2020 Knitting and Stitching Show
Knitting and Stitching Show – by Eleanor
The Knitting and Stitching show was held this year at the Business Design Centre in Islington. A new venue but unfortunately I found it a little disappointing compared to previous years and the entry fee was expensive.
We went on the Saturday, it was absolutely packed, thought that was because it was a Saturday but have spoken to other people who went on different days and they all said the same. Because it was so overcrowded it was extremely difficult to get to and see what the vendors were selling and in some cases it was just not worth the bother to do the fight and because of that felt that we missed a lot. I am finding it quite difficult to get around in public places now so took my walking frame for extra support, a big mistake I think. The aisles between stalls were so narrow it was difficult for able bodied people to walk through and because the show was spread over three floors, I obviously had to use the lift and getting to the top floor first (for tea/coffee) was fine but then I waited and waited and waited for some 15 minutes or so and then had to find somebody who was able to take me to another lift (not for public use) so I could come down as I was not able to use the stairs. It was like being in Ikea pleeeeeeese "let me out of here". That was the middle floor and the main selling floor which sort of redeemed the show a little but was still a struggle to get around. My reduction of £2 concession was not really much of an incentive for me to try again next year unfortunately. However, on the positive side, there was plenty of comfortable seating around the place where you could sit and stress out or have a picnic. The restaurant was relatively easy to sit down, but again rather excessive in price £2 for a teabag in hot water and £4 for a slice of cake!!! However, I did manage to spend some money, but was not really looking to get much as I am off to Barcelona on 11th March for the show in Sitges, hopefully that will be a mite more comfortable. As I write it has not yet been cancelled due to the coronavirus so if I am not at SQ on 17th I might just be in quarantine in Spain!!! I did manage to buy one of those wool pressing mats, the largest one available for £29.95, I think they were originally over £50. I got that from Siesta Frames.
I have just read back what I have said and should point out that I am not usually such a negative person but this show was a big disappointment for me anyway, others may not have found it so. All the best for next year.