Melbourne craftaholics to gather at Australia’s most popular craft and quilt event

Victorians will once again be treated to Australia’s most popular craft event, the Craft & Quilt Fair when it returns to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from June 26 – 29, 2014.

Sewing newbies, hipsters, artists, designers, families and textile-lovers will be inspired to thread their needles in new ways and experience craft as never before at the event renowned for its world class displays, non-stop classes and workshops, latest and greatest craft products, and inspirational and knowledgeable special guests.

Official ambassador, television personality and passionate crafter, Shelley Craft will join the fold of craft loving enthusiasts at the fourday event together with internationally acclaimed experts in showcasing and tutoring their respective crafts, including guest mosaic artist, Meredith Scott and the ‘Queen of Tea Cosies’, Loani Prior.

The fair will feature more than 300 quilts covering traditional, innovative and art quilt categories in all sizes from miniature to queen. A ‘Coming of Age’ challenge themed in honour of Victorian Quilters’ 21^st anniversary will be exhibited, alongside a display by Victoria-based Australian Quilters Association who have interpreted The Elizabeth Quilt, an antique now in the possession of the National Gallery. There will also be a selection of finalists’ entries from the AQC Challenge where artists were invited to create a quilt inspired by the theme ‘Ten’ – resulting in a diverse, personal and inspiring mix of works.

The Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair will also showcase a host of inspiring craft ideas, make and take classes and workshops, including unique fashion talks and presentations with a twist from leading vintage fashion expert, Chrissy Keepence of the Lindy Charm School for Girls. Miss Chrissy will present entertaining and timeless advice on how to transform and update any outfit using the ‘Make Do and Mend’ mindset from stylish women of the past.

Visitors will also have a special opportunity to stock up and be inspired by specialty retailers selected from all over Australia and their latest supplies including high-tech and coveted sewing and craft gadgets and tools, unique and exquisite trimmings, ribbons, fabrics and buttons and beautifully designed and easy-to-use craft and quilt kits.

The Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair is a great opportunity to see inspirational displays, meet experts, attend workshops and classes and see, try and buy the best in crafting supplies from card making, scrapbooking, knitting, embroidery to sewing, quilt making, mixed media, jewellery-making and more.

Adult tickets from $18 and a family pass from $42.

Fair admission tickets can be bought on the day or online. To book a ticket in advance and plan your day, please visit www.craftevents.com.au

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I have two cats, and I have always wanted to make them some kind of cat bed. But I also feel like they would completely ignore it, so I would be better off spending my knitting time on someone who I know will appreciate it (me). If you want to give it a try, though, here are some cute pet beds to knit for cats, small dogs, and maybe even some bigger dogs.

My favorite of the ones I came across in writing this post is the Capiti knit cave that looks like a cat. This one is from Ursule Knits, and from the pattern description it sounds like it is lightly felted by hand to make it stand up, so you need to use wool to make it. It calls for DK weight but I’m sure worsted would work, too.

The Maya Cat Cave is another cute cave-like project. Designed by Lavi V and using super bulky yarn, it’s like a purpose-made sack for your kitty to hang out in. It uses a metal ring (like you might use to make a dreamcatcher) to make the opening sturdy. You can find this one on Ravelry.

If you don’t want to be quite as literal as a cave, this pet bed nest from Monique Rae is another good choice. This one is flat on the bottom with short sides. It uses two strands of worsted weight yarn held together and comes in six sizes for a range of cats and dogs to be cozy in.

This circular cat bed knitting pattern from Ginger Purl is cute and easy to knit if you’re familiar with knitting flat circle. This one is striped, which is a great reminder that cats don’t care what color their bed is, so you might as well use leftover yarn on it.

I am a little skeptical that this pet bed that’s made with roving and arm knitting will look as good once an animal has seen it, but it is a cute and quick project (and you could just use it as a basket that kitty is allowed to get in rather than a dedicated space). The pattern is from Wools by Nicky and includes a video tutorial if you’re new to arm knitting.

If you’d rather knit a blanket for the dog or cat in your life, check out the Ziggy Zag Pet Blanket by Paws and Purls Knits. This pretty reversible blanket comes in five sizes for various pets, and if you make it in washable yarn it’s the perfect thing for your furry friend to cuddle with.

Or if you have a pet who will submit to a hood, I love this hooded pet blanket from Yarnspirations. Using Bernat Blanket yarn, it’s super cozy (and bright!) and pretty easy to knit as it’s all worked in one piece. The pattern only has one size but it’s just a rectangle with a hood so you could probably adjust it pretty easily for the size of your pet.

7 Knitting Patterns For Your Pet

Book Review: Knitting with Dog Hair

Knitting News: Knitting More than Your Bit, Knitting for Pets and More

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