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

Not too long ago I did a test knit for another designer that was for a cabled cardigan. It’s really cozy and nice but it just about broke me in a ton of different ways. I couldn’t get gauge, which I suppose is my own problem, but mainly I was somehow both bored and forced to pay attention at the same time.

Because it used the same cable all over, I always had to know what row I was on, but nine out of ten of those rows, nothing in particular was going on. So I couldn’t stop paying attention, but what I needed to attend to was boring.

It may have ruined me for knitting cabled sweaters, but maybe I just need something that’s more engaging. Like this Modern Aran Cardigan pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.

This is a reworking of an old pattern from their archives, and you can tell that form the classic look of the cables and the oversized feel (nothing cropped about this one!). It has allover cables, but like a classic Aran sweater it’s not the same cable, so you’ll have to pay attention to what row you’re on and what cable turns happen for which cables on that row.

Because of this, it’s considered an intermediate knitting pattern, but if you’re comfortable working from multiple charts at once it shouldn’t be a problem for you. There are three different charts and seven different cable moves.

Also because the pattern is so big and boxy there are only two sizes available, with a finished chest measurement of either 49 or 63 inches (that’s 124.5 or 160 cm). It’s up to you to decide how much ease you would like and whether that will work for your body.

The pattern uses worsted weight yarn (and calls for another classic, Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool). It calls for six buttons and includes pockets to make it extra cozy.

This one looks like a great winter project to make and to wear if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. You can grab the free pattern or buy a kit with the yarn needed direct from Lion Brand Yarn.

[Photo: Lion Brand Yarn]

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