got this bad boy and I needed to put him next to an ordinary hook so you would appreciate the size of him.

This rather large hook is used to make rugs with and the rugs I saw were made using yarn. Any and all sorts and they looked fantastic.

Now I used to be a quilter and I have stacks and stacks of fabric. I have 2 filing cabinets full of yardage and fat quarters. Not too long ago I gathered together some of it and tried to sell it on EBay. I had1 buyer for a stack of 10 fat quarters and that was it, I kept re advertising but nothing, so now I have a ton of fabric and wasn't sure what I should do with it.

Then I saw this women's hook and thought of all that fabric. I could use this fabric. I could cut it into strips and mix it with some yarn and I could possibly get some rather cool looking rag rugs. I say could as it COULD be a disaster and not turn out how I imagine. But hey we won't know till we try, so watch this space.

I next bought this sweetie looking package that is a kit for a throw. Now I wouldn't normally buy kits like this, but it is made up of various yarns and fibres. The ones they had on display were knitted in a ripple affect, very much like the crochet ripple blankets you see about blog land . So I thought I would have a go at doing a ripple blanket in a large hook instead of large needles. I'm looking forward to see how it turns out with all the different textures.

Now for my yarns.

These are beautiful fine lace yarns. I have a few patterns for cowls and wraps that I would like to have ago at making.

These are Indian Silk yarns, they are so soft and silky to touch, I saw a beautiful scarf made with them and I could see Christmas gifts flashing through my head, whilst looking at them.

I fell in love with this when I saw it, the photo does it no justice. Perhaps when it's made up you might be able to see it better. But this one is for me. Purple is my favourite colour and this is a really rich, deep, very, very soft to the touch, rub your face in it purple. Don't know what I'll make with it, but I wanted it as soon as I saw it.

Apart from some buttons that I bought, this was my last buy. I have seen some lovely patterns about for crochet socks and I wanted to have a go at making some and thought this would be ideal. It looked lovely crocheted up. They had a blanket on display with all the different colours of this yarn.

I had a fantastic day, even though it was heaving and you had trouble getting to view some stalls. I just wished I'd been able to take some pics to show you, but it was an impossibility. The work we saw there was stunning, the imagination some people have is fantastic.

I've got some lovely yarns to play with, that should keep me going for awhile. Will I need to buy more later? I hope not but who knows.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Take care

Sally xxx

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