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A stitch in time to save dying art

14/ 4/2005

VIVIENNE Westwood isn't the only designer daughter of Glossop.

Textiles expert Christine Waygood will be wowing the crowds at an exhibition next month to demonstrate the dying art of knitting.

Christine designs and makes her own creations at her workshop, the Soft Centre on Charlestown Road, Glossop.

Her unique collection includes everything from machine-knitted garments in wool and silk to soft furnishings and accessories in felted wool.

"I mainly design and make clothes and since the shop opened in 1999 I have customers all over the country," she said. "I do quite a lot of exhibitions demonstrating knitting and felt-making and you always find people who have never seen it done before - it is quite rare."

The Crafts@the Castle exhibition takes place at Bolsover Castle on 21 and 22 May and is part of the Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair.

Visitors have free entry to the event with more than 60 stalls showcasing the county's top food and drink, demonstrations from celebrity TV chefs James Martin and Rachel Green plus children's entertainment and a prize draw.

County Councillor Bob Janes said: "Last year a record crowd of more than 18,000 people enjoyed the fair. There are new exhibitions in this year's programme as well as return visits from crafts people who were established as firm favourites last year.

"It's a brilliant weekend out for all the family and really opens your eyes to the amazing variety and skills on offer."