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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The other day I saw a post from Pinterest about trends for summer and it said one of them was “cultivating whimsy.”

Well, I don’t know where Pinterest has been all this time, but we’ve been cultivating whimsy here at Craft Gossip for a long time. I love sharing projects that are a little different, things that make you smile when you see them, and will make you smile when you knit them and wear them or use them.

Such it is with the Tutti Frutti tee knitting pattern from Bea Creative Knits.

This cute little baby tee is worked top down in the round with contiguous shoulder construction to shape the sleeve caps. There are short rows for the neckline and folded hems with picot edging at the hemline, neckline and edges of the sleeves.

All of this would be great on its own, but then there’s the addition of a super cute fruit icon, which is added with duplicate stitch. There are a lot of options, including strawberry, banana, orange, cherries, watermelon, lemon, blueberries, kiwi, peach, dragon fruit, apple and pear, so it’s likely you can add on your favorite fruit.

It is offered in eight sizes, to fit a bust measurement ranging from 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) to 56-58 inches (142-147 cm). The design is meant to be worn with around 6.3 inches/16 cm of negative ease, but you can choose the fit you prefer. There’s also optional bust and waist shaping included in the pattern if you want to make it even curvier.

This is considered an advanced beginner or intermediate project because of all the skills involved, but it’s sure to be a lot of fun even if some of these techniques are new to you.

Grab a copy of the pattern for yourself form Bea Creative Knits on Etsy.

[Photo: Bea Creative Knits]

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