Festival of Quilts 2014

Before it's old news here's a quick round up of Festival of Quilts from my perspective. It was another enjoyable show and we loved seeing so many familiar faces and catching up with students past and present and DMTV subscribers.

We packed our stand with as much as possible - quilts, fabric, panels and pincushions!

I managed to get a photo of Linda actually stitching on the Powerquilter - in spite of good intentions we spent more time talking than quilting. OK, no change there then!

My apprentice was on top form. She managed three long days charming the visitors, adventuring amongst the quilts, and generally wearing us out. Here she is modelling a dress in our 'cupcake' fabric.

We had a TV on the stand playing DMTV videos and an iPad showing the online courses. It was great to have a chance to talk about both. Don't forget, you can sign up for either on our website, we'd love for you to join us. www.lindakemshall.com

Here's another corner of our display. Many of the new designs we've been working on aren't yet in the online shop but it's on my list to pop them in there as soon as possible. 

In spite of being located in the supposedly quieter hall, plenty of visitors seemed to find their way and we much prefer the lighter and airier space. At the far end of this photo is the Festival Theatre which was moved to within the halls this year for the first time and I thought was so much better for that. 

There were plenty of art quilts and contemporary work on display but these patchwork quilts caught my eye. I'm not always a big fan of pieced work, but there are two blocks which I love - Drunkard's Path and Log Cabin. I could be quite tempted to start my own, not that I need a distraction!

 Despite the 100s of traders I didn't buy much. I did get a pair of lovely handmade scissors from Wrights.

Here's a photo of the Fine Art Masters Gallery, a spacious display which made a refreshing change from the crowded aisles elsewhere.

And here are a couple of pieces from Ann Johnston's gallery.

I enjoyed seeing some lovely digital print in the Graduate Gallery. These are by Toni Hardy.

Eszter Bornemisza's gallery was excellent of course.

See more on her website http://www.bornemisza.com or at Through Our Hands www.throughourhands.co.uk

Here's a piece by Rosie James in the Art Textiles: Made in Britain exhibit. I must have done some random clicking on my camera as the rest of the photos were a bit dark, but they have a website http://www.arttextilesmadeinbritain.co.uk where you can see more.

And finally here's a quick view of Linda Seward's gallery showcasing artists she selected for inclusion in her brand new book, 'The Ultimate Guide to Art Quilting', http://www.lindaseward.com/latest-book.html Mine and Linda's quilts were hung quite close to each other which was nice. Unfortunately mine is still suffering from a previous loan to an unrelated exhibition in the US where it was folded. I'll have to get the iron out and see if I can fix it!

So just a snap shot of a few things to see at the show, there was so much more and I'm sure there were areas I never even got to. If you went I hope you enjoyed it and perhaps we'll see you again next year. 

Bye for now,

Laura

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