Sunday 25 April 2010

A Visit to Aintree

Yesterday I went with a friend to the Creative Stitches & Hobbycrafts Show at Aintree, Liverpool - it's not the biggest of shows, but I still picked up a few bargains (one stand was selling Tim Holtz distress inkpads, including all the new ones, for a very good price - so of course I couldn't resist - and I also spotted a reduced price pack of the Tim Holtz Idea-ology Fragments, hard to come by at the moment so I just had to buy them)!  There were several exhibitions at the Show and I remembered to take my camera this time, so I thought I'd share pics of some of the exhibitions with you ......

The Knitted Garden


"The Duchess" Collection
(costumes from the film)

A Day Dress worn by Keira Knightley


A Maternity Dress
(worn by Keira Knightley)


Costume worn by Ralph Fiennes



An Evening Dress (Keira Knightley's)


Dress worn by Charlotte Rampling


The costumes were absolutely exquisite and beautifully detailed, as you can see (in particular, the evening dress was breathtaking) - but the dresses were so small, tiny waists, and shorter than I imagined they'd be - these actresses must be so incredibly slim!  I haven't seen this film yet, but I'll try to catch it when it comes to TV as it'll be interesting to see all the costumes actually being worn.

"In Celebration of Stitch"

There was also an exibition entitled "In Celebration of Stitch", which displayed pieces of handstitched work by Dr Isabel Elliott, who was the Mistress of Embroidery at Gloucester Cathedral.  The amount of skill and detail in her work was wonderful to behold!

Dr Isabel Elliott
(don't you just love that wonderful whimsical gate)?

Neptune's Palace

A Seasonal Triptych

Button Box

Dinosaur Mad

I didn't manage to find any UTEE, let alone any Clear, at the Show, but undeterred, I have spent some time today finishing off the mirror frame that I began in Lindsay's workshop last week.  I'm quite pleased with the result, just letting the Glossy Accents dry off properly overnight, and I'll show you a pic of it in my next post.  Now I just need to find a suitable spot in the house to hang it.

4 comments:

  1. Heather, what a wonderful time you must have had! That knitted garden is too incredible, wow! I loved looking at the duchess costumes...yes Kiera is a stick, actually quite unhealthy looking. My daughter is a fan of hers, so I am always seeing pictures and articles. Many people think she suffers with anorexia, who knows--but she does look like it.

    The embroidery was also excellent to view. Thanks for some awesome eye candy!

    You have an issue finding UTEE? I would love to get you some and send it, if you would like? Just say the word and what size etc.
    Susan

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  2. Try ringing the Windmill at Thornton for UTEE, or Graphicus (online) or the Artistic Stamper (online or ring 01795 531860). Many moons ago, I went to the craft and stiches shows at the NEC and was blown away by the needlework. Aintree looked as intruiging. Your amazing jewellery would not be out of place with these dresses. xx
    X Mia

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  3. Thanks, Susan, for your kind offer, and Joanne, for your suggestions. It's not a big problem, there wasn't any UTEE at the show, but I'll be able to buy some locally, probably next time I visit the Windmill - just haven't been there lately. I did buy the black UTEE when I was at DB's Studio the other week though.

    Glad you both enjoyed the "eye candy".
    Heather x

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  4. Hi Heather. Love those dresses! Glad you had a good day. S xxx

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