Saturday 31 August 2013

Festival of Quilts 2013 Pat's report


Festival of Quilts 2013


On Thursday, 8th August a car-full of us attended the NEC Quilt Show in Birmingham.  An early start ensured we were there by 10am to join the really long queue of women waiting to get in and investigate the show.  I had booked for a workshop with Pat Archibald at 10.30, and it was brilliant!  We had an hour to use Markal sticks, silhouettes and cut-outs to create a lovely pattern of leaves which could then be stitched and finished off.  Pat also demonstrated other ways to use Markal sticks, and demonstrated glue and transfer foil techniques which give lots of scope for a lovely background. 
 There were many beautiful quilts on display and we all had favourites.  Competition winners seemed a little hard to find at times, but overall the layout was good, and there seemed to be better provision of refreshments and rest places (seems to be essential for my advancing years).  The trade stands had their usual goodies to tempt and inspire us and we all appreciated the chance to add some essential items to the stash. 
 I particularly loved the ‘scenic’ wall hangings and the subtle shading and colouring of some of the more geometric patterns.  I’ve also resolved to have a go at more applique, and try to do something artistic.  Back in the real world, I can’t believe how quickly the day went;  we left the hall at about 4pm, and there was still a lot to savour.  Perhaps next time, a longer visit?





 
 


 
 
 

Friday 23 August 2013

AGM and Programme

 
 
2013/14
 
 
I know!  It hardly seems possible, but the nights are starting to draw in, and the Autumn will be upon us before we know it.
 
We will be holding our AGM on September 19th, when subscriptions for the new year will be collected. The meeting will be followed by a 'Show and tell' session; a chance to show off all the projects you've completed, or the new fabrics, threads or gizmos you've picked up over the summer. If you did get to a show this year, we'd love to have a report of it on the blog, along with pictures!
 
Details of our programme are on the right of the blog. There's plenty of variety, hopefully something for everyone. Our informal sessions will begin again on October 10th, probably in Threlkeld.
 
 
See you on the 19th!