Preparing for the Creative Craft Show at the NEC – Workshops, Kits and Embroidery Demonstrations

There’s a particular kind of energy in the studio when a big event is coming up. Lists appear everywhere, tables fill with materials, and every spare surface becomes a packing station. Preparing for the Creative Craft Show at the NEC is always a big job, but this one feels a little different because it will be my last NEC show for a while.So the studio has been in full preparation mode.

Preparing the Workshop Kits

One of the biggest tasks has been preparing the kits for the lantern workshops I’ll be teaching. Everything has to be organised before I leave because once I’m at the NEC there’s no popping back to the studio for something I forgot.

This week has largely been about cutting Lutradur.

Each kit needs two different weights of Lutradur, so that means measuring and cutting pieces for 64 kits. It’s one of those jobs that sounds simple until you realise just how much cutting that actually is.

Alongside the Lutradur is FuseFX. Unlike powders or simple adhesives, FuseFX comes as a glue web and it can be surprisingly tricky to cut neatly and consistently. Getting the pieces ready for each kit has taken patience and a very sharp pair of scissors.

Then there are the lantern kits themselves, making sure each one contains all the parts needed to build the structure once the decorated Lutradur panels are finished.

When everything is laid out across the tables it feels a bit like running a small manufacturing line.

Don’t Forget the Equipment

Preparing materials is only half the job. Teaching also means making sure I bring every piece of equipment needed for the workshops.

That includes: Heat guns, Irons, Sewing needles, Threads, Stencils, Pens.

It sounds obvious, but these things need to be checked and packed carefully. When you’re teaching a room full of people you want everything to run smoothly.

Bringing the Embroidery Machine

One of the things I’m really looking forward to this year is taking my embroidery machine with me to demonstrate on the stand.

Instead of just showing finished pieces, visitors will be able to watch the stitching happening live. It’s always fascinating seeing people stop and watch as the machine slowly builds up an image stitch by stitch.

Many people don’t realise just how much work goes into creating machine embroidery from artwork or photographs. Demonstrating the machine gives people a glimpse into that process, and it’s always a great conversation starter.

Preparing the Stock

Of course, there’s also the shop side of things.

Before anything gets packed it all has to be counted, organised and priced. Peg bags, book wraps, needlecases, bookmarks and fabrics all need labels and inventory checks so that everything is ready when the show opens.

This stage often looks a little chaotic in the studio,  piles of products waiting to be packed, boxes slowly filling up, and price labels appearing everywhere,  but it’s all part of getting ready.

Nearly Time to Go

Preparing for the NEC always reminds me just how much happens behind the scenes before a show even begins. Kits are cut and assembled, tools are gathered, machines are prepared and stock is organised.

It’s a lot of work, but it’s also exciting.

Because once everything is packed and the doors open, it becomes a chance to share ideas, meet other makers, teach workshops and talk textiles all day long.

And since this will be my last NEC show for a while, I’m determined to make the most of it.

If you’re visiting the show, do come and say hello. There will be Lutradur lanterns, an embroidery machine stitching away on the stand, and plenty of textile inspiration to share.