Yesterday I had a great day out with sewing friends Dawn, Sian and Sue at the West Country Quilt & Textiles Show in Bristol. I took LOTS of photos, but these have loaded SO slowly that you just have a few to go on with this morning. This first (slightly out of focus) photo is of a fabulous applique quilt from Cairo. The work is done mostly by men, but apparently women are becoming involved now. Looking at the photo, below left I see what I didn't notice at the time (being overwhelmed by the colourful hanging above) - from my Pictish studies days, these sort of key patterns turned up in Romilly Allen's ECMS (the Early Christian Monuments of Scotland) and my well-thumbed copies show examples from Scotland and indeed Wales too. I am now kicking myself that I didn't take a photograph of this particular panel. Who knew that there were connections with Egypt in this design?
Below, a lovely Arab horse executed in applique with Egyptian script on his body.
A Christmassy corner of one stand.
You can see why this superb quilt was a double winner. All hand-quilted, as you can see below. Trapunto work too. Stunning is a much-abused word, but here it is totally apt.
Above: a bright and colourful quilt.
I am now hooked on these beakheads! They come from Romanesque architecture and I had a lovely chat with the lady whose stall this was. Sadly, there are none in Welsh architecture, and none at Kilpeck, where I would expect them to be, so I shall have to try and find some when we are in England on holiday again.
Above and below - another stunning wholecloth quilt which had been superbly quilted. Sorry the close-up is a bit fuzzy.
Finally for today, bright an cheerful, with wildlife. I love the Log Cabin Pineapple block at the top.
Love the beakheads!
ReplyDeleteArilx
Hi Aril - aren't they fab? Some look very vulpine (foxy) but others more birdlike, and I suppose some are meant to be people . . .
DeleteThose quilts are beautiful and I love those beekheads! Not seen that many when I explore churches but am always looking out for them.
ReplyDeleteRR - I suppose I am going to have to travel quite widely to find them, but I shall be on the look-out in future.
ReplyDeleteSome at St Cross, Winchester and others at Lincoln Cathedral.
DeleteLovely colours on some of those quilts - there certainly are some clever people around!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of Beakheads - slightly freaky
They look pop-eyed don't they?! I love the iconography of old churches and cathedrals though, and want to find some now! The quilts were just amazing - some real talent out there.
DeleteWhat wonderful quilt inspiration. I especially liked the whole cloth quilt as I think I enjoy hand quilting more than the cutting up of fabrics and joining them together and what can I say about the owl!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed them Sarah. Inspiration it certainly was. The whole cloth quilts certainly show-case the quilting designs so well.
DeleteHundreds and thousands of hours of tedious stitching in these beautiful quilts. I would never tire of looking at them.
ReplyDeleteHi Chip, aren't they wonderful. Thousands of hours of stitching, but WHAT results.
DeleteIt was a good day out, glad you could join us and enjoy it even if it has now brought a new hobby into your life :-)
ReplyDeleteIt was great. Malvern next year perhaps?
DeleteThat must have been a wonderful day out and well worth the drive over to Bristol.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilts ! I especially love the Arabian horse.
Wasn't the horse lovely? I wonder what the lettering said? It was a great day out and I wasn't driving, so very relaxing!
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