May Day Bank Holiday weekend and other stuff

Hello all.

In the UK Bank Holidays have a reputation for having rubbish weather, which suits the British as we love to moan about the weather. This weekend has been a typical mixed bag. Friday was very nice and I managed to split a Japanese Anemone, and replant the parts. So I was pleased when it rained heavily yesterday as it saved me watering them in.

The weather also gave me the opportunity to spend the day tidying my sewing room. I have managed to tidy the cupboard. It's all labelled, and hopefully, it makes a bit more sense. I must say it was very satisfying. So no excuses now ....

I went to the British Quilt and Stitch Village at Uttoxeter Racecourse last weekend. It's a relatively low key event, well anything is compared to Festival of Quilts. There's a good mix of quilting, embroidery and traders. So, here are a few photos from the event:

This is a beautiful example of embroidery. Beautiful muted fabrics and lots and lots of stitching.

I loved the Modern Quilts that were part of the competition. It was interesting to see how traditional techniques are being used in such a different way.

And this is a rather poor photo of a prize wining quilting by someone I know.

I also attended a design class with Jan Baker, who is a member of the Lutterworth Embroiderers Guild.

She was very patient with us all and I found it very useful to be reminded of the design process. It's certainly something I'll look at again.

Here are a few photos:

So here is Jan, in full flow, providing direction and sharing her fabulous sketchbooks.

Enjoy the rest of your Bank Holiday weekend.

Comments

Cut and Come Again - sort of

Hello all. Are you managing to avoid the downpours? Crikey when it rains - it really rains. So here is my attempt at Edwina MacKinnon's 'Cut and Come Again' technique that she taught to our group - but I was unable to attend the class. I was a bit annoyed this week and this is a great technique when you're annoyed. If you look at the link to Edwina's blog you'll see hers is much better (as you would expect). But I think if I have another look at her blog photos perhaps I can adapt it. I'll be putting these blocks together to make a cushion cover for the show in Market Bosworth in June. I promise to show you the results when I have it finished. Have a good weekend - and keep dry.

At long last ......

At long last it's finished. My first large (96 x 78 inches) quilt. I'm really pleased with the pieced binding. It took a while to finish off - but I really like it. I've still got a bit of tidying up and I need to add a label - but the hard slog is finished. So I feel a bit lost now without a huge quilt to sit and stitch when I fancy. You can see from below I've already got the fabric for my next project from Strawberry Fayre. And yet again it was great service - really fast. I've washed the fabric and now it needs a good press. I also need to make sure I think about how the cut the fabric so I don't end up with lots of bits. The larger pieces I'll piece to make the back.

A new experience

Hello, After reading and looking at so many inspiring blogs I thought I'd dip my toe in the water. I hope you'll stick with me whilst I master this new thing..... I've only been quilting for a few years but have always been involved in crafts. My first experience of quilting was with my great aunt - the old fashioned paper hexagons with material from cut up purchases from jumble sales. I have advanced from this but I'm not the world's greatest quilter - although I am enthusiastic. The photo above is my quilt entered to Quilts in the Garden at Trentham last weekend. Although I didn't win a prize one of our group came third in the Bed Quilt category - we had a glass of bubbly to celebrate. I also have a bit of a thing for making bags - this comes in usful when we need things for our sales table at the village Festival (I can assure you they'll be lots more about this as we get nearer to the event). Hope you've enjoyed my first attempt...... I hope this pos...

A Village Quilter

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