Getting the autumn off to a creative start, TOTAL STITCH FEST: The Alternative Craft Show will be returning to the Ramada Plaza Belfast on Sunday 13th September 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 artisan 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 Fairs NI, TOTAL STITCH FEST is held just twice a year, and Sunday 13th September will be its 4th outing. A great hit with all ages, the event has become known as something of a paradise for crafters, bringing together a rapidly growing community of designer-makers who lovingly cultivate a burgeoning handmade and DIY culture. A fantastic day out, it features not only a quality marketplace of over 60 crafters and artisans from all over Ireland but also a popular Drop-In Workshop area where visitors of all ages can sit down to learn new crafts in a fun atmosphere. Run by the ladies from The Craft Market (based in Fivemiletown) the drop-in workshop area is free and participants get the opportunity to make and take something away with them.
New and seasoned craft addicts will love to browse the stalls and select gorgeous fabrics, natural & luxury yarns, and vintage textiles from quality craft purveyors like The Textile Studio, I of The Needle, Windmill Fabrics, A Fine Fish Yarns and Vintage & Interiors. Similarly, eco-conscious buyers, fashionistas and trend hunters will go mad for the superb selection of designer and artisan stalls 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 combine new and traditional craft techniques to produce fresh, innovative work not found at mainstream craft shows and will include Laird & Gillie, specialising in beautiful tweed textile art, Liz Nicholls Felt & Textile Designer, maker of handmade felt wall hangings and fashion accessories, Patricia Millar Ceramics, creator of original stoneware ceramics inspired by the surroundings of the Ards Peninsula, and The Honeysuckle Bee and Me, architect of handcrafted goats milk soap and natural soy wax candles.
Others will be demonstrating their crafts in an interactive way affording visitors the opportunity to get involved in interesting activities. Make fabric flowers with Strombolitwo, paper crafts with Maple Leaf Memories, bead projects with Seed Bead Buddies, and design your own teabags with Miss McKeown’s – it’s the perfect opportunity to meet the makers in person and talk about their handmade goods and creative processes!
TOTAL STITCH FEST: THE ALTERNATIVE CRAFT SHOW will take place from 12-5pm on Sunday 13th September 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 frockfairsni.com and facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.