The Brisbane Convention Centre is throwing its doors open to crafty Queenslanders for the annual Craft and Quilt Fair.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the exhibition over the next five days.

Lucy Emlyn-Jones reports.

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Not since the 1970s has the state experienced such a resurgence in all things handmade or crocheted.

Daniel Heather, Event Manager: “The interesting thing at the moment is there is such a resurgence to home values. If you look at the vintage movement and people wanting to make it themselves, whether it is clothing or homewares. It is really great to see a lot more new audiences coming through, particularly young people.”

The Craft and Quilt Fair goes to every state in the country, but when it’s Queensland’s turn to host, people come from far and wide to attend.

The work on display goes beyond fabric and knitting needles to include clothing, jewellery, toys, artwork and even decorated eggs.

While the idea of quilting may leave some people in stitches, for others it’s a serious affair.

Five hundred members from the Queensland Quilters nominated their work for the Best of Show award.

The winning entry was clearly a labour of love.

Margot Ritcher, Winner Best In Show: “I started sewing many, many years ago, when I was a teenager. But now, quilting has become the big part of my hobby. It has become a very expensive but enjoyable hobby.”

Enthusiasts aren’t afraid to pay the big bucks with $160 being the average amount spent by each person who comes along to the fair.

With nearly forty thousand people expected to attend between now and Sunday, business is clearly booming for the craft industry in Queensland

Lucy Emlyn-Jones QUT News.