Great Northern Quilt Show, Harrogate 2017

The Solway Quilters made a trip to the Great Northern Quilt Show at Harrogate on 2 September 2017.

Here are some of the quilts that were exhibited, together with the makers' labels and comments (when I remembered to get photos of them!). Click on any picture to see a larger version.

The exhibition was surprisingly quiet. Nice for those of us looking round, but I expect the organisers and trade stands would have liked more customers.

 

 We were just making a (luckily!) complimentary comment about this large number of beautiful quilts all made by Janet Keenan, when she came up behind us and had a chat about her work. She also teaches in the Merseyside area.

 

 This quilt top (above) was completed in one day!

 Margaret admiring part of the display.

This was one of my very favourite quilts - I love the stylised flowers and the bright Kaffe Fassett fabrics.

This was another favourite: English paper piecing in tiny hexagons set in groups of four. Part of the display by linapatchwork.com, a company that sell templates and/or patterns for the four quilts shown above.

 I liked this almost abstract landscape art quilt. It reminded me of Philip Hughes' sketches and art work. Very subtle use of colour and mark making.

There was a very good café with a lovely view of the surrounding countryside, allowing you to sit and take a break when you'd had enough of wandering round. There were quite a number of trade stands selling all sorts of textiles, tools, threads, yarns, patterns, templates, sewing machines, trims and notions. I bought some perle cotton threads with a view to using them in wool appliqué, and some woven, shot cottons in autumnal shades to add to my fabric store, and - bargain of the day - a small roll of bobbly black trim for 50p! An inspiring day out - my only regret was that Oliver Twists weren't there. I was hoping to buy some more embroidery threads and felt from them.

Patchwork, Embroidery and Weaving Exhibition

Rob and I went to the Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries today, where an exhibition called "A Trio of Textiles" is being held 21 April - 12 May 2012.

The exhibition includes work by local artists and crafts people in the disciplines of embroidery, weaving and patchwork & quilting.

Sadly, I forgot my camera, but Rob lent my his phone camera to take a few snaps.

These chocolates were lovely - felt decorated with beads and embroidery, in a handmade paper box.

This wall hanging is made of felted wool. The colours, patterns and textures are beautiful.

I am very fond of miniatures, so this tiny, embroidered rug caught my eye.

There were dozens of patchwork quilts, artworks, bags, and toys etc to see.

Back in the weaving exhibition, we both loved these woven wall hangings - unfortunately this poor quality photo does not do the colours justice. I bought some hand dyed fabric and cotton embroidery thread from this artist.

This exhibition is well worth a visit. Entry is free, and there is a cafe and a craft shop to enjoy afterwards.

Equinox Best Of British Jewellery Exhibition

If you love jewellery, don't forget to visit the Equinox shop in Fleet to catch their 'Best Of British' jewellery exhibition. The exhibition showcases the work of numerous contemporary designers.

The exhibition is being held in the Equinox shop in Fleet from 18 February until 14 April 2012.

The patchwork union jack wall hangings are displayed in the windows for the duration of the exhibition and will be available for purchase when it ends on 14 April. If you are interested in purchasing either of these handmade pieces, please contact Equinox here.

The photographs are copyright Equinox 2012.

UPDATE: These flag wall hangings are now available at reduced price in my Folksy shop!