Quilters' Guild Rochester Trip

 Region 2 organised a textile day out to Rochester.

In the morning we learned about the Huguenot refugees who fled here after persecution and settled particularly in Kent. They were welcomed as they brought superior weaving skills with them and boosted the economies of the towns where they settle.

The curator brought out two 17th century examples of silk cloth:

This exquisite piece is woven
 not embroidered as the folded
 over reverse shows/

Crypt cafe

After lunch in the Cathedral crypt cafe we enjoyed a very lively talk by the curator of the Guildhall Museum which held a large collection of Victorian pieces assembled by a Miss Horton. Laid out for us to examine and handle (after washing of hands) were patchworks and three delightful child dresses.

A pocket - there will be an Oast
workshop on this in January.

Silk tumbling blocks

More silk patchwork: it appears the centres were added last,
perhaps reverse appliqued.

Such a pretty dress

Tukey red hexagons perhaps added later.

Finally a shop at Hometown a really good quilt shop using our Quilters' Guild 10% discount. I had already bought at lunchtime but returned to make use of my £50 loyalty card discount. 

Top two back to use together for sewing machine tidies for our show, Bottom one back general background fabric. Inspired by Mary and getting out my "Japanese" fabrics I bought more plus a background. Lanterns here we come.