Self Portrait Competition
Image: Sue Stone - Bear and Masks 2019 (detail) @womanwithafish
The Knitting & Stitching Show 2020 has had to move online this year. In place of the three autumn The Knitting & Stitching Shows in London, Dublin and Harrogate, organisers Upper Street Events are curating a digital event to bring the textile and craft community together online. Beyond The Knitting & Stitching Show celebrates textiles and crafts and will feature live, streamed masterclasses, free-to-view resources, exhibitor offers and competitions, including a self-portrait competition in November with a £1,000 prize. Talking about the competition, Event Director Anna Baptiste said, “At a time when we are unable to greet thousands of visitors at The Knitting & Stitching Shows, the Self Portrait competition will bring our community together virtually, with a series of textile portraits which will be shown on our website.”
Image: Alice Kettle, Pause head (detail) 2009. Thread on Canvas 180 x 285cm. Photo Joe Low
To enter, you need to create a roughly life-size self-portrait (rules on size are on the website) in any textile medium. Everything from cross-stitch and embroidery through to screen-printing, feltwork, beadwork, a quilt or a knitted jumper is welcome. Self-portraits should be of the face / head of the maker. Abstract pieces are welcome but ideally the work should be recognisable as a face. There are three categories, adults, children (5 – 10) and children (11 – 17). The children’s categories are free to enter. Work must be submitted via on online form on the Knitting & Stitching show website by Friday 20 November. Textile artists Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn will judge the competition and winners will be announced in December.
Image: Nigel Cheney
Established in 1987 The Knitting & Stitching Show is now the largest textile fair in the UK. The Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace usually welcomes 30,000 crafters every October and is a place where crafters can meet up, discuss ideas, learn new skills and shop for their annual craft supplies.
Find out more about the Self Portrait competition at www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com