Festival of Quilts - Part 2

As well as being inspired by the stunning quilts last Sunday, there was also lost of fun to be had looking at the various shop displays and lovely things for sale. Some of my favourite shops are pictured below, Amy Butler, Liberty and some smaller names that I hadn't heard off. I especially enjoyed meeting one of the ladies from the Royal School of Needlework who stitched the lace on Kate Middleton's wedding dress. It's not that I'm a massive Kate and Will fan, but I was definitely excited to see samples of one of the most famous dresses in the world and meet someone who worked on it!

Amy Butler Display

Possibly another Amy Butler

Amy Butler display

Liberty of London display

Royal School of Needlework display

Close-up of royal wedding dress lace

Dotty Fabric!

Festival of Quilts - Part 1

Last Sunday I had a great time at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham. I hadn't realised quite how huge the quilting world is! Hundreds of people had flocked to see the best quilters in Europe exhibit their work and to spend money in the shops selling an array of materials for creating textile art. From traditional American quilts to abstract textile art, jewellery and clothing, the festival really promoted the artistry of quilting. Below are just some pictures of my favourite quilts. I have tried to reference the names of the quilters were i an remember them. I wish I had brought my SLR camera with me as the pictures aren't as clear as I'd like, and I wish I had booked onto some of the workshops before they had sold out. Next year I will more prepared. 

'Sealed with a Kiss' by Peggy Fairburn. I loved this quilted version of the Gustav Klimt painting 'The Kiss'.

'Billy Joe Armstrong'. I'm not sure who done this portrait of the Greenday front-man, but I was blown away by the level of detail that went into it.

Group Quilt, I can't remember the group name but I thought it was fantastic. I love how they have recorded the place name origins of the townlands in Co. Fermanagh and focused on the beautiful historic landscape.

'Hearts Desire' by Deborah Kembell, close-up of the winning Traditional Quilt category

Pacman Quilt - I don't know who this is by but I thought it was brilliant!

'Army Wives' apron by Kristin La Flamme from the SAQA Beyond Comfort display.

I found the SAQA display incredibly inspiring, especially the Army Wives aprons. They  were so intricate and delicate.

Close-up of Army Wives apron.