MELBOURNE is the capital of spring racing, and where better to learn how to whip up a hat or fascinator than at the Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show from Wednesday, 5 September to Sunday, 9 September, at Caulfield Racecourse.
Check out the latest in spring racing fashions and assemble a stunning beading creation. Those looking for DIY home ideas, a craft to engage the kids and homemade Christmas gift ideas won’t be disappointed, with more than 120 exhibitors and 50 workshops and seminars on offer over the five days.
Daily Spring and Summer Fashion Parades will introduce the latest for spring racing, including shift, baby doll and A-line dresses.
Get the latest in fashionable woollen ideas and style tips with US knitting designer and special guest, Nikki Epstein, who will present seminars at the show.
Scrapbookers will love the latest papers, techniques and designs on show at Fiskars’ Papercrafting Extravaganza, and can embark on the free ‘make and take’ workshops.
Be swept away to another time and place with the Beads Etc… Arabian Nights display, showcasing the stunning results of the beading magazine’s Art Challenge.
With pieces inspired by genies, deserts and magic carpets, Australia’s finest beaders have put together a dazzling show of intricate, delicate and daring beading and jewellery designs.
The inaugural National Sewing Month ensures all eyes are focused on stitching, with the country’s top textile and sewing teachers set to host Sew Sensational workshops, enlightening their students on everything from adding embellishments, tips to improve your fashion sewing and understanding paper patterns.
Quilters will be in heaven with an abundance of supplies and exhibits. See the entries in this year’s Australian Quilt Show encompassing both contemporary and traditional techniques, or browse The Premier Festival of Machine Embroidered Quilts. More than 100 quilts will be on display across both exhibitions.
Kids can indulge their creative side with Craftescape workshops, designed to be educational and fun, to be run over the weekend of the show (8 and 9 September).
Pick up a new skill or hobby at the Craft Week pre-Show classes and workshops on Monday, 3 September and Tuesday, 4 September, or visit one of the more than 50 workshops on everything from quilting, embroidery, beading needle punch and fabric sculptures during the show.
The show is open from 10am to 5pm daily. Convenient parking is available at the racecourse or take a train or tram to Caulfield.
Tickets to the show are: adults: $14; concession $11; child (5 to 16 years) $7; family (2 adults and 2 children under 16 yrs) $32; 2-day pass $25; 3-day pass $33; 4-day pass $42. Buy a multi-day pass and get an extra day free.
For further information call the show hotline 1800 770 222 or visit www.stitchesandcraft.com.au.
Win tickets!!
THE Stitches and Craft Show is giving 20 lucky Mail readers the chance to win a double pass to this year’s spectacular show.
To be in the running, just name three crafts, which will be demonstrated at the show. Write the answer on the back of an envelope, along with your name, address and phone number, and send to Mail Stitches and Craft Competition, PO Box 355, Monbulk 3793.
Entries close on Friday, 24 August at 5pm and will be drawn on Monday, 27 August. Winners will be notified. (Terms and conditions apply)
