Getting 2015 off to a crafty start, TOTAL STITCH FEST: The Alternative Craft Show will be returning to the Ramada Plaza Belfast on Sunday 8th February in a big celebration of all that is handcrafted and unique in Northern Ireland.
It will be the perfect opportunity to get your hands on authentic Irish products, stock up on quality craft supplies for your own creative pursuits, and participate in fun workshops, all while supporting local designers and the Irish handmade movement at the same time.
Brought to you by the creative folks at Frock Around The Clock, TOTAL STITCH FEST brings together a community of designer-makers who lovingly cultivate a burgeoning handmade and DIY culture, and will feature a quality marketplace of over 60 crafters and artisans from all over Ireland who combine new and traditional craft techniques to produce fresh, innovative work not found at mainstream craft shows, as well as sellers of quality and unique craft supplies. There will also be various mini craft demonstrations running throughout the day, some of which will be interactive giving visitors the opportunity to ‘make and take’ a small something away with them. Due to popular demand, the event will also see the return of the Drop-In Workshop area, where visitors of all ages will be able to sit down with the lovely ladies from The Craft Market to learn how to make paper flowers and felted brooches in a fun atmosphere. It is the perfect opportunity to meet the makers in person, and talk about their handmade goods and creative processes.
Crafters and eco-conscious buyers will love to browse the stalls and select quality fabrics, natural & luxury yarns, and vintage textiles from The Textile Studio, I of The Needle, Windmill Fabrics and Vintage & Interiors as well handmade beads from Areto. A superb selection of designer and artisan stalls will also be selling a wide variety of high quality, unique handmade products including clothing and fashion accessories, furniture, home décor & soft furnishings, art & photography, jewellery, gifts, toys, artisan foods, baby and children goods, and much more! Exhibitors will include Modified Heart Designs, specialising in beautiful origami, Crafts by Inga, creator of colourful handmade felt and wearable art, NI Silver, selling bespoke jewellery designs in sterling silver inspired by our wee country, LizzieB, creator of gorgeous handmade soaps, candles, body balms & room scents, Ardmore Cottage Crafts, specialising in handpainted shabby chic style furniture, Rachel Julca Designs, with handmade cushions, aprons, baby blankets & bibs, Strombolitwo, showcasing beautifully designed fashion accessories handcrafted from vintage kimono silks, Bluebird Bakery, purveyors of scrumptious sweet treats and cake accessories, and Alana Doherty Textile Artist, architect of beautiful handcrafted decor & gifts inspired by the artist’s idyllic Irish countryside childhood.
Creative Director Becky Moore says ‘our commitment is to showcase the best and brightest in indie craft and design so TOTAL STITCH FEST is aimed at shoppers who seek unique, niche and handmade products in opposition to mass produced items. We hope to encourage socially-minded consumers to boost the local economy by purchasing unique gifts handcrafted in their own community and by connecting with the people who made them. The event on 8th February is the perfect opportunity for visitors to find unique Valentine’s gifts for a loved one, find unique décor to brighten up the home for spring, cool fashion accessories, or just have a fun day out participating in the drop-in workshops, all while supporting local business and the Irish handmade movement at the same time.’
TOTAL STITCH FEST: THE ALTERNATIVE CRAFT SHOW will take place from 12-5pm on Sunday 8th February 2015 at Ramada Plaza, 117 Milltown Road, Shaws Bridge, Belfast BT8 7XP. Admission costs only £3 for adults and children go free. More information on the event and the exhibitor list can be found at totalstitchfest.com and facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.