It's Time To Venture Outside and Get Inspired!
Are you fed up with being indoors? Take a look at our brief roundup of some textile-based exhibitions up and down the country and start planning a day out!
The start of the year can often feel flat after the festivities and celebrations of the holiday season. With cold, grey days and long winter nights, it is not uncommon to adopt a sense of hunkering down and staying home. But with winter drawing to a close, I have been looking ahead to see what events and exhibitions are on the horizon to get me out and to begin planning my projects for the year ahead.
The choice is huge
We are so fortunate here in the UK to have a wealth of amazing exhibition spaces to visit. Featuring all manner of subjects, it is not too onerous a task to find something that appeals. Read on for a brief list of exhibitions which have grabbed my attention. Maybe one or two will appeal to you, or at least encourage you to seek out some inspiration for yourself!
It’s festival time
Business Design Centre, London 20 - 23 March 2025
With free talks and demonstrations, catwalk shows, independent brands, plus leading designers, The Stitch Festival is sure to provide something for everyone. Take part in a workshop to try out a new technique, get your fabric fix from a host of retailers and share experiences with fellow stitchers. To find out more and book your tickets, click the button below.
Creative fix
Creative Craft Show, NEC, Birmingham
13 - 16 March 2025
When you buy your ticket for the Creative Craft Show at the NEC, Birmingham, you also get access to Sewing for Pleasure and Fashion & Embroidery exhibitions. I have been to this event on many occasions and it never fails to disappoint. Whether you join a workshop, browse the exhibition gallery or simply check out all the gorgeous fabrics and haberdashery available to buy, you are pretty much guaranteed and inspiring day out. I normally return home exhausted but armed with some wonderful fabrics, ready to hit the sewing machine! Follow the link to get your tickets.
Source: creativecraftshow.co.uk
Quilters’ delight
The Creative Craft Show and Scottish Quilting Show, Glasgow
6 - 8 March 2025
If quilting is your thing then this event is sure to please. With quilters from all over the UK exhibiting at this event, it is set to be a feast for the eyes! This event is very popular and has been running since 1976. With plenty of shopping plus workshops to learn something new, this promises to be a great day out. Tickets and full event information can be found below.
Source: fashiontextilemuseum.org
Influential textiles
The Fashion and Textile Museum, London
28 March - 7 September 2025
The Fashion and Textile Museum is hosting a textile exhibition over the next 6 months. Textiles: The Art of Mankind is ‘An exploration of textiles, global identities, and their influence on society, art, and technology’. Focusing on materials which have shaped civilisation, stunning garments and textiles will be showcased at this exhibition. It really does sound exciting and I am hoping to get the opportunity to visit.
Source: manchesterartgallery.org
Unpicking couture
Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester
Until 2 November 2025
A free exhibition, a whole range of stunning garments are on display from some of the most iconic designers of our time. The exhibition explores the links between fashion and emotions, as well as looking at repair and restoration. The restoration of a 1930s silk velvet jacket by Italian couturier Elsa Schiaparelli is revealed and promotes the repair and preservation sustainably.
Find the full details here.
Source: forgemill.org.uk
So much to choose from
Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch
Various dates throughout 2025
I recently came across Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch and was amazed to see their comprehensive exhibition program for 2025. I would highly recommend visiting their website for the full details on the forthcoming exhibitions, but one which stood out for me is Curiosity, an exhibition by The 98 Lace Group. By giving the traditional art of lacemaking a contemporary twist, some incredible pieces have been produced.
This is a whistle-stop tour of just a selection of the wonderful events which are on offer this year. I hope that you will have the opportunity to visit one over the coming months. If you have any other suggestions, please share them!
Happy sewing,
Suzanne, Charlotte and Rebecca