In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Melanie Gall about her show Stitch In Time.
What can you tell me about your show?
Stitch in Time: A Knitting Cabaret is a mix of music, history lesson, and community, as it teaches (usually to knitters and crocheters) the social history of their craft, and showcases some amazing/silly/outrageous forgotten knitting songs.
Stitch in Time: A Knitting Cabaret is a mix of music, history lesson, and community, as it teaches (usually to knitters and crocheters) the social history of their craft, and showcases some amazing/silly/outrageous forgotten knitting songs.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
It’s a mixture of songs and storytelling. This is a more casual show, and often audience members bring their knitting and ask questions about the history. It feels like both theatre and community.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
Okay, my lightbulb moment was a long time ago! Back in 2010, my sister and I had a knitting podcast, and as a professional singer, I went to the archives in New York to see if there were any knitting songs. I found one…then another…then it became a full-on obsession to find as many as possible. Once I had the music and started learning about the quirky history recounted by these songs, I started developing the show!
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
I mean, when isn’t it a good time for knitting? But seriously, there is a move away from consumption and fast fashion, and knitting and other handcrafts are the perfect solution. Also, it’s more than just a craft – knitting has an amazing, dynamic history that not enough people know about. It’s also the perfect year because with the digitization of history, things that slip through the cracks of the digitization are in a real danger of being completely lost to history. Not on my watch, though! At least, not knitting history…
I mean, when isn’t it a good time for knitting? But seriously, there is a move away from consumption and fast fashion, and knitting and other handcrafts are the perfect solution. Also, it’s more than just a craft – knitting has an amazing, dynamic history that not enough people know about. It’s also the perfect year because with the digitization of history, things that slip through the cracks of the digitization are in a real danger of being completely lost to history. Not on my watch, though! At least, not knitting history…
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Basically accept that it’s a month-long cloud of exhaustion! Try to eat more protein, consider early nights, and stay hydrated.
Basically accept that it’s a month-long cloud of exhaustion! Try to eat more protein, consider early nights, and stay hydrated.
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
Probably mini balls of yarn, or small knitted squares. That’s a lot of knitting, though!
Probably mini balls of yarn, or small knitted squares. That’s a lot of knitting, though!
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
A good book. Sometimes it’s vital to get a coffee, hide under a tree, and read a good book amid the craziness of the festival.
A good book. Sometimes it’s vital to get a coffee, hide under a tree, and read a good book amid the craziness of the festival.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
I’m here to get bookings. Success at the end of the Fringe will be several upcoming theatre engagements, both in North America and the United Kingdom.
I’m here to get bookings. Success at the end of the Fringe will be several upcoming theatre engagements, both in North America and the United Kingdom.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Absolutely! Kitty Daddy at TheSpace on the Mile is a wonderful story of love, loss…and cats, as well as Barry Potter, which is a great magic show for families. Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life is a Fringe hit that’s just fantastic.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Definitely Ginger Twist, the cutest knitting shop in the world. It’s a local delight, and a must-see for any crafter!
Definitely Ginger Twist, the cutest knitting shop in the world. It’s a local delight, and a must-see for any crafter!
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Romp through wartime knitting history.
Romp through wartime knitting history.
What keeps you inspired?
I’ve been performing this show for a while, and in every city, town, and country I meet knitters and crocheters who have their own historic crafting stories. I’m inspired that I’m bringing together a community through its (largely unknown) shared history. Also, in a world that’s often so difficult, the story of wartime knitting is cheerful and inspiring. It’s inspiring to share joy.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I hope they take away a sense of community and a feeling of camaraderie with their fellow crafters. But also, hopefully the stories of knitters in history are something they’ll think back on fondly.
When and where can people see the show?
Stitch in Time will be playing from 7-29 August at 9:45 AM, at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall. It runs 55 minutes at the fest. https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/stitch-in-time-a-knitting-cabaret
Stitch in Time will be playing from 7-29 August at 9:45 AM, at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall. It runs 55 minutes at the fest. https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/stitch-in-time-a-knitting-cabaret
Post a Comment