This lovely quilt was made by Alex, who is the teacher at my old quilting group.
I had been told that the old quilting group I used to belong to were having a Quilting Exhibition - I thought it was next Sunday, which was the day after my Antiques Fair and also clashed with a Christmas Open Day at Llwyn Celyn. Anyway, this morning it showed up on my Facebook feed as Today! Well, breakfast was thrown down throat, glad rags thrown on and I was off! I have had the most LOVELY morning seeing my old friends, catching up on news, going round and taking photos of the beautiful quilts which were on display. My camera has not done them justice as the colours are not true in places, but it was good to see so much inspiration and the ladies have surpassed themselves. I will share the photos over a couple of posts as I took lots and lots.
Some Christmassy hangings/throw.
Another Dresden Plate design.
Oooh, I bet this flannel fabrics quilt is warm to snuggle under.
Another one of Pat's - she's been busy!
As you can see, lots of talented ladies and lots of different blocks and inspiration everywhere.
I have decided despite the distance (50 miles each way!) I am going to join them again. I will try and go every couple of weeks, but even once a month would cheer me up no end and I would be back with my friend group again. I would also be able to pop up and see my dear friend Pam who lives just up the road.
I did that today too - I hadn't given her any warning, and in fact she and Dunc were down at a car boot sale, but packing up to come home. We had a lovely chat and put the world to rights and I hope she and Dunc will be able to pop across to the Antiques Fair next weekend.
Now I am back home, feeling SO much more positive and cheerful and am going to spend tomorrow quilting. Today it's a hot cuppa and some more work on my embroidered tote bag.
We’ve also been with friends this afternoon and it’s such a tonic x I adore that purple, green and grey quilt- fifth down I think it is. They are all incredible z
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a lovely day ,‘it’s worth the travelling for what it gives xx Danette
Wow! Just looking at those would cheer anyone up. They are fab. If the ladies are as colourful as their quilts I can completely understand why you are prepared to drive 50 miles to join in.
ReplyDeleteColour is so important on grey winter days. Had to smile at your "colourful ladies" as Alex, who takes the classes, has her hair about 5 different colours right now!! Yes, they are all lovely lively ladies. The other group (more local) I checked out, just didn't have that vibe at all.
DeleteThat's just the word, a TONIC. The 5th one down is made by The Boss (Alex) who takes the classes. It's lovely isn't it? A beautiful balance of fabrics.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely worth the journey - about an hour from here.
A great day.. catching up with friends, getting inspired, making plans!!
ReplyDeleteIt has made the world of difference to my mindset.
Deleteso pleased you had a lovely day out, even if at such short notice! That Dresden Plate is just beautiful. It really is.
ReplyDeleteWent spark out this afternoon, woke up feeling it was morning at around 6:30 p.m. Bah! Humbug!
The Dresden Plate (both versions) so pretty. Think I would screw it up though!!
DeleteYour body obviously thought it needed that long a sleep - hope you can sleep ok tonight now.
Beautiful quits, such an enjoyable show for you. I esp like pink and yellows quilt with the varying wedges. About fourth pic down. Lovely color use everywhere, so nice not to see grey quilts. 50 miles round trip sounds far to me, but if you feel up to it, it would be wondeful to spend time with the quilt group.
ReplyDelete[Do you ever worry about car trouble? Flat tires? etc. It seems so dark and isolated where you live, I d be a wimp and stay home.]
lizzy
Yes, simple but unusual. That would make up quite quickly. I hate grey anything! or dull colours generally - they suck the light from a room when used in decorating. It's 100 mile round trip . . .
DeleteYes, I am always aware I could have car problems and am a member of Green Flag which is a rescue company and more reliable than the AA or RAC. I'm not that isolated - a couple of miles out of town - but do have to drive in the dark if I go to Malvern in the winter and have to set off in the darkness for next week's Fair.
You're so competent and able. I had one car that NEVER started---plus three or four flat tires in its first 6 months, really made me afraid to do solo drives. Places I like to go to are often very isolated, thru the back bays and salt marshes then on to 60MPH 8 lane hways. Not sure which is worse to have a breakdown, but for sure no one will stop to help. I gave that Jeep to my ex husband who never has a bit a trouble with it, go figure.
DeleteLOL Why use grey when you can have cheddar? Or red! Or purple and turquoise...
I always think using a lot of grey in one's home or clothing signals a lack of color confidence---tho I admit to loving black clothes. [gave up tho bec of Pug shedding .] I've had people ask for GREY baby quilts to go w their grey baby rooms. So sad.
Thanks Lizzy - that has bucked me up no end. Since Keith has died I have very much doubted my abilities and have lost confidence rather. Don't think I will ever face the ultra busy many-laned M25 again but I try to keep up with driving in busier places where I need to plan ahead which lane I need to be in etc. That Jeep obviously had it in for you!
DeleteI totally agree about the use of grey, and to have it in a baby's nursery! Heavens! Tam is going to paint Rosie's nursery bright yellow :) I like colourful clothes too - encouraged by Keith over the years who hated it when I used to choose navy blue as a "practical" colour!
What a lot of talented friends you have, those quilts are beautiful. I can tell from this post how much this has perked you up. Even though it is a distance away it would be such a good day out for you to go to the group as often as you are able to.
ReplyDeleteThey have Alex there to inspire and guide them. She is a brilliant teacher. I can't wait to go back regularly.
DeleteI love the window pane quilt, very clever. I’m tempted to copy the construction (which looks simple enough) and make my own ‘views’ (perhaps by painting fabric and embroidering ) to hang at the end of our ‘spine’ corridor. Something to think about when I’ve finished the all over Fair Isle vest. I’m knitting the armhole steeks now. I have underarm stitches on hold, am following the colour work chart and the steek chart and decreasing four stitches every other row - it’s miraculously all working out! Next hurdle is adding the steek for the neck opening and ensuring it’s centred between the armholes. As you can imagine the old brain is fizzing with energy and concentration. I think a twice monthly get together with your quilting group will do you a power of good. Plug in an audible book and the 50 miles will speed by. I never used to be a ‘tribe’ or ‘herd’ person until we moved here and now I don’t know what I would do without my friends and the sharing of our passions and interests. I guess I was so busy with looking after the family and publishing 18 magazines a year not to mention cycling everywhere and running a full allotment and cooking every meal that I didn’t have time or energy for group activities! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteI hope that you will. I think she has done that beautifully and she would say - as she always did - oh it's EASY! You make my hair stand on end at the thought of the armhole steeks and stitches on hold and making intentional HOLES in knitting. I struggle enough with the unintentional ones!!
DeleteI've just finished my last Audible book, with was Jean M Auel's The Valley of Horses - however, having got to the last half an hour where finally Ayla and Jondalar are making love, I was praying the book didn't get knocked into life as I looked at the quilts!!! Next book is Diana Gabaldon's Drums of Autumn.
Being on my own now I really need the company of good friends and miss the ones I made during the 32 years we were in Carms. The friends I've made here aren't craftswomen an I think you need friends who complement your interests.
I am very impressed by all those lovely quilts. Really, your plan to join your old quilting group is a great idea. Even getting there only once or twice a month would be wonderful for you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I totally agree. Life is to short to be away from good friends and shared passions.
DeleteHow wonderful for you! Those quilts are works are art, and I am so glad that you met up with your old friends. You sound as bright as a new penny today!
ReplyDelete