Quilt Show Weekend 1

I have been to a couple of small local quilt shows this weekend. The first one was in Sheerness on the island of Sheppey, a place we rarely visit so the event was a chance to explore. We saw the show, enjoyed lunch out with a view overlooking the Thames estuary  across to Southend. It was a lovely clear day and as a succession of ships made their way in and out of the river occasional cries of "I wish I'd bought my binoculars" could be heard from Alan. We had a good walk along the shore and I enjoyed reading all the dedications on the benches and working out how old the loved ones were when they died. Lots had fresh flowers attached to them. Not quite as good as a graveyard . . . On another note we saw wedding photos being taken on the shore and later when we went to look at Minster Abbey with a C12th tomb of the local baron in the reign of Edward I we saw the wedding party now man and wife in the churchyard.
Anyway my favourite quilt in the show was a redwork paean to crafts with little samples of work attached to the blocks.

Holy Trinity Church, Sheerness,  with quilts over the pews

Redwork with embellishments



I love the little kntting sample in the corner

Tiny thimbles

Quilt using up retired husband's ties

Sewing Day

The Crab & Winkles gathered for a day's sewing together. I attached the binding to Bryn's quilt and started to sew it, Marion attached binding to the curvy edges of her apple core quilt which Maggie had quilted with apples and caterpillars and Maggie worked on a couple of tops.

Bed of roses - Maggie

Top by Maggie

Marion's apple core quilt

Day out

The Usual Suspects and guest had a lovely day lunching and sewing in a local village hall. Lots of space for all for us. Various long term special projects are nearing completion.

Quilt stand for Judi with Marigold's A4 piece on it.

Top by Tracy

Marigold's applique

Tracy's work in progress

Table all set



Belinda's magnificent Quilt Show BOM

Valerie's stupendous stars

Lovely Jelly Roll quilt

Judi's Fig Tree work in progress

Sawtooth strippy, a North Country quilt

Turkey red baskets

Silks from Old Vic costumes

Wonderful postage stamp quilt

Made by Barbara Weeks inspired by Lucy Boston's original (detail)

The open day at our Guild was great. In the morning a member showed her collection of vintage quilts and the afternnon speaker, Barbara Weeks, discussed the varieties of contemporary and innovative quilts and the various techniques and media used but to remind us of traditional roots she showed her lovely version of Lucy Boston's "Quilt of the Crosses", I think done over papers, octagons and squares.

Photo Shoot

 

Rosemary's quilt

I set up my Photo stand and took pictures of the quilts I have made so far this year, an unpreposssessing bunch but I have two nice ones in the pipeline. However these photos are of acquisitions: a Stack'n'Whack quilt made by deceased group member Rosemary which I bought at our show, a 1920's/30's bluework quilt top bought at Houston to illustrate a demonstration and a lovely red baskets top given to me by Judi which I plan to quilt one day.

 

Bluework incomplete top

Vintage redwork top

Basket detail

Stars all around

Today has been particularly productive. It started with some admin but I got to work on the star borders by 11 and completed the top by lunch time. In the afternoon, having realised I have several yards of Kona white I cut and sewed on the binding for the sea shore bluework and started making a back for the star quilt incorporating leftovers and spares, my new modus vivendi.

Starry quilt top

Beautiful star

Sarting to piece the back

Seashore bluework

A result

I was going to post this under the title "road not taken". I made a corner block and auditioned it but thought no, no, no. However as I had cut out all four and drawn the foundations I thought I would make them up anyway, perhaps to go on the back. When I laid them out to take the photo (for another website where we post one photo each day, for which I try to keep off the quilting but sometimes needs must) I thought "I think that's OK after all" so now it's all plain sailing. I've spent time watching the Olympics parade today but should finish up the top tomorrow.

Church Hougham

I went to a village event at Church Hougham a hill top village between Folkestone and Dover which involved quilts on display in the church, a marquee and for sale on various stalls. A Union Jack quilt hung over the altar accompanied by a crowned statue of the Queen (in her younger days!).

Interesting use of stripes by Avril Windrow

Wonderful William Morris quilt by Angie Buhlman

I love squares and blue, red and white and this is by Heather Parsons

Wonderful fabrics but no name

Church display - note the maypole arrangement at left

 

 

On Wednesday I went across the road for one of our intermittent street tea parties, only three of us this time and I was very pleased to see the quilt of mine that Josy had acquired at our group show on her sofa fitting in with red cushions on her suite.Meanwhile I have been making more Simplex stars using partial piecing. All done and joined now. Now for inner border and corner blocks.

 

Friendship stars

 

 

I've completed more than enough stars for half the border. They look like a North Korean display team all dancing to the same tune. The next batch will turn the other way.  

This evening in front of the TV  I finished the central block for the Quay Quilters' group quilt. It will be trimmed down to size before joining quilt as you go fashion.







This morning it was the first U3A class and this is the Show and Tell section.

Peppa Pig duvet cut up to make a quilt.

Braid quilt by Margaret

Barbara's bed quilt

Bid's challenge quilt.