The world's quilting talent descend on the Birmingham NEC… read more
Now in it’s tenth year, we were unsure how The Festival of Quilts could top last year’s offering (when Brother launched Laura Ashley sewing machines) but it again surpassed all expectations in true ‘flying colours’ (quite literally). With around 200 new people entering quilts in to the festival for the first time, the NEC have opened another atrium for what is the biggest quilt extravaganza yet. We can safely say that quilting is now inspiring a whole generation of quilters from primary school children and young novices to lifelong enthusiasts and pros, which is great to see.
The spectacle of quilts range from traditional and artistic to contemporary and pictorial. We were immediately struck by ‘Graceful Dance’ pictorial quilt by Janneke de Vries-Bodzinga basking in it’s glory on the ‘winners wall’ upon entry. Inspiration for this years quilts emerged from all manner of influences including the more obvious Queens Jubilee and all things British to personal family photographs and far-flung or unexpected places (one quilt was inspired by Canary Wharf – the Business District in London which struck us as an unlikely but eye-opening source of inspiration).
‘Graceful Dance’ by Janneke de Vries-Bodzinga
‘A tapestry of Canary Wharf’ by Maria-Theresa Fernandes, Ilford
Topping the bill is a rare chance to catch the work of acclaimed quilter Pauline Burbidge in a retrospective of her 36 years quilting. Sadly we will miss her illustrated talk called ‘Cloth Visions’ in the Academy today where she will be talking through her inspirations, making processes and career highlights.
Image of Pauline Burbidge
There is also plenty of opportunity to get hands on with an intensive programme of workshops, classes and lectures. All levels welcome with a ‘Quick and Easy’ time table or intermediate masterclasses for the experts. If spectating is more your scene you can witness fellow crafters making all sorts of fun items; strawberry pin cushions, fabric flower brooches, art book covers, silk painting techniques and 3D quilting (the list goes on). Or why not stop by the Brother stand to take one of the Brother Laura Ashley sewing machines for a test run?!
The wonderful quilts speak for themselves so we’ll leave you with our visual round up of the quilts we cooed over along the way. Which is your favourite?…
Jilly Meredith Quilt
Prague Patchwork Meeting, Jane Sterbova- Campari soda.
‘Is there still time for tea?’ by Hazel Ryder, Yately, Hampshire
‘Draw by the Sea’ by Sarah-Jane, Basingstoke.
‘They Never Actually Belonged to You’ by Linda Barlow
‘The Bee Line’ by Textile Connection. Entered by Shirley Aldridge
‘Flower Power’ quilt by Janet van der Coiff, Keyworth
‘Lagoon’ by Damss Sarzi-Sartori and Arnoldi, Milano, Italy.
‘Song of the Earth’ by Liz Jones, Leominster
Tree of Life Quilt by Louise Bell, Burwash
This Many Faces, This Many Cultures by Rita Dijkstra-Hesselink, Hengelo, Holland.
‘Tea for her Majesty’ quilted tea cosies!
Brigitte Morgenroth
Sukeroku Paper Kimono by Elizabeth Crothers, Newmachar
Looking for the perfect quilt for your own home? Whether to adorn the bed or cosy up to on the sofa, we have just the range…
Click here to view our full range of Laura Ashley quilts.
Thinking of making your own quilt? Did you know that we sell Laura Ashley fabric by the meter?
THE FESTIVAL OF QUILTS IS RUNNING AT THE NEC BIRMINGHAM FROM 16-19TH AUGUST
Hero image: Aries by Lilian Harris, Sevenoaks