Selvedge World Fair Opens

Image: Applique, Tentmakers of Cairo, Egypt

We open the virtual doors to the first Selvedge World Fair this evening at 6pm BST! Today we have a preview evening of browsing and sustainable shopping, before the first full day of activities starts tomorrow. There is still time to buy a ticket to learn about the work of 100 artisans from around the world, join international talks on textile topics, listen to special podcast episodes and be together as a community for a live quiz. Although talks take place during the day, British Standard Time, everything will be recorded and made available to ticket holders for seven days, so you can enjoy the event wherever you live, or go back and re-watch anything you missed, or want to watch again. Some of our other content is pre-recorded so there is plenty to enjoy at any time. You can view the schedule here.

The Virtual Supper Quiz takes place on Zoom on Friday 4 September 2020 at 18:00 BST with prizes for the three best scores. Ticket holders will receive a link to join. To play along with us either download the free Kahoot app from your app store or go to www.kahoot.it and make an account. There are twenty questions plus two practice questions at the beginning. Points are awarded for speed as well as correct answers. We are pleased to offer prizes to three winners, to inspire and empower your own making.

First prize is a bernette by BERNINA b38 computerised sewing machine worth £549. It offers a wide range of computerised functions and includes a hard protective carry cover as well as an extension table for stitching larger projects. With 394 different stitches, including the stretch stitch for elastic fabrics it can handle almost any project. It also has eight different 1-step buttonholes, three alphabets, a bright LED sewing light, a threader and both an automatic and a manual thread cutter. Launched In 1989, bernette is an independent brand within the BERNINA Group and the bernette range includes sewing, embroidery and overlocker machines as well as accessories.

Second prize is a place on Christine Mayer's virtual Upcycling and Draping course worth £350. Berlin-based fashion designer Christine Mayer has built a career on re-purposing clothing and breathing new life into old garments. She is a pioneer of three-dimensional free draping with fabric, an art form she has adapted and developed from her studies in classical Japanese drapery. When it comes to clothing design, Christine’s style is recognisable for its collage aesthetics, where pattern and fabric constantly interrupt each other’s spaces. “Material that has been marked by life” is one of Christine’s biggest inspirations.

Image: Christine Mayer up-cycled jacket, photography (c) Billy & Hells.

Third prize is a one-year print and digital subscription to Selvedge magazine, which consists of six issues. Delivery of all issues is included in the subscription membership.

Visit Selvedge World Fair for more information on all fair content and to buy tickets. View the schedule here. See you there!