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Absolutely Loverly

Today I’d like to share some pictures from two displays I had the joy of seeing at the Creative Stitches and Hobbycraft show: My Fair Lady stage costumes by Jasper Conran and Philip Treacy, and an amazing knitted garden.

I was fortunate enough to be given two complimentary tickets to the show courtesy of Helen at Mancunian Vintage so the least I can do is share some lovely photos!

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For the 1992 production of My Fair Lady, Jasper Conran faced the challenge of bringing a new look to Simon Callow’s version of the play (originally staged in 1956 with designs by Cecil Beaton).

A central flower theme was vividly brought to life in the Ascot scene, where the ladies paraded in “stalk” dresses in various shades of green and were topped with huge hats. Visionary milliner Jasper Conran collaborated with Philip Treacy on the hats, which were fashioned as roses, tulips, pansies and lilies.

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Renowned for the elaborate detailing in his hats, Philip’s My Fair Lady creations are no exception.

The floral designs are made out of silk, feathers or natural straw. Each hat is a practically a work of art with some measuring more than a metre in height.

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For the Stitch show the exhibition paired these hats with sumptuous evening gowns and cloaks created by Jasper Conran for the Grand Ball scene.

It was rather clear the individual pieces were not designed to go together and as a result I found myself more enamoured by the hats than the costumes. What about you? Which takes your fancy more?

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The floral theme was carried through the rest of the show with the world’s first life-sized knitted garden; including hand-crafted greenery and groceries, creatures great and small and the perfect picnic scene.

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Created by the UK Hand Knitting Association, this unique knitted masterpiece is a sight to behold with everything from a deck chair, vegetable plot and garden shed, to a pond, curious squirrel and watchful gnome.

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It’s the level of detail that’s amazing to behold; the babbling water feature, intricate spider’s web, bottle of pop, and the ladybirds clambering over a plant pot.

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Have you ever seen something so creative on such a minute scale? Not being a knitter myself I’m amazed at the skill that’s gone into this! How about you? Which garden item tickled you the most?

(2) Comments

  1. That knitted garden is EPIC!

  2. I love those knitted garden’s!!
    It’s also the first time I’ve used my PC to read your blog since you made your changes. Your theme is great – lovely and clear. You’ve done a really fab job 🙂
    Louise x

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