THE Craft and Quilt Fair invites you to shop, learn, make and be inspired at Brisbane Exhibition Centre at South Bank from October 5 to 9.

This much-anticipated event offers a stunning range of exhibitions, displays, hands-on activities, guest artists, free demonstrations, workshops and more for you to get crafty.

Heralded as 'the home of craft', the fair is a fixture in the diary of crafting enthusiasts and has everything under the one roof to be inspired and get creative. 　

This year, Craft and Quilt Fair welcomes world renowned artisan Akiko Ike, who brings the Chiku Chiku exhibition to South Bank.

The onomatopoeic term chiku chiku refers to the sound of the needle passing through the thread and has been described as meditative and therapeutic, invoking a sense of calm and is said to even encourage dreaming.

Akiko will demonstrate chiku chiku and give a free presentation to visitors, talk to them about the pieces and about her techniques and walk visitors through the display which will feature everything from futon covers, patchwork jackets, furoshiki wrapping cloths and aprons through to larger pieces including a 7m-long carp banner and crane curtain - shipped directly from Japan.

Visitors are urged to touch the works, feel the bumps and examine their intricate layering, as the display is not about perfection but instead about sewing where your heart takes the thread.

Craft and Quilt Fair also welcomes guest fabric designer and painter Saffron Craig, who will run classes for visitors to learn about the versatile art of screen printing and fabric painting.

Inspired by nature, Saffron's most recent works reflect the stunning landscape of Margaret River, Western Australia; a place where the famous desert wild flowers grow.

Both beginners and advanced artisans have a unique opportunity to learn about techniques associated with layering colour to create texture and depth at her daily painting fabric workshops.

CRAFT AND QUILT FAIR

WHERE: Brisbane Exhibition Centre, South Bank

WHEN: Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 October, 2016

TIMES: 9am to 4.30pm daily

TICKETS: Adults $19; Age & Disability Pensioners $17; Seniors Card Holders $18; Children 5 to 16 years $9. Children under 5 years free. Buy tickets at the door or online via www.craftevents.com.au