Festival of Quilts photos and a postcard.

Just a quick blog with some photos before I go to work.

Mother Earth, winner of Art Quilts by Helen Godden of Australia. Black fabric with the image painted in bleach and then beautifully machine quilted.



A selection from the exhibition '20 years in Switzerland, Belgium and Hungary'

Imilchil. Nicole Glorie of Belgium



To burst into bloom - bloom - to wither. Therese Peter of Switzerland



Elegantie. Therese Keppens of Belgium



Seren Fechan. Group quilt by Gwenfai Rees Griffiths and Mandy Parks



Flora's Feathers by Eugenie



Sylvia's bridal sampler - My journey with Sylvia . Anna Ida Rokeness, Norway



From Judy Bowker's exhibition



I also met Angela for the first time. Here she is in alongside of her beautiful Autumn Glow, and it really does glow against that dark background.



There were so many quilts to see and I took loads more photos, far too many to include here.

I also received a postcard from Jan this morning as part of the Popular Patchwork Hearts swap. Her trusty workhorse died on her recently, hence the very original idea. Thanks Jan.



I may be missing for a few days as my current internet connection goes down on the 29th and I don't get my new one until September 1st. Also I have pulled a back muscle which is making sitting at the computer very uncomfortable. I even had to sleep sitting up last night as it was too painful to lie down. I think this could have been down to carrying heavy bags round the FOQ so I only have myself to blame.

Until next time, happy sewing.

Maggi

I didn't win, but ...

The first time I have ever entered anything. I am so thrilled.

No time for more as I am just off to Birmingham for day 2. Some beautiful work on display there.

Happy sewing from a very happy bunny.

Maggi

Almost Thursday

I can't believe that the Festival of Quilts is suddenly imminent, at one stage four days of fun in Birmingham seemed an age away. It also seemed like a good idea to do three workshops and two stints on the Little Gems stand. I did try to get the Monday off work but no joy so it will be up at 5 am as usual - with luck it will be quiet and I will be able to drink copious amounts of coffee to keep me awake.

I seem to have managed to fit in quite a lot over the last two weeks. I finished the second of my two 'Circles' Little Gems and also my Quilting Gallery swap.

That's my dose of hand work out of the way so I think it will be back to the machine. Or maybe not. I discovered a wonderful place called The Threshing Barn on Saturday. It is run by a lovely lady who dyes all her own yarns and wool and all other lovely things - she even keeps Wensleydale sheep and alpacas. I was the only one there as there was no workshop on so had a great time filling a basket and then being treated to freshly brewed coffee and a slice of home-made fruit cake - this was my kind of shopping. I actually spent half of the money that I had earmarked for the Festival of Quilts but I think you will agree with me that it was worth it. I also bought a peg loom as I've been looking for ways to create different backgrounds.

The next Popular Patchwork Postcard swap (try saying that when you have had a few!) is now under way, the theme for the first one being 'Hearts' and mine is now winging its way to Israel.



Finally I did find time to try some Shibori type bleaching for a journal quilt. This one was my favourite piece and should get finished after the FOQ.



If you are going to Birmingham over the next few days, have a wonderful time. If not enjoy your stitching.

Maggi

Replacements done.

I have finally managed to finish the pieces that were stolen in the post and now, having sent them by a tracker service I know that they have arrived. A little more expensive but I feel it is worth it for the peace of mind. Neither is a replica of the original as I couldn't duplicate the fabrics but I like them both anyway.

This is the Spring Blooms swap that went to Valerie in France

and this is the replacement bag for my friend, also in France.

After spending hours at my machine on my Festival of Quilts entry I was really in need of a bit of hand sewing. As usual I appear to be unable to do things in moderation.

My postcard for Kim in the Popular Patchwork 'Gardens' swap

The beginnings of my Quilting Gallery Summertime swap. I have almost finished the applique since this photo was taken.

... and another Little Gem. I now have sore fingers, hand quilters out there will know what I mean, but I have found it so relaxing.

I did have to resort to the machine for July's Journal Quilt in Popular Patchwork which was sunprinting as I didn't want to get too far behind. (I think the proliferation of birds in my garden at the moment is inspiring me)

If any of you who read this are going to the Festival of Quilts on either the Thursday or Saturday, I will be on the Little Gems stand - Thurs 12 - 2 and Saturday 10 - 12 and would love to meet you if you fancy saying hello.

Until then, happy sewing.

Maggi