The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

On the 11th September I had to opportunity to visit the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Spinningfields, Manchester. I looked forward to this, as it is the host of a large selection of designers who work within the field where, I want to be. So I knew it would provide a great deal of inspiration to me. After having been, I would be interested in exhibiting there myself, as it had a wonderful atmosphere, where everyone was friendly and happy to talk to me about their work. I could definitely see myself there and now it is something that I can aim towards in the future. 

Unfortunately there wasn't a lot of knit at the fair, although there was quite a lot of weave stalls. This was disappointing however there was a stall selling knitted jewellery which I particularly liked.  The stall was that of Amy Lawrence. The photograph above is of one of her knitted necklaces. I like the way that she has shaped the work into triangular shapes at the bottom, creating a zig-zag effect. I also think the colours on this piece work really well together as they compliment each other, with the bright orange working to stand out and become a feature. Her work is a completely different style to my own by I think it is beautiful work which I find inspiring.

Another stall which I really like was felt feelings which handmade felt and then printed onto them various wildlife designs. They sold a collection of sketchbooks which had felt covers and had different animals printed onto them. I really like these but instead I bought a cushion from the stall  which is made from tweed and then had their rabbit design printed onto it. I really like the rabbit print as this is an animal which I love as I have one myself. I am pleased with this purchase as it goes great with my room!

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. (N.D.) Retrieved from: http://www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk/

Lawrence, A. (2013) Necklace - Butterfly Multi. Photograph. Retrieved from: http://www.amylawrencedesigns.co.uk/82314/744829/portfolio/necklace-butterfly-multi

Ashton, C. (N.D.) Felt Feelings. Retrieved from: http://www.clareashton.com/