Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show

Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show - part two of three

Ready for part two of my grand day out at the Harrogate show? Okay, let's start with the usual apology for my lack of photography skills. Secondly, I didn't capture the maker's name of the piece shown above, but it was part of a varied exhibition by 'The 62 Group of Textile Artists'. She looks calm and confident, doesn't she? Her gaze directed away from the viewer.

I think quiet spaces like this can be rather overlooked when there's so much else going on. With everyone intent on seeing as much as they can cram into their day.

I loved this, 'Rain' by Emily Jo Gibbs. It's silk organza and linen. She's hand stitched the material, and while the next photo is slightly blurry you can make out those stitches.

Such a simple idea, but often it's the simplicity that appeals to us, isn't it? Also, we know there's an awful lot of skill in producing something that looks effortless.

This was an eye catcher too. 'Inheritance' by Hannah Lamb. It's cyanotype on cotton organdie and vintage patchwork. I'm not sure if you can see from these images, but there're two pieces of fabric, one hanging in front of the other. The cyanotype in front, the patchwork at the back and visible through the sheer cyanotype.

Isn't that indigo colour beautiful? 'Inheritance' leads me on to one of my two favourite exhibition areas. The second being Jessie Chorley (more of that tomorrow) but the one I'll show you now is by Julius Arthur.

This section was a small oasis of calm in the midst of the heaving crowd, and I returned there a few times throughout the day.

These appliqued wall hangings reminded me of Rothko paintings. Something about the intensity of colour. The stitching of these appliqued shapes wasn't dense or elaborate. Such a huge contrast to the hexagonal English paper piecing patchwork of yesterday's post. I wonder what our great-great-great grandmothers would have made of the modern style?

Above - the beauty of a repeat pattern and limited colour palette.

I admit I hadn't heard of Julius Arthur before I'd seen these, but there's more info here if you're interested.

See you again tomorrow when it's embroidery all the way!

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